Camping options near Rogers City, Michigan range from state parks to rustic forest campgrounds along Lake Huron's shoreline. The area sits at approximately 600 feet above sea level with summer temperatures averaging 70-80°F during peak camping season. Winter camping remains available at several locations where temperatures often drop below freezing between November and March.
What to do
Kayaking at Black Lake: Black Lake State Forest Campground provides direct water access for paddlers. "The lake itself was gorgeous and had a nice launch for paddling, fishing, and swimming," notes one camper who appreciated the convenient water entry points.
Hiking to Ocqueoc Falls: Trails near Onaway State Park Campground connect to Michigan's only Lower Peninsula waterfall. "Onaway SP is a quiet little park with electric pedestal at each site... within 10 miles of Ocqueoc Falls and 24 miles to Lake Huron," reports a visitor who camped in October.
Rock hunting along shorelines: Lake Huron beaches contain numerous fossils and special stones. "The lake is beautiful! If you have a boat, travel through the channel to Mullet Lake. Great location," explains a camper at Burt Lake State Park Campground.
Biking on paved trails: Several campgrounds connect to paved bike paths running along the shoreline. "Very clean and nice campground on Lake Huron. Clean bathrooms. Some of the sites are not as deep as others. The lower numbered sites are closer to beach access. Great activities for kids, nice bike paths and hiking trails," notes a visitor.
What campers like
Spacious campsites: Hoeft State Park Campground offers larger sites with natural separation. "We have a 25' Class A motorhome and spent 2 days in July at Hoeft State Park. We had camped here several years ago and decided to revisit. It was great then and just as great now. The site we had (54) was a perfect combo of sun and shade," reports one reviewer.
Water access: Direct beach access ranks highly among reviewers. "This campground is in a great location to enjoy Mackinac. It's sites are a little on the smaller side but the campground has a very nice beach on the lake and the bath and shower houses were very nice and well maintained," explains a visitor at Tee Pee Campground.
Wildlife viewing: The natural setting provides opportunities to observe local wildlife. "The sky was gorgeous. In the morning we took at dip in the beautiful crystal clear, sandy beach. It was pretty perfect. This was also one of the cleanest rustic campgrounds I've been to in a while," reports a camper who stayed at Black Lake State Forest Campground.
Clean facilities: Campgrounds in the area maintain clean bathroom facilities. "The park itself is clean and park personnel very upbeat and helpful," notes a Hoeft State Park visitor.
What you should know
Site differences within campgrounds: Many parks have dramatically different sections. "There are 3 different sections, the first 2 being older with mostly 'no camping pad' electric sites, and the 3rd is newer with gravel full hookup sites. The lake is easily accessible and wonderful. There are no bathrooms or showers in the new section," explains a visitor to Aloha State Park Campground.
Limited cell service: Coverage can be spotty throughout the region. "Make reservations early! This is a beautiful state park with the best of pure Michigan woods and Lake Huron sandy dunes and beaches. Very family and pet friendly but also quiet and peaceful for couples who just wanna get away. Only drawback is low signal cell service but hey getting off the grid is what's its all about."
Seasonal facilities: Water and some amenities close during colder months. "Water is shut off Oct 10 for season. 15 Lake front campsites for rv or tent; Black Lake offers great Walleye fishing if you have a boat. Pet friendly, very quiet off season," notes an October visitor.
First-come sites: Several rustic campgrounds operate without reservations. "We stumbled on this campground when Ocqueoc's first come first serve sites were full. This campground is also first come first serve but way more sites."
Tips for camping with families
Beach access considerations: Some campgrounds offer better swimming areas than others. "The lower site is where we stayed and literally had a waterfront site. The upper has HUGE SITES and is shaded better, but cant see the water. There was a picnic table and fire ring and vault toilets. Very clean and cant beat the view!"
Playground availability: Cheboygan State Park Campground offers family-friendly amenities. "The playground offers two swing sets and a small slide. The bathrooms near playground and boat launch are very old. Main bathrooms are nicer. Overall, it was a decent stay."
Seasonal activities: Family programming varies by season. "This is a typical Michigan State Park. The facilities are well maintained and clean. On a nice lake with a good swim area. We stayed because of the location to Copper Harbor and the Porcupine Mountains."
Booking for prime sites: Reserve waterfront sites well in advance for family trips. "Located on Michigan's sunrise side, Hoeft State Park offers a unique getaway for tent campers and RV campers alike. Many trees for hammocking! Short trek across sandy dunes brings you to the beach of Lake Huron. Shallow in parts for the kids but deep enough to snorkel for pudding stones."
Tips from RVers
Site sizing limitations: Some campgrounds better accommodate larger RVs than others. "Black Lake State Forest Campground has 2 parts, the upper which is geared to people with quads and dirt bikes, large sites close to trails, lower is right on lake, very nice water is great for swimming, shallow way out and nice and sandy."
Hookup availability: Electric services vary across campgrounds. "If you dislike state parks due to crowds and loud campers, you will love this little gem. Well managed and very clean facilities make this a pleasure to stay at. We spent Memorial Day weekend here and even with a full park it was very quiet and relaxing. Great for tents and smaller RV's."
Access road conditions: Some parks have rougher entrance roads. "Great, quiet park away from any noise and traffic. Not a huge fan of the gravel road entry. Make sure you have plenty of bug spray!"
Extension cord requirements: Electric hookup locations can require extra cords. "Vibe: Feels smaller than it is. Pretty standard state park. Older crowd... Had to share the electric box in the adjacent site. Bring a long cord."
