Camping Near Alpena, MI: Why We Think Paul Bunyan Campground Is Pretty Awesome

If you're searching for camping near Alpena, MI, you've landed in the right place. And yes, we're going to be a little biased. We're the owners of Paul Bunyan Campground, after all. So naturally, we think our campground is pretty darn awesome.

But hear us out.

We're not trying to convince you that we're some giant, polished, cookie-cutter RV resort. That's not who we are, and honestly, that's not what we want to be. We're a little more old-school Northern Michigan campground than that. We've got vintage character. We've got big trees. We've got campfires. We've got people who actually say hello to each other. We've got a game room, a pool, a dog park, clean bathrooms that we personally obsess over, and large campsites with big yards so you actually feel like you're camping for just about every kind of camper. And we're right between Alpena and Harrisville, just a few minutes from Lake Huron.

So if you're looking for a campground near Alpena, a place to camp while exploring the Sunrise Side, or just somewhere to park the RV, pitch the tent, pull up the van and relax for a few days...

Come hang out with us.

So... Where Exactly Is Paul Bunyan Campground?

We're in Spruce, Michigan, right along US-23 between Alpena and Harrisville. That location is one of the things we love most about this place. We're approximately 15 minutes from Alpena and roughly 20 minutes from Harrisville, with Lake Huron only about five minutes away.

In other words, we're close enough to everything without feeling like you're camping in the middle of town. And that's exactly how we like it. You can spend your morning exploring Alpena, your afternoon at the beach, your evening swimming in our pool and then finish the night around a campfire.

Or...

You can do absolutely none of that. You can sit by the pool all day. We won't judge. Sometimes the best camping day is the one where you don't go anywhere.

Camping Between Alpena and Harrisville

If you're planning a trip along Michigan's Sunrise Side, our location makes Paul Bunyan Campground a pretty convenient home base. We're right between Alpena and Harrisville, which means you can easily explore both communities without packing up your entire campsite every morning. Stay with us and use the campground as your home base while you explore:

And when you're done exploring? Come back to camp. That's one of our favorite things about staying at a campground instead of a hotel. You actually get to come back to your own space while enjoying the outdoors.

Why We Love Michigan's Sunrise Side

We should probably warn you. We love the Sunrise Side. A lot. When we first discovered this part of Michigan, it didn't take long to understand why people fall in love with it. The Sunrise Side of Michigan has that special Northern Michigan combination of beautiful water, forests, small towns, friendly people and a pace of life that feels just a little slower. Lake Huron is obviously a big part of it. But it's more than the lake. It's the people waving as you drive by. It's the local restaurants. It's the little shops. It's the quiet roads. It's the smell of the woods after it rains. It's sitting around a campfire while the sun disappears (around 9:30pm in summer!). It's waking up early enough to see the sunrise over Lake Huron. It's getting in the car with no real plan and finding something interesting anyway. That's Northeast Michigan. And we're pretty lucky to call it home.

We're Biased, But Here's Why We Think Our Campground Is Awesome

Okay. Here's where the shameless campground promotion begins. But we're the owners, so we feel like we're allowed. When we took over Paul Bunyan Campground, we knew we had something special here. We also knew it needed some love. So we got to work. We've spent a lot of time cleaning, fixing, repainting, renovating, refreshing and generally getting our hands dirty. And we're not really the type of owners who sit in an office and send someone else out to do everything. If something needs cleaning, we're probably cleaning it. If something needs fixing, we're probably figuring it out. If something needs a fresh coat of paint, well... guess who's holding the paintbrush? We care about the details because we actually camp here too. And we want you to have the kind of experience we'd want to have.

Vintage Character Meets Clean and Comfortable

One of the things we love about Paul Bunyan Campground is that it still feels like a campground. It's not trying to pretend it's a luxury hotel. There are trees, campfires, kids running around, dogs, muddy shoes, people sitting outside drinking coffee in the morning, history from being built in the 1970's, and amazing connections happening throughout the campground. There's a little bit of nostalgia here and we love it. But vintage character doesn't mean dirty or neglected - quite the opposite.

Cleanliness is something we take personally. Our bathrooms and common areas are cleaned and maintained with a level of care that we're pretty proud of. In fact, if you see us walking around with a cleaning rag, don't be surprised. We may own the place, but apparently that doesn't get us out of cleaning the bathrooms.

