The best campgrounds near Alpena, Michigan with horseback riding

Leave it to the lakeside vacation town of Alpena to serve up the best of Lake Huron. Hugging the shores of Thunder Bay, this Michigan town is a mecca for water activities like kayaking, fishing, and boating. Onshore, historic lighthouses and state forest treks ignite your adventurer's spirit.

Thanks to Alpena's healthy influx of tourists, Northwoods camping is easy to find. Make your home base in one of the state parks, county parks, or RV parks. You can even pitch a tent at the Alpena County Fairgrounds.

If you want to catch your dinner, head to Long Lake County Park. Besides excellent walleye fishing, the lake also has waterfront campsites and some great swimming holes. A short drive inland brings you to Ossineke State Forest. The rustic sites here are the envy of hardcore tent campers.

Once you're settled in, rent a boat (or bring your own) to explore the Lake Huron shoreline. Are you looking for more adventure? Hop on the Thunder Bay River for a day of kayaking or canoeing. Paddling gear can be rented at a local canoe livery. Hint—the Alpena Wildlife Sanctuary along the river is a great birding spot.

Alpena is a true wilderness paradise in Michigan. As a result, parks here are in high demand—it's not uncommon to see campsites for July filling up by January. If you want to camp in the summer or fall, booking early is a must.

Want to escape the crowds? Don't throw out the idea of a winter trip. You can always retreat to a heated cabin after a day of cross-country skiing or ice fishing.

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Top-rated campgrounds near Alpena

Leave it to the lakeside vacation town of Alpena to serve up the best of Lake Huron. Hugging the shores of Thunder Bay, this Michigan town is a mecca for water activities like kayaking, fishing, and boating. Onshore, historic lighthouses and state forest treks ignite your adventurer's spirit.

Thanks to Alpena's healthy influx of tourists, Northwoods camping is easy to find. Make your home base in one of the state parks, county parks, or RV parks. You can even pitch a tent at the Alpena County Fairgrounds.

If you want to catch your dinner, head to Long Lake County Park. Besides excellent walleye fishing, the lake also has waterfront campsites and some great swimming holes. A short drive inland brings you to Ossineke State Forest. The rustic sites here are the envy of hardcore tent campers.

Once you're settled in, rent a boat (or bring your own) to explore the Lake Huron shoreline. Are you looking for more adventure? Hop on the Thunder Bay River for a day of kayaking or canoeing. Paddling gear can be rented at a local canoe livery. Hint—the Alpena Wildlife Sanctuary along the river is a great birding spot.

Alpena is a true wilderness paradise in Michigan. As a result, parks here are in high demand—it's not uncommon to see campsites for July filling up by January. If you want to camp in the summer or fall, booking early is a must.

Want to escape the crowds? Don't throw out the idea of a winter trip. You can always retreat to a heated cabin after a day of cross-country skiing or ice fishing.

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Top-rated campgrounds near Alpena

1. Rains Ranch

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(16)

30mi from Alpena · 4 sites · Tents, RVs

80 relaxing acres of Ahhhhh!!! and mixed terrain. Abundant wild life including bald eagles. Secluded sites and picturesque ponds. Many activities near by. Hiking, bicycling, kayaking, canoeing, ORV and snowmobile trails. Short drive to Lake Huron as well as the Ausable River! but at the same time you’re in the middle of nowhere where YOU want to be!!! Learn more about this land: We have private sites available for small groups. Easily traversed mowed trails. Clear secluded campsites in the Huron national forest. Great for walking and seeing wildlife. Clear night skies. Great for stargazing or seeing the Northern Lights. If you're looking for that diamond in the rough, look no more!!! It's HERE at Rains Ranch!!!

2. Rosemary Pines

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(2)

47mi from Alpena · 4 sites · Tents, RVs

This home was built by my grandparents back in the 40’s he was a military man she was a homemaker! We lived around the kitchen with smoked fish and freshly baked oatmeal raisin cookies! At one time my uncles horse lived here and many of my grandfathers chicken! This home and land has lots of love surrounding it! There are many blueberry farms and amazing fishing spots! I can hand out brochures when you arrive. I also have a relationship with a local fishing charter if you would like to do a fish and fry!Learn more about this land:Woods and moss with a pond. We offer camping (must bring tents) on the property. It’s optional bathrooms and showers, grill chairs and table. We are a mile from the beach and we can drop you at the canoe rental in town. You can choose to only camp or to camp and use toilet and shower with code access. . We offer s’more sets for 2 people package in garage in refrigerator if wanted. We also have in town canoeing local and beach side fire pits along Lake Huron. We’re close to Lumberman monument which is a beautiful place to hike and see the fall colors. We’re also not a far drive from the Mackinac Bridge. You can engage in water, beaches, canoeing or just sit by the bonfire and eat s’mores! The property is 5 acres with a home located on site and someone will be available if needed. We do have dense pines with bugs so bring bug spray!

