DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY  
DRINKING WATER AND RADIOLOGICAL PROTECTION DIVISION  
CAMPGROUNDS  
(By authority conferred on the director of the department of environmental quality by  
section 12511 of Act No. 368 of the Public Acts of 1978, as amended, being §333.12511  
of the Michigan Compiled Laws)  
R 325.1551 Definitions.  
Rule 1. (1) As used in these rules:  
(a) "Act" means Act No. 368 of the Public Acts of 1978, as amended, being §333.1101 et  
seq. of the Michigan Compiled Laws.  
(b) "Camping cabin" means a recreational unit that is a hard-sided tent or shelter, that is  
less than 400 square feet in area, that is on skids designed to facilitate relocation from time  
to time, and that does not have a direct connection to a source of water.  
(c) "Modern campground" means a campground where water flush toilets and water under  
pressure are available at a service building or where a water outlet and a sewer connection  
are available at each site.  
(d) "Park model recreational unit" means a recreational unit that is built on a single chassis  
mounted on wheels, that has a gross trailer area of not more than 400 square feet in the set-  
up mode, and that is certified by the manufacturer as complying with American National  
Standards Institute Standard A119.5.  
(e) "Primitive campground" means a campground where a service building that has water  
flush toilets is not provided and where sewer connections are not provided to sites.  
(f) "Sanitary facilities" means all of the following:  
(i) The water supply and all water distribution facilities.  
(ii) All sewage collection, sewage treatment, and sewage disposal facilities.  
(iii) Service buildings.  
(iv) Sanitary stations.  
(g) "Sanitary station" means a facility where recreational units equipped with freshwater  
storage tanks and sewage holding tanks can be serviced.  
(h) "Seasonally sited recreational unit" means a recreational unit that remains on a site for  
a continuous period of time of more than 31 days in 1 calendar year.  
(i) "Service building" means a structure or portion of a structure that is used to house  
sanitary facilities, such as water closets, lavatories, and showers.  
(j) "Site" means the camp space or land area designated for each recreational unit in a  
campground.  
(k) "Temporary campground" means a campground that is used on a temporary or short-  
term basis that is not more than 4 weeks.  
(l) "Temporary living quarters," as related to camping, means a recreational unit that is  
occupied or used for more than 4 hours between the hours of 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.  
(2) The terms defined in the act have the same meanings when used in these rules.  
History: 1979 AC; 1987 AACS; 2000 AACS.  
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R 325.1552 Location.  
Rule 2. (1) A campground owner shall not locate a campground where it may be  
detrimental to the public health, safety, or welfare.  
(2) A campground owner shall not locate a campground on top of a completed Type II  
sanitary landfill, as described in Part 115 of Act No.451 of the Public Acts of 1994, as  
amended, being §324.11501 et seq. of the Michigan Compiled Laws, or on a completed  
waste disposal facility, as described in Part 111 of Act No. 451 of the Public Acts of 1994,  
as amended, being §324.11101 et seq. of the Michigan Compiled Laws.  
(3) A campground owner shall locate all outlets to the water distribution system above  
the elevation defining the 100-year floodplain. The owner shall locate the top of site sewer  
connections above the elevation defining the 100-year floodplain. This subrule does not  
apply to water outlets and sewer risers constructed before the effective date of this rule.  
History: 1979 AC; 1987 AACS; 2000 AACS.  
R 325.1553 Applications for construction permits; contents.  
Rule 3. (1) A campground owner shall submit an application for a construction permit for  
a new campground or for an alteration or addition to an existing campground that includes  
information regarding the proposed physical facilities. A permit applicant shall submit 4  
sets of plans which are drawn to scale, which show the plot plan and details of all planned  
facilities, and which clearly indicate how the campground will be constructed in order to  
comply with these rules. A permit applicant shall submit 3 sets with the application to the  
department and 1 set to the local or district health department having jurisdiction. If the  
total cost of a project is more than $15,000.00, then an engineer who is licensed in  
Michigan shall prepare all plans for new sanitary campground facilities or for additions or  
alterations to existing sanitary campground facilities.  
(2) An application shall indicate the proposed method of garbage and refuse storage and  
disposal.  
History: 1979 AC; 2000 AACS.  
R 325.1554 Construction permits.  
Rule 4. A construction permit is nontransferable unless the department gives its written  
consent to a permit transfer. A permit expires 3 years after its date of issuance unless the  
department grants an extension. The department shall not include delays in construction  
incurred by reason of litigation incident to the planning or construction of a campground  
in calculating the date a permit expires. If a petition for extending a permit is granted, the  
department may require any alterations in the campground plans that would be necessary  
for approval if the plans for the campground were being submitted at the date that the  
extension is granted. The department shall list any conditions or stipulations for application  
approval on the construction permit.  
