 May 23, 2025
Contact: Eric Cowing, 906-250-6690
DNR state forest campground in Alger County to close after private land ownership change
Forest Lake State Forest 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.
The closure is a result of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources-leased property becoming bank-owned due to foreclosure and no longer being available for public recreation use.
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, said Eric Cowing, district supervisor for the DNR Parks and Recreation Division.
“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.”
About the campground
Forest Lake State Forest Campground is open this Memorial Day weekend and 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
From camping and fishing to hiking, biking, paddling and other outdoor recreation, there’s no shortage of great ways to enjoy this area of the U.P. Visit the DNR’s Things to Do webpage to learn more.
Also, 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 & 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.
Note to editors: An accompanying photo is available below for download. Caption information follows.
AuTrain Basin: Forest Lake State Forest Campground is a rustic Alger County campground on the AuTrain River’s AuTrain Basin and the confluence of Slapneck Creek. This image shows Slapneck Creek where it meets the AuTrain Basin.
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