Round Lake Campground, located within the Huron-Manistee National Forests (HMNFs) in the Huron Shores Ranger District, is set to reopen. This decision comes as the HMNFs are in the process of reevaluating alternative funding options for planned improvements.
Round Lake Campground and Day Use Area offers the sole public access to the 91-acre Round Lake, surrounded predominantly by private ownership. The campground is operational 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It provides essential amenities such as a boat ramp and parking, catering to the needs of those looking to explore the lake or simply enjoy the natural surroundings.
Starting May 15, forest visitors will have the opportunity to reserve their camping spots at Round Lake through Recreation.gov, in anticipation of the upcoming season.
“Estimates to perform the work planned were assessed higher than anticipated for Round Lake, which impacted the start date of the project. The HMNFs are currently looking into alternative sources of funding so that the project can occur in 2025,” District Ranger Ben Wiese said, as quoted in Up North Voice community news report.
A significant aspect of the planned improvements includes repairs to the retaining wall located between the boat ramp and the campground, which is essential for ensuring the safety and accessibility of these facilities.
“Opening the site until we resolve funding issues was a logical decision since Round Lake experiences high use. Chances are we will see all the construction take place in 2025,” Wiese said.
Last fall, the HMNFs announced plans for enhancements at Round Lake that would necessitate its long-term closure. These improvements were strategically scheduled to commence during the off-season to mitigate the impact on visitors.
However, the rising costs of building materials and supplies have led to higher-than-anticipated bids for the project. This situation has forced the Forests to revisit their preliminary designs and priorities, as well as to consider alternative funding mechanisms to cover the increased expenses.
Round Lake Campground experiences medium to heavy usage, particularly during its best season from May 21 to September 10. Visitors are expected to adhere to specific restrictions aimed at protecting the forest and its natural resources while ensuring public safety.
These include regulations on motorized vehicle use, occupancy and use of developed recreation areas, and sanitation.