Camper submitted image from Ossineke State Forest Campground - 1
View All
Camper submitted image from Ossineke State Forest Campground - 2
Nature
Camper submitted image from Ossineke State Forest Campground - 3
Camping
Camper submitted image from Ossineke State Forest Campground - 4
Roads
Camper submitted image from Ossineke State Forest Campground - 5
Activities

Established Camping

Ossineke State Forest Campground

Ossineke State Forest Campground, near Alpena, Michigan, is a fantastic spot for those looking to unwind in nature. With spacious sites that offer a mix of privacy and beautiful views of Lake Huron, it’s a great place to kick back and enjoy the outdoors.

The campground allows campfires, so you can roast marshmallows and share stories under the stars. Many visitors have praised the clean vault toilets and the availability of drinking water, making it a comfortable place to stay. One camper noted, “I could hear Lake Huron at night, the waves crashing against the shore,” which really captures the peaceful vibe here.

If you’re up for some exploration, you’re just a short drive from local attractions like the dinosaur park in Alpena. The sandy shoreline is perfect for a relaxing day by the water, and the surrounding woods provide a great backdrop for hiking and wildlife watching. Just remember to keep your food secured from the cheeky red squirrels!

Whether you’re tent camping or bringing an RV, Ossineke State Forest Campground offers a laid-back atmosphere that keeps campers coming back year after year.

Description

State Park

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

Suggest an Edit

Location

Ossineke State Forest Campground is located in Michigan

Detail location of campground

Directions

From town: Go 1 mi E off US-23.

Coordinates

44.93564856 N
83.41391381 W

Open in Google Maps

The Dyrt Alerts

Get reservations at sold-out campgrounds.

Learn More

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Available
  • Verizon
    Available
  • AT&T
    Available
  • T-Mobile
    Available

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

Reviews

Add Review

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

84%
17%
0%
0%
0%

5.0

out of 5

12 Reviews

Reviewed Sep. 19, 2023

Great early fall retreat

Pretty large lots, some have natural blocking from other sites but some do not.

Felt like I had the beach to myself for two of the four days of my visit.

Site20
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Ossineke State Forest Campground by Patrick M., September 19, 2023
  • Review photo of Ossineke State Forest Campground by Patrick M., September 19, 2023
Reviewed Oct. 29, 2022

Nice peaceful camping on Lake Huron

We camped here in mid October. Beautiful woodsy sites. Most are well spaced and offer lots of privacy. Many sites offer lake front access. The vault toilets were clean, odor was minimal and they had hand sanitizer. The red squirrels are pretty relentless, so keep your food and garbage locked up when you’re not around. Over all a very nice state forest campground we’ll definitely be returning to in the future.

Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Ossineke State Forest Campground by Joseph R., October 29, 2022
  • Review photo of Ossineke State Forest Campground by Joseph R., October 29, 2022
  • Review photo of Ossineke State Forest Campground by Joseph R., October 29, 2022
Reviewed Aug. 15, 2022

Quiet with Large sites

I checked this campground out in April while in the area and knew I would be coming back. Stayed for one night while passing through and couldn’t believe how quiet and peaceful it was. I could hear Lake Huron at night, the waves crashing against the shore. Cell service was good. Fire ring was sufficient and they do supply a picnic table as well.

Month of VisitAugust
  • Play button icon
  • Review photo of Ossineke State Forest Campground by Andrea P., August 15, 2022
Reviewed Aug. 14, 2022

Rustic campground on Lake Huron

I have camped here a few times over the last decade. I have tent camped in the past and now with a travel trailer. The sites are large, and some humongous. The campground is quiet, and the lake is right behind the campground. A nice sandy shoreline and shallow water makes for a relaxing day. There needs to be some maintenance done at this campground, at least two water pumps are without handles, one was with out a handle three years ago as well, so the missing handles may be part of the campground management plan. There are a few vault toilets placed in various areas in pairs. Of each pair, one is closed, presumably to reduce costs associated with maintenance.

The fire rings in some sites are brand new, so it is obvious that maintenance is underway.

Overall this campground is still on a list of favorites that we return to once or twice a year.

Site29
Month of VisitAugust
Reviewed Sep. 11, 2021

Great location

Great location, right on lake Huron. Close to Alpena and the dinosaur park. Quiet with moderately large sites.

Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Ossineke State Forest Campground by Nicole D., September 11, 2021
  • Review photo of Ossineke State Forest Campground by Nicole D., September 11, 2021
  • Review photo of Ossineke State Forest Campground by Nicole D., September 11, 2021
Reviewed Jun. 18, 2021

Rustic and close to Lake Huron!

If your campsite is not already on the lake with a short 30 yard walk, you still have far to walk to get to the beach. I stayed at 29 and you could fit multiple cars and tents or a good space for a trailer. Fire pit and table at each site. Vault toilets. All and all it’s a win to stay here. I had 82 degree and sunny with a breeze.

Site29
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Ossineke State Forest Campground by Brian N., June 18, 2021
  • Review photo of Ossineke State Forest Campground by Brian N., June 18, 2021
  • Review photo of Ossineke State Forest Campground by Brian N., June 18, 2021
  • (5) View All
Reviewed Jun. 15, 2021

Camping as it should be

First time at Ossineke but plan to be back! The camp spots were spacious and all were either on the water or had a path to the water. One downside was the fire pit was so tall (like over 2 ft off the ground)…you had to stand up to feel the heat from it.

Great locations as you’re close to Alpena (hiked Besser Nature Area) and Tawas area (hiked Lumbermans Monument).

Site29
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Ossineke State Forest Campground by D G., June 15, 2021
  • Review photo of Ossineke State Forest Campground by D G., June 15, 2021
  • Review photo of Ossineke State Forest Campground by D G., June 15, 2021
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Jun. 14, 2021

Gorgeous

This place is just gorgeous. Right on lake huron, the lake side sites fill up fast. The sites are tucked in just enough to eliminate traffic noise but super close to markets and fuel. Clean privy. Drinking water isn't the best but it would be tougher if there was none.

Site24
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Ossineke State Forest Campground by Corey O., June 14, 2021
Reviewed Sep. 20, 2020

Great water view sites.

Stayed on North side. Sites on the water are big and super nice. The way the road is routed forces alot of traffic past the sites and then back again. Also, the hand pump for water was broke and looks like it's been broke for awhile. Bathrooms are as nice as a vault toilet can be, had toilet paper, sanitizer, and air freshener. I had good LTE. Good enough to stream sling.

  • Review photo of Ossineke State Forest Campground by MICHAEL M., September 20, 2020
Reviewed Jun. 10, 2019

Perfect Hidden Spot

Stayed in site 15. About 30 yards off Lake Huron. Sandy with a good amount of shade, level spots. Nicely kept bathrooms. Fire ring and picnic table at each. You can hear some car traffic every now and then. Great beach to walk along.

  • Review photo of Ossineke State Forest Campground by Emily V., June 10, 2019
  • Review photo of Ossineke State Forest Campground by Emily V., June 10, 2019
  • Review photo of Ossineke State Forest Campground by Emily V., June 10, 2019
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Oct. 1, 2018

Beautifully located on Lake Huron

Lovely rustic campground, with several sites fronting Lake Huron. We tent-camped in August and swam twice a day in that beautiful crystal clear water. Our site was not particularly private (a medium-sized RV came in part-way through the week and its generator ruined our serene quiet), but its location on the water was priceless. We enjoyed touring the area, and especially loved Presque Isle. Some gorgeous farmlands to drive around, too, and we serendipitously came across an amazing sunflower farm. We'd love to return to this campground.

Site13
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Ossineke State Forest Campground by Mary H., October 1, 2018
  • Review photo of Ossineke State Forest Campground by Mary H., October 1, 2018
  • Review photo of Ossineke State Forest Campground by Mary H., October 1, 2018
  • (5) View All
Reviewed May. 7, 2018

Beautiful

About half the sites have waterfront access, beautiful beach, nice wooded sites.

Picnic table, fire ring, nice outhouse, town not too far.

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Ossineke State Forest Campground by Rachel K., May 7, 2018
  • Review photo of Ossineke State Forest Campground by Rachel K., May 7, 2018
  • Review photo of Ossineke State Forest Campground by Rachel K., May 7, 2018

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How much does it cost to camp at Ossineke State Forest Campground?

    Camping at Ossineke State Forest Campground can starts at $20.00.

  • What is the max vehicle length at Ossineke State Forest Campground?

    Ossineke State Forest Campground allows vehicles up to 30 feet.

  • Are fires allowed at Ossineke State Forest Campground?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Ossineke State Forest Campground, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.