The Department of Natural Resources today announced the Ambrose Lake State Forest Campground (SFCG) in Ogemaw County will reopen on Thursday, July 2. This designated off-road vehicle campground was closed last summer to implement upgrades to the campground and boat launch.

The improvements were funded through grants from the Land and Water Conservation Fund, Off-Road Vehicle Trail Improvement Fund, Recreation Trails Program, and funding from the Michigan Waterways Program.

When construction began last summer, the improvements were sequenced so a portion of the campground could remain open. Closure of the entire campground was implemented this spring to allow the contractor to improve the remaining sites. All site work is now complete.

"The only item still in progress is the delivery and installation of new picnic tables," said Brenda Curtis, DNR forest recreation planner. "Because of the frequent inquiries we've had about the reopening of Ambrose Lake SFCG, we've decided not to delay the reopening for these items. New picnic tables should arrive in mid-July, so campers choosing to use Ambrose Lake SFCG before then should be aware that there will not be any picnic tables at their campsite."

Also, campers are requested to restrict their activities to the campsite pad and drives so that the recently spread grass seed will have an opportunity to sprout and grow.

The newly improved campground has 25 sites, an increase of six sites from the previous layout. There are three campsites that are handicap accessible, complying with all site requirements recommended in the Accessible Guidelines for Outdoor Developed Areas. Other improvements include realignment and upgrades to the campground road, realignment and enlargement of campsites to improve privacy and access, development of walking access routes to amenities like the vault toilets and hand pump, installation of new fire rings and picnic tables at each campsite, and installation of a new concrete ramp boat launch and boat-trailer parking.

Questions concerning the improvements at Ambrose Lake SFCG may be directed to Brenda Curtis at (517) 373-6260, or Lee Osterland of the DNR Roscommon Management Unit at (989) 275-4622. Information about other camping opportunities can be found on the DNR's Web site at www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails, or by calling the DNR Cadillac Operations Service Center at (231) 775-9727, ext. "0" for the operator.