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The Michigan Department of Natural Resources will resume acceptance of online and call center reservations beginning at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 17 for camping at F.J. McLain State Park in Houghton County.
“This allows the park to start taking reservations sooner so that campers can plan their camping stays,” said Christa Sturtevant-Good, a DNR department specialist.
Over the past few years, storms produced erosion at the park which forced the closure of a dozen lakefront campsites. Another 18 lakefront campsites, six mini-cabins and the park’s toilet and shower buildings remain threatened because of the continued erosion.
Repairs at the 443-acre park, which is situated along the shoreline of Lake Superior between Calumet and Hancock, are scheduled to begin this spring.
“Reservations were put on hold while staff planned for an anticipated loss of restroom and shower facilities,” said Jamie Metheringham, unit supervisor for McLain and Twin Lakes State Parks. “Due to the continued threat of shoreline erosion, facility and campsite maintenance is necessary.”
During the upcoming camping season, park officials anticipate the unavailability of flush toilets and showers at the park. Because of the temporary loss of those services, campers will be charged semi-modern rates for campsites and mini-cabins.
Water, electric, and the sanitation station will be available, however short term utility interruptions may occur during construction activities throughout the 2017 camping season.
“We appreciate your patience during this transition period and we apologize for any inconvenience this may cause,” Metheringham said.
When reservation service resumes Tuesday, there will be a period of time when the full nightly camping rate will be charged to online customers, as DNR staff works to update fees in the state’s reservation system.
During this period, those making online reservations will initially be charged the full price ($28 for a
campsite per night / $49 for a mini cabin per night) and then refunded the difference ($10 per night).
“Adjustments will be processed daily,” said Christa Sturtevant-Good, a DNR department specialist.
Reservations made by contacting the call center will not be affected and the discounted nightly rates will be charged at that time.
Fees to camp in the park’s Rustic Cabin ($65) and the Main, Breakies and Beach House shelters ($50) will not be discounted.
In August 2016, park staff held an open house to present park master plan options in response to the continued loss of infrastructure by Lake Superior wave action. The approved plan will provide a template for future development and infrastructure replacement over the next 60 years.
Visitors to F.J. McLain State Park can enjoy a variety of activities in the park ranging from fishing, windsurfing, berry picking and beachcombing to camping, rock hounding, sight-seeing and hunting. The sunsets at McLain State Park are spectacular and the view of the lighthouse is magnificent.
Check out an F.J. McLain State Park visitors guide.
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For more information on Michigan’s state parks, visit the DNR’s webpage.
