Quiet settles in fast at Onaway State Park Campground once the holiday crowds thin out. Set on the shores of Black Lake, the seventh-largest lake in Michigan, this forested state park campground draws anglers, families, and fall foliage watchers to a stretch of northern Michigan that feels genuinely removed from busier corridors. The mix of tall conifers inland and waterfront sites along the lake gives the campground two distinct personalities depending on where you pitch.
Site selection matters here. The 15 lakefront sites sit close to the water's edge but are compact and close together, with vault toilets only serving that section. Reviewers note that one vault toilet can serve roughly 25 sites during busy stretches. The upper sites among the pines have access to an older bathroom building and a newer shower facility with large stalls and consistent hot water. Kristy W. notes the campground is "very quiet off season," and water is shut off around October 10, so fall visitors should plan accordingly.
Black Lake provides the main draw for many campers. The lake has a reputation for walleye fishing, and the campground includes a boat launch. Kayak rentals are available on site, and a host organizes activities during the season. A beach, playground, and a recently added pavilion round out the shared amenities. Trails cut through the forested sections of the campground, and the fall color display along those routes draws repeat visitors. Ocqueoc Falls is roughly 10 miles away, making Ocqueoc Cabins & Campsites a reasonable alternative if this park fills. For a broader look at the region, campgrounds near Onaway State Park cover additional options across the surrounding area.
Reservations are recommended for summer weekends, particularly for lakefront spots, which fill quickly around holidays. The dump station includes water for filling fresh tanks. RVs up to 80 feet are accommodated, and electric hookups are available throughout. One practical note: at least one reviewer found rocky ground beneath the soil at a lower-numbered site, which made staking a tent difficult. The campground stays open year-round, though late October visits mean a nearly empty park and significantly lower noise levels. Campers who prioritize water access and fall foliage over amenity density will find this campground a solid fit.
Description
Michigan Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into state parks and recreation areas, state boat launches, state forest campgrounds and state trail parking lots. The Michigan Recreation Passport does not cover local, county, municipal, or metropolitan parks or recreation areas. Learn more: https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/buy-and-apply/rec-pp
Warning 2 Alerts are In Effect
There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 2 Alerts are In Effect
There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Air Quality at this campground may currently be unhealthy. Please check with the campground before making a reservation.
Check in your campsite reservation and occupy your campsite no later than 3 p.m. one day after your scheduled arrival date to avoid being automatically cancelled. If you need to arrive later, you must adjust your arrival date by calling 1-800-44(PARKS) or by going on-line to www.midnrreservations.com . If you don't check in or update your arrival date, our system will automatically cancel your reservation and youll incur the loss of two nights' fees, the non-refundable reservation fee, $10 cancellation fee and the reduced-stay fee. Staff are unable to override this process.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsOnaway State Park Campground is located in Michigan near Onaway
Directions
Located 5 miles north of Onaway on M-211.
Address
3622 N M211
Onaway, MI 49765
Coordinates
45.43244302 N
84.2290434 W
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 7/15/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 7/15/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 6/18/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 7/15/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 7/15/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 6/18/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Cabins
- Tent Cabin
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Showers
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- 30 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Contact
General Info
Reservations
Drive Time
- 1 hr 55 min from Traverse City, MI
- 2 hrs 20 min from Bay City, MI
- 2 hrs 21 min from Midland, MI
- 2 hrs 30 min from Saginaw, MI


