Our Pool Got a Serious Glow-Up

If you're camping in Northern Michigan during the summer, there's a pretty good chance you're going to want a pool. Especially when the sun is doing that thing where it makes you wonder why you packed pants. So we gave ours some love. Our outdoor pool has been completely recoated with a glacier-blue epoxy, and we're pretty sure it looks ridiculously good. Add in some new pool furniture, including our red, white and blue Adirondack chairs, and you've got a pretty great place to spend a summer afternoon. And here's the best part: You don't have to leave the campground to have a fun day.

Newly Renovated Bathrooms

Let's talk about something that doesn't get nearly enough attention in campground advertising. Bathrooms.

Nobody books a camping trip because they're excited about the bathroom. But everyone notices when the bathroom is clean. We completely refreshed our campground bathrooms because we believe clean, comfortable facilities matter. We want you to be able to come back from a day at Lake Huron, rinse off, clean up and feel good about using the campground facilities. We're pretty proud of them. And judging by the number of campers who have told us they love them, we're not the only ones.

Yes, We Have a Dog Park

Because dogs deserve vacations too. Paul Bunyan Campground is dog-friendly, and we've added a dedicated dog park so your four-legged camping buddy can stretch their legs and burn off some energy. Because let's be honest...Your dog is probably having a better time camping than you are.

They get:

Honestly, we're jealous. We just ask that everyone follows our pet rules, keeps their dogs leashed when required and cleans up after them.

The Game Room: Because Rain Happens

We're big fans of being outside, but we're also realistic. This is Michigan and sometimes it rains. Sometimes the weather forecast says "partly cloudy" and then Mother Nature decides to personally ruin your plans. That's where our game room comes in. We've refreshed the game room with new furniture and games, giving campers another place to hang out when they need a break from the weather. It's also just a fun place for kids, families and campers to spend some time together. Because a good campground needs more than a campsite. It needs places where people can actually make memories.

Bring Your RV. Or Your Tent. Or Your Van. Or... Whatever.

One of our favorite things about camping is that there isn't one right way to do it. Some people love their giant fifth wheel. Some people have a tiny camper. Some people pull up in a van. Some people sleep in a tent. Some people show up with a pickup truck, a tent and an unreasonable amount of camping equipment. We're good with all of it. Paul Bunyan Campground welcomes campers traveling with:

RVs - We have RV sites for campers bringing motorhomes, travel trailers and fifth wheels.

Tents- If you're looking for tent camping near Alpena, MI, we've got you covered too.

Camper Vans- Van camping and road trips are a perfect fit for the Sunrise Side.

Cabins

Not an RV person? Don't own a tent? We've got a renovated camping-style cabin too. Be sure to bring your own linens if you decide to stay in our cabin! Basically, if you're looking for a way to spend a night outside in Northern Michigan, we can probably help.

Camping Near Alpena Without Actually Staying in Alpena

This is one of the reasons our location works so well. You're close to Alpena without being surrounded by city traffic. Alpena is approximately 15 minutes away, so it's easy to head into town for:

Then you get to come back to the campground. That's important to us. We don't want you to feel like you're staying in a parking lot with a campsite attached. We want you to feel like you're camping.

Camping Near Harrisville, MI

We're also a great option if you're looking for camping near Harrisville, Michigan. Harrisville is approximately 20 minutes south of us, making Paul Bunyan a convenient campground for exploring the Harrisville area, Lake Huron shoreline and surrounding Northeast Michigan communities. If you're traveling along US-23, our location makes a great stop between Alpena and Harrisville. And if you're doing a longer road trip along Michigan's Sunrise Coast, we're an easy place to spend a few nights instead of constantly packing and unpacking.

Lake Huron Is Only Minutes Away

Did we mention Lake Huron? We probably will approximately 47 more times in this article. We're kidding. Mostly. We're only about five minutes from Lake Huron, which makes it incredibly easy to add a beach day to your camping trip. And it's dog-friendly! Go swimming. Walk the beach. Look for rocks. Have a picnic. Watch the sunrise. Take approximately 900 pictures of the lake. Then go back to camp and tell everyone you only took a few.

Things to Do Near Alpena While You're Camping With Us

One of the best things about staying at Paul Bunyan Campground is that you don't have to choose between exploring Northeast Michigan and having a relaxing campground vacation.

You can do both. Here are just a few ideas.

