Thunder Bay River State Forest Campground

Required

(10) $20

Situated on the banks of the Thunder Bay River, this rustic campground offers great opportunities for paddle sports and fishing. Located in Alpena County, 9 miles southwest of Alpena.

This campground is managed by Hoeft State Park.

More Information

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.

Activities (Display as List)

Fishing Item is accessible.
Fishing: Pike, smallmouth and large-mouth bass, walleye and several panfishes are caught in the Thunder Bay River.
Hiking Item is accessible.
Hiking
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.
ORV Trails/Routes Item is accessible.
ORV Trails/Routes: There is an ORV/snowmobile trailhead adjacent to the campground, which provides access to the Devil’s Loop trail.
Paddlesports Item is accessible.
Paddlesports: Explore the Thunder Bay River from the campground.
Snowmobiling Item is accessible.
Snowmobiling: There is an ORV/snowmobile trailhead adjacent to the campground, which provides access to the Devil’s Loop trail.
Snowshoeing Item is accessible.
Snowshoeing

Facilities (Display as List)

Boat Launch Item is accessible.
Boat Launch: An undeveloped carry-in boat launch is located on the Thunder Bay River. The boat launch is located on the north side of the campground.
Paddle-in Campsite Item is accessible.
Paddle-in Campsite: This campground is accessible from the Thunder Bay River for canoe camping.
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 along the Thunder Bay River. Please be mindful of high-water safety.