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Best Campgrounds near Alger, MI

406 Reviews

Several campgrounds in the Alger, Michigan area provide access to outdoor recreation along the Rifle River, a popular destination for water activities. Rifle River Campground and River View Campground & Canoe Livery offer tent, RV, and cabin accommodations with riverside sites. The region includes a mix of established campgrounds with modern amenities and more rustic options, particularly within the Rifle River Recreation Area. Outdoor Adventures Rifle River Resort and Crystal Creek Campground round out the camping options within a short drive of Alger.

Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally, typically from May through October, with limited availability during winter months. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for weekend stays during summer when riverside sites fill quickly. "We had a great time at the campground and would 100% stay again," noted one visitor about River View Campground, highlighting the popularity of waterfront sites. Campgrounds vary in amenities, with some offering full hookups for RVs while others provide more basic facilities. Access to campgrounds is generally straightforward via paved roads, making them accessible for most vehicles, though some sites may present challenges for leveling, particularly at more rustic locations.

The Rifle River stands out as the primary attraction for campers in the Alger area, with tubing, kayaking, and canoeing being popular activities. Many campgrounds offer equipment rentals and shuttle services for river trips. Reviews consistently mention the river access as a highlight, though water quality concerns occasionally appear in feedback. According to one visitor, "Rifle river campground is a yearly trip for us! A lot of fun going down the river on tubes!" Several campgrounds feature playgrounds, volleyball courts, and other recreational amenities. Campers should note that some locations have distinct family-friendly areas separate from sections that attract more social gatherings, with one review mentioning that Rifle River is "more of a party campground" than a family destination. Wooded sites providing shade during summer heat are highly valued by visitors to the area.

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Best Camping Sites Near Alger, Michigan (167)

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Recent Camping Photos near Alger, MI

184 Photos of 167 Alger Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Alger, MI

406 Reviews of 167 Alger Campgrounds

  • Ken D.
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Great Circle Campground

    Best to look at other Higgins Lake camping options

    Not what your camping experience should be…the male owner is rude, disrespectful, and completely unbecoming of a campground host— showers…yep, but the he prefers to lock them, porta pots…yep, but locks them too…camp store…yep, good luck getting service, need ice? Ice machine never has bags of ice,  horrible customer service.   His wife openly condones his rude behavior and they both lack any skills required to serve the camping customers and their needs.  It is crystal clear this is how they choose to run the place.  Ya, look elsewhere.

    When you pull in, it looks like a junkyard…old construction equipment parked for years covered in blue shrink wrap is one of the first things you see upon arrival, overall its a dirty unkept park.  Why? They cant keep help because they are rude to staff as well.

    Your camping experience should be one of relaxation and having a pleasant, welcoming host.  Unfortunately, you will not find that at the great circle campground.

    Stay away and look elsewhere!

  • alicianlv The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 4, 2025

    Au Sable Loop Campground — Huron Manistee National Forests

    Au Sable Loop #3

    We were passing through and didn't have time to explore campground arriving around 7p & road tired.
    Site # 3 was without metal fire ring as shown to have in reservation picture. In its place was a hole and pile of ash with a hardened ash plug as if it was dug out of ground and thrown near bushes, strange. We were only campers there but heard faint voices outdoors after turning in to sleep, kinda creepy.

    Pictures taken just before leaving early morning. Heard there might be poison ivy around camp so only took basic photos but stayed clear of foliage around site.

  • Byron S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Camp Grayling Trailer Park

    Great RV park

    This is a military base and need proper identification to enter. The sites are well maintained (sand pads). The beach area is well maintained and relaxing. The wireless internet is GREAT! Also have cell coverage. Clean and quite for only $20 per night (cash or check only). The camp site manager (Tim) was fantastic!

  • Jonathan B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Au Sable River Primitive Camping

    Primitive camping, but too close to the road/airport

    The site was truly rustic. About 1/4 mile to the next site. Nice clearing with multiple spots you could maneuver a small camper back into if you are a good enough driver. If not, there is a nice clearing by the road that also works. Had a fire ring with a flip over grill. Trails run back into woods to potential cat hole locations. For water, you can head up the road a few miles to the lumberman monument park, and they have a fauset by the parking lot. Also, about 1/8 mile down the road is an established path down to the Au Sable River to get water to extinguish your campfire but not for drinking (this stretch of the river is not safe to drink). During the day and sometimes at night you can hear a lot of road traffic and also jet engine noise from the local airport. Good openings for solar if you are using movable panels or can get your camper back far enough, but not so good in the default parking spot. Verizon = 3-4 bars 5G.

  • K
    Aug. 25, 2025

    Au Sable Loop Campground — Huron Manistee National Forests

    Spacious Private Sites

    We camped on the ausable river camping on alcona pond. The sites are very secluded from one another, no bathrooms, no water available, but its quiet, private, and had access right to the river. Lots of poison ivy in July, so be aware. Lots of campers across the river that you can see, but nothing overly noisy or distracting. Our site had room for 3 families with tents. Some walking paths, but we didn’t wander too far. Short drives to beautiful overlooks, or the dam for fishing. We wanted 006 site originally. its level with the river and right on a winding bend! Sites seem to reserve fast, so be ready!