History: 1979 AC; 2000 AACS.  
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R 325.1555 Temporary campgrounds; application for license; operational period.  
Rule 5. (1) An applicant for a temporary campground license shall submit an application  
on a form supplied by the department to the local health department having jurisdiction not  
less than 2 weeks before operating the temporary campground. The local health department  
shall then issue or deny the license and forward a copy of the completed application for a  
license or the reasons for denial to the applicant and to the department. The temporary  
campground shall not receive recreational units until a license is issued by the department  
or local health department and displayed at the campground. A temporary campground  
may operate for not more than a 2-week period, unless approval for an extension is obtained  
from the local health department. An applicant for an extension shall submit an application  
to the local health department not less than 3 days before the expiration date of the first 2-  
week period. A temporary campground shall not operate for more than a 4-week period.  
Not less than 30 days shall elapse between the end of one licensing period for a temporary  
campground and the beginning of another for the same campground location. These rules  
apply to temporary campgrounds, except as modified by this rule.  
(2) A temporary campground owner or operator shall provide toilet facilities in a  
temporary campground in accordance with the schedules indicated in R 325.1555a for  
temporary primitive campgrounds and R 325.1555b for temporary modern campgrounds.  
If a temporary campground owner or operator operates the campground in conjunction with  
other events at the site or an adjacent site, then the owner shall ensure that these toilet  
facilities are accessible only to the campers. A temporary campground owner or operator  
shall provide 1 water outlet for every 50 sites, or fraction of 50 sites, and shall provide a  
sanitary station for the proper disposal of holding tank waste. The owner or operator need  
not provide showers but if the owner provides showers, then the owner shall follow the  
schedule in R 325.1571(5). The local health department having jurisdiction may approve  
alternative proposals for sanitary stations, including the use of a nearby sanitary station,  
the use of an existing manhole at a municipal sanitary sewer if an attendant is provided, or  
the use of a licensed septic tank pumper if the campground owner or operator obtains a  
contract with the septic tank cleaner.  
(3) A temporary campground owner or operator shall locate recreational units in a  
temporary campground to allow an unobstructed path which is not less than 4 feet wide  
and which extends completely around the recreational unit.  
(4) If a water distribution system or a temporary water distribution system is proposed for  
a temporary campground, then the campground owner or operator shall obtain a  
construction permit from the department before the system is constructed.  
(5) If electrical service or temporary electrical service is provided in a temporary  
campground, then the campground owner or operator shall obtain an approval from the  
electrical authority having jurisdiction before the electrical service or temporary electrical  
service is energized.  
History: 1979 AC; 1987 AACS; 2000 AACS.  
R 325.1555a Temporary primitive campgrounds; privies.  
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Rule 5a. In a temporary primitive campground, the campground owner or operator shall  
provide 1 privy for each sex for every 25 sites, or fraction of 25 sites, or 2 unisex privies  
for each 30 sites, or fraction of 30 sites. The owner may substitute 1 portable privy with a  
contract for daily servicing for each privy or may substitute 2 portable privies with  
contracts for less than daily servicing for each privy.  
History: 2000 AACS.  
R 325.1555b Temporary modern campgrounds; toilet facilities.  
Rule 5b. In a temporary modern campground, the campground owner or operator shall  
ensure that the number of flush toilets, urinals, and lavatories is in compliance with the  
fixture schedule in R 325.1571(2).  
History: 2000 AACS.  
R 325.1556 Sites; size and arrangement; identification and location; location of  
recreational units and other structures; permanent structures prohibited;  
construction verification; marking; drainage; occupancy.  
Rule 6. (1) A site in a campground, unless designated on an approved plan as a walk-in  
site, shall abut on a roadway, shall be of such size and so arranged to provide space for a  
recreational unit and vehicle parking, and shall have not less than 15 feet of road frontage  
width and 1,200 square feet of area.  
(2) A campground owner shall locate and identify all sites and other facilities as shown  
on the plans approved under the most recent construction permit issued by the department.  
(3) Before the initial licensure of campground sites or other facilities, an applicant shall  
submit written verification that the construction was completed in accordance with the  
approved plans and specifications specified in subrule (2) of this rule. If plans prepared by  
a licensed engineer were required, then a licensed engineer shall provide written  
verification. An applicant shall submit inspection approval from the electrical authority  
having jurisdiction and inspection approval from the plumbing authority having  
jurisdiction before such utilities are initially placed into service.  
