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Best Campgrounds near Oscoda, MI

330 Reviews

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.

Map showing campgrounds near Oscoda, MichiganExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near Oscoda, Michigan (106)

    1. Tawas Point State Park Campground

    24 Reviews
    Tawas City, MI
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (989) 362-5041

    $20 - $50 / night

    "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."

    "We were close by to the boat launch, and just a short walk to the bathroom; not too far and not too close either."

    2. Harrisville State Park Campground

    29 Reviews
    Harrisville, MI
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (989) 724-5126

    $28 - $74 / night

    "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."

    3. Oscoda-Tawas KOA

    6 Reviews
    Oscoda, MI
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (989) 739-5115

    "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. "

    4. Old Orchard Park Campground

    8 Reviews
    Oscoda, MI
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (989) 739-7814

    "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."

    "Sites are reasonably priced around$25-30/night. The park is very dog-friendly, which we appreciated. 

    Nice large, woodsy, level lots. Many are waterfront. "

    5. Van Etten Lake State Forest Campground

    4 Reviews
    Oscoda, MI
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (989) 348-6371

    "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."

    "The beach is near the boat launch but it’s quite small but surround with trees so you got a really personal mini beach to your self with a over look of the lake!"

    6. Oscoda KOA

    3 Reviews
    Oscoda, MI
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (989) 739-5115

    "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!"

    7. Lumberman's Monument Visitor Center

    5 Reviews
    Sand Lake, MI
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (989) 362-8961

    $15 - $30 / night

    "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."

    8. Monument Campground

    4 Reviews
    Sand Lake, MI
    14 miles
    Website

    $15 - $30 / night

    "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)."

    9. East Tawas City Park

    2 Reviews
    Tawas City, MI
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (989) 362-5562

    "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."

    10. Pine River Campground

    2 Reviews
    Glennie, MI
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (989) 739-0728
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Recent Camping Photos near Oscoda, MI

137 Photos of 106 Oscoda Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Oscoda, MI

330 Reviews of 106 Oscoda Campgrounds

  • Byron S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 16, 2025

    Campers Cove RV Park And Canoe Livery

    Campers Cove

    Stayed 4 nights in early September. Nice area and RV spots around the lake. Check in was easy and friendly. Internet and cell coverage were good. Showers were clean and maintained. Level site, had shade trees. Very quiet and laid back. The site is clean, Overall it’s a nice place to unwind and spend a few days, I would recommend it to others.

  • alicianlv The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 4, 2025

    Au Sable Loop Campground — Huron Manistee National Forests

    Au Sable Loop #3

    We were passing through and didn't have time to explore campground arriving around 7p & road tired.
    Site # 3 was without metal fire ring as shown to have in reservation picture. In its place was a hole and pile of ash with a hardened ash plug as if it was dug out of ground and thrown near bushes, strange. We were only campers there but heard faint voices outdoors after turning in to sleep, kinda creepy.

    Pictures taken just before leaving early morning. Heard there might be poison ivy around camp so only took basic photos but stayed clear of foliage around site.

  • Jonathan B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Au Sable River Primitive Camping

    Primitive camping, but too close to the road/airport

    The site was truly rustic. About 1/4 mile to the next site. Nice clearing with multiple spots you could maneuver a small camper back into if you are a good enough driver. If not, there is a nice clearing by the road that also works. Had a fire ring with a flip over grill. Trails run back into woods to potential cat hole locations. For water, you can head up the road a few miles to the lumberman monument park, and they have a fauset by the parking lot. Also, about 1/8 mile down the road is an established path down to the Au Sable River to get water to extinguish your campfire but not for drinking (this stretch of the river is not safe to drink). During the day and sometimes at night you can hear a lot of road traffic and also jet engine noise from the local airport. Good openings for solar if you are using movable panels or can get your camper back far enough, but not so good in the default parking spot. Verizon = 3-4 bars 5G.

  • K
    Aug. 25, 2025

    Au Sable Loop Campground — Huron Manistee National Forests

    Spacious Private Sites

    We camped on the ausable river camping on alcona pond. The sites are very secluded from one another, no bathrooms, no water available, but its quiet, private, and had access right to the river. Lots of poison ivy in July, so be aware. Lots of campers across the river that you can see, but nothing overly noisy or distracting. Our site had room for 3 families with tents. Some walking paths, but we didn’t wander too far. Short drives to beautiful overlooks, or the dam for fishing. We wanted 006 site originally. its level with the river and right on a winding bend! Sites seem to reserve fast, so be ready!

  • Edward C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 24, 2025

    Port Crescent State Park Campground

    Beautiful views

    Beautiful, newly renovated park with a great beach and beach access.

    Be advised that the sites closer to the beach are very sandy. Larger campers may get stuck, especially after a rainstorm.

