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Thompsons Harbor State Park

bird's-eye view of blue-green lake and trees

Thompsons Harbor State Park

Nestled along 7.5 of Lake Huron's beautiful shoreline, Thompson's Harbor State Park offers a rustic adventure for outdoor enthusiasts. Encompassing more than 5,000 acres, this undeveloped park boasts a diverse landscape of forests, sand dunes, marshes and a rocky shoreline. The park is located 24 miles north of Alpena on U.S. 23 North.

This park provides critical habitat for two sensitive species: the federally and state-threatened dwarf lake iris, Michigan's state wildflower, and the Eastern massasauga rattlesnake, a species of special concern protected by state law.

The park is home to a designated dark sky preserve, providing awesome opportunities to view the night sky, two cabins and 6 miles of trails.


Visitors also love exploring the Huron Shores Heritage Route along US-23.

Trails & area maps

cross-country ski trail symbol

Cross-country skiing

star gazing symbol

Designated dark sky preserve

fishing symbol

Fishing

hunting symbol

Hunting

paddling symbol

Paddling

pet-friendly features symbol

Pet-friendly features

snowshoeing symbol

Snowshoeing

vault toilet symbol

Vault toilet

water access symbol

Water access

cross-country ski trail symbol

Cross-country skiing

star gazing symbol

Designated dark sky preserve

fishing symbol

Fishing

hunting symbol

Hunting

Hunting is allowed in the state park; however, you should call this park directly to inquire about any special rules, concerns or considerations.

paddling symbol

Paddling

Paddlers enjoy the scenic bays and inlets along the Lake Huron shoreline.

pet-friendly features symbol

Pet-friendly features

Pets are allowed along the entire length of the Lake Huron shoreline. Pets must always be on a 6-foot leash and under an owner’s immediate control. All pet waste must be properly disposed of in trash receptacles.

snowshoeing symbol

Snowshoeing

vault toilet symbol

Vault toilet

water access symbol

Water access

Enjoy 7.5 miles of rocky shoreline stretching along Lake Huron.

Stay overnight

  • For reservations call 800-447-2757 or reserve online

    Nestled in the woods, this rustic cabin sleeps four to six guests. Inside, you'll find two bunk beds and a pull-out couch, a gas stove and a propane stovetop with a cooktop. A table with seating for four provides a comfortable space to gather and enjoy meals. While there's no running water inside, an outdoor hand pump provides easy access to fresh water. A vault toilet is adjacent to the cabin.

    No linens or kitchen supplies provided.

    Number of sites:

    1

    Tags: Rustic cabin, State park campground, Vault toilet, Winter camping
  • For reservations call 800-447-2757 or reserve online

    Nestled in the woods, this rustic, stick-built cabin sleeps four to six guests. Inside, you'll find two bunk beds and a pull-out couch, a gas stove and a propane stovetop with a cooktop. A table with seating for four provides a comfortable space to gather and enjoy meals. While there's no running water inside, an outdoor hand pump provides easy access to fresh water. A vault toilet is adjacent to the cabin.

    No linens or kitchen supplies provided.

    Number of sites:

    1

    Tags: Rustic cabin, State park campground, Vault toilet, Winter camping

Trails & area maps

Recreation Passport required

A Recreation Passport (park pass) is required for vehicle entry into all state park and forest campgrounds.

Friends group

Thanks to the Friends of Thompson’s Harbor State Park for supporting the park.

Recreate Responsibly

Keep yourself, your friends and family, and the outdoors safe.

Great Lakes beach safety

Stay safe. These powerful bodies of water have dangerous currents.

Visitor's guide

Find additional area information, maps and more.

Rules, rates, dates

General state park rules, rates & operating dates, reservations & cancellations, camping rules and more.

Upcoming events

While there aren't any upcoming park events listed at this time, you can check out the DNR's calendar of events.

The park also offers weekly nature programs not listed in the online calendar.

Photos