Campgrounds near Curran, Michigan sit within the Huron-Manistee National Forests region, characterized by sandy soils and rolling hills at elevations between 700-1,200 feet. Summer temperatures typically range from 65-85°F with higher humidity levels, while winter camping requires preparation for temperatures that often drop below freezing. Cell service throughout the area varies significantly, with stronger signals near larger towns like Mio and Oscoda.
What to do
Fishing access: At Au Sable River Primitive Camping, sites are positioned along a 50-mile stretch of the AuSable River with excellent fishing opportunities. "Fishing was excellent. Sunsets and sunrises were great. Our site had lots of shade and space," reports one camper who visited with family.
Golf getaways: Thunder Bay Golf and RV Resort combines camping with golf access, offering packages that include both camping and tee times. "There are several packages including camping and golf (if that's what you enjoy) and at times you can take a horse drawn Elk tour or participate in a Murder Mystery weekend," notes a visitor who appreciated the peaceful setting.
Kayaking trips: Many campsites provide direct river access for paddling adventures. "We absolutely love camping here weather it's in a tent, hammock or RV. Plenty of trails and fishing," shares a regular visitor to Au Sable River Primitive Camping. Boat launches at several locations allow for day trips on the river.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Northern Bear Paw RV Park receives consistent praise for its generous camping areas. "The campsites are nicely laid out with comfortable amenities. With a soothing creek whispering in the background of our campsite, we set our camper up for a two week adventure," writes one reviewer who enjoyed the peaceful setting.
Natural surroundings: Several campgrounds maintain their natural forest setting. "Pine trees left intact. It's sits on the Au Gres River trail to the river with seating, picnic table and fire pit. The grounds are immaculate. Very peaceful setting," notes a visitor to Northern Bear Paw RV Park.
Waterfront options: Many rv sites near Curran, Michigan offer water views. At Alcona Park, campers appreciate the lake access. "We have been coming here for years, many years. We love the staff and most of the neighboring campers. The lots are huge," shares a recurring visitor who values the lakeside camping experience.
What you should know
Reservation timelines: While some campgrounds accept last-minute bookings, popular rv campsites near Curran require advance planning. "You can make reservations for the campground starting April 1st via telephone; however they do not answer the phone as they are busy helping the seasonal campers get their sites," explains one Alcona Park visitor.
Rustic camping conditions: Primitive sites often lack basic amenities. At Au Sable River Primitive Camping, "There is no potable water so bring a filter, no toilets so bring a shovel, and it is pack-in pack-out. There was a campfire ring at the site," advises a camper who visited the area.
Site accessibility: Some riverfront locations have challenging terrain. "Our site was situated with a fairly steep slope to the river which was challenging but not impossible," notes one Au Sable River camper. At Campers Cove RV Park, sites are more level and accommodate larger rigs.
Tips for camping with families
Children's activities: Campers Cove offers numerous family-friendly amenities. "Some great things include: putt putt, most sites are on water, there is a fishing pond, a camp store, nice workers, they pick up trash at the camp sites," shares a visitor who hosted a multi-family camping trip.
Equipment rentals: Several campgrounds provide on-site recreation equipment. "There are bikes, pontoons, kayaks, canoes and much for that can be rented and is pretty inexpensive. They also have putt putt golf which costs us 1.50 per person," notes a father who camped with four children under age 8 at Campers Cove.
Site selection for safety: When camping with young children, consider terrain. "It was a bit stressful as our site had a significant drop off to the river below. This meant we were constantly chasing our crazy kid to ensure he didn't take a tumble down. There are sites with a much less significant drop off," warns a parent who camped at Oscoda County Park with a toddler.
Tips from RVers
WiFi access: Internet connectivity has improved at some locations. At Campers Cove, "The internet speeds were around 3 Mbps download and 1 Mbps upload. We teamed up with Spectrum to revamp their old television cable system to strictly a broadband internet delivery. We have 3 separate networks now, each with 600 Mbps capability," reports a seasonal camper involved with the upgrade.
Campsite navigation: When selecting rv sites near Curran, Michigan, consider access constraints. "We were worried about being able to maneuver the trees with our 42 ft coach but no worries! The camp host is very helpful and guided us to our site," shares a visitor to Thunder Bay Golf and RV Resort who traveled in a large motorhome.
Dump station availability: Not all campgrounds offer full sanitation services. At Cedar Valley RV Park, there's no dump station available, while most others in the area provide this essential service for longer stays.
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