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Best Campgrounds near Hale, MI

440 Reviews

Camping options around Hale, Michigan include established campgrounds and dispersed sites within the Huron-Manistee National Forest. The Rollways Campground, located directly in Hale, provides tent and RV sites along the AuSable River with access to hiking trails and scenic viewpoints. Nearby Monument Campground in Oscoda offers paved sites with vault toilets, while Alcona Park in South Branch features more developed amenities including cabins, electric hookups, and shower facilities. The region encompasses both rustic camping areas with minimal facilities and modern campgrounds with full hookups.

Access to camping areas varies seasonally, with most developed campgrounds operating from May through September. The Rollways Campground specifically operates from May 20 to September 6, while Alcona Park has a longer season from April 15 to December 1. "This is one of my favorite campgrounds in Michigan. The sites are big, most are well shaded. There is a steep but walkable trail down to the ausable river, there is also some nice walking trails to various view points," noted one visitor about Rollways Campground. Road conditions generally remain passable for standard vehicles, though some forest service roads may require higher clearance during wet periods. Cell service can be spotty throughout the region, particularly in more remote camping areas within the national forest.

Waterfront access represents a significant draw for campers in the Hale area, with sites along the AuSable River receiving particularly positive reviews. Several campgrounds provide direct water access for fishing, kayaking, and canoeing opportunities. According to reviews from The Dyrt, the Rollways Campground location across from a canoe rental business allows campers to "walk back to your site after a day on the river." Campers frequently mention the peaceful atmosphere and natural surroundings as highlights of their stays. The proximity to both river recreation and Lake Huron beaches (approximately 30 minutes east) provides diverse water-based activities. Forest camping areas offer more seclusion, while the established campgrounds typically provide amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets at minimum.

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Best Camping Sites Near Hale, Michigan (155)

    1. Devoe Lake Rustic Campround — Rifle River Recreation Area

    12 Reviews
    Lupton, MI
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (989) 473-2258

    "This here 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."

    "Rifle River Recreation Area is located directly east of Houghton Lake within the AuSable State Forest, near the city of Lupton.

    The RRRA offers several camping areas within its borders."

    2. Tawas Point State Park Campground

    23 Reviews
    Tawas City, MI
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (989) 362-5041

    $20 - $50 / night

    "There's some walking trails here, the lighthouse is a close walk/bike from anywhere in the park. Getting to town is a few minute drive, or a very long bike ride on the road."

    "Always packed, very little cover, but surrounded by memorable beaches, walking trails, and not far from town (if you feel the need to be a tourist)."

    3. Rollways Campground

    4 Reviews
    Hale, MI
    6 miles
    Website

    $15 / night

    "This is one of my favorite campgrounds in Michigan. The sites are big, most are well shaded."

    "We brought our own kayaks and spent the day at on loud lake which was about a 15 min drive away. There were plenty of vault toilets which were very clean and water stations."

    4. Huron-Manistee National Forest

    9 Reviews
    Brethren, MI
    14 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."

    5. Alcona Park

    9 Reviews
    Glennie, MI
    14 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."

    6. Lumberman's Monument Visitor Center

    5 Reviews
    Sand Lake, MI
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (989) 362-8961

    $15 - $30 / night

    "Hike to the nearby monument and attend one of their educational programs, visit the museum, take the steps down to the floating shanty, or visit the small store."

    "This is a nice campground that butts up with the Lumberman’s Memorial park with a trail leading to the AuSable sand dune. Campsites are paved with fire pits and picnic tables."

    7. Monument Campground

    4 Reviews
    Sand Lake, MI
    10 miles
    Website

    $15 - $30 / night

    "Large sites with easy access to water and vault toilets. $15 a night. Not many people and half the sites are first come first served (easy to get a site in the middle of the week)."

    "Near a lot of recreation, including Lumbermans Monument, the paddlers memorial, and the lovely Ausable River. Minutes away from Oscoda and Lake Huron."

    8. Northern Bear Paw RV Park

    3 Reviews
    Sand Lake, MI
    8 miles
    Website
    +989362800009

    $40 - $50 / night

    "With a soothing creek whispering in the background of our campsite, we set our camper up for a two week adventure in this northwestern part of Michigan."

