Van Etten Lake State Forest Campground

Star4.42
94 reviews
Van Etten Lake State Forest Campground
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

1,060 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

49 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Michigan Department of Natural Resources (Michigan DNR) site

Official Website
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Van Etten Lake State Forest Campground
No fees available
Campsite Fees
Fee details not specified. A Michigan Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry; camping fees are paid on-site at the campground kiosk...
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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

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Michigan
Provider
(248) 889-3750
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What Campers Say

4.42

Recommended

Based on 94 reviews

83 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietlakesites

"Most visitor reviews are positive, highlighting quiet, spacious lakeside sites and good fishing. Negative comments focus on limited facilities (vault toilets, no hookups), occasional noisy campers or traffic, launch parking problems, and PFAS/foam concerns in the lake."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Van Etten Lake State Forest Campground

Van Etten Lake State Forest Campground

42.6328, -83.5562

Driving directionsLocated in Iosco County, four and a half miles northwest of Oscoda via US-23 and F-41 (Old M-171).
Accessible via US-23 and F-41 (Old M-171); campground is ~4.5 miles northwest of Oscoda.
Nearby places
Oscoda — 4.5 miles

Best Time to Camp at Van Etten Lake State Forest Campground

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Boating, fishing, paddling and shoreline walks make summer a prime season despite limited amenities.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Wooded lake setting and regional trails suggest strong fall color and quieter conditions.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Spring offers shoreline walks and fishing; mud, seasonal runoff and PFAS concerns may limit swimming.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.0 / 5

Ice fishing and snowmobile/ORV access offsite are available but facilities are minimal in winter.

Planning Tips

    About Van Etten Lake State Forest Campground

    Escape to Van Etten Lake State Forest Campground, where rustic charm meets waterfront serenity just 4.5 miles northwest of Oscoda. This wooded retreat on the shores of 1,320-acre Van Etten Lake welcomes spontaneous adventurers with first-come, first-serve sites (15-day maximum), many offering direct lake access, along with essential amenities like vault toilets, hand-pump water, scenic footpaths, and a convenient boat launch.
    Rustic lakeside campground that accommodates tent camping and trailers; sites are first-come, first-served and lack utility hookups.
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    Best Campsites

    Curated by campers, for campers
    Reveal picks

    Reserving a campsite

    Stay Limit
    15-day maximum stay

    Amenities available

    Potable water
    Vault toilets

    Activities you can enjoy

    Lake-based recreation (boating, paddling, fishing), shoreline walking, nearby trail biking and seasonal snowmobile/ORV trail access offsite; hunting access to adjacent state land.
    HikingShoreline walking path along Van Etten Lake; regional trails (including the Iron Belle) accessible nearby.
    FishingVan Etten Lake (1,320 acres) is popular for perch, walleye, pike and bass; campground has a boat launch providing lake access.
    SwimmingSmall beach area near the boat launch; users and public-health notices report PFAS contamination and occasional surface foam—swimming and fish consumption should be approached with caution.
    Biking
    Boating
    Wildlife viewing
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    Policies & Safety

    Hazards & AlertsMDHHS/other advisories and camper reports note PFAS contamination in Van Etten Lake; anglers should follow fish-consumption guidance and avoid swallowing surface foam. The campground is rustic (vault toilets, no electrical hookups), so limited services should be expected.

    Weather at Van Etten Lake State Forest Campground

    Reviews

    4.4
    94 reviews
    Recommended
    Recommended
    Van Etten Lake State Forest Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
    Most visitor reviews are positive, highlighting quiet, spacious lakeside sites and good fishing. Negative comments focus on limited facilities (vault toilets, no hookups), occasional noisy campers or traffic, launch parking problems, and PFAS/foam concerns in the lake.
    Review Summaries
    Based on 94 reviews

    What Campers Love

    Quiet, wooded lakeside atmosphere; large, well‑spaced campsites; direct lake access from several sites (36–46); convenient boat launch and good fishing.
    Based on 94 reviews

    Pro Tips & Recommendations

    Sites are first‑come, first‑served—arrive early. Bring your own firewood and supplies. Choose sites 36–46 for direct lake access. Be cautious about swimming and eating fish due to PFAS advisories.
    Based on 94 reviews

    Camper Quotes

    "Best campground in that area, very quiet."; "Very spacious lots."; "Worst place I have ever camped in my life... Traffic doesn't stop all night long."
    Based on 94 reviews

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    Last updated February 2, 2026
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