Best Glamping near Alpena, MI

Old Orchard Park Campground and Hoeft State Park in northeastern Michigan house glamping accommodations with electrical hookups, comfortable camping experiences, and amenities beyond traditional tent camping. The sites at Hoeft State Park feature thirty-amp electric service, picnic tables, and fire rings near Lake Huron's sandy shoreline. "It's a short walk from the campground to Lake Huron, the beach is great and another short walk will bring you to the day use area," notes one guest. Old Orchard Park offers both cabin and yurt accommodations with water hookups, making it ideal for visitors seeking a more refined outdoor experience with proper bedding, climate control, and rustic comforts.

The waterfront locations of these glamping sites create opportunities for swimming, paddling, and beachcombing along Lake Huron. Paved biking trails connect Hoeft State Park to Rogers City and the 40 Mile Point Lighthouse, while hiking paths wind through wooded areas surrounding the campgrounds. One reviewer highlighted, "It's a short drive to Ocqueoc waterfall which is worth a trip, and the only public waterfall in the lower peninsula of MI." The glamping cabins serve as comfortable basecamps for exploring nearby attractions including the Alpena Wildlife Sanctuary, Thunder Bay River, and historic lighthouses. Both locations maintain shower facilities and modern toilets while providing a more comfortable camping experience than traditional tent sites throughout the summer season.

Map showing campgrounds near Alpena, Michigan

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Best Glamping Sites Near Alpena, Michigan (11)

1. Alpena County Fairground
4 Reviews
Alpena, MI
1 mile
Website
+1 (989) 356-1847
$23 / night
"Alpena Fairground camp sites are conveniently located right off Route 23 within minutes of local attractions and historic sites. "

"The cool northern Michigan air felt refreshing as well as watching the seagulls & Canadian geese. Adequate showers & restroom. Will stay here again."
2. Hoeft State Park Campground
21 Reviews
Rogers City, MI
35 miles
Website
+1 (989) 734-2543
$25 - $147 / night
"This is a beautiful state park with the best of pure Michigan woods and Lake Huron sandy dunes and beaches ."

"Electrical box did have both 30 and 60 amp service. Our site was gravel and pretty much level. Large cemented fire ring and site was spaced great (especially for a SP)."

3. Jewell Lake Campground
4 Reviews
Barton City, MI
30 miles
Website
+1 (231) 775-2421
$15 / night
"Relatively quiet and secluded, Jewell Lake campground resides in the Huron-manistee National Forest."

"Gorgeous area right on Jewell lake. Walking distance from Barton City. Sites have nice privacy between them. Utilized the grill on the fire ring alot Privy was well kept."
4. Onaway State Park Campground
12 Reviews
Onaway, MI
46 miles
Website
+1 (989) 733-8279
"This campground had plenty of trees, nice waterfront sites , if you can get one, bathrooms and showers cleaned several times a day. Nice hiking trails. We plan on going back this year."

"Onaway SP is a quiet little park with electric pedestal at each sight. Sanitation/dump station has water to fill your fresh water tank for your visit."

5. Tomahawk Lake State Forest Campground
4 Reviews
Millersburg, MI
38 miles
Website
+1 (989) 785-4251
"Butting up to Tomahawk Lake and surrounded by the Atlanta State Forest Area, you are close to Oqueoc Falls, hiking trails, and other natural wonders northern Michigan has to offer."

"Only maybe 12 sites and about half with waterfront access to the little lake. Lake tomahawk is attached to the first unit."
6. Old Orchard Park Campground
8 Reviews
Oscoda, MI
44 miles
Website
+1 (989) 739-7814
"Sites are reasonably priced around$25-30/night. The park is very dog-friendly, which we appreciated.

Nice large, woodsy, level lots. Many are waterfront. "

"Very family and pet friendly. It has a playground and a small beach. There are many options to stay here! Highly recommend"

7. Black Lake State Forest Upper ORV Campground
8 Reviews
Onaway, MI
50 miles
Website
+1 (231) 627-2811
"I stayed at the lower which has campsites right next to Black Lake. The sites were great and the grounds had all amenities."

"Plenty of access to the water as well! They also have the cleanest rustic bathrooms I’ve ever been to!"
8. Alcona Canoe Rental and Campground
1 Review
Glennie, MI
39 miles
Website
+1 (989) 735-2973

9. Big Bear Lake State Forest Campground
4 Reviews
Johannesburg, MI
48 miles
Website
+1 (989) 732-3541
"Reservation side has sites up to split rail fence. Ramps to walk down to water. Amazing sunsets"

"Bait and convenience store across from entrance. Good hub for local hiking and activities around the area."
10. Oscoda KOA
3 Reviews
Oscoda, MI
47 miles
Website
+1 (989) 739-5115
"Great location. Close to river trip companies and the lake."

"Our location was right behind the general store so at night the lights were very bright. This KOA has so many activities for kids and we enjoyed ourselves here!"

