Ambrose Lake State Forest Campground

4.69

93 reviews

Featured in:RV Camping Michigan Primitive Camping Michigan

Quick Facts

Price

$117/night

Booking

Check Site

Sites

25 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Not Allowed

RV Friendly

Opens Michigan DNR site

Get Directions

Quick Facts

Price

$117/night

Booking

Check Site

Sites

25 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Not Allowed

RV Friendly

Opens Michigan DNR site

Get Directions

Ambrose Lake State Forest Campground

$117.00 - $117.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Lodge‑style cabin rentals start at $117 per night and require a two‑night minimum. No published nightly fee for tent/trailer sites provided in the...

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

Total Campsite Fees$0.00

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Michigan

Provider

(800) 447-2757

What Campers Say

4.69

Top-Rated

Based on 93 reviews

93 Google reviews

Most mentioned

shadespaciouslakewell-maintained

Some mention

noisebugsmosquitoes

"Highly rated overall (many 4–5 star Google reviews). Reviewers praise the scenic, quiet lakeside setting, spacious shaded sites, good fishing and direct access to ORV trails."

Read all reviews

Fees & Passes at Ambrose Lake State Forest Campground

$117/night

Campsite fees

Stay Limit: 15-day maximum stay

Prices verified December 13, 2025

Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Michigan DNR website.

Best Time to Camp at Ambrose Lake State Forest Campground

While the campground welcomes visitors year-round, each season paints Ambrose Lake in different colors and moods. Fall transforms the surrounding forest into a spectacular display of autumn brilliance that draws leaf-peepers from across the region. Summer brings warm days ideal for swimming and fishing, though you'll want to pack bug spray for those lakeside mosquitoes. Winter adventurers should note that roads and campsites aren't plowed, creating a more challenging but rewarding backcountry experience for those willing to make the trek.

Spring (Mar-May)

Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.

Best

Summer (Jun-Aug)

Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.

Fall (Sep-Nov)

Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.

Winter (Dec-Feb)

Off-season, limited services. Check for closures before visiting.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Open year-round; seasonal roads and campground are not plowed in winter.

About Ambrose Lake State Forest Campground

Discover a hidden gem in the Ogemaw Hills where Ambrose Lake State Forest Campground offers the perfect blend of rustic charm and lakeside serenity. This intimate campground features spacious, wooded sites that put you right on the water's edge, with easy access to scenic ORV trails for adventure seekers. Choose between traditional campsites with vault toilets and hand-pump water, or upgrade your experience in one of five newly added electric cabins.

Rustic state forest campground with tent and trailer/RV-capable sites and five electric-only lodge-style cottage cabins available for rent.

Weather and SeasonsWhile the campground welcomes visitors year-round, each season paints Ambrose Lake in different colors and moods. Fall transforms the surrounding forest into a spectacular display of autumn brilliance that draws leaf-peepers from across the region. Summer brings warm days ideal for swimming and fishing, though you'll want to pack bug spray for those lakeside mosquitoes. Winter adventurers should note that roads and campsites aren't plowed, creating a more challenging but rewarding backcountry experience for those willing to make the trek.

Natural Features and SceneryNestled along the peaceful shores of Ambrose Lake, this campground immerses you in a cathedral of towering hardwoods and fragrant conifers that create a naturally shaded retreat. The forest canopy provides welcome cover while maintaining that secluded, away-from-it-all atmosphere that makes you feel worlds away from everyday life. The lake itself is a paddler's dream—calm, clear waters perfect for kayaking, canoeing, or casting a line. Whether you launch your boat from the developed ramp on the south shore or slip in quietly from the north side carry-in access, you'll find yourself surrounded by unspoiled natural beauty.

Geological RegionOgemaw Hills area, Ogemaw County in north‑central Lower Peninsula

Campsite details

Total Campsites25 campsites

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

15-day maximum stay

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive are allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round; seasonal roads and campground are not plowed in winter.

Reservation PlatformsMIDNRReservations.com

Accomodation available

Cabin lodgingCabin lodging is available for campers seeking a more sheltered and comfortable experience. These enclosed accommodations offer protection from the elements and are ideal for those who prefer not to camp in tents.

Amenities available

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Lake-based recreation (fishing, paddling, boat launch) plus ORV/ATV and snowmobile trail access; nearby multi-use trails for hiking and biking.

Hiking

Ogemaw Hills Pathway and nearby trails are available for hiking and biking; the pathway is about 5.5 miles northwest of the campground.

Fishing

Ambrose Lake supports bass, bluegill, crappie and pike; nearby Clear Lake and Horseshoe Lake provide additional fishing opportunities.

Biking

Boating

Campground rules

Pets are not allowed
Picnic tables and fire grill/pit combos provided at the cabin sites and fire grills/pits provided at campsites (per site descriptions).

Hazards

General hazardsSeasonal heavy insects (mosquitoes), potential noise and dust from ORV/ATV trail use, and limited services (no electrical hookups or showers at tent/trailer sites). Winter access can be hazardous because roads are not plowed.

Weather at Ambrose Lake State Forest Campground

°F

Dec 26

Friday

Overcast

Precipitation: 0%

Humidity: 81%

Wind: 10.1 mph

Overcast

Weather History

Weather data powered by Open-Meteo

Detailed 7-Day Forecast

Reveal forecast

Good to know

Common complaintsORV/ATV noise and dust at times; mosquitoes/bugs noted by some campers; basic facilities and no electric hookups at campsites.

Campground Map

Ambrose Lake State Forest Campground

Driving directionsLocated about 11 miles north of West Branch; access via South Fairview Road and Houghton Creek Road (also described as County Road 15 and County Road 20 from West Branch).

Nearby places

West Branch — 11 miles (nearest service town)

Rose City — nearest small town with fuel/convenience stores (distance not specified).

Nearby supplies

West Branch and Rose City (supplies and services)

Reviews from booking and map sources

4.7

93 reviews

Top-Rated

Ambrose Lake State Forest Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

Highly rated overall (many 4–5 star Google reviews). Reviewers praise the scenic, quiet lakeside setting, spacious shaded sites, good fishing and direct access to ORV trails.

Review Summaries

Based on 93 reviews

What Campers Love

Scenic Ambrose Lake with good fishing and a developed boat launch; spacious, shaded campsites with picnic tables and fire pits; well-maintained vault toilets; direct access to ORV/ATV and snowmobile...

Based on 93 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campground is first-come, first-served—arrive early for lakefront sites; bring water, supplies and strong insect repellent; self-contained rigs recommended due to no hookups; ORV riders should follow...

Based on 93 reviews