Harrisville, Michigan sits along the western shores of Lake Huron at an elevation of 594 feet. The area experiences warm summers with average temperatures around 75°F and cold winters that drop to the mid-teens. The surrounding Huron National Forest creates diverse camping opportunities with sandy shorelines and wooded inland sites throughout the northeastern Lower Peninsula.
What to Do
Rock collecting along beaches: Tawas Point State Park's shoreline provides excellent rock hunting opportunities. "Nice open area big enough to put our 8 person tent. Picnic table and power! The Lake Huron is a stones throw to the East," writes Arron P. about the park's proximity to collecting areas.
Hiking through forest trails: Negwegon State Park Campground offers backcountry trails with lake views. "There are only 4 primitive sites at Negwegon which is a dark sky preserve. We had site #3. It is a little less than a 2 mile hike," notes Shawn M., highlighting the accessible trail system.
Kayaking the AuSable River: Paddling opportunities abound near camping areas. "The area around the park has several areas of interest including Lumbermans monument, iargo springs, and downtown Oscoda on lake Huron. It is on the banks of the Ausable river. Kayaking, boating, pontooning, fishing-all beautiful," reports Linda H. from Old Orchard Campground.
What Campers Like
Shallow swimming areas: Oscoda-Tawas KOA provides family-friendly water access near Lake Huron. "The beach is not on property but a close drive away and they do have a pool. Anything you need you can get at the camp store," writes Cassie, noting the convenience for swimmers.
Quiet off-season visits: Camping during shoulder seasons offers more solitude. "If you enjoy peace and quiet, DO NOT CAMP HERE. This park is off the chain with kids, bikes, animals, and noise!" warns Stephanie C. about Harrisville State Park during peak season, suggesting spring or fall visits for quieter experiences.
Dark sky viewing: Ossineke State Forest Campground offers excellent stargazing from lakefront sites. "About half the sites have waterfront access, beautiful beach, nice wooded sites. Picnic table, fire ring, nice outhouse, town not too far," reports Rachel K., with the wooded setting providing dark sky viewing.
What You Should Know
Site conditions vary seasonally: Water levels affect beach access and site quality. "We stayed here last year for Fourth of July weekend as well as this year, and we had a good time, but this year was not as enjoyable! First of all, site 129 and 130 are the two worst sites in the entire park. I do not recommend reserving either site. These sites are LOW and WET," reports a camper about changing conditions.
Train noise at some campgrounds: Be prepared for occasional nighttime disruptions. "The only complaint I have of this is that there is an active train track that goes through the front of the campground at the entrance. It came through at about 1:30am when I stayed," notes Mari T. about the Oscoda-Tawas KOA.
Water contamination concerns: Van Etten Lake State Forest Campground has specific water quality issues. "The water in the Lake is heavily contaminated with PFAS. There are warnings to not touch the foam that occurs on the shoreline of the lake. The boat launch looked nice," warns a recent visitor, emphasizing the importance of bringing drinking water.
Tips for Camping with Families
Playground facilities: Select campgrounds with dedicated play areas for children. "This campground has a playground and a paved pathway through the grounds to Rollerblade/bike on. Most sites come with a fire pit," writes Mark H. about Tawas Point State Park's family amenities.
Beach safety considerations: Jewell Lake Campground offers protected swimming areas ideal for children. "The lake has an island in the middle and is great to explore by boat. Not sure how much there is to do without watercraft, as there's just a really short trail," mentions Amber A., highlighting the calm waters.
Bike-friendly campgrounds: Look for paved paths where children can safely ride. "The park roads are paved, but most of them are so narrow that two cars have trouble passing each other, add five thousand kids and bikes and it is nerve wracking to drive through," cautions a reviewer about navigating busy roads during peak season.
Tips from RVers
Site selection guidance: Choose sites based on access and privacy needs. "Majority on the water side are tiny and are more suited for RV not a tent. I mean tiny!" warns Rachael D. about Harrisville's waterfront sites, suggesting inland sites for larger setups.
Utility placement challenges: Old Orchard Park Campground requires extra equipment for hookups. "Water and electric are poorly located. Need extra hose/cords," advises Tracey R., recommending campers bring extension cords and longer water hoses.
Cell service considerations: Coverage varies significantly between campgrounds. "I stayed here a few times in September 2022. The weather was really rainy but the lake is pretty and Oscoda has a lot of hiking and places to hang up a hammock and relax. It doesn't work for me if there's no cell service to work," notes a visitor about connectivity limitations for those needing to stay connected.
Legend
