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Established Camping

Van Etten Lake State Forest Campground

4 Reviews

Van Etten Lake State Forest Campground, near Oscoda, Michigan, is a rustic retreat that offers a laid-back camping experience surrounded by nature. With spacious sites nestled among trees, it’s perfect for those seeking a bit of privacy and a chance to unwind by the water.

Campers appreciate the small beach area near the boat launch, which provides a cozy spot to relax and enjoy the view of the lake. The campground features clean vault toilets and drinking water, making it convenient for your stay. As one visitor noted, “If you’re looking for a rustic camp with some relaxing time of a miniature beach, then this is the campground for you!”

For outdoor enthusiasts, the nearby Ausable River offers opportunities for fishing and exploring. While the lake has some contamination issues, the campground itself remains a peaceful place to set up camp and enjoy the great outdoors. Just remember to bring your own firewood, as it’s not provided on-site.

Whether you’re pitching a tent or parking your RV, Van Etten Lake State Forest Campground is a great choice for a quiet getaway. With its natural beauty and friendly atmosphere, it’s a place where you can truly connect with nature and make lasting memories.

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/buy-and-apply/rec-pp

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Location

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

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Access

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

Stay Connected

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

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

Reviews

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4.0

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4 Reviews

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

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the max vehicle length at Van Etten Lake State Forest Campground?

    Van Etten Lake State Forest Campground allows vehicles up to 40 feet.

  • Are fires allowed at Van Etten Lake State Forest Campground?

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

  • Is there cell phone reception at Van Etten Lake State Forest Campground?

    According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is good, AT&T is good, and T-Mobile is available.