Best Campgrounds near Curran, MI

Campgrounds near Curran, Michigan include a mix of established and dispersed sites within the Huron-Manistee National Forests. Horseshoe Lake Campground offers tent and RV camping with amenities like drinking water, fire rings, and picnic tables. The area features several state forest campgrounds, rustic sites, and primitive camping areas along waterways. Alcona Park provides more developed options with electric hookups, showers, and cabin accommodations approximately 5 miles southeast of Curran. The region includes both drive-in access campgrounds and hike-in or boat-in sites for those seeking more remote experiences.

Camping in this area typically runs from April through November, with some sites closing during winter months. Road conditions vary throughout the region, with some campgrounds accessible via paved roads while others require travel on forest service roads. "This is one of my favorite campgrounds in Michigan. The facilities are clean and kept up. All access to trails, lakes and the river are close and easy to get to," noted one camper about a nearby recreation area. The Huron-Manistee National Forests permit dispersed camping with specific regulations regarding stay limits and fire restrictions. Cell service can be limited in more remote areas, particularly in the densely forested sections between campgrounds. Weather conditions change rapidly near Lake Huron, with cooler temperatures persisting even during summer months.

Waterfront camping receives consistently high ratings from visitors to the region. Several campgrounds provide direct access to lakes or the Au Sable River, making them popular for fishing, kayaking, and swimming. Based on reviews from The Dyrt, campers particularly value the clean beaches and clear water at many of the area's lakes. Primitive sites along the Au Sable River offer more seclusion but require boat access in some cases. The combination of forest and water access creates diverse camping experiences throughout the region. Campgrounds closer to Harrisville and Oscoda tend to fill more quickly during summer weekends, while interior forest sites often remain available even during peak season. Wildlife viewing opportunities include deer, turkey, and various bird species throughout the camping areas.

Best Camping Sites Near Curran, Michigan (165)

    1. Huron-Manistee National Forest

    9 Reviews
    Brethren, MI
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 775-2421

    $10 - $14 / night

    "River Trail."

    "We walked this trail for 5 days and 4 nights. Cell service was spotty, which was the goal. Lots of wildlife and great views. You need to carry everything out that you carry in."

    2. Alcona Park

    9 Reviews
    Glennie, MI
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (989) 735-3881

    $16 - $30 / night

    "I had cabin #3, very beautiful on the lake. Wish they had a grate to cook some things, however I failed to bring my own. It made do with what I had."

    "This is a great campground and very close to canoe rentals. They pick up trash right at your site! Also, buy the wood from the people driving around."

    3. Au Sable River Primitive Camping

    11 Reviews
    Mio, MI
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (989) 362-8961

    $10 / night

    "The absolute BEST campsite I have ever camped at in Michigan! The perfect morning and evening view of the river. Directly across from the best fishing spot and shoreline to soak up the summer sun."

    "You are surrounded by forest and dunes and the sites themselves provide ample space for a group of 5 or more."

    4. Hoist/Reid Lake Areas

    3 Reviews
    Curran, MI
    4 miles

    "The trail is only about 8 miles but it would be easy to spend a day next to the water or a little inland."

    "Trail is easy enough and there are so many different spots to camp along the way. It is foot travel only and most sites are a decent hike to get to."

    5. Jewell Lake Campground

    4 Reviews
    Barton City, MI
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 775-2421

    $15 / night

    "Gorgeous area right on Jewell lake. Walking distance from Barton City. Sites have nice privacy between them. Utilized the grill on the fire ring alot Privy was well kept."

    "Relatively quiet and secluded, Jewell Lake campground resides in the Huron-manistee National Forest."

    6. Reid Lake Foot Travel Area

    2 Reviews
    Barton City, MI
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 745-4631

    "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."

    "This is not a drive-up campground."

    7. Gabions Campground — Huron Manistee National Forests

    2 Reviews
    Curran, MI
    7 miles
    +1 (989) 826-3252

    $10 / night

    "Though a few have the Shore to Shore trail going right through them. But there is access to the river. While I was there, it was peaceful, clean and easily accessible."

