Ottawa National Forest delaying opening of campgrounds

IRONWOOD – The Ottawa National Forest has experienced more than average snow fall this winter and is continuing into the spring. The Forest has decided to delay the opening of campgrounds until May 19, due to the persistent snowpack and flooding occurring across the Forest. Local county agencies across the Ottawa have closed roads due to unsafe and impassable conditions in areas where the 13 campgrounds and numerous boat landings and canoe launches are located.
The snowpack on roads, shady areas, and plowed piles at site entrances are deep. Certain areas have highly statured soils which has caused erosion and trees to fall. Prior to opening to the public, the recreation staff will need to be able to access the campgrounds to conduct hazard tree assessments and removal, well testing, and conduct other campground prep work.
“The substantial snowfall this year and the record flooding has impacted our ability to prepare our campsites and recreation areas for the upcoming spring and summer season” said Interim Forest Supervisor Michael Crump. “We know that visitors to the National Forest are ready to get outside and enjoy the outdoors after this winter, but we want to ensure we have safe spaces, clean water, and accessible sites so that visitors have memorable experiences.”
Recreation staff will be re-assessing conditions of roads to campgrounds. If the road conditions change and crews can conduct work to open earlier, the public will be notified via the Ottawa National Forest website; Facebook and Twitter pages; and the local newspaper. For those reservable sites on Recreation.gov, updates will be posted on the site page. Campers are asked to be flexible and consider altering their lodging plans if they plan to visit in early May. 
“Once the snowpack is down and roads are safe to drive, the recreation staff will be doing their best to open campgrounds. There is a lot of work that remains to be accomplish for the campgrounds to be safe and the amenities operational. We ask that you call the Ottawa at 906-932-1330 to get the most up-to-date information before coming,” Megan Impson, Recreation Program Manager said.
As the road conditions improve and recreation staff can safely conduct work, the campgrounds will open on a rolling basis as they are ready. The goal is to have all campgrounds open by May 19. For opening dates for reservable sites, please go to www.Recreation.gov to view dates when reservations can be made.