Explore Alpena

Spend a day exploring downtown Alpena, grab lunch, browse local shops and enjoy the waterfront. Alpena is a great little Northern Michigan city and one of our favorite places to send campers when they're looking for something to do. Starlite Beach has a splash pad for the kids and is near all sorts of delicious restaurants! If you're feeling adventurous, head to Laser Tag!

Visit Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary

Alpena is home to the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary, which protects one of the largest and best-preserved collections of shipwrecks in the Great Lakes. The Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center is a great place to learn about the area's maritime history.

Spend a Day at Lake Huron

This one should be obvious by now. Go to the beach.

Go Fishing

Bring the fishing poles. Lake Huron, the Thunder Bay area, rivers and inland lakes around Northeast Michigan offer plenty of opportunities for anglers.

Go Hiking

There are plenty of opportunities to get outside and explore forests, trails, parks and natural areas around the Alpena-Harrisville area.

Explore the Sunrise Coast

Honestly, this is our favorite suggestion. Don't over-plan everything. Pick a direction. Drive. Stop somewhere interesting. Talk to a local. Get lunch. Find a beach. That's a Northern Michigan vacation.

Or... Don't Go Anywhere

This deserves its own section. Because while we love Alpena, Lake Huron, Harrisville and everything else around us...

You don't have to leave Paul Bunyan Campground. Seriously. Some of our favorite camping days are the ones where we don't go anywhere.

Wake up.

Make coffee.

Sit outside.

Take a swim.

Let the dog run.

Play a game.

Have lunch.

Take a nap.

Build a fire.

Watch the sunset.

Repeat.

If your idea of a vacation is doing absolutely nothing for 48 hours, we're not going to tell anyone. Your secret is safe with us.

A Perfect Home Base for Exploring Northeast Michigan

If you want to explore, Paul Bunyan Campground makes a great home base.

You can stay with us and take day trips throughout Northeast Michigan.

Spend one day in Alpena.

Another exploring Harrisville.

Another at Lake Huron.

Another fishing.

Another hiking.

And then, when you've had enough adventure...

Come back to camp.

That's why we think our location between Alpena and Harrisville is one of the best things about staying here.

You get flexibility.

You can make the trip as busy or as lazy as you want.

A Great Campground for Families

We love seeing families come through the gate.

Kids on bikes.

Parents trying to set up the tent while the kids immediately disappear.

Dogs pulling toward every new smell.

Someone asking where the pool is approximately 14 seconds after arriving.

It's camping.

And we love it.

Our pool, game room, dog park, open spaces and campground activities give families plenty to do without having to spend a fortune on entertainment.

And when you do want to get out and explore, Alpena and Lake Huron are right nearby.

A Great Campground for Couples

Camping isn't only for families.

If you're looking for a Northern Michigan couples getaway, we're a pretty good place to slow down.

Spend the day exploring.

Find a quiet Lake Huron beach.

Grab dinner in Alpena.

Come back to camp.

Sit by the fire.

Look at the stars.

And remember that neither of you has to answer an email until Monday.

That's a vacation.

A Great Stop for Road Trippers and Van Campers

If you're driving US-23 through Northeast Michigan, Paul Bunyan Campground can make a convenient place to stop.

We're located directly along US-23 between Alpena and Harrisville, making us an easy addition to a Northern Michigan road trip.

Whether you're traveling in:

You're welcome here.

We love seeing all the different ways people choose to camp.

What Makes Camping Here Different?

We're not going to tell you we're the biggest campground.

We're not.

We're not going to tell you we're the fanciest campground.

We're not.

And we're definitely not going to pretend we're unbiased.

We're the owners.

Of course we're biased.

But here's what we think makes Paul Bunyan Campground special:

It's personal.

We live and work here.

We clean the bathrooms.

We take care of the grounds.

We talk to our campers.

We hear what people like.

We hear what people don't like.

We fix things.

We improve things.

We're constantly working on something.

And we're trying to bring new life to a campground that already had a lot of character.

We're not interested in stripping away everything that makes this place feel like a classic Michigan campground.

We want to keep the character.

We just want it to be cleaner, safer, more comfortable and a whole lot more fun.

Other Campgrounds Near Alpena, MI

Now, before we get too carried away telling you how great we think we are, we should be honest about something:

Paul Bunyan Campground isn't going to be the perfect campground for every single person.

And that's okay.

