Camping options around Onaway, Michigan sit within the rolling hills and mixed forests of northern Michigan at roughly 700 feet elevation. The area experiences warm summers with temperatures averaging 75-80°F and cold winters with lake effect snow common from November through March. Most campsites in this region feature sandy soil conditions, making tent stakes and rain fly preparation important considerations during summer thunderstorms.
What to do
Hiking to Ocqueoc Falls: Located 15 miles northeast of Onaway, Michigan's largest waterfall in the Lower Peninsula offers several hiking trails ranging from 0.5 to 3 miles. "Ocqueoc Falls and 24 miles to Lake Huron. Water is shut off Oct 10 for season," notes a visitor to Onaway State Park Campground.
Fishing walleye: Black Lake provides excellent fishing opportunities with multiple access points. "Black lake is a great lake for boating. The camp ground is nice, quite is enforced. People are nice," shares one camper at Onaway State Park. Bring fishing licenses and appropriate tackle for walleye.
Biking paved trails: The North Central State Trail runs through the region. "There is a paved bike path that stretches to miles from the harbor of Rogers City to the 40 Mile Point lighthouse a few miles north on US 23," mentions a visitor to Hoeft State Park Campground.
Fossil hunting: Lake Huron's shoreline offers opportunities to collect Petoskey stones and fossils. "Rock hounds will slight in the fossil, Petoskeys and puddings along the shoreline," notes a camper at Hoeft State Park.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Many campgrounds feature well-separated camping areas. "The sites were a decent size and the Campground only had one other group. The sites were very nice, included a picnic table and firepit, my favorite feature though was PRIVACY, each site was surrounded by trees to separate you from possible neighbors," reports a camper at Twin Lakes State Forest Campground.
Fall colors: Autumn brings spectacular foliage displays. "This camp site is really cool and makes for a greta weekend escape from reality. There is a trail network that cuts through the forest of the campground, which is a nice plus and rests peacefully on the shores of Black Lake. There is a wide variety of tree species throughout the campsite, which is nice, including these towering conifers," writes a visitor to Onaway State Park.
Lake access: Many glamping sites close to Onaway, Michigan include water frontage. "Nice tent camping with great sites by the lake," says a reviewer of Onaway State Park. "If you dislike state parks due to crowds and loud campers, you will love this little gem."
Night sky viewing: The area offers excellent dark sky conditions. "Fall camping here is the best. So quiet, and so dark you can see all the stars! Elk were bugling and it was wild!!!" shares a camper at Elkwood Campground.
What you should know
Site reservations: Some campgrounds require advance planning while others operate first-come, first-served. "This campground is also first come first serve but way more sites. The lower site is where we stayed and literally had a waterfront site," notes a visitor to Black Lake State Forest Upper ORV Campground.
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience more noise than others. "I just saw a review from another camper who experienced the same as me; generators everywhere, no peace and quiet, no rangers to tell people to turn down their music," cautions a camper at Black Lake State Forest Upper ORV Campground. Research quiet hours and enforcement.
Water availability: Seasonal shutdowns affect water access. "Sanitation/dump station has water to fill your fresh water tank for your visit. Beautiful colors and within 10 miles of Ocqueoc Falls and 24 miles to Lake Huron. Water is shut off Oct 10 for season," shares an Onaway State Park visitor.
Cell service: Connectivity varies significantly between sites. "Cell reception is spotty, no electric or showers, THIS IS RUSTIC, which is exactly what we wanted. There were the outhouses (Vaults) and a handpump for water," reports a Twin Lakes camper.
Tips for camping with families
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Look for chances to see local animals. "This was a really awesome campground we found kind of last minute when things didn't work out at the other place we were trying to camp. You can't beat $15 a night, each rustic site is fairly secluded with privacy, and you're right by Michigan's only area to view free roaming wild elk!" reports a visitor to Haakwood State Forest Campground.
Beach and swimming options: Several campgrounds offer swimming areas. "There are kayak rentals, a boat launch, and activities that the host organizes. The playground offers two swing sets and a small slide," notes a visitor to Onaway State Park.
Kid-friendly glamping: For luxury camping close to Onaway, options include cabins and canvas structures. "We have been going yearly to the cabins in Cheboygan State Park for many years and have stayed at each cabin they offer. All of them are great, vault toilet and hand pump for water, drive up (although the road in can be a little rough)," shares a camper.
Playground availability: Verify recreational facilities before booking. "The playground offers two swing sets and a small slide. The bathrooms near playground and boat launch are very old. Main bathrooms are nicer," notes an Onaway State Park visitor.
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions: Pay attention to the size restrictions at each campground. "There are two sides to this campground and although the lower side has lake front sites, they are pretty small. We opted to head over to the upper part where the sites are three times the size," advises a visitor to Black Lake State Forest Upper ORV Campground.
Electrical service: Check amperage and hookup locations. "Our site, site 23, had to share the electric box in the adjacent site. Bring a long cord," suggests a Cheboygan State Park camper.
Sanitation facilities: Confirm dumping options and bathroom quality. "The bathrooms near playground and boat launch are very old. Main bathrooms are nicer," notes a visitor to Onaway State Park.
Road conditions: Access roads vary in quality. "Not a huge fan of the gravel road entry. Make sure you have plenty of bug spray!" advises a Cheboygan State Park camper about glamping conditions close to Onaway.
