Michigan State Parks Fee Nightmare

Working as a gate Attendant and using the reservation system in a different state, a lot of people just don't show rather than cancel due to the fees. The way to do it is to make your reservations with a pre-pay debit card, so that the reservation system cannot add on extra fees later, pick up your tag and checkin at the campground, and then just stay home. The campground still comes out ahead as they don't have to provide any power or water for you, but you don't have to pay any noshow fees. on short stays, the campsite fee is less than cancelling. You really don't need to even fool with the checkin, but the reservation system will try to charge a noshow fee to your card. Also, if you don't show up, the campground has to hold your campsite open all weekend, so no one else can use it. That is why you see so many open campsites on weekends, even if they say there is nothing available.