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.
"First come first serve sites, a well with pump for water and clean vault toilets."
"There is adequate space between sites and ample shade, but you can still certainly tell if you have neighbors. Additionally, you can hear road noise from M-68."
"Nice little metro park for tent camping. Most sites are dispersed. You can pull your car up to the site for unpacking. Modern bathrooms and a snack shop on site."
"Island lake/Huron River Hudson Mills, Sturgeon River, Pine River MI. Also, Hiawasse River, TN"
$15 / night
"Manuer bunkers and solid poles for highline tying. Some cell phone reception but spotty."
"Lime Island Recreation Area is located in the St. Mary’s River at the very east end of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula."
$20 / night
"Small warm inland lake."
"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."
GuideGreat state forest campground. $15 per night can’t be beat. Sites are great for tents and RVs but no electricity. Hand pump wells for drinking water and vault toilets that are well kept. About 40 spots. All with picnic table and fire ring. Some are closer to the lake than others but good trails to get to the lake. Lake is perfect for swimming.
GuideWe 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.
TravelerStayed here in early June and had the pleasure of having the whole campground to ourselves. Sites are close to one another and has vaulted toilets. This is a beautiful campground with access to the water via boat launch but not easy access from a few sites. Most sites are wooded and provide great shade and wind protection. Can be quite buggy. We kayaked and enjoyed beautiful sunrises and sunsets to escape the bugs. I did come back later in the season, early August, and sites were packed with multiple tents per site, and kids were riding their bikes around the loop all evening. I like to camp more secluded and this was just too busy and loud for my liking. I ended up leaving and staying at hog island state forest campground that trip.
RangerWe camped here two nights in July. The campground is very easy to find and is an incredible location if you want to ferry over to Mackinac Island. It is convenient to groceries, restaurants and other amenities if interested. The park appears well maintained with three separate camping areas. We tent camp, and had one of the best sites in the park (in my opinion). Site 1A is in the lower East section of the campground. The site is only a tent site & it is HUGE! It was much more private than the other sites, located on the shore of Lake Huron & has a fantastic view of the Mackinac Bridge. There is a small beach area within the park, a one mile trail to a viewing platform of the bridge, and a playground. The bathrooms were clean. Our campsite had a standard picnic table and fire ring. Campsites were moderately priced, but a Michigan Recreation Pass is also required, as in all MI state parks, so it gets a little more pricey. If I was returning to the area, I would camp here again.
TravelerGot here the weekend it was closing for the season and aside from the beginning of duck season and the firing of lots of shotguns on my next to last morning here, it was a really peaceful place. Best sites 17, 26, 27 otherwise somebody will set up a tent right next to your van or tent. Good artesian well and very clean vault toilets in this small family campground. They sell firewood and have nice moveable picnic tables and lots of trash receptacles sprinkled about. Lovely sunrise views of Lake Huron. $15/night without electrical
LegendLime Island Recreation Area is located in the St. Mary’s River at the very east end of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. It sits in the middle of the river with Canada on one side and Michigan on the other. Raber, Michigan is the nearest shore town, 2 miles across the river. The only way to reach the park is by boat but there are no designated ferries, so the only way to reach it is by using your own boat or finding someone in the area with a boat willing to charter you and your gear. Non-motorized boats are not recommended due to the many freighters and choppy water conditions.
Overnight accommodations include six cabins that can sleep between four and seven guests each, as well as 10 tent sites on wooden platforms that look out over the river. The park is a favorite among fishermen, couples, and large families who like to rent out all the cabins for annual reunions.
A boat slip comes with your reservation. The island has limited electricity (solar-powered only) and no running water. Portable toilets are provided and there is a pump for a potable-water well. Cabin guests need to provide all their own gear, including sleeping and cooking supplies and equipment.
Approximately 7 miles of hiking trails traverse the island, providing guests the chance to wander, explore and possibly encounter wildlife. With so little human activity you never know what you’ll find.
One of the favorite pastimes of guests is sitting and watching the large Great Lakes freighters pass by at all hours of the day. They pass so close to the island you feel you could almost touch them. It’s quite a sight!
There's a ton of history on the island, some of which is still visible. According to the Michigan DNR, “Lime Island provides a significant representation of early 20th-century industrial and maritime history. The coal dock, fuel storage tanks, Quonset hut with bunker, fuel heating and pumping equipment, other supporting buildings, and scattered industrial equipment, provide a complete picture of the island’s use as a ship refueling depot. The schoolhouse, superintendent’s house (that was brought to the island by dragging it across the frozen river), cottages, and fruit trees remind visitors of island life for the workers that supported the depot.”
It's not an easy state park to reach, but if you can find a way to get there, the seclusion should make for some great camping on the tent platforms (or hanging out in the cabins if you're into that sort of thing.)
