Claybanks Campground

Pere Marquette National Scenic River Restrictions

Camping, vessel, sanitation and miscellaneous restrictions for the Pere Marquette National Scenic River.

Order No. R904-14-14

ORDER OF THE FOREST SUPERVISOR RESTRICTING THE OCCUPANCY AND USE IN THE PERE MARQUETTE NATIONAL SCENIC RIVER CORRIDOR ON THE HURON-MANISTEE NATIONAL FORESTS

Under the authority of the Act of Congress of June 4, 1897, as amended (16 USC 551), and the Secretary of Agriculture’s Regulations 36 CFR 261.50(a) and or (b), the following acts and omissions are prohibited in the Pere Marquette National Scenic River Corridor on the Huron-Manistee National Forests. This order replaces same order R904-14-14 dated 7th day of October 2014.

A. CAMPING

Camping in the Pere Marquette National Scenic River Corridor on the Huron-Manistee National Forests, except at designated campgrounds or campsites. 36 CFR 261.58 (e)
Camping at Upper Branch Bridge parking area except from the Tuesday after Labor Day to April 30 using a self-contained recreational vehicle. 36 CFR 261.58 (e)

B. MARINE PROHIBITIONS

Entering or being on National Forest System lands within the river corridor for the purpose of retrieving or launching watercraft during the period of the Friday before Memorial Day through Monday of Labor Day weekend, except as authorized by a permit. 36 CFR 261.58(z)
Entering, leaving, being on, or going upon National Forest System lands within the river corridor with the intent to launch or retrieve a vessel and or floatable object before 9:00 am or after 6:00 pm. unless fishing during the period of the Friday before Memorial Day through Monday of Labor Day weekend, unless authorized by permit. 36 CFR 261.58(z)
Storing or leaving a vessel on National Forest System lands within the river corridor for more than 24 hours. 36 CFR 261.58(p)
Possessing or operating a vessel equipped with a motor upstream from Indian Bridge on National Forest System lands. 36 CFR 261.58(n)
Operate a vessel in violation of any or all Michigan State and/or Coast Guard regulation. 36 CFR 261.58 (n)

C. SANITATION

Possessing, storing or transporting foam coolers, glass beverage and/or food containers on the Pere Marquette National Scenic River. 36 CFR 261.58 (cc)

D. MISCELLANEOUS PROHIBITIONS

Fires on National Forest System lands within the river corridor except at designated campsites containing a fire ring. 36 CFR 261.52(a)

Definition: The Pere Marquette National Scenic River Corridor is a defined strip of land varying in width, on both sides of the river, beginning at the Forks of the Middle Branch and the Little South Branch of the Pere Marquette River in Lake County, Michigan, then continuing downstream through Mason County to U.S. Highway 31 at Ludington. The river corridor is identified in the Federal Register Notice, Volume 45, No. 75 dated Wednesday, April 16, 1980. For the purposes of this Order only that portion of the river corridor within the Forest’s boundary is shown.

A self-contained recreational vehicle is a vehicular unit, other than a mobile home, designed as a temporary dwelling for travel, recreational, and vacation use, which is either self-propelled or is mounted on or pulled by another vehicle including: travel trailer, camp trailer, folding tent trailer, or motor home. Tents or cars are not considered self-contained recreational vehicles.

A watercraft is defined to be a tube, canoe, kayak, raft, drift boat, personal float tube, or any other vessel that can carry people down a river.

Pursuant to 36 CFR 261.50 (e) the following persons will be exempt from the order:

Any Federal, State, or Local officers, or members of an organized rescue or firefighting force engaged in the performance of an official duty.
Persons with a valid permit in their possession signed by the District Ranger or Forest
Supervisor specifically authorizing the otherwise prohibited act or omission.
Individuals identified as exempt in other agreements or (MOU’s) Memorandum of Understanding.

These prohibitions are in addition to the general prohibitions set forth in 36 CFR 261, Subpart A. This order will be reviewed every five years to determine if the regulations are still applicable for proper management of the area described. The prohibitions will be in effect from the date of this order until specifically withdrawn by termination order of the Forest Supervisor.

Violations of these prohibitions are punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization, or imprisonment for not more than 6 months, or both. (16 U.S.C. 551 and 18 U.S.C. 3559 and 3571)

This river access is on the flies only, catch and release portion of the river. The river bottom is mostly gravel and is a very good area for brown trout. The path to the river borders posted private land on one side before reaching the stairs to the river. The stairs to the river are steep, and will be a workout for those who make the attempt. The pine and oak forest is a good area for wildlife watching and visitors may see a deer or two while heading to the river.

Brochure with Map: This brochure is set to print on 11 x 17 paper, landscape (wide) orientation. To print on 8 1/2 x 11 paper set the print area to "shrink to printable area", this will make the text on the page smaller.

Flickr Photo Album

Fees

Recreation Enhancement Act Fee - Day Use - Day: $5.00 Week: $15.00 Camping - Per Night: $10.00

Rules

As a visitor to the National Forest, you are asked to follow certain rules designed to protect the Forest, natural resources and to provide for public safety of visitors. These rules are available to you on-line or at any office of the Huron-Manistee National Forests. Please take time to read and understand them. General Topic orders apply across the Forests. Applicable Orders - Motorized Vehicle Use of Roads, Trails and Off-road Areas; R904-14-02 Occupancy and Use - Developed Recreation Areas, Dispersed Areas, Being Publicly Nude, Marine Prohibitions, Parking and Sanitation; R904-14-03 Pere Marquette National Scenic River Corridor; R904-14-14

Directions

From Baldwin Travel west on 52nd. St. for .25 miles. Turn left and travel south on Astor Rd. for .5 miles. Turn left and go south on S. Claybanks Rd. End at the site.