Best Tent Camping near Onaway, MI
Tent campsites near Onaway, Michigan offer both established and dispersed camping experiences within the northern Michigan forest landscape. Ocqueoc Falls State Forest Campground provides 14 tent-friendly campsites along the Ocqueoc River, with several sites positioned directly on the riverbank. Stoney Creek Trail Camp offers walk-in tent camping with more secluded sites, while the Pigeon River State Forest provides dispersed camping options for those seeking a more primitive experience.
Most state forest campgrounds in the region operate on a first-come, first-served basis, with modest fees collected through an honor system box. Camping areas typically include basic vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings, while drinking water is available via hand pumps at some locations like Ocqueoc Falls. Sites generally feature level, natural terrain with mixed dirt and forest duff surfaces. Michigan Recreation Passports are required for vehicle entry at most locations, including the dispersed camping area at De Cheau Lake. Seasonal availability varies, with many sites open from April through October and limited winter options.
Tent campers at Ocqueoc Falls benefit from direct access to Michigan's only handicap-accessible waterfall, with swimming opportunities during summer months. The campground connects to a seven-mile hiking trail system that showcases diverse ecosystems as it follows the river downstream. Sites along the water offer both scenic views and ambient river sounds that enhance the camping experience. While the campground itself is rustic, its proximity to natural features makes it popular during peak summer weekends. A camper described the area as having "adequate space between sites and ample shade, but you can still certainly tell if you have neighbors," noting that the "lack of big rigs makes for a generally laid back and quiet atmosphere."