  • Edward C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Tawas Point State Park Campground

    Terrific location

    This is a beautiful and picturesque park. The bathrooms are clean and well maintained.

    Sites are large in general with plenty of room for activities.

    The pet friendly beach is fantastic for dogs as the water is very shallow and let's them be active.

    The access roads on the loop are narrow, so you may need to take some care of if you have a large vehicle.

    There's also a kids playground and volleyball court.

  • Ethan R.
    Aug. 13, 2025

    Port Crescent State Park Campground

    Great lakeside campground

    Very nice campground. Great sandy beach. Nice bathrooms and showers. Has geodomes and mini cabins for rent.

  • L
    Aug. 6, 2025

    Monument Campground

    Quiet spot in the pines

    18 spots available. Half are reservable and half are first come first serve. There are a few double lots. Pay at entrance in envelope. Camp host came around to check our ticket. Clean pit toilets and water spigots throughout. Close to Lumbermans monument visitor center. $15 for single site or $30 for double. Half price if you have a Golden Age/Access or Interagency Senior/Access Pass

  • PThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 27, 2025

    Alpena County Fairground

    Alpena County Fairgrounds

    It’s a decent little park, but right off a main road across from an Anheuser-Busch distributor ship. Necessarily the quietest, but it wasn’t very populated at the time we got here. Somewhat limited sites for large RVs, but quite a few places that you can get up to 35 feet in, but with a slightly difficult back in. There are larger sites on the other side of the race track.

Guide to Oscoda

Camping near Oscoda, Michigan, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and unique experiences. Whether you’re looking for a quiet retreat or a family-friendly adventure, there’s something for everyone.

What to do:

  • Explore Lake Huron: Many campgrounds, like Port Crescent State Park Campground, provide direct access to the lake. Campers enjoy the clean beaches and stunning sunsets. One visitor mentioned, "The nature and wildlife there are simply amazing and the sunsets on the beach were incredible."
  • Hiking and Biking: Trails are abundant in the area. Harrisville State Park Campground features bike and walk/jog trails that many find lovely. A reviewer noted, "Not a huge park, but complete with bike and walk/jog trails, access to Harrisville, which is quite lovely."
  • Fishing and Kayaking: The Au Sable River Primitive Camping area is perfect for fishing and kayaking. One camper shared, "The absolute BEST campsite I have ever camped at in Michigan! The perfect morning and evening view of the river."

What campers like:

  • Privacy and Space: Campers appreciate the spacious sites at places like Ossineke State Forest Campground. A visitor said, "Most are well spaced and offer lots of privacy."
  • Clean Facilities: Many campgrounds, such as Bay City State Park Campground, are praised for their cleanliness. One review highlighted, "Showers/restrooms are good, cleaned twice a day."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds like Tawas Point State Park Campground are noted for being great for families. A camper remarked, "You can climb a lighthouse and look out 30+ miles. Two swimming beaches. Dog beach."

What you should know:

  • Quiet Hours: Many campgrounds enforce quiet hours, which can be a surprise for some. A camper at Harrisville State Park Campground shared a frustrating experience with noise complaints, saying, "We were sitting around our campfire... a guy comes storming up to our campfire."
  • Limited Amenities: Some sites, like those at Negwegon State Park Campground, are more rustic. A visitor noted, "There are only 4 primitive sites... Water is available at the parking lot."
  • Reservations Required: Many campgrounds require reservations, especially during peak seasons. A camper at Rifle River Devoe Lake Rustic Campground mentioned, "Sites require a reservation either at the office or online."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like Tawas Point State Park Campground that offer activities for kids. A reviewer said, "Great little park... Dog beach. A few trails to walk on."
  • Pack for the Beach: If you’re near Lake Huron, bring beach gear. One camper at Port Crescent State Park Campground enjoyed, "Two swimming beaches. Dog beach."
  • Plan for Quiet Time: With quiet hours in effect, plan activities that can wind down in the evening. A camper at Harrisville State Park Campground mentioned the importance of keeping noise down after 10 PM.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Some campgrounds have tight spaces. A visitor at Tawas Point State Park Campground noted, "Can feel a little tight on some spaces, especially if your neighbor sprawls over the lines."
  • Bring Extra Cords: At places like Bay City State Park Campground, some sites may require extension cords for electric hookups. A camper advised, "Recommend to have extension cord for some sites, as plug in can be far."
  • Be Prepared for Crowds: Popular spots can get busy, especially on weekends. A camper at Tawas Point State Park Campground mentioned, "It can get really packed here on weekends."

Camping near Oscoda, Michigan, offers a variety of experiences, from serene lakeside views to family-friendly activities. Whether you're in an RV or tent camping, there's something for everyone to enjoy!

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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