The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Tent Camping near Alpena, MI

18 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.

Search destinations
    Add dates

    Tent campers exploring northeastern Michigan will find several rustic tent campsites near Alpena, from walk-in backcountry sites to more accessible campgrounds along Lake Huron. Negwegon State Park Campground offers four secluded tent-only sites along Lake Huron, accessible only by hiking or boat, while Thunder Bay River State Forest Campground provides more accessible tent camping options closer to Alpena. The Reid Lake Foot Travel Area offers primitive tent camping in a non-motorized setting, perfect for those seeking solitude in the Huron National Forest.

    Most tent campgrounds in the Alpena region operate seasonally, typically from April through October or November. Facilities vary significantly between locations, with some sites like Negwegon providing pit toilets and picnic tables, while more remote areas offer no amenities. Campers should bring water filters at backcountry sites, as drinking water is limited to certain established campgrounds. Fire rings are available at most locations, though fallen wood collection is typically permitted for campfires. Many sites require recreation passports or camping permits, which must be secured before arrival.

    Tent sites near Alpena feature varying levels of seclusion and natural settings. The backcountry sites at Negwegon State Park are particularly noteworthy for their privacy. A visitor commented, "The campsites are spaced enough so that even if they are all booked you wouldn't know it. Each site is about a half mile from each other." Many tent sites in the region offer direct access to water bodies, including Lake Huron and smaller inland lakes. The Hoist/Reid Lake Areas provide excellent options for beginners trying backpacking, with tent sites accessible via easy to moderate hiking trails. Several camping areas in this region also benefit from dark skies, making them excellent for stargazing. First-come, first-served policies apply at many locations, including Ocqueoc Falls State Forest Campground, so midweek arrivals are recommended during peak summer months.

    Best Tent Campgrounds near Alpena (18)

    Filters    Tent onlyRVDispersedCabinGlampingPetsEquestrian

      1. Negwegon State Park Campground

      5.0(8)16mi from AlpenaTents

      "First of all, each of the sites are only a mile or two away from the parking lot of the park. This gives newbies the chance to take a small hike in for that backcountry feel."

      "Sand, pine trees, vault toilet, fire ring, gorgeous views, serenity, bear pole - my family adores this place. It is possibly the nicest camping we've done in Michigan."

      from $15 / night

      Check Availability

      2. Thunder Bay River State Forest Campground

      4.0(1)8mi from AlpenaTents

      "Clean restrooms. Friendly staff."

      Check Availability

      3. Colemans

      5.0(1)25mi from Alpena3 sitesRVs, Tents

      "We're happy to have this listing on our platform. Check them out and come back here to leave them some love!"

      from $38 - $48 / night

      Check Availability

      4. Ocqueoc Falls State Forest Campground

      4.8(13)38mi from AlpenaTents

      "First come first serve sites, a well with pump for water and clean vault toilets."

      "Lots of space and wooded areas around you, good spots for hanging out in the hammocks, a private swimming hole in the river. I could have used this as a base of operations for a week."

      Check Availability

      5. Ess Lake State Forest Campground

      5.0(1)27mi from AlpenaTents

      "Small warm inland lake."

      from $20 / night

      Check Availability

      6. Reid Lake Foot Travel Area

      5.0(2)32mi from AlpenaTents

      "This is not a drive-up campground."

      "I took a hike around the lake and it was wonderful.The hike wasn't too hard and is perfect for everyone. It was only 4 miles for the whole thing."

      Check Availability

      7. Hoist/Reid Lake Areas

      4.7(3)35mi from AlpenaTents

      "Went 3 years back for a mid day hike in the winter and it was gorgeous with snow and ice! The campsites are first come first serve and they are rustic. If you are a minimalist, this loop is for you!"

      "Not heavily trafficked, and most of the campsites have a pretty decent set up from past campers. Depending on your route, you can make this hike long or short."

      8. Huron National Forest Reid Lake Semi-Primitive Nonmotorized Area

      4.0(1)32mi from AlpenaTents

      "Great beginner length trails of medium difficulty trails."

      Check Availability

      9. Pine River Campground

      5.0(2)36mi from AlpenaTents
      Check Availability

      10. De Cheau Lake Camping

      5.0(1)37mi from AlpenaTents

      "Very near a handful of private residences. Can hear the state route from the site but it was low volume traffic. Didn't see anyone else during the stay."

    View all 18 campgrounds

    2026 Explorer Giveaway

    Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

    Enter to Win

    Alpena Contest

    Enter to Win

    Drive Time

    Recent Tent Camping Photos near Alpena, MI

    6 Photos of 18 Alpena Campgrounds

    Tent Camping Reviews near Alpena, MI

    266 Reviews of 18 Alpena Campgrounds

    • Cam N.
      Oct. 22, 2018

      Negwegon State Park Campground

      Great place to start your backpacking obsession

      If you're looking at getting into backpacking or unsure if backpacking is for you, Negwegon is a great place to start. First of all, each of the sites are only a mile or two away from the parking lot of the park. This gives newbies the chance to take a small hike in for that backcountry feel. Second, each site has a fire ring and picnic table... and a vault toilet. This means you get a few of the comforts of car camping but with beautiful views of Lake Huron and limited interaction with humans. Staying at Blue Bell, site #1, we were treated with Lake Huron just about 100 feet away from our campsite. We had the chance to check out site #3– for those that love sand, that is the spot for you.

      As for the camping site overall, #1 is a great start. It is about 75 feet off of the trail, but in the fall, foot traffic was very limited. The wind provided us with plenty of fallen limbs and brush to start a fire. If you pack a hatchet, options are expanded to larger fallen branches. There are a few spots on the site to pitch your tent– with it being windy, we setup tucked in a flat area surrounded by thick evergreen trees that provided wind protection. Lake Huron is very clear and we filtered about 10 cups of water to drink throughout our stay.

      Going in mid-fall, be prepared for that breeze blowing off of the lake, we came prepared for the cold, if you don't, you'll be miserable. Upsides of camping in the fall, limited to no bugs. We didn't have any issue with bugs and in fact, we saw no wildlife at all– even including a hike up past site #4.

    • Margaret W.
      Jul. 9, 2019

      Negwegon State Park Campground

      Negwegon State Park site 3, Pewabic

      Sand, pine trees, vault toilet, fire ring, gorgeous views, serenity, bear pole - my family adores this place. It is possibly the nicest camping we've done in Michigan. Water filter is a MUST unless you want to walk to the parking lot every time you need potable water. None of us ever got sick drinking the filtered lake water. Kayaking and canoeing in is easy. We have walked in, too. Having a wheeled cart is nice for bringing in large family-sized tents and other heavier items.