Ambrose Lake State Forest Campground

LAT 44.407192 LONG -84.255162

Required

(25) $20

Situated on the shore of Ambrose Lake, this rustic campground offers great opportunities for paddle sports and fishing. Located in Ogemaw County, 11 miles north of West Branch.

This campground is managed by Rifle River Recreation Area.

More Information

This quaint, rustic campground is nestled on the shore of Ambrose Lake and offers excellent fishing and paddling opportunities. There is a developed boat launch on the south side of the campground and carry-in access for kayaks and canoes on the north side of the campground. The campground is moderately shaded, and the campsites are large and spacious with generous room between each site. The Ogemaw Hills Pathway offers trails for hiking and biking, and is 5.5 miles northwest from the campground.

There are 25 sites for tent, small trailer and large trailer use. Sites 6 and 8 are wheelchair accessible. There is also handicap parking near the vault toilets and the boat launch. 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 11 miles north of West Branch via South Fairview Road and Houghton Creek Road.Sites available on a first-come, first-serve basis. No reservations.

View Campground closing and opening dates.

Activities (Display as List)

Fishing Item is accessible.
Fishing: Bass, blue gill, crappie and pike are caught in Ambrose Lake. Nearby fishing opportunities include Clear Lake (1.5 miles west) and Horseshoe Lake (2 miles west).
Hunting Item is accessible.
Hunting: This campground provides access to state land open to hunting. Firearm hunting is not allowed within 450 feet of an occupied dwelling. Learn more about hunting.
Off-Road Vehicle Trails/Routes Item is accessible.
Off-Road Vehicle Trails/Routes: This campground has direct access to 9 miles of ORV/ATV cycle trails. The trail connects to the Michigan Cross Country Cycle Trail and the Ogemaw Hills Trail (5 miles south), which offers 26 miles of cycle/ATV trail with 10 miles suitable for full-sized vehicle ORVs. ORVs can be ridden from a campsite to access these routes. All other ORV use within the campground is prohibited.
Paddling Item is accessible.
Paddling: Explore Ambrose Lake from the campground. Carry-in access is located on the northwest side of the campground and directly at some of the campsites.
Snowmobiling Item is accessible.
Snowmobiling: The Ambrose Lake Trail is accessible from the campground.
Winter Camping Item is accessible.
Winter Camping: This rustic campground is open all year; however, the campground and seasonal roads are not plowed.

Facilities (Display as List)

Boat Launch Item is accessible.
Boat Launch: A developed boat launch is located on Ambrose Lake.
Rustic Site Item is accessible.
Rustic Site
Vault Toilet Item is accessible.
Vault Toilet
Water Access Item is accessible.
Water Access: This rustic campground is located on Ambrose Lake.