Tent camping near Onaway, Michigan provides access to over 100,000 acres of state forest land within the northeastern Lower Peninsula. The region sits at approximately 900 feet elevation with summer temperatures averaging 75-80°F during daytime and 55-60°F at night. Most dispersed camping areas require vehicles to stay within 50 feet of established forest roads, and campsites must be positioned at least 100 feet from any water source.
What to do
Waterfall swimming: Ocqueoc Falls features multiple swimming areas with varying depths suitable for different age groups. Sarah B. describes it as "a private swimming hole in the river. I could have used this as a base of operations for a week. Short drive to other attractions in the area, with swimming and hiking in your backyard."
Kayaking on local rivers: Sturgeon Valley Campground provides direct access to the Sturgeon River. According to Sue R., "Judy is lovely. River access great. My favorite place to camp and kayak."
Wildlife viewing: The Pigeon River State Forest contains Michigan's largest free-roaming elk herd, with best viewing opportunities during early morning or evening hours. One camper at De Cheau Lake Camping reported being "blessed by the Elk bugles nearby" during their stay.
Disc golf courses: Recreation options extend beyond water activities. Christopher P. notes that Stoney Creek Trail Camp offers "disc golf and regular golf available" along with "kayak, canoe, and row boat rentals. Also paddle boards."
What campers like
River camping sites: Campers consistently praise riverside sites for their natural ambience. Laura from Ocqueoc Falls State Forest Campground mentions you can "walk along the Ocqueoc River to the falls, walk the path through the campground or park at the site and take a short trip to the falls."
Secluded dispersed options: For campers seeking solitude, dispersed camping provides greater isolation. One camper at De Cheau Lake reported: "Feels more remote than it really is. Lots of room for multiple vehicles/sites... Didn't see anyone else during the stay."
Warm inland lakes: The region features several small lakes with comfortable swimming temperatures. Kayla B. describes Ess Lake State Forest Campground as having "grassy beaches. Nice shade. The beach is grass with sand once you get in the water. Small warm inland lake."
Fall foliage viewing: Autumn transforms the forest landscape with vibrant colors. Dan N. notes that at Ocqueoc Falls "in autumn the ice and leaves are amazing. We've only camped here in fall, when not many people were around."
What you should know
Reservation policies: Most state forest campgrounds operate strictly on first-come, first-served basis. Laura explains that Ocqueoc Falls offers "first come first serve sites" with "friendly staff."
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies significantly throughout the region. Maria L. notes that at Stoney Creek Trail Camp "cell service is iffy… a bar or two on a good day if you have Verizon, likely not with any of the other providers."
Summer crowds: Popular waterfall sites experience significant visitor traffic during peak season. Joshua M. observes that while Ocqueoc Falls provides "adequate space between sites and ample shade, but you can still certainly tell if you have neighbors," adding that "the lack of big rigs makes for a generally laid back and quiet atmosphere."
Recreation Passport requirements: Michigan Recreation Passports ($12 for residents, $34 for non-residents) are mandatory for many sites. A camper at De Cheau Lake notes: "Posted on Southern entrance: Michigan Rec Passport Required."
Tips for camping with families
Handicap-accessible waterfall: Ocqueoc Falls is Michigan's only universally accessible waterfall, with modified pathways and entry points. Jayne W. describes it as "a handicap accessible water fall in northern Michigan" and notes the falls area "has picnic tables and is very pretty."
Poison ivy awareness: Watch for poison ivy, particularly near water features. Amber A. warns there's "poison ivy near our site a few years ago, watch your kids."
Modern bathroom access: For families needing more amenities than vault toilets, Christopher P. mentions that Thunder Bay River State Forest Campground has "clean restrooms" and additional facilities like "indoor pool (helpful at Thunder Bay) and lots of extras like mini golf."
Multi-level water play: The tiered design of Ocqueoc Falls creates natural play areas for different swimming abilities. Amber A. describes it as "multilevel falls where you can swim" with "many places to walk/hike, picnic, and enjoy the views."
Tips from RVers
Smaller trailers recommended: Most forest campgrounds can accommodate modest travel trailers but have limited space for larger units. Joshua M. reports "we fit our small travel trailer easily into a fairly level lot" at Ocqueoc Falls.
Limited hookup availability: Most state forest campgrounds offer no electrical or water connections. Rachel K. reports Ocqueoc Falls has only the basics: "Picnic table, hand pump water, and a clean outhouse. It's got what you need."
Road access considerations: Some campgrounds have immediate proximity to roads with variable traffic. A camper at De Cheau Lake notes: "Can hear the state route from the site but it was low volume traffic."
