222 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Luzerne, Michigan is surrounded by multiple forested campgrounds offering diverse lodging options from primitive tent sites to full-hookup RV spots. The Huron National Forest provides the backdrop for several camping areas, including Luzerne Express Campground and nearby state forest campgrounds. Tent sites, RV hookups, and rustic cabins are available throughout the region. Most campgrounds remain open from April through October, though some like Au Sable River Primitive Camping operate year-round. Visitors to the area can find both drive-in access and boat-in opportunities, particularly along the Au Sable River, which serves as a natural corridor through the region.
Seasonal considerations heavily influence camping in the Luzerne area, with many state forest campgrounds closing after October. Winter camping options are more limited but available at select locations like Oscoda County Park, which provides cabins and operates through December 1st. Roads to dispersed sites may become difficult to navigate during spring thaw or following heavy rainfall. Drinking water availability varies significantly between developed and primitive sites, with many forest campgrounds offering only vault toilets and hand pumps. The region features several campgrounds specifically designed for ORV and ATV enthusiasts, providing direct trail access. One camper noted that "the area is a trail riders Mecca. From horseback riding to ATVs. There are horse pens available at the campground for overnight horse camping as well at a very reasonable rate."
Waterfront camping receives consistently high ratings from visitors, particularly sites along Lake Huron and the Au Sable River. Canoe harbors and boat-in campsites create unique access points throughout the region. Several state forest campgrounds like Rainbow Bend and Canoe Harbor provide designated canoe camping areas. More developed options like Oscoda County Park offer electric hookups, showers, and sanitary dump stations for RVs. The primitive sites tend to be more peaceful and secluded, with many featuring direct water access. A visitor described one area as "secluded, has an outhouse and bear food locker. Most impressive though is the short walk from camp to the amazing Lake Michigan beach shore." Campers appreciate the mix of forested sites and waterfront access, with many reviewers highlighting the fishing opportunities and natural beauty of the region.
"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."
from $10 / night
Check Availability"Access to the river was good and the sites were a decent size with privacy in between. We enjoyed walking some of the nearby trails"
"The access to the river is fantastic, with multiple trails and access points easily accessible with a short walk. The facilities are well maintained and spaced out well throughout the camp."
from $15 / night
Check Availability"Love this park, right down the street from our family cabin and you get the best views of the Au Sauble river for miles around."
"There are a few sites on the lake and a boat launch. Sites have tables, pits and trees. They are also well separated with trees. Pretty easy access to the campground and the place was clean."
"Nice rustic campground located just north of west branch. No showers, privy is is decent shape. Not the worst not the best. Several lake front sites to choose from with excellent views."
"I stayed here and rode dirt bikes from jere and swam in the lake afterwards. It was refreshing and there is a small sandy area to swim out of. The lake is very peaceful and quiet."
"Lake is cute and ORV trails were great."
from $20 / night
Check Availability"We were able to get a site right on the lake. The Beaver loop sites have a hand pump available for water. The warbler loop has a spout on what must be pump house next to the host's site."
"we like rustic and not too many people and to be near a lake."
from $15 / night
Check Availability"After a short mile or so hike over a mostly level sandy trail you'll reach to the campground. It's located in a part of the forest with lots of ridges."
"Short backpacking walk to this no-reservations rustic campsite. You need a backcountry permit and there’s usually a small fee. Lovely forested secluded tent sites."
"If you like to rough it, but be able to drive to your campground, this is your place. Get back to nature here with no running water or electric."
"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."
"Great location and our site had a nice shortcut through the woods that exited by the lake and bathrooms."
from $20 / night
Check Availability"A few trails walking distance from the campground. The old growth trail is beautiful and really well maintained. The trees are crazy TALL."
"Some full hookups, unusual for Michigan state parks that I’ve seen."
from $44 - $100 / night
Check Availability
GuideOver 200 camping spots and only 1 centralized bathroom/shower building. Limited beach access for those not on beach front sites. Not worth staying here unless you want to be surrounded and jammed in with other campers.
