The closure is a result of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources-leased property’s title shifting to Stephenson National Bank and Trust due to foreclosure and will no longer be available for public recreation use.

“We do not know what will happen to the property from (that)

point forward,” said Eric Cowing, district supervisor for the DNR Parks and Recreation Division.

Prior to becoming bank-owned, the state forest campground property was owned by a hydro power company that was required to provide recreation as part of its federal energy license for the operation of a dam. The property was leased and managed by the DNR as a campground to achieve that requirement, Cowing said.

“We’ve had an agreement in place to operate the facility for 70 years, through several dam ownership changes,” Cowing said in a news release. “Unfortunately, due to recent foreclosure, we will no longer be able to continue providing camping, boating and other recreation opportunities at Forest Lake. It is our understanding that the new owners do not wish to operate a campground or continue public access.”

Forest Lake State Forest Campground is a rustic Alger County campground on the AuTrain River’s AuTrain Basin. The campground, located about 10 miles south of AuTrain in the Upper Peninsula and managed by Indian Lake State Park, will close effective Monday, June 9. (Journal photo by Justin Marietti)

About the campground

Forest Lake State Forest Campground is open through June 8 before the permanent closure takes effect. This rustic campground is located on the AuTrain River’s AuTrain Basin and the confluence of Slapneck Creek and has offered fishing, camping, boating, birdwatching and paddling opportunities.

Alternative camping and other recreation options

Nearby camping facilities operated by the U.S. Forest Service include AuTrain Lake Campground, Hovey Lake Campground, Island Lake Campground and several others. Superior Time Resort and Campground, a private facility on AuTrain Lake, provides campsites, cabins and watercraft rentals.

Sightseeing opportunities nearby include Wagner Falls and Laughing Whitefish Falls state scenic sites, both of which are in Alger County and are managed by the DNR.