3. Oscoda County Park

45mi from Alpena · 54 sites

Oscoda County Park in Mio, MI, stands out as a unique camping destination due to its picturesque location along the floodwaters of the Mio Dam, nestled beside the renowned AuSable River. This beautiful park offers a variety of camping options, including 65 modern sites equipped with electric hookups (30 & 50 AMP), 87 rustic sites, and a cozy camping cabin, making it suitable for all types of campers. Open from April 15th to November 30th, Oscoda County Park welcomes tents, trailers, RVs, and fifth wheels, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the great outdoors. Campers can take advantage of complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi throughout the park, allowing you to stay connected while immersing yourself in nature. With the stunning Huron National Forest just minutes away, outdoor enthusiasts will find endless recreational opportunities. The park provides direct access to ORV trails, making it an ideal spot for off-road vehicle enthusiasts. Oscoda County Park is the perfect setting for your next camping adventure, where you can create lasting memories surrounded by nature's beauty.

4. Huron-Manistee National Forests

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938 sites · Mio, Michigan

You’re going to feel like you struck gold when you visit Huron-Manistee National Forest and you might actually strike gold! Along with hiking and horseback riding in the fairytale forest of lower Michigan, you can also pan for gold or hunt for natural minerals and geodes. If a sparkly souvenir isn’t your fancy, tube down the AuSable National Scenic River or explore the Nordhouse Dunes. The Loda Lake National Wildflower Sanctuary is delight for all your senses and a spot to get that epic panoramic shot. This is a place you’ll want to discover for more than a day, so crack a few fireside brews at one of Huron-Manistee’s campgrounds. You’ll have no issues here striking it rich in both scenery and fun.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

Public campgrounds near Alpena

Jewell Lake Campground

28mi from Alpena · 32 sites · Tents, RVs · in Huron-Manistee National Forests

Reid Lake

31mi from Alpena · 9 sites · Tents, RVs · in Huron-Manistee National Forests

Pine River Campground

36mi from Alpena · 11 sites · Tents, RVs · in Huron-Manistee National Forests

Horseshoe Lake Campground

36mi from Alpena · 9 sites · Tents, RVs · in Huron-Manistee National Forests

Gabions Campground

37mi from Alpena · 5 sites · Tents, RVs · in Huron-Manistee National Forests

Buttercup Campground

38mi from Alpena · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · in Huron-Manistee National Forests

One of several campsites at McKinley Horse Trail Campground.

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McKinley Horse Trail Campground

40mi from Alpena · 1 site · Tent, RV · in Huron-Manistee National Forests

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Cathedral Pines Campground

40mi from Alpena · 1 site · Tent, RV · in Huron-Manistee National Forests

Meadow Springs Campground

42mi from Alpena · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · in Huron-Manistee National Forests

River Dune Campground

43mi from Alpena · 1 site · Tent, RV · in Huron-Manistee National Forests

Au Sable Loop Campground

43mi from Alpena · 5 sites · Tents, RVs · in Huron-Manistee National Forests

South Branch Trail Group Campground

44mi from Alpena · 1 site · in Huron-Manistee National Forests

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

d

dylan

August 2025

Tent

With pets

3 nights at Rains Ranch

This place was absolutely beautiful. Extremely quiet, very nicely groomed smooth trails. Endless stars. No bugs at all. Spent a few days kayaking, riding my quads a bit (slowly to not hurt anything) and just enjoying nature. Host was nice and responded quickly with any of my questions. I recommend showing up in the day as it is very hard to find at night. (We went in the wrong field the first time because it was pitch black) 😂 definitely recommend this spot for a getaway.

J

John

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Rains Ranch

This is really a review of the host, because I had a little car trouble and had to turn around, so I haven't been to the site...yet. But big props to the host - Jon was very understanding and went above and beyond working things out. So, I'm looking forward to spending a couple of nights there as soon as work and weather line up. Thanks Jon!

Eric

July 2025

Tent

With kids

3 nights at Rains Ranch

Jon's property is incredible. The sites are huge, private, and well-manicured. He also has hiking trails throughout the property that are abundant with wildlife. During our stay we saw deer, what looked like a small bobcat, fresh bear droppings, and a heron. In addition to this all, we got to watch a spectacular meteor shower one of our nights. The price is pretty comparable to public campgrounds, but what you get is so much more spectacular in terms of nature and privacy. We actually took a day trip to Harrisville State Park and hung out at Lake Huron and were quickly reminded how much nicer it is to have solitude vs sites packed in together. We also hiked just a few minutes away in the Huron National Forest. Bottom line, you'll love it.