  • l
    Aug. 25, 2025

    Black Creek State Forest Campground

    Black Creek State Forest Campground

    Pull up, grab a registration envelope, look for a spot then part. Fill out the registration. Put one portion of it on the clip at the spot number market, keep another portion then return the completed envelope and $20 cash or check per night plus $19 for Michigan recreation passport (if you don’t already have one). They will mail you the passport, keep receipt for proof. Vault toilets available, some river spots, some secluded spots, clean. Saw DNR in the morning checking on everything.

  • Edward C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Tawas Point State Park Campground

    Terrific location

    This is a beautiful and picturesque park. The bathrooms are clean and well maintained.

    Sites are large in general with plenty of room for activities.

    The pet friendly beach is fantastic for dogs as the water is very shallow and let's them be active.

    The access roads on the loop are narrow, so you may need to take some care of if you have a large vehicle.

    There's also a kids playground and volleyball court.

  • Melissa H.
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Bay City State Park Campground

    Bustling, clean and friendly

    Easy friendly check-in. Firewood prices are cheaper than on roads in. Small and large bags of ice at a good price. Great for families. Clean facilities. They do spray for mosquitoes, so that wasn't too bad at all even in the heat of August. We stayed at 106, the description was on point, level and shaded. Campers were super friendly. We had no complaints about the campground itself but it would be nice if there was an RV lights out policy at night. It's really hard to sleep in a tent when your neighbors RV "porch" light is on literally all night shining in the tent while your neighbors are sound asleep in RV. We had to ask our neighbors politely to turn their outside LED light strips off the second night. They were great about it but, didn't seem to realize it would bother tent campers next to them.

  • Deb M.
    Aug. 16, 2025

    Bay City State Park Campground

    Crowded and inconvenient

    So, this campground looks nice at first, with lots of trees on the sites. However, once you really start looking at them, none have a camping pad, so it’s random parking on the grass. Lots of moving around to get your electric hooked up to the shared and oddly placed power poles. Make sure to come with an extension cord - one member of our party had their power halfway into their neighbor’s site through a bunch of bushes. The sites near the entrance are very crowded together and filled with large loud groups. (please don’t park any extra vehicles hanging out over the road…) And cleaning the bathrooms at 8:30 and 9:30 in the MORNING? Bummer for tenters. It’s ok for a quick stop, but wouldn’t want to stay here too long. I would expect better from a State Park.

Guide to Alger

Camping near Alger, Michigan, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Explore the beaches: Many campgrounds, like Tawas Point State Park Campground, have stunning beaches on both Lake Huron and Tawas Bay. One camper mentioned, "There's beaches on both sides of the point," making it a great spot for swimming and sunbathing.
  • Visit the Tawas Point Lighthouse: Climb the lighthouse for breathtaking views. A reviewer noted, "You can climb a lighthouse and look out 30+ miles," which is a must-do for anyone visiting the area.
  • Hiking and trails: Campgrounds like Bay City State Park Campground offer trails for walking and biking. One visitor shared, "The Tobico Marsh trails and observation towers were great for watching birds."

What campers like:

  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review from Bay City State Park Campground stated, "Showers/restrooms are good, cleaned twice a day."
  • Friendly staff: Many campers have noted the helpfulness of the staff. One camper at Tawas Point State Park Campground said, "Staff friendly," which adds to the overall experience.
  • Spacious sites: Campers enjoy the roomy sites at places like Ambrose Lake State Forest Campground. A visitor mentioned, "Spacious, pit toilets, no dump," highlighting the comfort of the camping spots.

What you should know:

  • Crowded on weekends: Many campgrounds can get busy, especially on weekends. A camper at Tawas Point State Park Campground warned, "It can get really packed here on weekends."
  • Limited reservations: Some campgrounds, like South Higgins Lake State Park Campground, have a first-come, first-served policy. A reviewer noted, "Getting a site here during the summer can be very difficult."
  • Wildlife encounters: Be prepared for wildlife, especially raccoons. A camper at Devoe Lake Rustic Campground mentioned, "The raccoons start partying as soon as you bed down."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-friendly activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and swimming areas. One camper at Bay City State Park Campground said, "Great newer playscape and splash pad for the kids."
  • Choose quieter times: If your family prefers peace, consider camping during the week. A visitor at Tawas Point State Park Campground suggested, "I would camp here on an off day/season."
  • Pack for bugs: Be ready for mosquitoes, especially in wooded areas. A camper at Ambrose Lake State Forest Campground noted, "The campground is very buggy."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check site sizes: Some sites can be tight for larger RVs. A camper at Tawas Point State Park Campground mentioned, "Big rigs, note that the roads can be tight."
  • Bring extension cords: At places like Bay City State Park Campground, some sites may require longer cords for electric hookups. A reviewer advised, "Recommend to have extension cord for some sites."
  • Plan for busy dump stations: Be prepared for long lines at dump stations, especially on Sundays. A camper at Bay City State Park Campground shared, "Super long lines for the dump station on a Sunday."

Camping near Alger, Michigan, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the beautiful surroundings!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Alger, MI?

According to TheDyrt.com, Alger, MI offers a wide range of camping options, with 167 campgrounds and RV parks near Alger, MI and 2 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Alger, MI?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Alger, MI is Rifle River Campground with a 4.1-star rating from 8 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Alger, MI?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 free dispersed camping spots near Alger, MI.

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