(4) A campground owner shall locate recreational units or other structures, such as sheds  
and awnings, to provide an unobstructed path which is not less than 4 feet wide and which  
extends completely around the recreational unit. A campground owner shall ensure that a  
permanent structure requiring footings is not located on a campsite.  
(5) A campground owner shall mark or arrange a site in a campground so that a camper  
can readily identify and locate the site.  
(6) A campground owner shall ensure that a site is well-drained.  
(7) A campground owner shall ensure that a site is occupied by not more than 8 persons  
and by not more than 1 recreational unit.  
(8) A campground owner shall ensure that the number of sites in a campground is not  
more than the number authorized by the license.  
History: 1979 AC; 1987 AACS; 2000 AACS.  
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R 325.1556a Primitive campgrounds; privies; potable water; mobile homes  
prohibited.  
Rule 6a. (1) A campground owner shall arrange a primitive campground so that every 25  
sites, or fraction of 25 sites, are served with a potable water outlet and a privy for each sex  
or 2 unisex privies. However, a primitive campground area that does not have more than  
10 sites may be served with a unisex privy and a potable water outlet. A campground owner  
shall not locate a privy closer than 50 feet to a site boundary.  
(2) A campground owner shall ensure that a mobile home or single sectional mobile home  
is not located in a primitive campground.  
History: 2000 AACS.  
R 325.1556b Group camping areas.  
Rule 6b. (1) A campground owner may provide a group camping area. If individual site  
water connections or site electrical connections are provided, the campground owner shall  
ensure that a recreational unit connects to the nearest electrical outlet or the nearest site  
water connection. The campground owner shall ensure that no more than 1 recreational  
unit connects to an electrical outlet or a site water connection.  
(2) A campground owner is not required to mark an individual campsite boundary in  
group camping areas if the area boundary is marked and arranged so that it can be readily  
located and identified by campers. A campground owner shall identify a group camping  
area by appropriate signs that signify the area name or area number and the maximum  
number of people that are permitted to use the area. The campground manager shall keep  
a record at his or her office or home of the number of campers who use the group camping  
area. A campground owner shall limit the number of persons camping in a group camping  
area based on the facilities that the campground provides. Eight persons are the equivalent  
of 1 campsite.  
(3) A group camping area shall contain a minimum of 1,200 square feet for each  
equivalent of 1 campsite.  
(4) If a group camping area is provided, then a campground owner shall determine the  
number of sanitary facilities required in accordance with R 325.1556a(1) for primitive  
campgrounds and in accordance with R 325.1571(2) and (5) for modern campgrounds.  
(5) A campground owner shall arrange a recreational unit in a group camping area so as  
not to restrict the access of emergency vehicles and recreational units and to provide an  
unobstructed path which is not less than 4 feet wide and which extends completely around  
the recreational unit.  
History: 2000 AACS.  
R 325.1557 Managers.  
Rule 7. A campground owner shall designate a manager or person to be in charge of the  
campground. The owner shall post a notice indicating where the manager can be contacted  
when the manager is not on duty. The manager or person in charge shall be available when  
the campground is occupied. The manager shall post a notice, or provide campers with  
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information at check-in, which indicates the location of the nearest available phone and  
which lists the locations and telephone numbers for police, fire, and medical assistance.  
History: 1979 AC; 2000 AACS.  
R 325.1558 Roads and vehicles.  
Rule 8. (1) A campground owner shall provide a road right-of-way that is not less than 20  
feet wide. A campground owner shall ensure that the right-of-way is free of obstructions  
and provides free and easy access to abutting sites. A campground owner shall maintain  
the traveled portion of the right-of-way in a passable and relatively dust-free condition  
when the campground is in operation.  
(2) A campground owner shall ensure that vehicles do not park in the strip of land set  
aside for a road. A campground owner shall provide space for vehicle parking equal to a  
minimum of 1.5 the number of sites in a campground. The parking space shall be either on  
the sites or in a separate parking area.  
History: 1979 AC; 2000 AACS.  
R 325.1559 Water supplies.  
Rule 9. (1) A campground owner shall provide a potable water supply in accordance with  
Act No. 399 of the Public Acts of 1976, as amended, being §325.1001 et seq. of the  
Michigan Compiled Laws, and rules promulgated under the act, being R 325.10101 et seq.  
of the Michigan Administrative Code.  