ScoutThis campground is exactly as it’s named; right on Lake Michigan.
While it is directly off of US-2 and road traffic is noticeable and slightly distracting while sleeping, it’s a perfect spot to set up camp for a day or two!
We reaeved a site on the road side of the grounds but after further exploration, a lake-side site is a must. Most had pathways to the beach, just a short walk to the water from the actual site.
Camp sites each had a fire ring and picnic table and rustic pit toilets were pretty well spaced out through the entire campground.
Would recommend if you’re just looking for a spot for some swimming! Bring earplugs for the trucks and traffic at night.
*** Newberry bear ranch is about 45 mins away and absolutely worth thr drive/money.
LegendRustic campground on Jackson lake. Very close to clear lake state park down the road. Vault toilets and each site comes with picnic table and fire ring.
ScoutAs others have said, if you like a campground off the beaten path, this is it. We live in the UP and use this campground frequently for day and overnight use.
Most visitors will likely head east on m-134 stop in Cedarville to grab provisions, gas and a snack there are a couple cute stores a bakery and ice cream in town.
The road to the campsites once you turn off m-134 is gravel/dirt and a bit windy, we usually tent camp so I am unsure how it feels to drive a trailer down it. Being so far off the road makes it a very quiet campground.
Bring cash or check and fill out your self-serve registration and pay for the site and if needed your Recreation Passport which is required.
Outer loop sites will keep you in the trees, sites closer to the water have trails that lead to the beach but access to the beach is reasonable for all sites at this campground. Plenty of sandy area to lay out and the water is clear and shallow.
Vault toilets, dumpster and hand pump water along with fire rings and picnic tables are the extent of the amenities at this campground, but if you come prepared it is more than enough.
On clear nights make sure to make your way our to the beach for some of the best stargazing!!
Tent camping around Cheboygan, Michigan centers on several state forest campgrounds with varied terrain and amenities. Located at the northern tip of Michigan's Lower Peninsula, this region features dense pine forests, inland lakes, and proximity to both Lake Huron and the Straits of Mackinac. Summer temperatures typically range from 60-80°F, while spring and fall bring cooler temperatures with overnight lows sometimes dropping to 40°F.
Waterfall swimming: At Ocqueoc Falls State Forest Campground, visitors can swim in Michigan's largest natural waterfall. "What's not to love? Only a few sites, but this campground has it all. Lots of space and wooded areas around you, good spots for hanging out in the hammocks, a private swimming hole in the river," notes Sarah B.
Kayaking nearby rivers: Sturgeon River offers paddling opportunities minutes from Sturgeon Valley Campground. "Judy is lovely. River access great. My favorite place to camp and kayak," writes Sue R. The campground provides direct river access for kayakers and canoeists.
Hiking trail systems: Multi-mile trail networks connect many campsites to natural features. "Campground connected to a pretty long hiking trail (not too difficult) with nice wildlife, lookouts, etc. Falls are small enough to allow people to play and swim in them," reports Dan N. about Ocqueoc Falls' 7-mile trail system.
Lake views: Campers at Ess Lake State Forest Campground appreciate the lakefront setting. "The beach is grass with sand once you get in the water. Small warm inland lake," shares Kayla B. This rustic campground offers multiple sites with direct lake access.
Wildlife encounters: Remote sites provide opportunities to observe local wildlife. At De Cheau Lake Camping, campers enjoy natural surroundings. "Feels more remote than it really is. Lots of room for multiple vehicles/sites... Beautiful lake, blessed by the Elk bugles nearby," reports J H.
Rustic amenities: Basic facilities satisfy campers seeking simplicity. "Amazing rustic campground. First come first serve sites, a well with pump for water and clean vault toilets," writes Laura about the facilities at Ocqueoc Falls State Forest Campground.
Campsite availability: Most state forest campgrounds operate on first-come, first-served basis with no reservations accepted. Arrive early, especially during summer weekends. "It's a popular campground in the summer and fall, so you'll likely have other campers around. There aren't that many sites... maybe 15 or 20 at the most," cautions Maria L.
Permit requirements: Michigan Recreation Passports are required for vehicle entry at most sites. "Posted on Southern entrance: Michigan Rec Passport Required," notes J H. about De Cheau Lake Camping. Non-Michigan residents can purchase daily or annual passes.
Rustic conditions: Stoney Creek Trail Camp offers minimal amenities typical of the region. "Nice little metro park for tent camping. Most sites are dispersed. You can pull your car up to the site for unpacking. Modern bathrooms and a snack shop on site," explains Christopher P.
Frequently Asked Questions
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According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Cheboygan, MI is Ocqueoc Falls State Forest Campground with a 4.8-star rating from 13 reviews.
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