Is Thunder Bay River State Forest Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Thunder Bay River State Forest Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a spot.

Can I see photos of campsites at Thunder Bay River State Forest Campground before I book?

Yes! Thunder Bay River State Forest Campground has 14 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

Are there showers at Thunder Bay River State Forest Campground?

Thunder Bay River State Forest Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Thunder Bay River State Forest Campground have?

Thunder Bay River State Forest Campground has 10 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Thunder Bay River State Forest Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Thunder Bay River State Forest Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Thunder Bay River State Forest Campground?

Thunder Bay River State Forest Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Thunder Bay River State Forest Campground?

Popular activities at Thunder Bay River State Forest Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Thunder Bay River State Forest Campground

0 review

Top 18% in MIWinter

Featured in:Best Campgrounds Michigan

Quick Facts

719 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

719 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Thunder Bay River State Forest Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

Overnight fees ($20 for most sites) and registration procedures are posted at the information kiosk at each campground.

No paid fee categories listed.

Share this campground

Michigan

Provider

(989) 734-2543

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Thunder Bay River State Forest Campground

45.0191, -83.5583

Nearby places

Alpena — 9 miles

Weather at Thunder Bay River State Forest Campground

Best Time to Camp at Thunder Bay River State Forest Campground

Summer is the best time to visit for warm, stable weather and peak river recreation. Expect daytime highs around 70–80°F and cool nights in the 50s. Fishing and paddling are at their best, with river water levels generally good for carry-in launches and lazy float trips. The shady, wooded sites stay comfortable even on warm afternoons. Weekends can fill quickly at this intimate, first-come campground, so arrive early on summer weekends or plan weekday trips for maximum solitude.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer noted as best: warm weather, peak fishing and paddling conditions on the river.

Planning Tips

About Thunder Bay River State Forest Campground

Thunder Bay River State Forest Campground sits along the Thunder Bay River in Michigan's northern Lower Peninsula with ten primitive sites on a first-come basis. The campground offers vault toilets, potable water, and a carry-in boat launch for paddlers and anglers working the river corridor.

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.

Weather and SeasonsSummer is the best time to visit for warm, stable weather and peak river recreation. Expect daytime highs around 70–80°F and cool nights in the 50s. Fishing and paddling are at their best, with river water levels generally good for carry-in launches and lazy float trips. The shady, wooded sites stay comfortable even on warm afternoons. Weekends can fill quickly at this intimate, first-come campground, so arrive early on summer weekends or plan weekday trips for maximum solitude.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a wooded stretch of the Thunder Bay River, with mixed hardwoods and conifers shading the sites. All ten campsites sit riverfront or within steps of the water. The Wah-Wah-Tas-See Pathway runs 1.5 miles through the surrounding forest, and the Devil's Loop ORV and snowmobile trail starts at an adjacent trailhead.

Geological RegionThunder Bay River State Forest in the northern Lower Peninsula (mixed hardwoods and conifers, river corridor)

Scenic ViewsRiver views from every campsite; wooded river corridor scenery and views toward slow-moving stretches of the Thunder Bay River.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

15-day maximum stay

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Reservation PlatformsMIDNRReservations.com (campground is first-come, first-served; no reservations)

Total Campsites10 campsites

Best CampsitesAll ten sites are riverfront or immediately adjacent to the river and are generally considered equally desirable. Choose sites with more tree cover for privacy or sites nearer the boat launch for easier water access.

Amenities available

Rustic state forest campground with vault toilets and potable water from a hand-pump well. No electricity, showers, or site hookups; small and minimal facilities.

Potable water

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

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.

Hiking

Fishing

Boating

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsRiver 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.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

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Limited Reviews

Thunder Bay River State Forest Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews

Review Summaries

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Go if

Paddlers and anglers who can arrive early on a summer Friday. Every site sits riverfront, the carry-in launch is on-site, and the Thunder Bay holds pike, walleye, and smallmouth. Weekday arrivals have the best shot at a site.

Skip if

No electricity, no showers, and no reservations, if you need hookups or a guaranteed spot, this place will let you down. The narrow dirt access road also rules out larger trailers and RVs.

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Campgrounds

Thunder Bay River State Forest Campground

From Michigan DNR

Official information for Thunder Bay River State Forest Campground from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

This rustic campground rests on the banks of the Thunder Bay River and provides water access at every campsite. The area provides great opportunities for fishing and paddle sports. There is a small boat launch on the north side of the campground. The 1.5 mile Wah-Wah-Tas-See Pathway can be accessed from the campground. There is an ORV trailhead directly adjacent to the campground off of Indian Reserve Road. There are ten sites available for tent and small trailer use located at the end of a narrow gravel and dirt road. Camping is limited to a 15-day maximum stay. Amenities include vault toilets and potable water from a hand-pump well. The campground is located 9 miles southwest of Alpena via M-32 and Indian Reserve Road. Sites available on a first-come, first-serve basis. No reservations. View Campground closing and opening dates .

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