(2) A well drilling contractor shall construct any well installation that will serve a  
campground. A pump installer shall install any pump connected to a well that will serve a  
campground. A well drilling contractor and a pump installer shall be registered under  
authority of part 127 of the act. Within 5 years of the effective date of this rule, a  
campground owner shall provide an above grade room that houses pumping equipment,  
provide equipment for the disinfection of the entire water system, provide sample taps, and  
provide pump-to-waste facilities for all wells. A campground owner and person preparing  
campground plans shall ensure that the campground's water well or wells and water well  
pump or pumps operating with hydropneumatic storage systems are capable of providing  
a minimum of 30 gallons per minute or more than 30 gallons per minute if indicated by the  
sum of the following peak instantaneous demands for water:  
(a) One gallon per minute for each site water connection that serves a mobile home or  
park model recreational unit, and 0.5 of a gallon per minute for each site water connection  
that serves other sites.  
(b) A campground owner shall determine peak instantaneous demands for unthreaded  
convenience water outlets, water-using fixtures in service buildings, and other water-using  
facilities served by the campground's water system using the department's fixture method  
in the publication entitled "Michigan Criteria for Subsurface Sewage Disposal," dated  
April 1994, or using other nationally recognized methods for determining peak  
instantaneous demand. The publication may be obtained from the Michigan Department of  
Environmental Quality, Drinking Water and Radiological Protection Division,  
Environmental Health Section, P.O. Box 30630, Lansing, Michigan 48909-8130.  
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(3) A campground owner shall ensure that a water distribution system for a campground  
has a minimum depth of bury of 2 feet. If the system is designed for winter use, then the  
campground owner shall ensure that the system has a minimum depth of bury of 3.5 feet  
or more than 3.5 feet in areas where the frost line typically extends below 3.5 feet.  
(4) A campground owner shall provide water under pressure to a campsite occupied by a  
single sectional mobile home. A campground owner shall ensure that the water distribution  
system piping is an adequate size to meet peak demands, as determined in subrule (2) of  
this rule, while maintaining a minimum residual pressure of 20 pounds per square inch.  
(5) A campground owner shall ensure that a potable water supply system is designed,  
installed, and maintained to prevent contamination from nonpotable water sources and  
other nonpotable liquids. A campground owner shall ensure that below-ground stop and  
waste valves that have weep holes for use on the waterlines are not used.  
(6) A campground owner shall ensure that any plastic waterline that is used in a  
campground is made of a material approved by the department and has a minimum pressure  
rating of 160 pounds per square inch. A campground owner shall ensure that the pipe,  
plastic fittings, and solvent cements are approved by NSF (National Sanitation Foundation)  
International for potable water supply and bear the NSF International seal of approval.  
(7) A campground owner may locate an unthreaded convenience water outlet on a site but  
shall not allow a direct connection of the outlet to a recreational unit.  
(8) If a site water connection is proposed, then a campground owner shall also propose  
and provide a site sewer connection, a mechanical sewage pump-out facility, or an  
agreement with a licensed septic tank cleaner.  
(9) A campground owner shall not make or allow an alteration to a campground water  
system without prior written approval from the department. "An alteration to a water  
system" means the modification of, or addition to, an existing waterworks system or  
portion of the system that affects the flow, capacity, system service area, source, treatment,  
or reliability of the system.  
History: 1979 AC; 1987 AACS; 2000 AACS.  
R 325.1560 Sewage and wastewater control.  
Rule 10. (1) A campground owner and person preparing campground plans shall comply  
with all applicable statutes and rules regulating the methods and facilities for the collection,  
treatment, and disposal of sewage and other wastewater. A campground owner shall ensure  
that the nature, capacity, maintenance, and operation of the methods and facilities do not  
create unlawful pollution of the waters of the state, a nuisance condition, or a menace to  
health or safety.  
(2) A campground owner shall not make or allow an alteration to a campground sewage  
system without prior written approval from the department. "An alteration to a sewage  
system" means the modification of, or addition to, an existing sewage collection, pumping,  
treatment, or disposal system or a portion of the system that affects the flow, capacity,  
system service area, or reliability of the system.  
History: 1979 AC; 2000 AACS.  
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R 325.1561 Sewage disposal in modern campgrounds.  
Rule 11. (1) A campground owner shall connect his or her campground to a local  
government sewer system, when available. A campground owner and person preparing  
campground plans shall propose and provide a sewage treatment and disposal system that  
is acceptable to the department if a local government system is not available.  
(2) A person designing a campground sewage disposal system shall base the design  
capacity of a facility described in subrule (1) of this rule on the following minimum  
estimated daily liquid flows:  
(a) For sites that have water and sewer outlets available to each site - 75 gallons per site.  