ScoutEvidently we are too loud for all the other guests at 8:00 at night so the park rangers had to come up and quiet us down three times and we barely have the radio even up where we could hear it in our campsite they take care of the whine bags there that's for sure
ScoutIf you're looking for a family oriented campground, look no further. From the park to play in for the kids and the heated pool, to the large fields and trails, you'll find entertainment to fill your days. Visit the wishing tree or porcupine tree. Swing on your trail adventure. The owners are delightful.
ScoutStandard camping affair. Many of the spots are sloped, so be careful when choosing your spot.
GuideThis was our overall third visit in the last 4 years to this campground. The last visit was 2 years ago and we had friends visit and do the 6hr tubing ride with us and that ultimately got them into camping and willing to spend the weekend with us at this campground.
We've always been in the "rustic" area more towards the "adult/party" side of the campground, but not to scare anyone there was NOT an over abundance of loud music, or shenanigans. Everyone was pretty calmed down by 11-12.
Some of the upgrades from years past included shelving, hooks, small benches in the public shower areas (don't have to pay for shower access) water was always warm and the showers were always clean.
The store contained anything you'd need if you forget something at home, including water shoes for tubing, firewood, ice, etc.
We did the 6hr tubing trip, left at 11am and got back to the campground around 4:30. Theres more than enough locations along the tubing trip to stop and eat off to the side. The river is very shallow at some points, id say ankle deep and deep at some points, maybe 8+ ft in spots, but most of the time it was knee deep.
The staff is great, they drive around periodically and pick up trash if you leave it in bags along the driving paths, theres a security team at all hours, etc.
Cell service isn't the best, however they do offer wifi ($20 for multiple devices/week). The wifi would go in/out at times though
Overall this is one of my favorite campsites and will return next year.
GuideStayed a few nights here. Great site right in the river. Rented tubes and floated the river down to our campsite. All of the amenities. Definitely a busy place on weekends but a little calmer through the week.
ScoutTons of fishing spots and trails around to ride. We come every summer with kids and they love to fish and head into town and find things to do. Its a rustic campground so no hookup. You do have to scan a code when arriving or call the state park office to get a permit before you set up! This was new to us this year but wasnt too hard to get done! We have a 30 ft 5th wheel and we fit beautifully on site 29. Most sites seem to have a small fishing access along the water and some sort of view of the water.
ScoutThis dispersed camping free no hookups no water there are porta potties out here can't say what condition they are in I didn't look I'm boondocking in an 26 ft RV it's very pretty area lots of camping spots big enough for an RV I would say at least 45 ft roads to get in here are dirt the road actually leading down to the camp is not to bad not very wide I have a 26 ft class C RV and just as you get to the camp there is a large Sandy area I wouldn't come down here after a downpour there's camping spots in the woods, there's also an open area where you can get lots of Sunshine if you got solar. It's about 9- 10 miles East of Mio, Michigan. On Google Maps they refer to as a horse camp.
TravelerNice clean campground with modern bathrooms and showers. Plenty of shade and great views of Otsego Lake. Beach access and boat launch right in the park.
Camping near Luzerne, Michigan offers extensive ORV and ATV trail access with direct connections to campgrounds throughout the region. Situated at approximately 1,100 feet elevation, this area contains numerous small inland lakes within the Huron National Forest. Summer temperatures average 75-80°F during day, dropping to 50-60°F at night, making sleeping comfortable even without air conditioning.
ORV trail riding: Access trails directly from Meadows ORV Campground with connections to surrounding towns. "There is also a direct 9 mile trail into closest town with a gas station/campground that offers 2$ showers, laundry, beer and cheap but good all you can eat breakfast buffet on weekends!"
Kayaking small lakes: Ambrose Lake State Forest Campground provides calm water access for beginners. "The lake is small but good for kayak & paddle boarding. Areas of sand but fairly murky. We swam and floated for a few hours in tubes."
Fishing: Multiple locations offer different fishing environments from lakes to rivers. "This is a great place to use as a fish camp. It on the south branch of the Au Sable River. Many things to do."
Hiking: Trail networks connect many campgrounds, ranging from short walks to multi-day options. "We enjoyed walking some of the nearby trails" through wooded areas with varied terrain and wildlife viewing opportunities.
River access: Au Sable River Primitive Camping sites provide direct water entry points. "Beautiful spots, nicely spaced, right on the water. Ranger stopped in to say hey each day. I plan on going back before it gets too busy."
