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Thunder Bay Campground
Overview
Thunder Bay Campground offers a peaceful retreat for RVers looking to explore the natural beauty of Alpena, Michigan. Situated near the winding Thunder Bay River, this park serves as an ideal base for those seeking a mix of woodland serenity and convenient access to local attractions. The atmosphere is laid-back and welcoming, making it a popular choice for seasonal visitors and road trippers alike who want to experience the Sanctuary of the Great Lakes in a quiet setting.
Location & Surroundings
The park is nestled in a heavily wooded area, providing a sense of seclusion while remaining just minutes from downtown Alpena. Travelers will appreciate being close to the shores of Lake Huron, where the maritime history of the region comes to life. The surrounding landscape is defined by lush forests and fresh water, offering plenty of shade and a cool breeze during the Michigan summer months. It is an excellent spot for nature photography and enjoying the quiet sounds of the northern woods.
Amenities & Park Features
Guests can choose from a variety of sites, including many with full hookups and spacious pull-through options that accommodate larger rigs. The campground is well-maintained, featuring essential facilities such as clean restrooms, showers, and laundry services. For recreation, the park offers canoe and kayak rentals, allowing visitors to paddle directly onto the river from the property. Families will also enjoy the on-site playground and communal fire pits, which are perfect for evening gatherings under the stars.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
A short drive leads to the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary, where visitors can take glass-bottom boat tours to view historic shipwrecks. Nature lovers should not miss Island Park, which features scenic hiking trails and fishing bridges. The Alpena area is also home to several historic lighthouses and the Besser Museum for Northeast Michigan. For those who enjoy shopping and dining, the charming downtown district provides a variety of local boutiques and lakeside eateries just a few miles away.
Who This Park Is Best For
This campground is best suited for family campers and outdoor enthusiasts who prioritize water access and a natural environment. It is a fantastic choice for those traveling with kayaks or fishing gear, as the direct river access is a major highlight. If you are looking for a quiet, rustic basecamp that doesn't sacrifice modern essentials like full utilities and easy highway access, Thunder Bay Campground offers the perfect balance for your Northeast Michigan adventure.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Jerome Smigelski
We have been camping here since 2020, Clean bathrooms and showers, pavilion available for family gatherings and water and electricity. There is a honey wagon for clean out and very satisfied with prompt clean outs. We have met the greatest campers in this park. Last August we were invited and went to a Beautiful wedding in Wisconsin. Kregg does his best to work with all campers. Stop by we’re on lot #23.
Stefana Danese
**Warning** Was excited to come here with family and spend time bonding, camping and making memories but instead was treated/talked to HORRIBLY by the owner who had obviously gotten us confused with someone else because he showed up at our door REEKING of alcohol, calling us names and speaking vulgarity in front of children/women forcing us to leave. Banging on our door, screaming, even threatening us until we had to leave in the middle of night! Never returning here please think twice especially if bringing kids:( waste of money
Amanda Lemaster
*(Edited below) Very clean ground, showers and bathrooms. Owner was very nice and came over and introduced himself and invited us back. We loved it. *Edit (7 years later): While Kregg, the owner, is still a great guy, friendly and hospitable, and the campground is quiet, unfortunately the cleanliness of it has really gone downhill. We camp every year since posting the original review 7 years ago. It used to be that some of the seasonal residents would mop the showers and clean the bathrooms. I haven't noticed that in several years. The showers have mildew, mold, cobwebs and dirt. There was an ashed cigarette in the soap dish, dirty underwear and socks on the floor in the bathroom walkway. In 6 days time, the counters in the bathroom were not wiped, nor were the toilets cleaned. Would love to come back, but only if it gets cleaned up a bit.
James Manning
Cheap, no frills camping. Bare minimum anenities. Toilet and shower house. Dump station and trash dumpster. Oh, there is a big Pavillion for a large gathering way out back.
Kristen Fessler
We like it here. It’s nice and quiet. The sites are large. Not much to do though.
Mary Mausolf
Made reservations several months ago. Owner does not take CC info to reserve spot. Arrived and were told walk ins had taken all the spots and park was full. All other parks were full, due to a softball tournament in the area. Ended up sharing a lot with a homeless tenter, which was awkward. Lots of seasonals, several homeless sites, unkempt, unorganized owner. DO NOT STAY HERE!!!!
Chasity Henry
This place is a dang JOKE! We made reservations months in advance. When we arrived a man on a golf cart approached our vehicle and asked if we had reservations and we told him Yes we made them a month ago. He said well people pulling in off the streets have already filled all the camping spots so we nothing else available. Don't recommend. We actually found a very nice place about 12 minutes away called Paul Bunyan Family Campground. They were very welcoming and able to fit us in with full hookup. They are also aware that the man at this campground does this quite a bit! ...We do not recommend going to THUNDERBAY!
Alan M Gould
This campground is awesome. It’s extremely clean and quiet. The bathrooms and showers are nice and clean. The guy that runs the place is super friendly. They have amazing rates and seasonal pricing. I’ll be coming back here many times a year for many seasons to come.
Kay Schultetus
We like quiet, shady trees, level sites that are not crammed together and plenty of room to walk our dogs. This fits the bill, although in peak season with all sites full and families with kids it might be louder. Still, sites are large enough for some to park their trailer, large boat and tow vehicle with room to spare. 50 Amp service, good water, interesting trails to roam and just far enough off the highway that traffic noise isn't a bother. Some playground equipment for kids and room for them to ride bikes or have a ballgame. Basketball court, too. Cannot describe the bathhouse as I do not care for public bathing or public restrooms when I have my own.
James Srebnack
The owners real nice guy working with me real nice place to stay highly recommended