(b) For sites served by service buildings - 75 gallons per site.  
(c) For primitive sites operated in conjunction with a modern campground - 30 gallons  
per day per primitive site.  
(d) For sites for single sectional mobile homes and park model recreational units - 150  
gallons per site.  
(e) For other facilities operated in conjunction with a campground, a person designing a  
campground sewage disposal system may use the "Michigan Criteria for Subsurface  
Sewage Disposal," dated April 1994, as a reference in estimating daily design flow. This  
publication can be obtained from the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality,  
Drinking Water and Radiological Protection Division, Environmental Health Section, P.O.  
Box 30630, Lansing, Michigan 48909-8130.  
(3) A campground owner shall ensure that a sewer service riser which is located at a site  
on a sewer system is trapped. A campground owner shall ensure that a service riser which  
is designed for winter use is trapped below the frost line. A campground owner shall ensure  
that the trap and riser is constructed of cast iron or rigid plastic pipe as approved by the  
plumbing division of the Michigan department of consumer and industry services. A  
campground owner shall ensure that the top of the riser extends not less than 2 inches above  
the surrounding ground surface. A campground owner shall ensure that a riser is capped  
when not in use. A campground owner shall ensure that the sewer service riser is not  
located closer than 5 feet from a water riser.  
(4) A campground owner shall provide a sewer service riser to a campsite occupied by a  
single sectional mobile home.  
(5) A campground owner shall ensure that a gravity sanitary sewer has sufficient capacity  
to accommodate the maximum hourly flow from the portion of the campground being  
served and is not less than 4 inches in diameter.  
(6) A campground owner shall ensure that a sanitary sewer has a minimum depth of bury  
of 2 feet. If the sanitary sewer is designed for winter use, then the campground owner shall  
ensure that the sewer system has a minimum depth of bury of 3.5 feet or more than 3.5 feet  
in areas where the frost line typically extends below 3.5 feet.  
(7) A campground owner shall ensure that a sanitary sewer is installed with sufficient  
slope to maintain a velocity of 2 feet per second at design flow.  
(8) A campground owner shall ensure that all sanitary sewers which are less than 10  
inches in diameter have cleanouts located at the end of each sewer line; at all changes in  
grade, size, and direction of more than 45 degrees; and at distances of not more than 100  
feet along sewers.  
(9) A campground owner shall ensure that all sewers which are 10 inches in diameter or  
larger have manholes located at all changes in grade, size, and direction and at distances of  
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not more than 400 feet along sewers. A campground owner shall ensure that a flow channel  
through a manhole conforms to the slope and shape of the sanitary sewers.  
(10) A person designing the campground sewage system shall specify leakage tests for  
the proposed construction of sanitary sewers.  
(11) A campground owner shall ensure that a sanitary sewer or individual sewer service  
line is not laid within 10 feet horizontally of a waterline.  
(12) If a sanitary sewer line crosses a waterline, then a campground owner shall ensure  
that there is a minimum of 12 inches of clear vertical isolation between the sewer line and  
the waterline. If it is not feasible to have a minimum of 12 inches of vertical isolation, then  
a campground owner shall ensure that the sanitary sewer line is encased in concrete for 5  
feet on each side of the crossing. A campground owner shall ensure that 1 full length of  
waterline is centered over the sewer crossing.  
History: 1979 AC; 1987 AACS; 2000 AACS.  
R 325.1562 Soil absorption systems; design and location.  
Rule 12. A campground owner shall ensure that a soil absorption system is isolated not  
less than 10 feet from camping sites and is protected from vehicular traffic or other possible  
damage. A campground owner and person preparing campground plans may use the  
publication entitled "Michigan Criteria for Subsurface Sewage Disposal," dated April  
1994, which is available from the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality,  
DrinkinG Water and Radiological Protection Division, Environmental Health Section, P.O.  
Box 30630, Lansing, Michigan 48909-8130, and accepted engineering practice as  
references in the design and location of an absorption field. A campground owner and  
person preparing plans for a campground shall ensure that a soil absorption system is not  
placed in the following locations:  
(a) Beneath a building.  
(b) Where the soil is unstable or unsettled. Muck or peat soils are unsuitable.  
(c) Under a roadway or parking lot or paved area.  
(d) Within 100 feet of a lake or stream as a minimum.  
(e) In the path of a catchment area of surface runoff.  
(f) Where a high groundwater table is closer than 4 feet to the ground surface.  
(g) Within the minimum isolation distance of 75 feet from the well.  
(h) Where surface flooding may occur.  
(i) Where percolation rates above 30 minutes for water to fall 1 inch are encountered.  
