Best Campgrounds near Alger, MI

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.

Best Camping Sites Near Alger, Michigan (167)

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Recent Reviews near Alger, MI

410 Reviews of 167 Alger Campgrounds


  • Peyton
    Oct. 19, 2025

    Rollways Campground

    Spacious

    Decent amount of road and ORV noise, great spot to get things on the MI shore to shore trail.

  • Peyton
    Oct. 19, 2025

    Cathedral Pines Campground

    Hidden gem

    Very quiet and remote, if you go as a hiker pick times when the water conditions are poor. This is primarily a paddling campground.

    Toilet has no TP, lots of hidden sites if you venture off trail

  • thomas D.
    Oct. 8, 2025

    Great Circle Campground

    Do Not Recommend Camping Here

    The new management and owners are rude, non-friendly and have not kept up the campground. Not kept up and locked bathrooms. We have been camping here for almost 20 years and it was a home away from home. This is not a place I would bring a family. Do not recommend.

  • John H.
    Oct. 8, 2025

    Great Circle Campground

    Do not recommend

    Been camping here for years and new ownership has ruined the experience. Do not camp here.

  • 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!


Guide to Alger

Campgrounds near Alger, Michigan offer a variety of experiences from rustic woodland sites to developed resorts with river access. The region features several small inland lakes and the popular Rifle River which cuts through the sandy terrain typical of Michigan's northeastern Lower Peninsula. During summer months, temperatures typically range from 55°F to 85°F, with July and August being the busiest camping periods when water activities dominate the recreational scene.

What to do

Hiking at observation tower: At Devoe Lake Rustic Campground, visitors can climb an observation tower for panoramic views. "The overlook tower is definitely worth the hike and there's a hidden surprise at the same location for those who know where to look," notes one Devoe Lake visitor.

Kayaking and canoeing multiple lakes: The Rifle River Recreation Area contains five distinct lakes, each with different characteristics. "One of the greatest beauties and draws of this area is the five lakes within the Recreation Area...Devoe Lake, Grebe Lake, Jewitt Lake, Grousehaven Lake and Lodge Lake. Each is unique, offering different sights and sounds," explains a camper.

Wildlife viewing: The wetland areas around Pinconning County Park offer excellent wildlife watching opportunities. "The coolest thing about this campground was the boardwalk it winds back through the woods and marsh and has a lot of raised Outlook platforms to view the scenery," shares one reviewer.

ATV and ORV trails: Multiple campgrounds provide direct access to off-road vehicle trails. "Fairly large state forest rustic campground, relatively clean toilets and a water pump. The trailhead is maybe 1/8th of a mile down the only road in and trails were fun on the bike," reports a visitor about Ambrose Lake State Forest Campground.

What campers like

Spacious waterfront sites: Many campers appreciate the riverfront and lakefront options at several campgrounds. "The rustic sites along the river in section 'N' were very large and spacious spots," notes a camper at River View Campground & Canoe Livery.

Multi-day floating trips: The Rifle River supports various lengths of float trips. "Going up for the weekend with a group of friends and floating down the river in tubes/canoes/kayaks and drinking your day away!" explains a camper about the popular activity at Rifle River Campground.

Fishing opportunities: Several lakes and the river provide fishing options. "My friend did catch a handful of bluegill," reports a visitor at Ambrose Lake State Forest Campground, while another mentions, "You can't keep the bluegills and sunfish off your hook" at Grebe Lake in the Rifle River Recreation Area.

Shade during summer: The wooded campgrounds provide relief during hot months. "Also love that there are a lot of trees to provide shade during the hot days," writes a visitor about River View Campground.

What you should know

Water quality concerns: Some visitors have noted issues with the water. "The water is not clean however, and if you find yourself floating down and feel the liquid courage kicking in telling you to climb a 100ft rock wall—DON'T. Our last trip my boyfriend fell from the top and contracted a flesh eating bacteria," warns a camper at Rifle River Campground.

Weekend noise levels: Several campgrounds designate separate areas for families and social gatherings. "Everyone seemed to abide by the noise curfews around 11 pm and it seemed rather quiet through the night given the amount of campers around," reports a River View visitor, while also noting, "The Group camping side is considered the 'Adult/Party' area."

Topography challenges: Not all sites are level, which can affect comfort. "While the views of the river are great from the majority of sites, the entire campground is on a hill. There are few - if any - level areas to camp, and very few hammock-friendly trees," explains a visitor about Rifle River Campground.

Mosquito populations: Be prepared for insects, especially in wooded areas. "The lake looks nice, but the campground is very buggy. So many mosquitos it is hard to sit outside," warns an Ambrose Lake camper.

Tips for camping with families

Look for family-designated areas: Some campgrounds separate family camping from more social areas. "The family area looked very nice," notes a Secord Lake Campground reviewer about the family-friendly sections.

Multiple playgrounds available: Many campgrounds feature play areas for children. "There were numerous playground areas, volleyball, horseshoes, and even an arcade area," reports a River View Campground visitor.

Shallow swimming areas: For those with young children, certain beaches offer safer water play. "The beach is shallow and great for young kids, we camped over memorial weekend and water was nice even then," shares a Pinconning County Park visitor.

Morning wildlife viewing: Early risers can spot wildlife around camp. "I've also woken up to families of deer feeding in the sites next to me more than once," writes an Ambrose Lake camper.

Tips from RVers

Paved site availability: Some campgrounds offer more stable parking options. "Our site had a paved pad and patio. You definitely want to try and get one of these sites," advises a Pinconning Park visitor.

Varied hookup options: Services differ significantly between campgrounds. "We camped in what was called a 'rustic' site. Which really meant that it was a lawn in the middle of the campground with no hookups," explains a Rifle River Campground visitor about one of the best places to camp near Alger, Michigan.

Dump station locations: Not all campgrounds provide dump facilities on-site. "Spacious, pit toilets, no dump," notes a camper at Ambrose Lake State Forest Campground, important information for RVers planning longer stays.

Leveling challenges: The hilly terrain can make setting up difficult. "There are few - if any - level areas to camp," warns a Rifle River Campground visitor about the topography that affects RV parking.

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.