    "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."

    9. Grousehaven Campground — Rifle River Recreation Area

    4 Reviews
    Lupton, MI
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (989) 473-2258

    "Right on Grousehaven lake with a small beach and playground and a large open grassy area for kids and dogs to to run."

    "But the beach was nice as were the trails. Once in the camp itself, we loved how much better it was than Tawas. It's more spread out and I didn't feel like people were staring at me."

    10. Spruce Rustic Campground — Rifle River Recreation Area

    3 Reviews
    Lupton, MI
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (989) 473-2258

    "I wish I would have picked a different spot as I was right next to the bathroom but it was fine. Plenty of fire wood around the collect with access to trials and the river."

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Recent Camping Photos near Hale, MI

185 Photos of 155 Hale Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Hale, MI

440 Reviews of 155 Hale Campgrounds

Guide to Hale

Camping near Hale, Michigan, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and a variety of campgrounds to choose from. Whether you're looking for a rustic experience or a more modern setup, there's something for everyone.

What to do:

  • Explore the lakes: Many campgrounds, like Harrisville State Park Campground, provide access to Lake Huron. One camper mentioned, "Loved being right by the water, and bathrooms were so clean."
  • Hiking and biking: Trails are available at places like Tawas Point State Park Campground. A visitor noted, "Not a huge park, but complete with bike and walk/jog trails."
  • Fishing: Campgrounds such as Au Sable River Primitive Camping are great for fishing. One happy camper said, "The perfect morning and evening view of the river."

What campers like:

  • Privacy: Campers appreciate the spacious sites at Ambrose Lake State Forest Campground. A reviewer shared, "Spacious, quiet, relaxing... The site was easy to find, spacious, and had adequate distancing from other campers."
  • Clean facilities: Many campgrounds, like Old Orchard Park Campground, are noted for their cleanliness. One visitor remarked, "Bathrooms are clean, but very outdated and run down."
  • Friendly staff: Campers often mention the helpfulness of staff at places like Pinconning County Park. A reviewer said, "Staff was very friendly upon check-in."

What you should know:

  • Noise levels: Some campgrounds have strict quiet hours. A camper at Harrisville State Park Campground experienced issues with noise, stating, "We were warned about being too loud and that he could hear us from four or five sites down."
  • Limited amenities: Campgrounds like Au Sable River Primitive Camping have few amenities. One camper noted, "They only have a fire ring, no picnic tables or bathrooms."
  • Crowded weekends: Popular spots like Tawas Point State Park Campground can get busy. A visitor mentioned, "It can get really packed here on weekends."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose family-friendly sites: Look for campgrounds with amenities for kids, like playgrounds. A camper at Pinconning County Park said, "It has a nice beach and playground area that had very few people when we were there."
  • Plan for activities: Make sure to have a list of activities to keep everyone entertained. One family enjoyed the trails at Rifle River Campground, stating, "Lots to do if you're into exploring."
  • Pack for bugs: Be prepared for mosquitoes, especially in wooded areas. A visitor at Ambrose Lake State Forest Campground mentioned, "The campground is very buggy."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check site sizes: Some campgrounds have tight spaces. A reviewer at Tawas Point State Park Campground noted, "Can feel a little tight on some spaces, especially if your neighbor sprawls over the lines."
  • Book early: Popular campgrounds fill up fast, especially on weekends. A camper at Rifle River Campground advised, "If you book at the right time, you can get a spot right by the river."
  • Bring extra cords: Some sites may have poorly located water and electric hookups. A visitor at Old Orchard Park Campground mentioned, "Water and electric are poorly located. Need extra hose/cords."

Camping near Hale, Michigan, has its ups and downs, but with the right preparation, you can have a great time enjoying the outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Hale, MI?

According to TheDyrt.com, Hale, MI offers a wide range of camping options, with 155 campgrounds and RV parks near Hale, MI and 3 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Hale, MI?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Hale, MI is Devoe Lake Rustic Campround — Rifle River Recreation Area with a 4.6-star rating from 12 reviews.

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

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

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