Camping sites near Alpha, Michigan provide rustic and modern options within the Ottawa National Forest region. The area sits at approximately 1,400 feet elevation with typical Upper Peninsula temperature ranges of 70-80°F in summer and below freezing from November through April. Most campgrounds operate seasonally, closing when snow begins accumulating in late autumn.
What to do
Fishing access: Bewabic State Park Campground provides multiple fishing opportunities with boat access to Fortune Lake. "Nice shaded and level lots. I enjoyed the hiking trails. Grocery and hardware store is close by," notes one camper about the overall facilities.
Hiking trails: Several interconnected trail systems run through the region, with access points from multiple campgrounds. "We drove up and got in and had a nice stay, the sites were very big and the bathrooms were clean. Hiking trails, the only negative thing is the mosquitos, (wear bug spray)," advises a Bewabic visitor.
Swimming options: Pentoga Park Campground features a swimming beach on Chicagoan Lake with recreational structures. "They have a dock to jump off about 50' out, and another with a diving board about 200' out. There are trails and a lot of history to discover," shares a regular visitor.
What campers like
Private sites: Paint River Hills Campground offers campsites with varying levels of privacy. "We stayed in a cabin that was small and reasonably priced. The river is only a 5 min hike from the camp ground. The showers and bathroom facility were clean," reports one camper.
Clean facilities: Campground maintenance receives positive comments across multiple locations. At Chipmunk Rapids, "Clean pit toilet. Easy access to trails and area lakes. Could canoe the river if you want. Very quiet," says a fall visitor.
Water features: Natural water sources enhance many camping experiences in the region. "On the water. Lots of deer and turkeys. Heard wolves at night. It was great!" reports a Chipmunk Rapids visitor. Another unique feature is the artesian well at the campground entrance that attracts visitors even from other camping areas.
What you should know
Seasonal limitations: Most campgrounds operate from May through September or October, with varying closing dates. Paint River Hills runs May 15 to November 30, while Pentoga Park closes earlier on September 30.
Varying amenities: Facility quality differs significantly between campgrounds. About Camping in the Clouds, one camper notes: "Overall our stay was pleasant the campground is very rustic facilities on premise could definitely use some TLC. We stayed in a pull through site which was decent."
Wildlife awareness: The Upper Peninsula hosts various wildlife including wolves and bears. When camping at Perch Lake, remember that "There is no bear box and there definitely are bears (during one camping trip some hunters treed and shot a bear in the early morning and we saw them carrying it while hiking out) so you'll want to hang your food."
Tips for camping with families
Beach activities: Lake Emily Park Campground offers family-friendly facilities. "They have recently made improvements to the park area, which make it very kid friendly. The park also has a nice pavilion with picnic tables. Sites are spacious and spread out compared to other parks."
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature playground equipment for children. At Pentoga Park, "I went to Pentoga many years as a kid, always a good time. They have a decent playground and camp store, the beach is great for swimming and the lake for fishing."
Advance booking: Secure family-friendly sites early, especially for summer weekends. "Make your reservations far in advance. Like January 1st for that spring, summer or fall. The campground is within walking distance to beautiful Chicagoan Lake. Onsite laundry and small camp store."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: At Lost Lake Campground, "The campground is along the lake. You can choose a spot lakeside or more wooded. Some sites are reservable and others are first come first serve."
Water access points: RV campers should note water availability before arrival. "Pro tip: drive down the road to Chipmunk Rapids Campground and get your water at the artesian well. We got there just before the rush of other campers from Lost Lake."
Hookup options: Electric and water connections vary widely across area campgrounds. At Paint River Hills, campers note "Great campground $20 a nite with electric and water!!!!!Some have sewer. Beautiful walking trail along river. Quiet. Campsite for tents and RV."