If you're looking for a very specific type of camping experience, there are other campgrounds and camping areas around Alpena and Northeast Michigan that may be a better fit.

Here are a few options worth researching:

Long Lake Park & Campground

Located near Long Lake north of Alpena, Long Lake offers camping near the lake and a more traditional county park camping experience.

It's worth considering if your priority is camping directly around Long Lake.

Ossineke State Forest Campground

South of Alpena, Ossineke State Forest Campground offers a more rustic camping experience for those looking for a traditional state forest campground.

Thunder Bay River State Forest Campground

Also known as Indian Reserve Campground, this is another rustic option for campers who prefer a more primitive, nature-focused camping experience.

Other Michigan State Forest & Rustic Camping Areas

There are numerous state forest campgrounds and rustic camping opportunities throughout Northeast Michigan.

These can be excellent choices if you want a more primitive experience, fewer amenities and a quieter, back-to-nature camping trip.

And honestly?

We think that's pretty great.

Michigan has room for all kinds of campers.

So Which Alpena-Area Campground Is Right for You?

Here's our completely unbiased and definitely-not-biased-at-all opinion:

Choose Paul Bunyan Campground if you want:

And if you're looking for primitive state forest camping with very few amenities?

You may be happier somewhere else.

We're okay saying that.

We want people here who appreciate what we're trying to create.

Our Favorite Way to Spend a Weekend at Paul Bunyan

If we were camping here as guests, here's what we'd do.

Friday

Arrive.

Set up camp.

Don't rush.

Take a walk around the campground.

Let the dog check out the dog park.

Have dinner outside.

Build a campfire.

Sit around and do absolutely nothing productive.

Saturday

Wake up slowly.

Make coffee.

Head into Alpena.

Grab breakfast or lunch.

Explore the city.

Spend some time around Lake Huron.

Head back to camp.

Go swimming.

Play some games.

Have dinner.

Join us at our community bonfire right next to the pool. We'd love to hang out with you!

Sunday

Sleep in.

Make breakfast at camp.

Take one more walk.

Maybe go back to the lake.

Maybe don't.

Then head home wondering why the weekend was only two days long.

That's how we'd do it.

Ready to Go Camping Near Alpena?

If you've been searching Google for:

"camping near Alpena MI"

"campgrounds near Alpena Michigan"

"RV camping near Alpena"

"tent camping near Alpena"

"family camping near Alpena"

"camping near Lake Huron"

"camping between Alpena and Harrisville"

or even:

"where the heck should we camp in Northeast Michigan?"

...we're glad you found us.

Paul Bunyan Campground is located in Spruce, Michigan, right between Alpena and Harrisville and just minutes from Lake Huron.

We're close enough to explore everything the Sunrise Side has to offer.

But once you're back at camp, you can slow down.

Swim in the pool.

Hang out in the game room.

Let the dog run.

Cook dinner.

Sit around the fire.

Enjoy the trees.

Look at the stars.

Or just do nothing.

We're good with all of it.

Because that's what we love about camping.

There isn't one right way to do it.

Bring the RV.

Bring the tent.

Bring the van.

Bring the dog.

Bring the kids.

Or just bring yourself.

We'll take care of the rest.

Come See Why We Love the Sunrise Side

We came to Michigan because we fell in love with this place.

And eventually, that love brought us here.

Now we're working every day to bring new life to Paul Bunyan Campground while keeping the vintage character and personality that makes it special.

We're proud of what we've done so far.

We're even more excited about what's still coming.

And we'd genuinely love for you to come experience it for yourself.

We're Paul Bunyan Campground.

We're in Spruce, Michigan.

We're between Alpena and Harrisville.

We're minutes from Lake Huron.

And we're ready for your next Northern Michigan camping adventure.

Just don't blame us if you don't want to leave.

Plan Your Stay at Paul Bunyan Campground

Paul Bunyan Family Campground

2498 E Hubert Road
Spruce, MI 48762

📍 Approximately 15 minutes from Alpena
📍 Approximately 20 minutes from Harrisville
📍 Approximately 5 minutes from Lake Huron
📍 Directly along US-23
📍 Across from Thunder Bay River State Park

Camping Options

Campground Amenities

Ready to camp near Alpena, Michigan?

Come stay with us. We're pretty sure you're going to like it here. And if you don't... Well, we'll probably still be around cleaning something. That's just how we do things.

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