(j) Where adequate protection cannot be provided for the water-bearing formation.  
(k) Where the area is insufficient on which to locate a second absorption field of at least  
the size of the original field.  
History: 1979 AC; 2000 AACS.  
R 325.1563 Septic and dosing tanks and sewage pumping systems; design.  
Rule 13. A campground owner and person preparing campground plans shall ensure that  
septic and dosing tanks and sewage pumping systems are designed in accordance with  
accepted engineering practice and may use as a guide the publication entitled "Michigan  
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Criteria for Subsurface Sewage Disposal," dated April 1994, which is available from the  
Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, Drinking Water and Radiological  
Protection Division, Environmental Health Section, P.O. Box 30630, Lansing, Michigan  
48909-8130.  
History: 1979 AC; 2000 AACS.  
R 325.1564 Sewage treatment systems.  
Rule 14. A person proposing to discharge treated wastewater to the waters of the state  
shall comply with Act No. 451 of the Public Acts of 1994, as amended, being §324.101 et  
seq. of the Michigan Compiled Laws.  
History: 1979 AC; 1987 AACS; 2000 AACS.  
R 325.1566 Sewage disposal in primitive campgrounds.  
Rule 16. A campground owner shall ensure that a privy, outhouse, or portable privy that  
is used as a means of sewage disposal for a primitive campground has a watertight vault  
which has a minimum storage capacity of 500 gallons and which is vented above the roof.  
A campground owner shall ensure that the interior of the privy above the vault is  
constructed of smooth, easily cleanable, nonabsorbent materials and that all openings are  
screened. A campground owner shall ensure that a privy has a self-closing door. A  
campground owner shall ensure that a privy that has a capacity of more than 1 individual  
has privacy partitions. The department may approve proposals for a portable privy that has  
less than 500 gallons of storage capacity as part of the annual license to operate the  
campground if there is a service contract with a licensed septic tank cleaner and if the  
portable privy was pumped as needed during the previous year.  
History: 1979 AC; 1987 AACS; 2000 AACS.  
R 325.1568 Seepage pits.  
Rule 18. (1) A campground owner shall ensure that all of the following provisions are  
complied with in regard to seepage pits in the campground:  
(a) A seepage pit or replacement seepage pit may only be used on a site licensed before  
the effective date of this subrule for the disposal of sink wastes and shower water where a  
direct connection is made between the sink drain and the seepage pit.  
(b) The connection between the drain and pit shall not be more than 1.5 inches in diameter.  
(c) Other wastes shall not be discharged into the seepage pit.  
(d) Approval of the seepage pit or replacement seepage pit shall be restricted to areas  
where the soil affords acceptable seepage, the groundwater table is sufficiently low, and  
groundwater or surface water is not endangered.  
(e) A seepage pit shall be located not less than 75 feet from a well.  
(f) Sufficient data shall be submitted to the health department having jurisdiction to permit  
evaluating the requirements of this rule before approval may be given.  
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(g) A recreational unit on a site serviced by a seepage pit shall not be directly connected  
to the campground water system, unless approved in writing by the local health department  
having jurisdiction.  
(2) The department or the local health department may temporarily or permanently  
prohibit the use of seepage pits on specific sites in a campground if the discharge of waste  
to the ground surface is observed or if the seepage pits are not operated and maintained in  
accord with the other requirements of this rule.  
History: 1979 AC; 2000 AACS.  
R 325.1569 Buried storage tanks prohibited.  
Rule 19. A buried tank for the storage of sink waste, shower water, or other sewage shall  
not be allowed in a campground.  
History: 1987 AACS.  
R 325.1571 Service buildings; required facilities.  
Rule 21. (1) If a service building is proposed for a campground, then the campground  
owner shall ensure that the building is constructed in accordance with the applicable state  
or local building code and shall include the building details and specifications on the plan  
required by R 325.1553. In addition, the campground owner shall ensure that all of the  
following requirements are complied with:  
(a) A window that opens is screened. An exterior door has a self-closing device.  
(b) An adequate amount of light for cleaning and safety purposes is provided in the  
service building.  
(c) Coved floor and wall joints are provided.  
(d) The location of all toilets, lavatories, showers, urinals, enclosures, and floor drains is  
specified on theplans.  
