Alpena County Fairground

Alpena County Fairground sits within the Alpena Fairgrounds complex just off Route 23, giving campers quick access to local attractions and the Alpena Wildlife Sanctuary along the Thunder Bay River. The campground is county-managed and accepts both drive-in and walk-in arrivals, with sites accommodating RVs up to 50 feet. Paddlers should note one key limitation: the river access from camp does not connect to Thunder Bay or Lake Huron, as the 9th Street dam blocks passage downstream.

Site selection here involves a real trade-off. Sites near the caretaker's residence and bathrooms are convenient but sit close to a bike path and the road, which generates foot traffic and road noise. Sites further back, on the other side of the racetrack, are quieter and more spacious, though they require a longer walk to restrooms and water. Reviews note the back-in can be slightly difficult for larger rigs, with more manageable conditions for trailers up to around 35 feet in some areas. Seagulls and Canadian geese frequent the sanctuary waters visible from camp.

Amenities include electric hookups, drinking water, showers, a dump station, picnic tables, and fire rings, though at least one camper has flagged that the fire rings could use replacement. The caretaker is on-site and consistently described as responsive. Restrooms and showers are located near the fairground entrance and have drawn clean marks from multiple reviewers. Wailym C. sums it up as "a nice quiet stay," though campers should check the fairgrounds event calendar before booking, as the grounds host events throughout the year. Those looking for a functional overnight base with utility hookups and water views will find this campground a workable option, with places to camp near Alpena available for comparison if the fairground dates conflict with a scheduled event.