ALPENA — The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has released details for a new modern campground at Rockport State Recreation Area in Alpena County that would have 169 camping sites.

The 4,237-acre recreation area stretches along the Lake Huron shoreline in Alpena and Presque Isle counties and offers a blend of history and outdoor adventure. It also has a designated Dark Sky Preserve, sinkholes, a quarry rich with fossils, and a place that has so far been removed from much development.

Richard Hill, the Gaylord district supervisor for the DNR Parks and Recreation Division, said the new plan is still in its draft form and tweaks could be made based on funding and public input. He said once the public comment process is complete, the DNR will sort through the reactions and possibly have more detailed plans drafted with a cost estimate.

Hill said no timeline has been set for the project to begin. He added that he believes the project, or aspects of it, are viable and he could see some improvements made to Rockport.

“First of all, there is no funding allocated for this project at this time and there is no timeline,” Hill said. “I do think there are components in the plan that have a good chance to move forward. This is just a rough draft and this is early in the process.”

The DNR’s plan has its share of supporters and people who oppose modernizing the park. Supporters say the state campground would bring in people from all over the country who will spend their money on small businesses and local attractions, while naysayers say a large campground would strip away the abundant natural resources and beauty the park has today.

A draft of the planned campground design shows that there could be 100 full-service campsites, 55 rustic sites, six hike-in rustic sites, and eight rustic cabins.

That is just the tip of the iceberg, as there are a host of amenities and recreational improvements planned.

The state intends to make nighttime sky viewing easier and more educational for visitors. A Dark Sky Interpretive Area is in the works that will feature information about the Dark Sky Initiative and star charts. There would be a trail with large ropes on the side for people to guide themselves through the dark on their way to the dark sky viewing area. A short walk away, there are three notched-out areas with telescopes for looking out over Lake Huron.

A boat launch and separate kayak launch are included in the plan and a separate parking area for people who want to hike the many trails or search for rocks on the beach or in the quarry.

A restroom and shower facility are also in the works and many benches, picnic tables, and grills would be placed around the park.

The plan for the campground is phase two of the general management plan for Rockport. The management plan, crafted in 2010, also includes long-term plans including a campground. The latest effort to have a campground built is an extension of that and something the state has considered for years.

The management plan also says that any plan for a state campground would need to include little impact on Rockport’s natural resources.

“The highly modified quarry area, in general, may offer opportunities for more extensive development with low resource impacts,” the 2010 plan says. ” The quarry also offers other recreational opportunities and any camping development would be respectful of other uses.”

Alpena Convention and Visitors Bureau President Mary Beth Stutzman said she enjoys camping, but she has concerns about the proposed development project at Rockport. She said she questions the economic impact it will have on the area because many people who camp have everything they need with them and rarely leave the campground.

“Fossil hunting, Dark Sky, fishing, biking, hiking, bird watching, water-based activities, lighthouses, x-country skiing, snowmobiling in the winter; our natural, and untouched landscapes, This is what brings people to the Alpena region, not camping,” Stutzman said in a statement. “Yes, people do come here to camp and I love camping, but it is not our major draw. Another campground is not unwarranted, however the location and scope is important. At first, this project would severely cannibalize visitors from other local campground properties. This would lead to declining funding for current campgrounds which would lead to poorer quality experiences at these existing locations. Campers also don’t circulate throughout an area like other visitors. Think about when you go camping, you take your lodging, you’re not dining out often, so the greater community doesn’t benefit as much as is being presented. The economic benefit of this plan is being presented through a smoke-screen.”

On social media, comments about the plan from people who support and oppose it are numerous.

People in Northeast Michigan who want to share their opinion on the proposed project can submit comments of support or concern and other feedback can be sent by email to DNR-PRD-GaylordDistrict@Michigan.gov or via mail to Hoeft State Park, 5001 U.S.-23 N, Rogers City, MI 49779, through Nov. 8.

Steve Schulwitz can be reached at 989-358-5689 or sschulwitz@thealpenanews.com. Follow him on Twitter @ss_alpenanews.com.

See the released plans for a new campground at Rockport State Recreation Area in Alpena County, created by The Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

Rockport Concepts by tmarasco on Scribd