Best Tent Camping near Alpena, MI

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.

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.

We stumbled on this campground when Ocqueoc's first come first serve sites were full. This campground is also first come first serve but way more sites. The lower site is where we stayed and literally had a waterfront site. The upper has HUGE SITES and is shaded better, but cant see the water. There was a picnic table and fire ring and vault toilets. Very clean and cant beat the view! We stayed in site #4, but all the waterfront sites were amazing. Sand bottom lake, and the park beach was a short walk from the site. Wish I could reserve, but def would go back.

This rustic campground is right on the ORV route. This means you can camp here and even ride in you Jeep or side by side right from camp.

I stayed here and rode dirt bikes from jere and swam in the lake afterwards. It was refreshing and there is a small sandy area to swim out of.

The lake is very peaceful and quiet. Great for kayaking or canoeing! There are no houses on the small lake and it is typically calm water.

The campground has vault toilets, camp fire rings, and picnic tables. The fee is $15 per night and is paid at the entrance.

There is a water pump here so fresh water is available. There is also a dumpster for your trash.

I will be coming back as it is easy to get to as well.

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.