Site privacy: Many campgrounds feature well-spaced sites with natural buffers. "Campsites were spacious and had nice stands of trees in between to provide privacy. Fire rings had a great design."
Swimming opportunities: Natural sand beaches at select locations provide safe entry points. "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."
Night sounds: Natural soundscapes enhance the camping experience. "Night sounds are so relaxing" with minimal light pollution allowing for excellent stargazing at most sites throughout the region.
Water availability: Canoe Harbor State Forest Campground and similar rustic sites have limited facilities. "Vault toilets were kept clean and stocked. Paths from campsites connect to the Au Sable and to hiking trails."
Road conditions: Access to more remote sites requires preparation. "The dirt road from the hwy to the campground is really-really rough.. drive slow."
Winter closures: Most campgrounds operate seasonally from April through October. The more developed Oscoda County Park remains open until December 1st with heated cabin options available.
Cell service: Coverage varies significantly between locations. "Verizon = 3-4 bars 5G" at Au Sable River Primitive Camping, but service can be non-existent at more remote locations.
Site reservations: Many forest campgrounds operate on first-come, first-served basis. "Find you site and register at the gate. Good sized sites with privacy."
Kid-friendly water access: Look for gradual entry points at Devoe Lake Rustic Campground for safer swimming. "Our site had a nice shortcut through the woods that exited by the lake and bathrooms."
Educational opportunities: Several campgrounds offer ranger programs during summer months. "The kids tossed on their PFD's and floated the river from the bridge to our site. You could hear them having a great time."
Safety considerations: Select sites with appropriate terrain for your children's ages. "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."
Wildlife viewing: Multiple locations offer opportunities to spot local animals. "We were fortunate enough to see mink, beaver, muskrat, loons, eagle, osprey and three swan...so it was a treasure trove for us."
Site selection: Muskrat Lake State Forest Campground accommodates various RV sizes but preparation is essential. "There are no lights or hookups so you need to bring a generator for electricity. There also aren't any people working here regularly so make sure you are prepared for anything that might happen."
Electrical options: Electric service varies between 20-50 amp connections when available. "At the moment they have 50 or 20 amp power, so you will need a 15 or 50 adapter to use 30 amp service. No water at camp sites, but they have a water fill station."
Leveling requirements: Sites typically require some adjustment. "Nice and level site. Well maintained grounds, with a fire pit and picnic table."
Dump station access: Limited facilities mean planning ahead for longer stays. "More developed options like Oscoda County Park offer electric hookups, showers, and sanitary dump stations for RVs."
Frequently Asked Questions
What outdoor activities can you enjoy when camping in Luzerne, Michigan?
The Luzerne area is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Trail riding is extremely popular, with the region serving as a hub for horseback riding, ATV, and snowmobile trails. The surrounding forests and waterways provide excellent opportunities for hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Near Luzerne, Devoe Lake Rustic Campground in the Rifle River Recreation Area offers easy access to trails, lakes, and river activities. For water recreation, De Cheau Lake Camping provides a secluded lakefront experience where you can enjoy swimming, fishing, and paddling. During winter months, the area transforms for snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and ice fishing.
What camping facilities are available at Luzerne Michigan campground?
Luzerne Express Campground & RV offers comprehensive facilities for campers of all preferences. The campground features a variety of sites including RV spots with hookups and cabins that are available year-round, making winter camping accessible. The staff is known for being friendly and helpful. For those seeking alternatives near Luzerne, Tomahawk Lake State Forest Campground provides a more rustic experience with first-come, first-served sites. This campground borders Tomahawk Lake and is surrounded by Atlanta State Forest Area, offering a more primitive camping experience with basic amenities like fire rings and vault toilets.
Where is Luzerne Michigan located and how do I get there?
Luzerne is a small community located in northeastern Michigan's Oscoda County, nestled in the picturesque Au Sable River Valley. It's approximately 20 miles east of Mio and about 60 miles southwest of Alpena. To reach Luzerne, take I-75 to West Branch, then follow M-33 north, or take US-23 along Lake Huron and connect via M-65 or F-41. The area is home to Luzerne Express Campground & RV, making it a great base for exploring this region of Michigan's northern forest lands. Several state forests surround the area, providing easy access to outdoor recreation.
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