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Van Etten Lake State Forest Campground
Van Etten Lake State Forest Campground
Overlooking Van Etten Lake, near Wurtsmith Air Force Base, this rustic campground offers 49 versatile sites for tents, small trailers and large trailers. Campers will enjoy fishing on the 1,320-acre lake. Sites 36-46 have direct lake access via footpaths, and a picturesque walking path lines the water's edge. A boating access site is in the campground. Sites 12, 38 and 48 are accessible.
The campground is located near the Iron Belle Trail, which can be accessed south of the campground via F41 and River Road.
The campground is located 4.5 miles northwest of Oscoda via US-23 and F-41.
MDHHS has issued consumption guidelines for fish with elevated PFOS levels and an advisory to avoid swallowing foam for Van Etten Lake as high levels of PFAS may be present. Find consumption guidelines for fish with elevated PFOS levels.
Amenities & activities
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At a glance
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Detailed view
Biking
Boat launch
Fishing
Hunting
ORV trails or routes
Paddling
Rustic sites
Snowmobiling
Vault toilet
Water access
Biking
The campground is located near the Iron Belle Trail, which can be accessed south of the campground via F41 and River Road.
Boat launch
A boating access stie is located in the south side of the campground.
Fishing
Fishing is a popular activity on Van Etten Lake where perch, walleye, pike, and bass can be caught.
Hunting
This campground provides access to state land open to hunting. Firearm hunting is not allowed within 450 feet of an occupied dwelling.
ORV trails or routes
Old State House ORV Trailhead is 5.5 miles southwest of Van Etten campground. ORVs and snowmobiles are prohibited in the campground.
Paddling
Paddling is a popular activity in the lake.
Rustic sites
Snowmobiling
Old State House trailhead is 5.5 miles southwest of Van Etten campground. ORVs and snowmobiles are prohibited in the campground.
Vault toilet
Water access
This rustic campground is located on Van Etten Lake.
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.
Area map
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.