Starting a Campground or RV Park in Michigan: Permits, Licenses, and Who to Call
You are buying, building, expanding, or taking over a Michigan campground or RV park. The example below follows one broad fixed-campground purchase and shows who decides each task, what to ask, what to have ready, and the official sources behind it. Unit counts, services, land, and operating plans can change the list.
Call EGLE before closing—and do not operate on an uncertain license
Official check
A campground license may transfer only after the buyer meets the licensing requirements and submits the transfer application and fee. A seller’s construction permit has its own written-consent transfer rule. Do not admit campers until EGLE confirms the required licensing and inspection steps are complete.
Ask
“Who must hold the campground license, what transfer or new-operator steps must be complete before I operate, and is there any open construction permit that needs separate written EGLE consent?”
Have ready
Current licensee name and license, new owner or lessee entity and operator, agreement, closing or possession dates, transfer documents, current inspection and corrections, approved plans, licensed count, and every open construction permit.
Who decides
Michigan EGLE Campground Program
This check cannot decide how an asset sale, stock sale, entity change, management agreement, or lease affects the license. Do not assume the posted license follows the land.
Campgrounds programMichigan EGLE Campground Program · Reviewed July 11, 2026
A campground, RV park, event, program camp, or long-term living use in the community where the property sits can need different zoning, site-plan, special-use, road, sign, fire, and building approvals. EGLE asks for tentative zoning approval during fixed-campground plan review.
Ask
“Is this exact use allowed at this property, and what written zoning, site-plan, special-use, driveway, fire, sign, or building decisions come first?”
Have ready
The address and parcel, legal municipality, site sketch, maximum camping capacity, unit types, season, hours, events, buildings, entrances, parking, signs, and planned work.
Who decides
The city, village, or township that controls land use at the property
This check cannot identify the zoning office from a mailing city, read the parcel rules, or confirm that an existing use may expand or change owners.
Count the group area before relying on the site total
Official check
Michigan group areas can represent several equivalent campsites. A large field is not automatically one site, and the maximum planned capacity matters more than today’s bookings.
Ask
“How many recreational units could stay overnight under the full plan, including tents, RVs, possible cabins or park models, and equivalent capacity in every group area? Does EGLE treat this as a Part 125 campground?”
Have ready
The full property plan, adjoining parcels under common control, reservation limits, group-area dimensions and capacity, unit types, hours of overnight use, memberships, and future phases.
Who decides
Michigan EGLE Campground Program
This check cannot count a group field, classify a cabin or vehicle, divide one operation by tax parcel, decide a friends-only or invitation-only arrangement, or say that a one-to-four-unit plan is permit-free. Local and other approvals remain separate.
A current-looking park can contain moved or extra sites, unfinished corrections, changed utilities, old structures, or cabins that are not shown on the most recent approved plan.
Ask
“Please have the seller provide the full campground, health, zoning, utility, building, pool, food, tank, and environmental file. Which office will confirm that the current layout and site count match the approved record?”
Have ready
License and entity number, latest inspection and corrections, stamped plans and construction permits, site inventory, zoning conditions, water samples and startup records, sewage and dump-station approvals, utility finals, cabin and park-model list, and open notices.
Who decides
The seller, then Michigan EGLE, the local health department, and each issuing office
This is a document request, not a transfer approval or proof that every existing feature may remain.
Confirm a permanent potable water path before committing
Official check
The water source, official water-system type, capacity, construction, sampling, and seasonal start-up duties are not confirmed.
Ask
“What kind of regulated water system is this, who oversees it, is the source and piping approved for the full plan, and what permits, samples, startup work, or written change approval are required?”
Have ready
Water bills or well log, permit and classification, approved plans, site-water count, pump and storage details, sample schedule and results, treatment, startup records, violations, and proposed changes.
Who decides
The local health department and Michigan EGLE water and campground programs, with the water utility when connected
This check cannot classify the supply, test water, size a system, or approve an alteration. A clean sample does not prove capacity or construction approval.
Prove the sewage path and site capacity before committing
Official check
Soils, seasonal groundwater, design flow, dump-station waste, isolation, maintenance, and the correct LHD or EGLE permit path are still unknown.
Ask
“Is public sewer available and approved for this use? If not, what soil evaluation, design flow, system, permit, pumping plan, and LHD or EGLE review is required for the full buildout?”
Have ready
Sewer letter or onsite plans, soil evaluation, permits, design flow, septic or lagoon records, pumping history, site count and types, bath fixtures, laundry, food and pool uses, dump-station plan, and proposed changes.
Who decides
The local health department and sewer authority, with Michigan EGLE where the system or discharge requires it
This check cannot test soils, calculate flow, size a system, choose the permitting authority at a boundary, or say an existing system has capacity.