(2) The campground owner shall ensure that a service building at a modern campground  
is provided with toilet, urinal, and lavatory facilities in accordance with the following  
schedule:  
Campground Minimum Number of Fixtures  
Toilets  
Urinals  
M
Lavatories  
M
Sites  
M
F
F
1-15  
1
1
2
2
3
4
1
1
1
1
2
2
3
1
2
3
3
4
5
1
16-30  
31-45  
46-60  
61-100  
101-130  
2
2
3
4
5
2
3
3
4
5
131-160  
161-190  
5
6
6
7
3
3
6
7
6
7
191-220  
221-250  
251-280  
7
8
9
8
9
10  
4
4
4
8
9
8
9
10 10  
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281-310  
311-340  
341-370  
371-400  
401-430  
10
11  
11
12  
12 13  
13
14  
14 15  
5
5
5
5
6
11
11  
12
12  
13 13  
14
14  
15 15  
431-460  
461-490  
491-520*  
15 16  
16 17  
17 18  
6
6
7
16 16  
17 17  
18 18  
*A campground that has more than 520 sites shall provide 1 additional toilet and lavatory  
for each sex for each additional 30 sites or part of 30 sites and 1 additional men's urinal for  
each additional 100 sites.  
(3) In a modern campground, if all the sites are provided with water and sewer services  
and if occupancy is limited to recreational units connected to the water and sewer systems,  
then a campground owner shall ensure that, at a minimum, 1 water flush toilet and 1  
lavatory are provided.  
(4) In a campground where only a portion of the sites are provided with water and sewer  
services, a campground owner shall ensure that the fixture schedule specified in subrule  
(2) of this rule is complied with for sites that do not have water and sewer services. The  
portion of a campground that is restricted to single sectional mobile homes that have sewer  
and water connections is exempt from the fixture schedule specified in subrule (2) of this  
rule.  
(5) A campground owner has the option of providing showers. A campground that  
constructs a service building that has showers shall comply with the following schedule:  
Shower Schedule  
*Sites  
Male  
Female  
1-45  
1
1
46-80  
2
2
81-100  
3
3
101-150  
4
4
151-200  
5
5
201-250  
6
6
**Sites  
Unisex  
1-15 16-45 46- 61-80 81-  
101- 131- 161- 191- 221-  
60  
3
100  
5
130  
6
160  
7
190  
8
220 250  
9 10  
1
2
4
*A campground that has more than 250 sites shall provide 1 shower for each sex for every  
50 sites or part of 50 sites.  
**A campground that has more than 250 sites shall provide 1 shower for every 30 sites or  
part of 30 sites.  
(6) A campground owner shall provide an effective method, such as curbing or recessed  
floors, and shower curtains or partitions to keep shower water from dressing rooms and  
other areas in the service building. A campground owner shall provide a means of  
regulating the temperature of hot water so that the water temperature will not be more than  
120 degrees Fahrenheit.  
History: 1954 ACS 68, Eff. July 2, 1971; 1954 ACS 96, Eff. July 19, 1978; 1979 AC; 1987 AACS; 1998-  
2000 AACS.  
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R 325.1574 Sanitary facilities in campgrounds adjacent to other establishments.  
Rule 24. (1) If a primitive campground is operated adjacent to, or in conjunction with, a  
modern campground served by a service building, then a campground owner shall provide  
an additional toilet and lavatory for each sex for every 50 sites or fraction of 50 sites in the  
primitive campground.  
(2) If a campground is operated in connection with a resort or other business  
establishment, then a campground owner shall base the number of sanitary facilities  
required in excess of the facilities required by the schedule for sites alone on the total  
number of persons who will use the facilities.  
(3) A campground owner shall ensure that the tables entitled "Typical Wastewater Flows"  
contained in the United States Environmental Protection Agency "Design Manual: Onsite  
Wastewater Treatment and Disposal Systems," dated October 1980, are followed in  
determining the additional design capacity of the sewage facility required because of the  
application of this rule. The applicable tables are adopted by reference in these rules and  
may be obtained from the United States Environmental Protection Agency, National  
Service Center for Publications, P.O. Box 42419, Cincinnati, Ohio 45242 at no cost for one  
copy.  
History: 1979 AC; 1987 AACS; 2000 AACS.  
R 325.1576 Sanitary stations.  
Rule 26. (1) A campground owner shall provide at least 1 sanitary station of approved  
design for a modern campground and also for a primitive campground. A modern  
campground catering solely to recreational vehicles that connect to the campground's water  
and sewer systems and a primitive campground served solely by hand pump wells are  
exempt from this subrule.  
(2) A campground owner shall ensure that a sanitary station is designed and maintained  
to prevent contamination from being introduced into the fresh water storage tanks or  
campground water supply system. A campground owner shall ensure that sanitary stations  
have a tower for filling fresh water storage tanks and also a separate tower for rinsing  
sewage spills at the sewage dumping facility. A campground that has individual water  
connections for all of its sites is exempt from having to provide a tower for filling fresh  
water storage tanks.  
