Best Tent Camping near Cheboygan, MI
Tent campgrounds dot the landscape surrounding Cheboygan, Michigan, offering varied settings for overnight wilderness stays. Ocqueoc Falls State Forest Campground features tent sites along the Ocqueoc River with access to Michigan's only handicap-accessible waterfall. Located approximately 25 miles south of Cheboygan, this rustic campground provides 14 sites with river access. De Cheau Lake offers primitive tent camping for those seeking more isolation, while Stoney Creek Trail Camp provides walk-in tent sites within the state forest system.
Ground conditions at tent campsites typically include minimally-graded dirt and forest floor surfaces with moderate tree cover. Most state forest campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-served basis with fees collected through an honor system box, typically around $20 per night. Vault toilets and hand-pump wells for drinking water are standard at established sites like Ocqueoc Falls, while dispersed areas such as De Cheau Lake require complete self-sufficiency. Michigan Recreation Passports are required for vehicle entry at most locations. Sites accommodate standard tent setups but offer minimal protection from weather conditions.
The camping experience varies significantly between established and primitive tent sites. At Ocqueoc Falls, campers appreciate the riverside positioning. One visitor noted, "These are rural campsites with outhouses and hand pump for water. We stayed at site 2 and had our own private path to the river behind our tent." Fall camping offers particular appeal with fewer crowds and striking foliage. Most tent sites provide basic fire rings and picnic tables, with Ocqueoc Falls offering access to a 7-mile trail system that follows the river downstream. Areas farther from main roads provide deeper seclusion, though sites can fill quickly during summer weekends and holidays. Cell service remains spotty throughout the region, particularly at more remote tent camping locations.
