COVID-19 Updates: A New Way to Stay
When our family started Silver Lake Resort and Campground 15 years ago, we knew it was essential to build our business with cleanliness, friendliness, safety, and service at the forefront. This foundation has never been more important than it is today, and we are diligently working to expand these measures even further so that you and your family can have a safe and enjoyable vacation.
We understand the current uncertainty is difficult — it’s difficult for us all. However, we are confident that this new normal will still involve a camping experience that is familiar to you. We thank you for your continued patience during this time, and we look forward to welcoming you home soon!
(UPDATED 7-17-2020 AT 3:25 EST)
As of June 1st, 2020, Governor Whitmer’s “Stay Home, Stay Safe” executive order has been lifted, and overnight camping is allowed to resume effective immediately. Certain guidelines and restrictions will be in place during your stay.
When do you plan to open?
We are open! We appreciate your patience as we navigate these new restrictions.
COVID-19 Warning (Camper-Covid-19 Guidelines)
We have taken enhanced health and safety measures for you, other guests, and our team members. You must follow all posted and provided instructions. An inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public place where people are present. By visiting Silver Lake Resort and Campground, you voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19.
When will the ORV scramble area open?
The DNR made the decision to postpone the reopening of the ORV scramble area until June 13th, 2020.
Why did state park campground close? Does this apply to private campgrounds?
The DNR made the decision to postpone the reopening of Michigan State Park CAMPGROUNDS until June 22nd, 2020 due to timing of readiness. It’s important to note that this decision was made by the DNR and not by Governor Whitmer.
Press Release: MDNR Press Release, dated April 29, 2020 – Opening of State Park Campgrounds
Our current interpretation is the DNR made this decision based on needing additional time to get state campgrounds ready for guests. As of June 1st, private campgrounds are able to open.
What do you plan to do with cancellations?
CANCELLATION POLICY — CHANGED FOR 2020 ONLY
A seven-day notice is required prior to your scheduled day of arrival. If we are able to be open and operate, a $10 cancellation fee is taken on acceptable cancellations; this is reduced from our typical $25 cancellation fee. Cancellations within seven days of your scheduled stay will result in NO refund unless the cancellation is the result of a shelter in place order. There are no refunds for early departures. If we are not allowed to be open due to COVID-19-related state or federal closures, a full refund or re-booking options will be offered to any impacted reservations.
Will you be allowed to open the swimming pool?
Beginning June 8th, the pool is able to be open at 50% capacity. Pool chairs have been spaced every 6′ and will be sanitized daily. A hand sanitizing station is available at the entrance along with a COVID-19 statement. Please practice social distancing and good hygiene at all times.
Will your playground and/or other amenities be open?
The playground will be open. The playground equipment will be sanitized daily with the use of a fogger. A hand sanitizing station is available at the entrance along with a COVID-19 statement. Please talk with your children about practicing social distancing and good hygiene at all times.
Outdoor recreation will be open. This includes basketball, volleyball, gaga ball, ping pong, and cornhole. As of now, we are not providing any equipment, and guests will be responsible for bringing their own. Where applicable, outdoor recreation areas will be sanitized daily as well.
The hammock area is open, but due to sanitation concerns, we will not be providing hammocks.
If your playground and other amenities are open, will there be any changes?
We will be asking guests to bring their own play equipment. This would include basketballs, ping pong paddles and balls, gaga balls, bags for cornhole, volleyballs, and hammocks.
Are any events being cancelled in the area or at the campground?
The Asparagus Festival that was scheduled for June 13th has been cancelled.
The SLRC SOS Event that was scheduled for June 13th has been cancelled.
The July 4th Bike Parade in the park has been cancelled.
The SLSD Apple & BBQ Festival that was scheduled for September 11th has been cancelled.
The SLSD 2020 Jeep Invasion that was scheduled for the weekend of May 29th has been moved to the weekend of September 25th. We have moved all our reservations and sent out an email to guests with current reservations.
Are there any services that are typically offered that may not be available for the 2020 season?
As of today, the following services have been suspended:
- Can returns
- Recycling
- Public restroom use in the store/office (this restroom has been converted for team member use only)
- Hammock use
- Games in lounge
- Movie rentals
- Lounge area use
- Lending of recreation equipment
- Movie Night in the pavilion
What are you doing for sanitization?
