111 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Camping options around Oscoda, Michigan range from state parks to private campgrounds along Lake Huron and the AuSable River. The area includes several established facilities such as Van Etten Lake State Forest Campground, Old Orchard Park Campground, and multiple KOA locations that accommodate tent camping, RVs, and cabin rentals. Many campgrounds in the region feature waterfront access, with locations like Tawas Point State Park offering sites within walking distance of beaches and a lighthouse.
Seasonal considerations affect campground availability throughout the year, with many locations operating between April and October. Old Orchard Park and Harrisville State Park remain open year-round, while others like Oscoda-Tawas KOA operate from May through early October. Reservations are recommended for popular sites, especially waterfront locations during summer weekends. Several campgrounds provide full hookups for RVs, though rustic options with fewer amenities are also available. Most developed sites include picnic tables, fire rings, and access to toilets, while shower facilities vary by location. As one camper noted about Van Etten Lake State Forest Campground, "larger sites, clean vault toilets, nice boat ramp, quiet in the evenings."
Waterfront camping represents a significant draw for visitors to the Oscoda area. Campers frequently mention the beaches, river access, and water activities as highlights of their stay. The AuSable River provides opportunities for kayaking, fishing, and boating, while Lake Huron offers swimming and beach activities. Several visitors report enjoying the natural surroundings and wildlife viewing opportunities. A review of Tawas Point State Park mentioned, "You can hear the waves of the water at night! The lighthouse is beautiful and you have to see it at night!" Some campgrounds feature limited cell service, and visitors should be aware that certain areas like Van Etten Lake have water quality advisories. Mixed-use campgrounds throughout the region balance developed amenities with natural settings, making them suitable for various camping styles from tent camping to RV sites.
"There's some walking trails here, the lighthouse is a close walk/bike from anywhere in the park. Getting to town is a few minute drive, or a very long bike ride on the road."
"Nice walking paths and the walk to the lighthouse and beach was a nice clean trail. Not to many water views from the campground, but could be seen with a short walk."
from $45 - $120 / night
Check Availability"A lovely state park right on the lake. Our site was two ones in, and we still fell asleep to the sound of the waves at night. Backing in was tight but doable."
"Fire ring located near back corner... away from your awning. Path behind site makes for short walk to the beach."
from $35 - $100 / night
Check Availability"Very nice campground off the beaten path. Oscoda is on the East side of Michigan off Lake Huron. Northern lower pennisula. This campground is a good base camp for the area."
"My wife and I stayed at the Oscoda/Tawas KOA for 7 nights in the first part of Sept 2021 at RV site # 10. The site was level and adequately spacious. "
"The area around the park has several areas of interest including Lumbermans monument, iargo springs, and downtown Oscoda on lake Huron. It is on the banks of the Ausable river."
"The large campground is crowded in summer months and you have to buy tokens to take a shower, but the views and access to the River are spectacular."
"Positives: larger sites, clean vault toilets, nice boat ramp, quiet in the evenings.
Negatives: the lake is contaminated with PFAS. No dump station or potable water.""Overall this is a great campground, the only negative comment I have for this place is it's proximity to the airport. Sometimes there are plane Engine's roaring into the night."
"Great location. Close to river trip companies and the lake."
"Our location was right behind the general store so at night the lights were very bright. This KOA has so many activities for kids and we enjoyed ourselves here!"
"Hike to the nearby monument and attend one of their educational programs, visit the museum, take the steps down to the floating shanty, or visit the small store."
"This is a nice campground that butts up with the Lumberman’s Memorial park with a trail leading to the AuSable sand dune. Campsites are paved with fire pits and picnic tables."
from $15 - $30 / night
Check Availability"Near a lot of recreation, including Lumbermans Monument, the paddlers memorial, and the lovely Ausable River. Minutes away from Oscoda and Lake Huron."
"Large sites with easy access to water and vault toilets. $15 a night. Not many people and half the sites are first come first served (easy to get a site in the middle of the week)."
from $15 - $30 / night
Check Availability"You can walk to downtown and eat at several restaurants, go to the movies, walk to Walmart and get ice cream from 3 different locations."