A long seasonal stay or a unit kept onsite does not automatically become a licensed seasonal mobile-home park, but Michigan’s campground definition still centers on temporary recreational living. Lease terms and the way units are used matter.
Ask
“Do these stays and units remain temporary recreational camping, or do housing, landlord-tenant, dwelling, or mobile-home park rules apply? Which state and local office must confirm the line?”
Have ready
Maximum stay, repeat and renewal terms, leases, mailing-address use, owner occupancy, year-round utility use, unit designs and foundations, movement history, campsite rules, zoning file, and current licenses.
Who decides
Michigan EGLE Campground Program, Michigan LARA Mobile Home Section, and local zoning
This route cannot decide whether a stay is temporary, a unit is a dwelling, or landlord-tenant or mobile-home rules apply.
A buyer can sometimes become responsible for a seller’s unpaid Michigan taxes. This is called successor liability. The seller can request tax clearance, but the transaction still needs professional review.
Ask
“Will the seller request current Michigan tax clearance, and what escrow or closing steps should my lawyer or tax adviser use?”
Have ready
Purchase agreement, asset list, seller legal and tax names, Treasury account details available from the seller, clearance request, closing date, and professional contacts.
Who decides
Michigan Department of Treasury and your qualified legal or tax adviser
This check cannot determine successor liability, interpret the deal, protect escrow, or replace legal and tax advice.
Selling or serving alcohol needs its own Michigan Liquor Control Commission and local review. Campground, food, or pool approval does not choose or transfer the liquor license.
Ask
“Which license type fits the exact sales and service plan, who must apply, and what local approval, purchase-transfer, food, outdoor, event, or pool conditions apply?”
Have ready
Ownership, property control, proposed service areas and hours, product types, food plan, events, outdoor and pool areas, seller license if any, and local government information.
Who decides
Michigan Liquor Control Commission and the local government
This check does not assess liquor-license eligibility, availability, transfer, financing, or service-area rules.
Get the tank and propane path before installing or taking ownership
Official check
Michigan’s LARA tank program reviews propane container-filling operations and certain larger LPG systems. A small tank does not remove the filling-operation trigger.
Ask
“What plan review, installation, registration, certification, fire, ownership-change, spill history, cleanup insurance or funding proof, and retail-fuel steps apply to each tank or filling activity?”
Have ready
Fuel type, tank size and count, aboveground or underground location, filling or exchange activity, dispenser plan, drawings, installation and registration records, inspections, leak or closure records, and seller information.
Who decides
Michigan LARA Bureau of Fire Services Storage Tank Division, with EGLE when a release is involved
This check cannot classify a tank, approve setbacks or installation, confirm registration, or clear a release. Cylinder exchange is not the same as filling but can still need local fire review.
Open the commercial-property history check before closing
Official check
Former landfills, dumps, fuel or industrial uses, old tanks, unexplained fill, and nearby contamination can affect where a campground may be located and can create cleanup or due-care questions for a buyer or operator.
Ask
“What environmental review should happen before I become the owner or operator? Do I need a Phase I, testing, a Michigan Baseline Environmental Assessment, or a plan for the cleanup duties Michigan calls due care?”
Have ready
Past uses, aerials, environmental reports, RIDE and local records, tank and release files, landfill or waste-site history, seller disclosures, cleanup documents, site plan, and closing or occupancy date.
Who decides
A qualified environmental professional and Michigan EGLE, using the separate Commercial Property Check
This check cannot say the property is clean, determine liability protection, or decide whether a campground can be located on the site.
02Before ordering equipment, building, or changing the site
Stop before construction and get the campground plan reviewed
Official check
A new campground and additions or modifications to an existing campground need EGLE construction review before work. Every application needs plans. Current EGLE web instructions say plans must be signed and sealed by a Michigan engineer or architect at $15,000 or more, while the administrative rule is worded as more than $15,000.
Ask
“Does this full project need a new or modification construction permit? What plans, local approvals, water and sewage reviews, engineer or architect sign-off, fee, and MiEHDWIS steps are required before work begins?”
Have ready
Tentative zoning approval, complete scaled site plan, project cost, all existing and proposed sites, group areas, roads, buildings, unit types, water, sewage, utilities, construction details, schedule, and owner or lessee information.
Who decides
The assigned Michigan EGLE campground engineer, coordinated with the local health department
This check cannot review plans or decide whether a change is too small. At exactly $15,000, ask the assigned EGLE engineer which professional-plan instruction controls rather than relying on this tool.
Open the land and water project check before site design
Official check
Campground roads, sites, grading, trenches, culverts, drainage, wells, septic systems, docks, shoreline work, wetlands, drains, and floodplains can need approvals outside the campground program.
Ask
“What is the full disturbed area and distance to water? Are wetlands, floodplain, drains, shoreline, stormwater outlets, crossings, or dewatering involved, and which approvals must come before work?”
