The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App
Map showing campground location near Oscoda, Michigan
Camper submitted image from Van Etten Lake State Forest CampgroundView 1 Photo
Map showing campground location near Oscoda, Michigan

Van Etten Lake State Forest Campground

4 ReviewsAdd Review

Van Etten Lake State Forest Campground sits on forested land southeast of Oscoda, providing both drive-in and boat-in access to Michigan's state forest system. The campground accommodates RVs up to 40 feet and operates from April through November, with large campsites that offer space between neighbors.

Campers find vault toilets, drinking water, and a boat launch among the basic amenities. The sites lack electrical or water hookups, maintaining a rustic camping experience. DonW notes the campground "was quiet and the campsites were large," with ADA-accessible options available. A small beach area near the boat launch provides lake access, though visitors should be aware that Van Etten Lake carries PFAS contamination warnings against contact with shoreline foam.

The forested setting keeps most sites shaded, though occasional aircraft noise from a nearby airport may interrupt evening quiet. Cell service reaches the campground, and campers can bring pets and enjoy campfires at their sites. Those seeking additional options in the region can explore camping near Oscoda or visit nearby Oscoda KOA for full hookups. Stock up on firewood before arrival, as weekend availability remains good for walk-in campers.

Suggest an Edit

RV Road Trip Guides

The Great Northern Road Trip

The Great Northern Road Trip

The Great Northern Road Trip Segment: Burlington to Sault Ste. Marie

Burlington to Sault Ste. Marie: 4 Day Road Trip

Build Your Trip

Plan a TripAdd

Location

Public Campground

Van Etten Lake State Forest Campground is located in Michigan

Detail location of campground

Directions

From Jct of US-23 & F-41, NW 3 mi on F-41 to park access rd, N 0.1 mi, follow signs (R)

Coordinates

44.47181612 N
83.374829 W

Open in Google Maps

Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)

Features

For Campers

  • ADA Access
  • Picnic Table
  • Phone Service
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump
  • Pull-Through Sites

Drive Time

2026 Explorer Giveaway

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Michigan Contest

Enter to Win

Reviews

Add Review

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

0%
75%
25%
0%
0%

4.0

out of 5

4 Reviews

Guests frequently mentioned the large, private campsites and quiet atmosphere as key strengths. The lake contamination and lack of hookups were common concerns, though basic facilities like toilets functioned well.

cole G.
Reviewed Jul. 25, 2022

Rustic camp

This park is the definition of what we were looking for when it comes to low profile and semi personal space camp sites! The beach is near the boat launch but it’s quite small but surround with trees so you got a really personal mini beach to your self with a over look of the lake! The bathrooms and water pumps worked fine. Make sure you stock up on wood before you go and we went to camp around 6 o’clock on a Saturday and found a site with no problem. If you’re looking for a rustic camp with some relaxing time of a miniature beach then this is the camp ground for you! Was a lot of fun, will definitely remember this one!

Site8
Month of VisitJuly
Scott C.
Reviewed Dec. 22, 2021

Great night

Overall this is a great campground, the only negative comment I have for this place is it's proximity to

the airport. Sometimes there are plane Engine's roaring into the night.

Site9
Month of VisitSeptember
Nicole D.
Reviewed Sep. 11, 2021

Close to Ausable

Positives: larger sites, clean vault toilets, nice boat ramp, quiet in the evenings.

Negatives: the lake is contaminated with PFAS. No dump station or potable water.

Month of VisitAugust
D
Reviewed Apr. 25, 2021

Nice big sites, not far from the Ausable River.

Stayed there last October, it was quiet and the campsites were large. There are a couple of ADA sites as well. No electric or water hook ups. The one thing is the water in the Lake is heavily contaminated with PFAS. There are warnings to not touch the foam that occurs on the shoreline of the lake. The boat launch looked nice.

Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Van Etten Lake State Forest Campground by DonW , April 25, 2021
Showing results 1-4 of 4 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at Van Etten Lake State Forest Campground?

Van Etten Lake State Forest Campground offers rustic camping with several basic amenities. The campground features large campsites, clean vault toilets, and a nice boat ramp for lake access. There are a couple of ADA-accessible sites available. The campground does not provide electric or water hookups, and there is no dump station or potable water on-site. A small beach area is located near the boat launch, offering a secluded spot surrounded by trees for a personal lake view experience.

Are there photos available of Van Etten Lake State Forest Campground?

Yes, photos of Van Etten Lake State Forest Campground are available online. These images typically showcase the campground's spacious sites, the small beach area near the boat launch, the surrounding forested environment, and views of Van Etten Lake. For the most current and comprehensive collection of photos, check the Michigan Department of Natural Resources website, camping apps like The Dyrt, or social media platforms where campers often share their experiences.

Where is Van Etten Lake State Forest Campground located in Oscoda, Michigan?

Van Etten Lake State Forest Campground is located in Oscoda, Michigan, situated on the shores of Van Etten Lake. The campground is in a quiet area but has some proximity to the local airport, where you might occasionally hear aircraft engines. The campground provides access to Van Etten Lake with a boat ramp for water activities. Its location offers a balance of natural surroundings with larger campsites while maintaining accessibility to Oscoda's amenities.

What state parks or forests are near Oscoda for camping?

Besides Van Etten Lake State Forest Campground, the Oscoda area offers several other state parks and forests for camping. Nearby options include Huron National Forest with multiple camping opportunities, Tawas Point State Park with its lighthouse and sandy beaches, and Au Sable State Forest. The region also features Harrisville State Park and Negwegon State Park within reasonable driving distance. These parks offer varied experiences from lakefront camping to deep forest settings, providing options for different camping preferences throughout the Oscoda region.

Keep Exploring