Au Train area campground is closing in June. What the DNR is saying about closure
The park, south of M-94 and east of M-67 on the Au Train/Cleveland Cliffs Basin in the Upper Peninsula, is closing because the property leased by the state has been foreclosed upon and taken over by a bank, making it no longer available for public recreation use, the DNR said in a release.
Prior to becoming bank-owned, the state campground property was owned by a hydroelectric power company that was required to provide recreation as part of its federal energy license for the operation of a dam, the news release said.
The property was leased and managed by the DNR, said Eric Cowing, district supervisor for the DNR Parks and Recreation Division in a news release.
'We've had an agreement in place to operate the facility for 70 years, through several dam ownership changes,' Cowing said. '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.'
In November, MyUPnow.com reported that the owners of a dam on the north end of the basin said they were out of money, in part because of repairs costs associated with work the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy was requiring to upgrade the structure.
What to know about the park closure.
The park will be open during Memorial Day weekend, through June 8, before the permanent closure takes effect.
The rustic campground, managed by Indian Lake State Park, is located on the Au Train River's Au Train/Cleveland Cliffs Basin at the confluence of Slapneck Creek and has offered fishing, camping, boating, bird watching and paddling opportunities for more than 70 years.
There are 26 sites for tent, small trailer and large trailer use at the site. Camping is limited to a 15-day maximum stay. The fee is $20 per night.
Amenities include vault toilets and potable water from a hand-pump well.
Nearby camping facilities operated by the U.S. Forest Service include Au Train Lake Campground, Hovey Lake Campground, Island Lake Campground and several others.
Superior Time Resort & Campground, a private facility on Au Train Lake, provides campsites, cabins and watercraft rentals.
Visit the DNR's Things to Do webpage to learn more.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: DNR says Forest Lake State Forest Campground to close in June
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