Have ready
Survey and site plan, total disturbed area, distance to lakes and streams, wetland and flood records, drain and ditch information, grading and utility plans, culverts, shoreline and dock plan, runoff path, and prior permits.
Who decides
The separate Land & Water Project Check, then the correct local, drain, road, and Michigan EGLE water-resources offices
A blank map, dry season, small acreage, existing driveway, or existing campground permit is not land-and-water clearance. This card is only a handoff to the deeper route.
Wetland permit reviewMichigan EGLE Water Resources Division · Reviewed July 11, 2026
Treat the guest pool, spa, or splash feature as a separate public-pool project
Official check
Michigan expressly includes campground, camp, and resort pools in the public-pool program. A new pool or modification needs its own EGLE construction permit, and the pool needs licensing and inspection before use.
Ask
“What public-pool permit, plans, professional seal, wastewater plan, local permits, initial inspection, and operating license are required for each water feature?”
Have ready
Pool type and count, plans, equipment and enclosure, project cost, water and sewer details, backwash and drain destination, bathhouse, local approvals, and opening plan.
Who decides
Michigan EGLE Public Swimming Pool Program and the local health and construction-code offices
This check cannot classify a feature, review a pool design, approve wastewater disposal, or say a small or guests-only feature is exempt.
Ask whether the RV sewage plan needs a sanitary station
Official check
Michigan’s sanitary-station rule depends on the campground type, pressurized water, and whether RV sites connect directly to both approved water and sewer. “Primitive,” water-only hookups, or sewer-only hookups do not settle the question.
Ask
“Does this site need a sanitary dump station or an approved alternative? What design, wastewater capacity, location, plumbing, and operating records are required?”
Have ready
RV and park-model count, modern and primitive areas, site water and sewer connections, water-pressure details, current station and plans, wastewater system, hauler contracts, and proposed changes.
Who decides
The assigned EGLE campground engineer and local health department
This check cannot decide that a narrow sanitary-station exception applies or approve a hauler alternative.
Classify every cabin and park model before ordering it
Official check
A qualifying camping cabin is under 400 square feet, movable or on skids, and has no direct water connection. A resort cabin is not allowed on a licensed campsite. A park model has its own chassis, size, certification, sewer, water, and wastewater rules.
Ask
“How will EGLE and the local building office classify each unit, where may it sit, and what site, utility-capacity, zoning, building, electrical, plumbing, or campground modification approvals come first?”
Have ready
Manufacturer plans and certification, exact area, chassis or skids, foundation, indoor plumbing, electrical plan, campsite location, site sewer, water and wastewater capacity, and current approved plan.
Who decides
The assigned EGLE campground engineer and local zoning and construction-code offices
Marketing names such as glamping cabin, tiny home, yurt, or park model do not decide the classification. This check cannot approve a unit or its placement.
Line up building, plumbing, electrical, fire, and occupancy review
Official check
Bathhouses, laundry, offices, stores, cabins, pavilions, electrical pedestals, and other work can need separate code permits and final inspections. EGLE’s campground permit does not replace them.
Ask
“Which agency enforces each code here, and what plans, permits, fire review, accessibility work, inspections, and occupancy approval are needed before construction and use?”
Have ready
Site and floor plans, use and occupant load, equipment and utility details, accessibility plan, contractor information, campground approval, and complete work list.
Who decides
The state, county, or local enforcing agency for each construction-code discipline and the local fire authority
The enforcing agency can differ by discipline. This check cannot identify it, review code plans, or approve occupancy.
Natural bathing water is not a swimming pool, but campground rules still point to Michigan’s bathing-beach requirements. Local health departments may test and close public beaches, and beach owners have posting duties.
Ask
“Will this be offered or advertised as a bathing beach? What testing or evaluation, posted notice, closure response, rescue equipment, buoy, and local water-safety steps apply?”
Have ready
Beach location and ownership, advertising and signs, past samples and closures, proposed sampling plan, nearby discharges, rescue plan and equipment, buoys, and local contacts.
Who decides
The local health department, with other water or boating authorities when the design needs them
This check cannot say the water is safe, replace current samples, or approve a beach, buoy, dock, or rescue plan.
Breakfast, coffee made for guests, ice cream service, concessions, kitchens, and other prepared food can need separate food plan review and licensing through the local health department.
Ask
“Which food-service license and plan review cover this exact menu, kitchen, concession, or service model?”
Have ready
Full product list or menu, preparation and service steps, equipment, floor plan, water and wastewater, suppliers, refrigeration, food storage, hours, and opening date.
Who decides
The local health department food-service program
Campground licensing does not include food licensing. This route does not classify products, review a kitchen, or decide that an exemption applies; use the separate restaurant route for prepared food.
Check the event plan separately from ordinary camping
Official check
A campground license does not settle local event or gathering rules, temporary food, tents and temporary power, fire access, alcohol service, parking, or overflow camping outside the approved campground layout.