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Recent Glamping Photos near Alpena, MI

7 Photos of 11 Alpena Campgrounds

Glamping Reviews near Alpena, MI

70 Reviews of 11 Alpena Campgrounds

Robert M.
Scout
Aug. 3, 2020
Black Lake State Forest Upper ORV Campground
Terrible camping experience
I just saw a review from another camper who experienced the same as me; generators everywhere, no peace and quiet, no rangers to tell people to turn down their music, no one to police the crazy orv drivers who treated the 10 mph roads as race tracks. Do not go here if you're looking for a nice time. This campground is horrible, loud, dirty, and not managed. It’s full of drunk yahoos who use it as a cheap place to stay in northern Michigan.
A
April P.
Scout
Jun. 24, 2019
Hoeft State Park Campground
Clean ,breathtakingly beautiful and peaceful
Make reservations early! This is a beautiful state park with the best of pure Michigan woods and Lake Huron sandy dunes and beaches . Very family and pet friendly but also quiet and peaceful for couples who just wanna get away . Only drawback is low signal cell service but hey getting off the grid is what’s its all about. Unplug and recharge yourself. Electric hook up availability 20/30 amp . Hiking and biking paths , a cute play ground , sandy beach with volleyball area all walking distance from campsites! Friendly staff , we love this park !
Sean R.
Traveler
Jul. 5, 2021
South Branch Trail Camp Group Site
Nice Large Private Site #21
Bathroom was clean, site was large surrounded by tall pine trees. Picnic table was HC accessible. Fire pit ring. I'm a motocamper and suited my needs. No trash, so take what you brought in plus some.
Halie C.
Guide
Jul. 9, 2018
Jewell Lake Campground
Beautiful, quiet, peaceful.
Relatively quiet and secluded, Jewell Lake campground resides in the Huron-manistee National Forest. Our campsite was great with plenty of room to house three tents as well as a fire pit and picnic table. There is access to Jewell Lake from the campground where there is a small beach, dock, and boat launch. Beware, there are no park rangers on duty 24/7 at the campground or a camp store, however Barton city is only a few minutes away where they have a quaint general store.
Wailym C.
Ranger
Sep. 7, 2024
Alpena County Fairground
Better than expected
Alpena Fairground camp sites are conveniently located right off Route 23 within minutes of local attractions and historic sites. The RV / trailer sites were spacious enough with water views of the Alpena wildlife sanctuary and Thunder Bay River. The sunset views are lovely. We launched our kayaks right from our site and paddled around the sanctuary. Be aware, you cannot access Thunder Bay and Lake Huron from here. Access is blocked off at 9th street dam. If you want to head into Thunder Bay it’s best to just drive down and launch in at marina. And if you head down River you will have to paddle upstream to get back, not fun in high winds. Camping is quiet, only a few other campers there. Be mindful the fairgrounds hosts events during the year. The circus stopped to perform during our three days there but we didn’t hear a sound or notice anyone around. The restrooms and showers were clean enough, located near fairground entrance. Holly the caretaker was courteous to answer my questions over the phone before arrival and during check in. Her home office is located near entrance, it’s a small rancher house. Water and dump available as well near entrance. Overall a nice quiet stay. The should invest in new fire rings.
Macy M.
Guide
Sep. 15, 2020
Hoeft State Park Campground
Nice SP on Northern Lake Huron
We stayed 8-3 to 8-7, only issue was the weather. Didn’t rain, but was hit with a cold front 😳. This was a great SP, no issues fitting our 36’ TT with 2 slides in our pull through site. We were nestled in the back of the park. Electrical box did have both 30 and 60 amp service. Our site was gravel and pretty much level. Large cemented fire ring and site was spaced great (especially for a SP). No water hookups but we try to reserve next to a water spigot. Lots of trails all around the park for walking and bike riding. To get to the beach you had to take one of the beach trails which is roughly 50-75 yards off the campground road. We went nearing dusk and it was so beautiful. Since we were in the back of the park we decided to leave the park the following day about half mile to the East to a roadside pull off to watch the sunset (I wasn’t about to lug 4 large camping chairs across the campground, lol). This was unknown to us at the time but we ended up seeing a blood moon rise and on such a clear night that you can see all the stars and constellations. I would seriously recommend this campground to everyone (just pack warm clothes). There are some other great attractions in roger city like the quary, 40 mile lighthouse, and a small waterfall just outside of town. We will definitely be back.
Corey O.
Guide
Jun. 14, 2021
Jewell Lake Campground
Beautiful and quiet
Gorgeous area right on Jewell lake. Walking distance from Barton City. Sites have nice privacy between them. Utilized the grill on the fire ring alot Privy was well kept. The lake had a beach area to swim. Didn't actually intend on staying here but it was a happy accident and salvaged our memorial day weekend.
C
Cheryl K.
Guide
Jul. 2, 2025
Alpena County Fairground
Good for being in town
We stayed here 1 night in July. It was convenient, the caretaker was helpful, we were close to the bathrooms and water, the bathrooms were clean, the showers were spacious, and we were right next to the wildlife sanctuary. We stayed in a site close to the caretaker’s residence. The downsides were that we were right on a bike path so people biked and walked by a lot and we were close to the road so there was road noise. There are quieter sites further back but they are far from the bathroom and water.
M
Michele A.
Scout
Jul. 29, 2025
Hoeft State Park Campground
Quiet
Not many campers for July. The sites are small and right on top of each other so I’m glad the campground isn’t crowded. The fire pit is full of garbage from the previous campers so we didn’t make a fire the first night. First time here.