    8. Harrisville State Park Campground

    29 Reviews
    Harrisville, MI
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (989) 724-5126

    $28 - $74 / night

    "Fire ring located near back corner... away from your awning. Path behind site makes for short walk to the beach."

    "Great wooded campground on the shores of Lake Huron. Great beach with sand and rocks. Once you’re out in about 2 feet of water it becomes all sand for as far as you can go."

    9. Horseshoe Lake Campground

    1 Review
    Glennie, MI
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (989) 735-3580

    "Walk down lake access at our site. Rustic toilets and shared water pump. No houses on the lake other than one that is being built. National forest campground means only $10.00 per night."

    10. McKinley Horse Trail Campground

    1 Review
    Mio, MI
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 821-6263

    "This place is amazing if you just like to get away from everything. Surrounded by Huron and rarely many people there. Tons of privacy and more land to roam than you'll be able to."

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Showing results 1-10 of 165 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Curran, MI

484 Reviews of 165 Curran Campgrounds



Guide to Curran

Camping near Curran, Michigan, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor fun. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a family-friendly adventure, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Biking: Enjoy the trails at Harrisville State Park Campground. One reviewer mentioned, "Not a huge park, but complete with bike and walk/jog trails, access to Harrisville, which is quite lovely."
  • Fishing: The lakes around Tawas Point State Park Campground are great for fishing. A visitor shared, "You can climb a lighthouse and look out 30+ miles. Two swimming beaches. Dog beach."
  • Beach Access: Many campgrounds, like Ossineke State Forest Campground, provide access to Lake Huron. One camper noted, "Most are well spaced and offer lots of privacy. Many sites offer lake front access."

What campers like:

  • Privacy: Campers appreciate the spacious sites at Ossineke State Forest Campground. A reviewer said, "Most are well spaced and offer lots of privacy."
  • Clean Facilities: Many visitors enjoy the cleanliness of the restrooms at Tawas Point State Park Campground. One camper mentioned, "It is very nice and extremely clean."
  • Scenic Views: Campers love the beautiful surroundings at Ambrose Lake State Forest Campground. A review stated, "Beautiful sites with private, wooded locations or sunset, lake views."

What you should know:

  • Quiet Hours: Many campgrounds enforce quiet hours. A visitor at Harrisville State Park Campground shared a frustrating experience with noise complaints, saying, "We were talking normally or slightly quieter because the campground has a 10 pm quiet curfew."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Au Sable River Primitive Camping, have very few amenities. A camper noted, "They only have a fire ring, no picnic tables or bathrooms."
  • Crowded on Weekends: Expect busy weekends at popular spots like Tawas Point State Park Campground. One reviewer mentioned, "It can get really packed here on weekends."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like Clear Lake State Park Campground, which has amenities for kids. A visitor said, "There’s electricity, full bathrooms with showers, private beach access."
  • Plan Activities: Bring bikes for the trails or fishing gear for the lakes. One family at Ambrose Lake State Forest Campground enjoyed, "Several ATV trails with direct access to sites!"
  • Pack Snacks: Keep snacks handy for the kids. A camper at Harrisville State Park Campground mentioned, "We collected some kindle/branches that were ON THE GROUND."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Tawas Point State Park Campground noted, "Sites feel close and everyone was very nosey."
  • Be Prepared for Tight Roads: Some campgrounds have narrow roads. A visitor at Tawas Point State Park Campground warned, "Big rigs, note that the roads can be tight."
  • Book Early: Popular campgrounds fill up fast, especially on weekends. A camper at Ambrose Lake State Forest Campground advised, "Not somewhere you can just pay for on spot because it’s in the rifle river recreation area."

Camping near Curran, Michigan, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Curran, MI?

According to TheDyrt.com, Curran, MI offers a wide range of camping options, with 165 campgrounds and RV parks near Curran, MI and 3 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Curran, MI?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Curran, MI is Huron-Manistee National Forest with a 5-star rating from 9 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Curran, MI?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 free dispersed camping spots near Curran, MI.