The best campgrounds near Alpena, Michigan with wildlife watching

Looking for a camping experience near Alpena, Michigan, where you can indulge in wildlife watching? Look no further than Hipcamp! With over 380 available options in the area, you're sure to find the perfect campsite to suit your preferences. Whether you're interested in tent camping, RV camping, or cabin rentals, Hipcamp has got you covered. For wildlife enthusiasts, we recommend checking out Camp 437 in the Sturgeon Valley, which has received rave reviews from 100 campers. Other highly rated options include Million $ Sunset Camp (88 reviews) and Halls Haven (71 reviews). With amenities like trash disposal, toilets, and showers, you can enjoy the great outdoors without sacrificing basic comforts. Plus, with activities like boating, snow sports, and wind sports nearby, there's no shortage of adventure to be had. With an average price per night of $40 and options as low as $12, Hipcamp offers affordable camping options for every budget. Start planning your wildlife watching getaway today!

99% (37)

Top-rated campgrounds

Looking for a camping experience near Alpena, Michigan, where you can indulge in wildlife watching? Look no further than Hipcamp! With over 380 available options in the area, you're sure to find the perfect campsite to suit your preferences. Whether you're interested in tent camping, RV camping, or cabin rentals, Hipcamp has got you covered. For wildlife enthusiasts, we recommend checking out Camp 437 in the Sturgeon Valley, which has received rave reviews from 100 campers. Other highly rated options include Million $ Sunset Camp (88 reviews) and Halls Haven (71 reviews). With amenities like trash disposal, toilets, and showers, you can enjoy the great outdoors without sacrificing basic comforts. Plus, with activities like boating, snow sports, and wind sports nearby, there's no shortage of adventure to be had. With an average price per night of $40 and options as low as $12, Hipcamp offers affordable camping options for every budget. Start planning your wildlife watching getaway today!

99% (37)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Jewett Creek Farm

98%

(26)

20mi from Alpena · 1 site · Tent, RV · Hillman, MI

Quiet, close to lots of funLearn more about this land:- Full bathroom - RV hookup - Park like area off a asphalt road - 3 miles from the world famous Fletchers Flood Waters and near many other inland lakes. - 20 minutes from Lake Huron. - no one lives on site neighbors across road - ORV trails within five miles. - Five miles from the Thunder Bay River. - Near a Golf Course with elk viewing. - Campfire wood provided. - Pet friendly! - Seasonal

2. Rosemary Pines

100%

(2)

47mi from Alpena · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · Oscoda, MI

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. O Me, O Mio

100%

(7)

38mi from Alpena · 1 site · Lodging · Mio, MI

A rustic, permalog style cabin that is suited to accommodate up to nine. This is a cabin to help disconnect from the hustle and bustle of our chaotic lives. There is limited cell signal, no internet and no local or cable channels. The cabin is pet friendly, as I believe our pets are an extension of our families and should get to vacation with everyone rather than boarded (dogs only are allowed). Primary source of heat is a propane wall furnace. There is an electric fireplace in the living room. In the summer there is a window AC unit at the cabin and a fan for the loft (it does get hot up there). The cabin is very close (1/4 mile) to the AuSable River where you can easily launch boats, canoes and more. The ORV trail head is just a 1/4 mile down the road. This is also the perfect cabin for hunting, fishing, hiking and trail riding. Be sure to keep an eye out for an eagle or two. Also had deer tracks in the yard.

4. Rains Ranch

100%

(16)

30mi from Alpena · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · Curran, MI

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!!!

Public campgrounds near Alpena

Jewell Lake Campground

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

83%

(3)

Harrisville Campground

30mi from Alpena · 197 sites · Tents, RVs · in Harrisville State Park

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.

100%

(1)

McKinley Horse Trail Campground

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

100%

(2)

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

Stories from the community

M

Mark

September 2025

17 ft travel trailer

2 nights at Jewett Creek Farm

Enjoyed camping on Jason's land. Lots of elbow room and easy pull in and set up. Nice little bathroom with shower available. Took our bikes into Alpena to ride some of the bike trails there and took a drive in the evenings in the Atlanta area in case we could see some Elk. Also nearby lakes to fish or kayak.

d

darren

August 2025

29 ft Class A

Group trip

3 nights at Jewett Creek Farm

Jason’s site was exactly as described super clean, clean bathroom and shower right next door also washer and dryer. He left the light on so we could see where we were going. We were able to level the class a Motorhome easily and hook up to the 30 amp power there is also 50% power. It is a lovely quiet spot and we were able to cycle into the town where we had a lovely meal at the diner. Portions are massive and we all left full. This is a great spot and we would love to stay again. Thank you to Jason.

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!

P

Patti

July 2025

13 ft travel trailer

8 nights at Jewett Creek Farm

We camped in our little travel trailer at Jewett Creek farm for little over a week and truly enjoyed this private peaceful place! Having a such a nice bathroom and even laundry was a wonderful amenity. And we had fun exploring the local area.

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.

Paula

July 2025

21 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Jewett Creek Farm

Oh, my, this place is just lovely! It is a huge corner lot and if you had kids, they could run and run and run! The view just relaxing around the fire was very serene. And the amount of firewood Jason leaves you was amazing. Neighbors across the street, you would not even know they were there. And the bathroom he built was so adorable. And yes, the water does smell like sulfur, but host lets you know it’s not potable, but my husband took a shower and he thought it was pretty good. What a great spot for jumping off to do other adventures. 3 miles from a boat landing that took us to one of the most beautiful places we have ever kayaked, if you turn left from the boat launch. We also found a launching spot in the little park in Hillman that took us on the north branch of the thunder Bay river that probably was the most gorgeous place we have ever been. Also went bike riding on the north eastern state trail. And on a day it rained all day and evening we went adventuring up to Rogers City and other places. This Hipcamp is centrally located for all kinds of things. Jason was an amazing communicator also. A great Hipcamp!

Peggy

June 2025

40 ft travel trailer

7 nights at Jewett Creek Farm

Jason is very responsive and a great host. The site is nice and the bathroom is a great plus! The sewer hookup is higher than most and higher than the camper discharge, making it difficult to dump the tanks. Bring a portable tank to help dump tanks and utilize the bathroom on site when possible. Be aware the ground is not gravel so it gets very soft with lots of rain. Bring a board to help with camper leveling.

R

Ross

June 2025

16 ft travel trailer

6 nights at Jewett Creek Farm

Camped here in my 17' trailer for a week while exploring area around Thunder Bay and Alpena. Wonderful alternative to an RV park or crowded state park. Private, roomy camp on a large corner lot with screening trees and foliage and -- bonus! -- a bathroom with shower and laundry(!). There's a 30 amp electrical connection on the side of the building. We did not hook up to the water because it had of the sulphur smell, but there was no issue with showering or using the laundry. Would definitely use again.

J

Joseph

March 2025

Weekend Trip to O Me, O Mio

Such a cozy cabin! Nearby Mio is a very cute town and there’s lots of cool places for easy hikes, bird , scenic overlooks, and enjoying the river nearby. This place is perfect for a “modern technology” detox weekend; the cell service extender works just good enough that I feel like emergency alerts would come through, but other than that no modern technology.