Swimming, beachcombing, and fishing along Lake Huron are the main draws at Ossineke State Forest Campground, a rustic state forest site in Ossineke, Michigan, where a sandy shoreline sits just steps from many of the campsites. Several sites front the lake directly, while others are set back with a short walk to the water. The campground is forested, and reviewers consistently note that sites are spacious, with some described as "humongous," making the layout well-suited to both tent campers and those arriving with trailers up to 30 feet.
Site quality varies depending on placement. Reviewers who stayed at lakefront sites report direct water access and generous space for multiple vehicles or a trailer setup, with fire rings and picnic tables at each site. "A nice sandy shoreline and shallow water makes for a relaxing day," notes DonW, who has returned to the campground multiple times over the past decade. Privacy between sites is inconsistent. Some sites have natural vegetation blocking sightlines to neighbors, while others are more open. Road routing through the campground pushes some through-traffic past the sites, and occasional car noise from a nearby road is audible from certain spots.
Vault toilets are distributed across the campground in pairs, and reviewers generally find them clean and stocked. Cell service is solid, with at least one camper reporting strong LTE. Water pumps have been an ongoing issue, with multiple reviewers noting missing handles on hand pumps across different years. Bring a water container as backup. Campfires are permitted, though a few reviewers mention that some fire rings sit unusually high off the ground. The campground is open year-round and allows pets and alcohol.
Day trips from camp are easy. Besser Nature Area and Lumberman's Monument are within reasonable driving distance, and the Presque Isle area draws visitors for its lighthouse and shoreline. Campers interested in camping spots near Alpena will find the city a short drive north, useful for resupply or a meal. Red squirrels are active at camp, so food storage requires attention. October visits have drawn strong reviews, with fewer crowds and well-spaced sites.
Campers wanting a different setup nearby might consider Negwegon State Park Campground to the southeast, which offers a more remote, walk-in experience along a less-developed stretch of Lake Huron shoreline.
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/0,4570,7-350-79134_79210---,00.html
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsOssineke State Forest Campground is located in Michigan near Alpena
Directions
From town: Go 1 mi E off US-23.
Coordinates
44.93564856 N
83.41391381 W
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 7 min from Bay City, MI
- 2 hrs 17 min from Saginaw, MI
- 2 hrs 17 min from Midland, MI
- 2 hrs 25 min from Traverse City, MI