(3) A campground owner shall ensure that all of the following provisions are complied  
with:  
(a) A vacuum breaker is installed at the high point of each tower.  
(b) An automatic device is installed to keep hoses off the ground.  
(c) A foot-operated hatch is installed to cover the sanitary station sewer riser when not in  
use.  
(d) Signs shall be placed at a sanitary station to identify its purpose and give instructions  
for its proper use.  
History: 1979 AC; 2000 AACS.  
R 325.1577 Campground maintenance.  
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Rule 27. The service building, grounds, and facilities shall be maintained in a clean and  
sanitary condition and kept in good repair.  
History: 1979 AC.  
R 325.1578 Plumbing.  
Rule 28. Plumbing in a campground shall comply with applicable codes or ordinances,  
including, but not limited to, the state plumbing code.  
History: 1979 AC.  
R 325.1581 Garbage and refuse disposal; insect control.  
Rule 31. (1) Disposal of garbage and refuse shall be in accordance with state and local  
law, ordinances, and rules. A sufficient number of containers shall be provided for the  
storage of garbage and other refuse. Garbage and refuse shall be collected and disposed of  
as often as necessary to prevent overflow, nuisance or odor, but not less than once each  
week. Containers shall be maintained in a clean and sanitary condition.  
(2) Measures shall be taken to reduce populations of mosquitoes and other insects of  
public health importance in a campground.  
History: 1979 AC.  
R 325.1583 Electrical installations.  
Rule 33. An electrical installation in a campground shall comply with applicable codes  
and ordinances including, but not limited to, the state electrical code. Not more than 1  
recreational unit shall be served by 1 electrical outlet.  
History: 1979 AC.  
R 325.1585 Swimming pools and beaches.  
Rule 35. A swimming pool or a bathing beach at a campground shall comply with the  
provisions of sections 12521 through 12563 of the act and R 325.2101 to R 325.2103 and  
R 325.2111 to R 325.2199 of the Michigan Administrative Code.  
History: 1979 AC; 1987 AACS.  
R 325.1586 Variances.  
Rule 36. A campground shall comply with these rules; however, the department may grant  
a written variance if the department determines that strict compliance with these rules  
would cause unusual practical difficulties and hardships, that the variance would not affect  
the safe and healthful operation of the campground, and that the spirit and intent of the  
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rules can be maintained. A person shall make a request for a variance to the department in  
writing.  
History: 1979 AC; 2000 AACS.  
R 325.1587 Rescinded.  
History: Rescinded 1954 ACS 96, Eff. July 19, 1978.  
R 325.1599 Rescissions.  
Rule 49. The following rules of the department of environmental quality or director of  
environmental quality are rescinded:  
(a) Rules entitled "Camps," being R 325.381 to R 325.383 of the Michigan Administrative  
Code and appearing on pages 2253 and 2254 of the 1954 Michigan Administrative Code.  
(b) Rules entitled "Trailer Coach Parks," being R 325.500 to R 325.538 of the Michigan  
Administrative Code and appearing on pages 2265 to 2278 of the 1954 Michigan  
Administrative Code.  
(c) A rule entitled "Trailer Parks Operated Only During the Period Between May 1 and  
December 1," being R 325.540 of the Michigan Administrative Code and appearing on  
pages 2860 to 2862 of the 1963 Annual Supplement to the Code.  
(d) Rules entitled "Sanitation Standards for Garbage and Refuse Disposal at Camps and  
Summer Resorts," being R 325.601 to R 325.604 of the Michigan Administrative Code and  
appearing on page 2286 of the 1954 Michigan Administrative Code.  
(e) Rules entitled "Sanitation Standards for Summer Recreation Camps," being R 325.621  
and R 325.635 of the Michigan Administrative Code and appearing on pages 2286 to 2290  
of the 1954 Michigan Administrative Code.  
(f) Rules entitled "Sanitation Standards for Cabin Camps", being R 325.641 to R 325.655  
of the Michigan Administrative Code and appearing on pages 2290 to 2293 of the 1954  
Michigan Administrative Code.  
(g) Rules entitled "Sanitation Standards for Water Carried Sewage Disposal Systems at  
Camps and Summer Resorts," being R 325.671 to R 325.676 of the Michigan  
Administrative Code and appearing on pages 2293 and 2294 of the 1954 Michigan  
Administrative Code.  
History: 1979 AC; 2000 AACS.  
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