"The lake is Lake Huron. US 23 divides this park from the city and there is a train track and active train on the opposite side but it only goes through once a day at about 10 o’clock at night."
TravelerNice park, good people here. Great little store with all kinds of snacks DvDs ice cream Delicious Beverages the Beach is Wonderful. The restaurants are close and have good service and good food we will be back.
TravelerThis is a beautiful campground. The showers are very nice the people are nice. The light house is Amazing and the museum is very cool. We are very happy we stopped here.
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.
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.
ScoutMaintained to perfection, great camping, everything you could ask for. All facilities are available and clean. The owners of the site are always happy to help and are a pleasure. Fantastic sites with full hookups, river, pond, playground and forest
ScoutWe had site 12, narrow with posts lining the paved pad but long enough for a 25' camper. Nice lake for kayaking. Would rate higher but the ticks were horrible; if you step off the paved surface, you will have ticks. Near zero cell service, too many trees for reliable starlink. Pit toilets were in good shape, water pump functional.
ScoutNice Campground was quiet and clean. Had a site near the water. Only seen one jet ski and a few pontoon boats on the lake. The host keeps the pit toilets clean and stocked. I was unprepared for the ticks, I couldn't stop them from biting my dog. So because of that I left 2 days early. If I go back to camp here I will be take something to control the ticks. Would have given 5 stars if it wasn't for the ticks.
GuideLots of fisherman.water and electric only.great access to Saginaw Bay.
Camping sites near Oscoda, Michigan offer extensive access to the AuSable River, Lake Huron shores, and pine forest settings within Michigan's northeastern coast. Most campgrounds in this area sit at approximately 585-600 feet elevation, with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during peak camping months. The region's sandy soil allows for quick drainage after rain, making most sites usable even after wet weather.
Hiking to Lumberman's Monument: Take the Forest Observatory Trail from Monument Campground to learn about local history. One camper noted, "Lots to do nearby! Geocaching, canoeing, fishing or hiking to the nearby visitor center with a reproduction logging shanty or the educational programs in the pavilion."
Kayaking the AuSable: Launch from Old Orchard Park Campground for paddling access to the river. According to a visitor, "The campground has a small beach but it has not been allowed to be fully developed due to consumers energy wanting a natural rustic feel to the park. Kayaking, boating, pontooning, fishing-all beautiful."
Beach activities: Multiple swimming areas exist at East Tawas City Park, with one camper reporting, "The RV park is right on the beach and takes about 1 minute from the furthest campsite until your toes are in the sand. You can walk to downtown and eat at several restaurants, go to the movies, walk to Walmart."
Sand dune exploration: Visit the dunes near Lumberman's Monument for hiking and water access. A reviewer explains, "Just a mile or two walk to the dunes overlook where you can descend a 100+ ft sand dune down to the water and go for a swim."
Beach access variety: Tawas Point State Park Campground offers diverse beach options. As one camper described, "The water areas range from nice sandy beaches to more marshy but scenic beaches, great for dog walking and enjoying birdwatching and sunsets!"
Lighthouse proximity: Walking distance to historic lighthouses adds interest to waterfront camping. A reviewer mentioned, "We love lighthouses and the campground is within walking distance to the campground. The lighthouse is beautiful and you have to see it at night!"
Dog-friendly swimming spots: Shallow water access makes pet recreation easier at several locations. One visitor at Tawas Point noted, "The pet friendly beach is fantastic for dogs as the water is very shallow and let's them be active."
Wildlife viewing: Bird migration patterns make certain seasons ideal for nature watching. A camper shared, "It is an important stopping point for the migratory pattern of warblers in the spring, and has a very nice nature walk."
Campground access limitations: Many sites operate first-come, first-served with high demand. A review of Oscoda KOA mentioned, "This was a pretty basic/nice KOA. We went second week of July and it was pretty empty, which was nice for us."
Water contamination issues: Some lakes have water quality concerns. A camper at Van Etten Lake reported, "The lake is contaminated with PFAS. No dump station or potable water."