To date, there has been very little by way of guidelines for campground operations from federal, state, or local departments. We have found many recommendations via the CDC and have developed a number of new safety procedures for your stay.
A sampling of our efforts:
- In the past, our team members would clean the facilities with guests present. For the safety of our guests and team members, we will be instituting bathroom closures for cleaning. Our facility does have several shower houses and bath buildings to accommodate you, and we appreciate your understanding.
- We will frequently be sanitizing all common touch points such as door handles, faucets, handrails, and soap dispensers.
- We will be offering sanitizing stations throughout the campground for guest use.
- We will have posters of CDC recommendations on safety procedures posted throughout the park.
- We have installed sneeze guards at our front desk. It is currently recommended that face masks be worn in the store.
- All site picnic tables, water spigots, and electric pedestals will be sanitized between guests. In addition to our normal sanitizing routine for cabins, we will be fogging cabins after guest use with a sanitizing liquid. Due to these increased measures, check-in time will now be guaranteed after 3pm.
Additional CDC measures have been put into place for all of our team members in order to ensure their safety as well as your own.
The above sampling includes just a few of the procedures being put into place. Additional operational changes are subject to change based on federal, state, and/or local regulations. Please reference this page for ongoing updates.
Any additional measures you are taking to ensure a safe environment?
Concierge Communications via Text:
This new service allows you to reach us during posted business hours for whatever needs you might have. Think of it like your own personal concierge service! Simply verify your cell phone number at check-in, and a welcome text will be sent your way. If you have a question before or during your stay, simply text: 231.221.2650. You’re always welcome to stop in at the front office, or ask any of our outdoor team members questions as well; this is simply another option for fast and easy service!
Express Check In:
Our new Express Check in option allows you to bypass coming in the office, and check-in up to 24 hours prior to your arrival. Simply call us to verify your reservation information, and pay any outstanding balance. Once this is complete, you will receive a text confirming your registration.
On your arrival day, respond to the aforementioned text with vehicle information and estimated arrival time, and we will meet you outside with your paperwork. This is a great way to limit contact and get to your site as soon as possible! Please visit, https://silverlakerc.com/stay-with-us/express-check-in for more details and exclusions.
You will receive email instructions for Express Check In the week of your arrival. Please note that physical check in is still available, and must be utilized if you plan on paying cash upon arrival.
SLRC Store:
Soon, you will be able to shop our 1,200 square foot camp store on-line with our new e-commerce website, which will be located
on shop.silverlakerc.com. This new service will be fully integrated with current inventory and all major credit cards are accepted. Our store will still be open with limited capacity, so offering to deliver your s’mores, firewood, ice, sweatshirt, or favorite yearly souvenir is a pretty cool option!
Due to Executive Order 2020-147, masks are now required to be worn in the store.
Do you have a presence on social media, and can I get information there too?
Yes, we do have a presence on Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter, and Pinterest.
We know some of our guests are unable to visit one of their favorite vacation spots. We’re doing our best on our social media platforms to bring your “home away from home” straight to you. Many of our messages strive to be fun, positive, and hopeful. The following is a recent example of a Facebook post:
Essential Persons Essential Giveaway – Facebook
On Monday, April 13th, we began a Facebook giveaway to celebrate all of our essential guests. Originally, as this was our 15th year in operation, we had planned on celebrations related to that. However, in the midst of COVID-19, we felt it was more appropriate to celebrate YOU!
Our first giveaway was for first responders: EMTs, police officers, and firefighters. It was truly amazing to see the dedication and years of service by all! Kristi R. was our first winner, and she’s got some Silver Lake swag on the way.
Check our Facebook page each Monday to see who we’ve picked for that week’s Essential Person. Feel free to check out the Facebook Live that’s posted from April 10th for more details!
Obviously, we will share more serious updates from time to time as needed.
Additional Resources
- State of Michigan Department of Health & Human Services: https://www.michigan.gov/coronavirus
- US Travel Association: https://www.ustravel.org/toolkit/emergency-preparedness-and-response-coronavirus-covid-19
How to Get in Touch
Have questions or concerns? Feel free to contact us:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 231-873-7199
Text: 231-221-2650
You can also send us a direct message on our social media platforms.