Restoring a beloved piece of Northeast Michigan's natural heritage — for everyone, for generations to come.
About the Camp
Nestled within the Huron-Manistee National Forest in Alcona County, Sprinkler Lake Camp is a rare and historic place — a no-motorized-watercraft lake surrounded by old-growth forest, rich wildlife habitat, and buildings that carry decades of stories.
Built in the 1950s by celebrated literary advocate and naturalist John T. Frederick, the camp served as an environmental education hub for generations of young people in Northeast Michigan. After years of vacancy, we believe it is time to bring Sprinkler Lake back to life.
The Sprinkler Lake and Camp Friends Organization is a community-led nonprofit working in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service to restore, reopen, and steward this special place — for hikers, paddlers, naturalists, students, families, and anyone who finds meaning in Michigan's wild spaces.
A Bridge is Being Built • June 20, 2026
We have an update on Sprinkler Lake, and it's good news.
The U.S. Forest Service has confirmed that before any decisions are made about the camp buildings, federal law requires a historic eligibility review. We've offered to help make that review happen at no cost to the Forest Service — connecting them with qualified historic preservation consultants willing to do the assessment pro bono — and we've formally asked to be included as a partner at every step of that process.
Here's why this matters: tearing the buildings down would cost an estimated $250,000–$500,000+. Fixing the roofs — the single thing standing between these buildings and real trouble — costs an estimated $41,000–$52,000, and we already have licensed, insured contractors ready to donate their time.
We'll have more to share in the weeks ahead, including in the Alcona County Review this August. In the meantime, here's how you can help: Sign Up to Volunteer • Share this with someone who remembers Sprinkler Lake
Timeline
From its origins as a private family retreat to its years as an outdoor classroom, Sprinkler Lake has a rich legacy of connecting people with nature — and its best chapter may still be ahead.
Our Plan
We believe in doing this right. Our proposal to the U.S. Forest Service outlines a careful, community-supported plan to restore and reopen Sprinkler Lake as a low-impact public recreation and education destination — one that honors the forest's health and the camp's history.
What Awaits
Sprinkler Lake's no-motor policy means clean, quiet water and an undisturbed natural setting. Once reopened, the camp will serve as a gateway to outdoor recreation, environmental education, and community gathering in the heart of Northern Michigan.
Join Us
This is a community effort. Whether you have five dollars or five hundred hours, there is a meaningful way for you to become a Friend of Sprinkler Lake and help write the next chapter of this special place.
Our initial fundraising goal is to kick-start the assessment and restoration process. Every contribution — large or small — brings us closer to reopening the gates. We also accept donations of goods and services.
We're building a volunteer workforce for trail clearing, light maintenance, event support, and more. If you love the outdoors and want to give back to Northeast Michigan's public lands, we'd love your help.
Follow and share our story. Join our community on Facebook and help us grow the base of supporters — individuals, local businesses, schools, and organizations — who believe in Sprinkler Lake's future.
We welcome schools, colleges, nonprofits, businesses, and government agencies as future users and partners. Reach out to explore how Sprinkler Lake can serve your organization's mission.
Whether you're a licensed contractor ready to donate a weekend on a roof, or simply love Sprinkler Lake and want to help however you can — tell us a bit about yourself and we'll be in touch.
Get In Touch
Whether you have questions about our proposal, want to volunteer, plan a future event at the camp, or simply want to share your memories of Sprinkler Lake — reach out. We are a small, passionate group and we respond personally.
This proposal is directed to the Forest Supervisor of the Huron-Manistee National Forest. Our vision is a true public-private partnership — one where community stewardship and federal land management work hand in hand.
"We truly hope it sets the foundation for a partnership… to create something extraordinary that both the USFS and the Sprinkler Lake Camp and Friends Organization can be proud of."
— SLCFO 2025 Proposal to the USFS