Thunder Bay River State Forest Campground
Thunder Bay River State Forest Campground
Quick Facts
Price
Varies
Booking
Walk-in Only
Sites
10 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
Quick Facts
Price
Varies
Booking
Walk-in Only
Sites
10 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
Thunder Bay River State Forest Campground
No fees available
Campsite Fees
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(989) 734-2543
About Thunder Bay River State Forest Campground
Escape to a hidden riverside retreat where ten intimate campsites nestle along the pristine Thunder Bay River. This rustic, first-come, first-served gem offers the perfect blend of seclusion and adventure, with direct water access from every site, basic amenities including hand-pump water and vault toilets, and a convenient carry-in boat launch for paddlers.
Small, rustic/primitive riverside campground with 10 tent and small-trailer sites; first-come, first-served with a 15-day maximum stay and no reservations.
Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking to the gentle sounds of the Thunder Bay River flowing just steps from your tent, surrounded by a cathedral of mature hardwoods in this heavily wooded state forest sanctuary. Each site is thoughtfully tucked beneath the forest canopy, creating private pockets along the peaceful river corridor where wildlife sightings are common and the stars shine bright at night. Adventure beckons beyond your campsite with the scenic Wah-Wah-Tas-See Pathway winding 1.5 miles through the forest, while ORV and snowmobile enthusiasts can access the Devil's Loop trail from the adjacent trailhead, making this a year-round basecamp for outdoor exploration.
Geological RegionThunder Bay River State Forest in the northern Lower Peninsula (mixed hardwoods and conifers, river corridor)
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Campsite details
Total Campsites10 campsites
Best Campsites
Curated by campers, for campers
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Stay Limit
15-day maximum stay
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Reservation PlatformsMIDNRReservations.com (campground is first-come, first-served; no reservations)
Amenities available
Potable water
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Riverfront camping with direct water access at every campsite and an undeveloped carry-in boat launch. Recreational opportunities include fishing and paddling on the Thunder Bay River, a 1.5-mile Wah‑Wah‑Tas‑See Pathway access, and an ORV/snowmobile trailhead adjacent to the campground.
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Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
Hazards
General hazardsRiver hazards including high-water conditions (campers advised to be mindful of high-water safety). Rustic, forested location may have mosquitoes and other insects in warm months. Narrow gravel/dirt access road may be challenging for large rigs.
Weather at Thunder Bay River State Forest Campground
29
°F
Dec 26
Friday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Humidity: 68%
Wind: 9.2 mph
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Campground Map
Thunder Bay River State Forest Campground
Driving directionsLocated 9 miles southwest of Alpena via M-32 and Indian Reserve Road; campground sits at the end of a narrow gravel and dirt road.
Accessible from M-32 and Indian Reserve Road; final approach is a narrow gravel and dirt road to the campground.Nearby places
Alpena — 9 miles
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Last updated December 13, 2025
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