Best Campgrounds near Onaway, MI

Campgrounds near Onaway, Michigan offer visitors diverse experiences in the northern Michigan forests. Most sites sit at elevations between 700-900 feet, with the area experiencing temperature swings from summer highs around 80°F to winter lows frequently below freezing. Fall brings vibrant color changes, typically peaking from late September through mid-October, with nighttime temperatures that can drop below 40°F even during summer months.

What to do

Hiking at Ocqueoc Falls: Walk the trail system connecting to Ocqueoc Falls State Forest Campground. The area features the only handicap-accessible waterfall in the country. According to Maria L., "It's not a difficult trail, and circles altogether about 7 miles or so with various loops for shorter hikes. It's cool because you get a mix of little ecosystems and different terrain and flora on various parts of the trail."

Swimming in natural waters: Lakes around Onaway offer sandy bottoms and clear water for swimming. At Clear Lake State Park Campground, "The lake is crystal clear and has beautiful turquoise waters. We were able to take the canoe out and were the only ones on the water that afternoon," shares Bill W.

Off-road vehicle trails: The Upper ORV area provides designated routes for motorized recreation. Jordan B. notes about Twin Lakes State Forest Campground, "Large forested sites. Lake with dock access. Quiet and pleasant during my stay."

What campers like

Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate the spacing at the best places to camp near Onaway. At Pigeon River State Forest Campground, Aaron T. mentions, "The sites are all great! Camp along the river if you can. Make sure you have all of your supplies before you arrive as the nearest town is 20+ minutes away."

Fall season camping: The area transforms with autumn colors. Dustin D. says about Onaway State Park Campground, "I would definitely recommend this place, especially in the fall because the trees changing colors really adds a nice element to this campground. The only thing to note was that our site, site 5, had a really rocky ground beneath the dirt which made it difficult to stake our tent down."

Night skies and wildlife: The region offers excellent stargazing opportunities with minimal light pollution. Rebekah J. reports from Twin Lakes State Forest Campground, "There were plenty of Loons that made noise around midnight every night but other than that it was pretty quiet."

What you should know

Cell service limitations: Most campgrounds have limited connectivity. In Pigeon River State Forest, Halie C. warns, "Also, there is no cell service." Similarly, at Clear Lake, campers note service is spotty at best.

Water shutoff dates: Most campgrounds turn off water in fall. This typically happens by mid-October, so late-season campers should bring their own.

First-come, first-served sites: Some of the top camping near Onaway requires no reservations. Sarah B. shares about Ocqueoc Falls, "What's not to love? Only a few sites, but this campground has it all. Lots of space and wooded areas around you, good spots for hanging out in the hammocks, a private swimming hole in the river."

Tips for camping with families

Beach access considerations: Some beaches are more family-friendly than others. Ann D. notes about Onaway State Park, "The playground offers two swing sets and a small slide. The bathrooms near playground and boat launch are very old. Main bathrooms are nicer."

Tick precautions: Northern Michigan forests have ticks, especially in early summer. Ian R. reports from Pigeon River, "The only problem with this hike was the insane amount of ticks."

Shallow water areas: Look for designated swimming spots with gradual entry. At Hoeft State Park Campground, Rose M. mentions, "Shallow in parts for the kids but deep enough to snorkel for pudding stones. Rock hounds will delight in the fossil, Petoskeys and puddings along the shoreline."

Tips from RVers

Site selection for larger rigs: Upper campgrounds typically accommodate bigger vehicles. At Clear Lake State Park, Ann D. notes, "There is an upper and lower area, the upper is for larger units and has more space per site."

Electric hookup limitations: Many sites offer only 30-amp service or less. Be prepared with adapters if your RV requires 50-amp.

Dump station availability: Not all campgrounds provide dump stations. Joshua M. shares about Ocqueoc Falls, "We fit our small travel trailer easily into a fairly level lot. The lack of big rigs makes for a generally laid back and quiet atmosphere - a certain plus."