Beach and dog-friendly camping near Alpena

When you camp in Alpena, Lake Huron adventures are just off the dock.

75% (4 reviews)

United States
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Michigan
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Alpena

75% (4 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Alpena

Top beach and dog friendly campgrounds near alpena

75%

(4)

Apple Haven Heritage Farm

1 site · RV, Tent10 acres · Harrisville, MI

Come step back in time. Settle into the peace you'll feel camping under the majestic trees that have a tale to tell, up on top of a secluded hill with an expansive view of Lake Huron, or choose an open green field on the edge of a country road where you can drive or walk a few miles and discover old Sturgeon Point Lighthouse, and Bailey Schoolhouse. Fish, canoe or take a swim. Bike through the winding roads with the songs of birds nearby and an occasional family of deer. Or gather moss and birchbark to create something special. Pick some heritage apples in our orchard. Wander through 10 wondrous acres of forest trails behind the stone house. or walk the sandy shores of Lake Huron one .minute away and pick up colorful rocks and plentiful driftwood. If you sense the wonder of this place, you may also be one of the few to witness a little known Native American mound still standing only 30 minutes away near Mikado to the west. And if you want to adventure further, you can find the Maritime Museum with free admission and glass bottom boat with tales of ships sunken in the Great Lakes nearby or visit the Besser Museum both a 35 minute drive to the north. We're happy to share a bit of the natural beauty and amazing history of the Apple Haven Heritage Farm area with you. Come on over! We're excited to meet you!

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

100%

(2)

Hoeft State Park

Rogers City, Michigan

81%

(26)

Huron-Manistee National Forests

Mio, Michigan

Onaway State Park

Onaway, Michigan

Harrisville State Park

Harrisville, Michigan

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Beach and dog-friendly camping near Alpena guide

Overview

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.