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Thunder Bay River State Forest Campground
Thunder Bay River State Forest Campground
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.
The campground is located 9 miles southwest of Alpena via M-32 and Indian Reserve Road.
What to expect, finding a site
These rustic campgrounds offer stunning river and lakefront settings, perfect for fishing, boating, and paddling. Here's what you can expect:
- No reservations. Sites available on a first-come, first-served basis.
- There are vault toilets.
- Potable (drinking) water is available from a hand-pump well.
- No electrical available.
- Overnight fees ($20 for most sites) and registration procedures are posted at the information kiosk at each campground.
- Camping is limited to a 15-day maximum stay.
- One camping unit and six people are allowed per site.
Rates, dates and more
Recreation Passport required
A Recreation Passport (park pass) is required for vehicle entry into all state park and forest campgrounds.
Operating dates and amenities
View state forest campground rates. operating dates & amenities
State forest campground info
Find more info on state forest campgrounds.
Amenities & activities
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At a glance
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Detailed view
Boat launch
Fishing
Hunting
ORV trails or routes
Paddle-in campsite
Paddling
Rustic sites
Snowmobiling
Snowshoeing
Vault toilet
Water access
Boat launch
An undeveloped carry-in boat launch is located on the north side of the campground.
Fishing
Pike, smallmouth and large-mouth bass, walleye and several panfishes are caught in the Thunder Bay River.
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 or routes
There is an ORV/snowmobile trailhead adjacent to the campground, which provides access to the Devil’s Loop trail.
Paddle-in campsite
This campground is accessible from the Thunder Bay River for canoe camping.
Paddling
Explore Tomahawk Creek Flooding from the east or west units.
Rustic sites
Snowmobiling
There is an ORV/snowmobile trailhead adjacent to the campground, which provides access to the Devil’s Loop trail.
Snowshoeing
Vault toilet
Water access
This rustic campground is located along the Thunder Bay River.