Ask
“What local event, fire, health, food, alcohol, parking, noise, temporary-structure, power, and overflow-camping approvals apply to this event?”
Have ready
Dates, attendance, hours, site map, parking and road plan, tents and stages, temporary power, food and alcohol vendors, emergency plan, sanitation, waste service, and any extra overnight units.
Who decides
The local government, health department, and fire authority, with EGLE when extra overnight camping is proposed
This route does not review mass-gathering, vendor, noise, fire, temporary structure, or event-specific rules. Do not assume an approved campsite can become an event or overflow area.
Food-service licensingMichigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development · Reviewed July 11, 2026
Set up tax accounts for the actual mix of lodging and sales
Official check
Cabins or other lodging, equipment rentals, store sales, prepared food, and alcohol can follow different Michigan tax rules. The business needs registration and item-by-item treatment based on what it actually sells.
Ask
“Which Michigan tax accounts do I need, and how should campsite charges, cabins, long stays, rentals, store goods, food, and other charges be treated?”
Have ready
Entity and federal tax IDs, opening or ownership date, full rate sheet, unit types, length-of-stay rules, rental items, store product list, food and alcohol plan, and point-of-sale categories.
Who decides
Michigan Department of Treasury, with a qualified tax adviser when needed
This check does not classify a charge, calculate tax, register accounts, or cover income, payroll, local accommodation, or federal tax duties.
Seasonal and part-time staff can still bring unemployment, workers’ compensation, payroll, wage, youth-employment, and workplace-safety duties. Grounds, pool, electrical, vehicle, chemical, and sewage work add real hazards.
Ask
“Which employer registrations, insurance, wage, youth-work, safety, training, poster, and record steps apply before each worker starts?”
Have ready
Entity and tax IDs, start dates, ages, headcount, job duties, hours, payroll setup, housing if any, equipment and hazards, training plan, and insurance information.
Who decides
Michigan UIA, Workers’ Disability Compensation Agency, MIOSHA, Treasury, and relevant wage and federal offices
This campground check gives only an employer starting point. It does not cover payroll, wage and hour, youth-work limits, leave, housing, immigration, or detailed MIOSHA duties.
04After opening, finishing work, or putting the change into use
Put annual inspection and renewal work on one calendar
Practical step
Michigan’s current process uses an annual local-health-department inspection and annual renewal payment. The inspection also checks the posted license, approved layout, site count, water, sewage, utilities, sanitation, and operating conditions.
Ask
“When is the annual inspection due, what local and state fees apply, what corrections remain open, and when must renewal payment and records be complete?”
Have ready
Current license, inspection report and corrections, approved plan, site and cabin inventory, water results, sewage records, utility finals, manager and emergency information, service contracts, and renewal notices.
Who decides
The local health department and Michigan EGLE Campground Program
This check does not track dates, perform an inspection, close violations, or prove that the current layout matches the license.
Some questions have no safe generic answer without the exact address, records, people, or equipment. The interactive check keeps each one visible instead of turning it into a silent gap:
You did not enter an exact address. Confirm the legal municipality and parcel before relying on a local answer.
The city, village, or township is still unknown. A mailing city may not be the zoning authority.
The campground license, approved site count, inspection, and plan status are not confirmed.
A group area can count as several equivalent campsites. Have the area and sanitary capacity reviewed rather than treating it as one booking.
The water source, public-supply classification, approval, capacity, samples, and seasonal-opening path are unknown.
The sewage path, soil suitability, design flow, capacity, and correct permit office are unknown.
Coverage receipt
What this guide covers
This route covers a fixed Michigan campground or RV park and makes separate activity handoffs visible.
Checked
local land-use routing, the five-unit and group-area capacity screen, new or modification campground plan review, the buyer or new operator’s license-transfer handoff, records to request before buying or leasing an operating campground, water-supply approval, sampling, and startup routing, sewer, septic, privy, and wastewater routing, sanitary-station review, annual inspection and renewal starting points, cabin and park-model classification routing, the temporary-stay versus housing boundary, building, trade, fire, and occupancy routing, a separate public-pool handoff, a bathing-beach health handoff, a separate food-license handoff, a separate alcohol-license handoff, a separate event-approval handoff, fuel, tank, and propane routing, a land-and-water project handoff, a commercial-property history handoff, an employer starting handoff.
Still decided elsewhere
The actual zoning decision, camping-unit classification, maximum licensed capacity, plan approval, system sizing, permit needs, transfer decision, inspection result, code approval, and permission to build or open.
Not checked
Temporary-event application details, children’s or adult foster care camp licensing, migrant labor housing licensing, mobile-home park licensing, marina development, full food or liquor licensing, detailed pool design, tax calculations, full employer compliance, emergencies, or active enforcement matters.