Train noise: Railroad tracks run near certain campgrounds with scheduled disruptions. Regarding East Tawas City Park, a camper warned, "There is a train. A very LOUD, slow moving train that blows its horn around 22 times when it goes by...it ran Monday-Friday and went by twice between 9:30pm-12:30am."
Cell service limitations: Most campgrounds have minimal connectivity. Monument Campground offers 18 sites with basic amenities but limited services, with one camper noting, "Pay at entrance in envelope. Camp host came around to check our ticket. Clean pit toilets and water spigots throughout."
Playground access: Harrisville State Park Campground offers family recreation areas. A camper mentioned, "The park roads are paved, but most of them are so narrow that two cars have trouble passing each other, add five thousand kids and bikes and it is nerve wracking to drive through."
Beach safety: Shallow water areas provide safer swimming for children. One visitor at Tawas Point noted, "Our family loves this campground- it has a nice playground, and beach volleyball court near the entrance. There's a nice sandy beach that faces Tawas Bay in the campground."
Kid-friendly activities: Several campgrounds program specific children's events. As a camper at Oscoda-Tawas KOA explained, "This is my favorite camp ground! The facilities are nice, there is tons to do for kids, and the owners are awesome! The train does run late and sometimes in the middle of the night but the conductor comes and stands on the platform and waves to all the kids!"
Shower token systems: Some facilities require purchased tokens for showers. A visitor noted, "Lots of things to do in this area! The large campground is crowded in summer months and you have to buy tokens to take a shower, but the views and access to the River are spectacular."
Site size limitations: Old Orchard Park Campground has specific length restrictions. A camper advised, "37' is the longest length recommended. We have a 42' 5th wheel and made it fit only because we were here during the off-season. There's no way we would of got the RV in if people had the vehicles parked in their campsite."
Water and electric locations: Utility hookups often require extended hoses or cords. One reviewer mentioned, "Water and electric are poorly located. Need extra hose/cords."
Seasonal storage options: Some campgrounds offer winter storage at reduced rates. A visitor explained, "On October 15th, the rates turned to seasonal and people can rent the spots to store their RV for the winter."
Year-round operations: Limited facilities maintain water service through winter. According to a camper, "The city turns the water off around the 3rd week in October. There is one bathroom building open for showers and you can also get water from the side of the office building to fill your tanks. You still have electricity and sewer at your site."
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best campgrounds in Oscoda, Michigan?
Oscoda offers several exceptional campgrounds for outdoor enthusiasts. Monument Campground provides quiet, spacious sites near the Ausable River and Lumberman's Monument, making it perfect for those seeking recreational activities while staying minutes from Lake Huron. Oscoda-Tawas KOA serves as an excellent base camp for exploring the area, offering level sites, a fabulous recreation room for kids, and an outdoor playground with jungle gym. Other notable options include Harrisville State Park with its lakeside sites, Devoe Lake Rustic Campground in the Rifle River Recreation Area, and Ossineke State Forest Campground which provides gorgeous Lake Huron views.
What amenities are available at Old Orchard Park campground in Oscoda?
Old Orchard Park Campground offers reservable sites with plans for expansion including standing yurts. The campground is located on Consumers Powers Energy property, approximately 10 minutes from downtown Oscoda. The park features access to a picturesque lake perfect for recreation and relaxation. The property includes opportunities for hammock camping and is near numerous hiking trails. While the campground provides basic amenities, visitors should be aware that it can get crowded during holiday weekends like Labor Day. For those seeking additional recreational options, Tawas Point State Park Campground is in the vicinity with walking trails and a lighthouse within easy walking or biking distance.
Is camping available year-round in Oscoda, Michigan?
Camping in Oscoda is primarily seasonal rather than year-round. Most campgrounds in the area operate during the spring, summer, and early fall months. Harrisville State Park Campground is a popular option during the camping season, offering wooded sites on Lake Huron with beach access. Ossineke State Forest Campground is another seasonal option with lakeside sites that fill quickly during the main camping season. Winter camping options are limited due to Michigan's harsh winter conditions and seasonal closures of facilities. Campers planning off-season visits should check directly with campgrounds for current operating schedules, as availability changes seasonally.
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