Ocqueoc Falls State Forest Campground
Reviewed May. 31, 2018

A hidden gem in a gorgeous setting!

This is one spectacular place, and a very familiar campground for us. We’ve been there many times. The campground itself is about 100 yards further down the road from the entrance to the falls, across from it. The campsites are rustic, and are set along the Ocqueoc River, upstream from the falls. There are two outhouses, and a well with good drinking water. Cell service is iffy… a bar or two on a good day if you have Verizon, likely not with any of the other providers. It’s a popular campground in the summer and fall, so you'll likely have other campers around. There aren’t that many sites… maybe 15 or 20 at the most? And they’re first come, first serve. If you’re lookkng for privacy and seclusion, you likely won’t find it there during the months of June, July, and August, but the campers have always been respectful and courteous.

The best thing about this campground, of course, is across the road at the Ocqueoc Falls. It’s the only handicap accessible falls in the country, and the only real and constant river falls in the lower peninsula (not counting various artesian wells). There is an “underground river” off of Silver Creek Rd at the Little Ocqueoc River where locals take cool pictures and fish under the deep canopy of huge boulders and cedar trees in the spring, but it dries up pretty good by late summer. Ocqueoc Falls is picturesque, and a fun place to swim in the heat of summer. The park provides a nice, large grassy area for picnics and sunbathing, but there is no beach. It can be very crowded on holidays and weekends, especially during nice weather, so I’d recommend going during the week. You'll need a Michigan Recreation Passport to enter or else pay $5 (I think is the amount?) if you’re from out of state if you’re entering with a vehicle, but if you’re camping in the campground, you can also just walk across.

Personally I think the best part about Ocqueoc Falls State Campground is the trail system. It’s not a difficult trail, and circles altogether about 7 miles or so with various loops for shorter hikes. It’s cool because you get a mix of little ecosystems and different terrain and flora on various parts of the trail as it meanders and follows the river downstream. You can often see eagles flying overhead, and the trail is especially awesome in the fall. If you enjoy a fairly easy hike, then you’ve got to check it out. There isn’t much to do if you aren’t a fan of camping and hiking and fishing, and Millersburg — the closest town — doesn’t offer much other than a restaurant, small grocery, and a gas station. The campground isn’t far from Rogers City, though where there’s a decent Family Fare grocery and a cute downtown area.

  • Review photo of Ocqueoc Falls State Forest Campground by Maria L., May 31, 2018
  • Review photo of Ocqueoc Falls State Forest Campground by Maria L., May 31, 2018
  • Review photo of Ocqueoc Falls State Forest Campground by Maria L., May 31, 2018
  • A video of Ocqueoc Falls
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  • Review photo of Ocqueoc Falls State Forest Campground by Maria L., May 31, 2018
  • A gorgeous little vid of the river from the trail
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  • Review photo of Ocqueoc Falls State Forest Campground by Maria L., May 31, 2018
  • Review photo of Ocqueoc Falls State Forest Campground by Maria L., May 31, 2018