Tent camping near West Branch, Michigan offers a range of experiences from canoe-access sites to walk-in backcountry options. The area sits within the Au Sable State Forest at approximately 1,000 feet elevation, with sandy soil and mixed northern hardwood forests creating a natural terrain for camping. Summer temperatures typically range from 55-80°F while spring and fall can bring overnight temperatures into the 30s.
What to do
Paddling excursions: Rifle River provides excellent day-trip options for canoeists and kayakers. "Great place to pull off the river and camp. Everything you need for your river adventure. Rent or bring your own watercraft," notes a camper at Russell Canoe Livery & Campground.
Lake fishing: Several campgrounds offer direct lake access for anglers. At Arrowhead Lake Camp, one visitor remarked, "This place was fantastic. We went kayaking, mountain biking, hiking and fishing. The wildlife is plentiful and the lake is full of fish."
Backcountry hiking: The Huron-Manistee National Forests contain multiple trail systems connecting campgrounds. "We hauled our canoe loaded with our tent and amenities on a dolly the half mile or so back to the camp sites," explains a camper at Wakeley Lake Campground, noting they enjoyed "watching the loons on the lake."
What campers like
Secluded sites: Many campgrounds offer private camping spots separated by natural features. At Spruce Rustic Campground, campers enjoy "small, rustic, remote, clean and quiet. Large and level campsites that are well spaced."
Wildlife viewing: The area supports diverse wildlife populations. An Arrowhead Lake Camp visitor mentioned "the wildlife is plentiful," while another camper at Wakeley Lake noted specifically enjoying "watching the loons on the lake."
Accessible nature: Even remote sites remain relatively accessible compared to more mountainous regions. A Spruce Rustic camper shared, "I got my 20' trailer back there no problem," despite the campground's rustic setting. Another noted "access to trials and the river" with "plenty of fire wood around to collect."
What you should know
Cell coverage: Most campgrounds have limited or no connectivity. At House Lake State Campground, a visitor warned, "the closest restaurants are 30 minutes away, but if you prepare it is an excellent location!"
Water access planning: Many sites require campers to share water sources or bring their own. At Sugar Springs Campground, a reviewer cautioned, "Water is shared between 3-4 sites, so you better bring a hundred feet of hose to fill your tank."
Campground maintenance: Quality varies significantly between locations. Several reviewers note that some campgrounds have "vault toilets [that] do need some attention," while others maintain clean facilities with regular staff presence.
Site leveling: Prepare for uneven terrain at some locations. Sugar Springs Campground was described as "horrifically not leveled" despite having "spacious and clean" sites.
Tips for camping with families
Wildlife encounters: Small wildlife provides entertainment for children. House Lake campers mention they are "overrun with chipmunks which was adorably magical!"
Bathroom considerations: White Pine Canoe SF Campground offers basic facilities for families uncomfortable with primitive camping. One visitor called it "ideal spot if you wanted to take a larger group" and "a way to ease first time backpackers into the backcountry."
Swimming access: Look for campgrounds with sandy beach entries for safer swimming. A White Pine Canoe camper mentioned that while their beach "does not have the characteristic dunes of the surrounding lakeshore, it is beautiful in that it's completely yours."
Short hiking distances: Several campgrounds offer walk-in experiences with minimal distance. "After a short mile or so hike over a mostly level sandy trail you'll reach the campground," notes one White Pine visitor.
Tips from RVers
Site access: Many rustic campgrounds can accommodate smaller trailers despite their remote settings. A visitor at Wakeley Lake Campground shared how they "hauled our canoe loaded with our tent and amenities on a dolly the half mile or so back to the camp sites."
Hookup limitations: Most campgrounds offer minimal or no hookups. Sugar Springs provides "electric only" according to campers, while most state forest campgrounds have no hookups at all.
Leveling challenges: Bring adequate leveling equipment. One Sugar Springs visitor specifically warned that sites were "horrifically not leveled" despite other positive attributes.
Size restrictions: Large RVs won't fit at most rustic locations. Jason at Spruce Rustic noted getting his "20' trailer back there no problem," suggesting smaller trailers and camper vans are most appropriate for this region.
