Ambrose Lake State Forest Campground

Dept. Natural Resources

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Houghton Creek Road West Branch, MI 48661 989-473-2258 Official Website

GPS: 44.4072, -84.2555

  • Overview
  • Q&A
  • Reviews (2)
  • Amenities

Overview of Ambrose Lake State Forest Campground

Michigan Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into state parks and recreation areas, state boat launches, state forest campgrounds and state trail parking lots. The Michigan Recreation Passport does not cover local, county, municipal, or metropolitan parks or recreation areas. Learn more: Michigan Recreation Passport

Number of Sites 25

Pad Type dirt

Elevation 1,246 ft / 379 m

Max Stay 15

Max Length 40 ft

Tent Camping Yes

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Q&A - Ask the Community about Ambrose Lake State Forest Campground

To ask questions of the owner or manager please contact the campground directly. 989-473-2258

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Reviews of Ambrose Lake State Forest Campground 2 people have reviewed this location.

Ratings Summary

Overall Rating
Access
Location
Cleanliness
Site Quality
Noise
1 review
“Two trips here were major disappointments”

Reviewed 10/18/2022

Nightly rate: $20
Days stayed: 3
Site Number: 17
Overall Rating

We visited Ambrose Lake state forest campground in West Branch, MI about 5 years ago and paid for the entire time we planned on staying. Brought the RZR to ride the trails and found that the trails were unmarked, road intersections unmarked, etc. Maps were useless without a GPS. The ORV trail fee we pay the state isn't used on trail signs, very stupid.
The first night a motor home pulled next to our tent and they were rowdy, ran their generator into the night, all while ORV's passed through the park at all hours of the night! We kissed the $20 we paid for the second night bye, bye and we packed up and left after spending one night at the park.
Five years later (fall of 2022) we decided to give the park and the trails another try but this time we paid on a daily basis. Again we found all of the ORV trails and roads to be unmarked. We got around, but were disappointed in the lack of markings.
We planned to stay Thursday thru Sunday but left on Saturday due to the late night noise and ORV's passing through and stopping on camping lots to play loud music and to take a break. Of course there's no one around to enforce quiet time, so your on your own.
To add insult to injury the state thought it was a good idea to lie the park with huge boulders. Many of which make it very difficult to get motor homes or trailers in place without fear of hitting one!
We gave the park two tries (one during the summer, and one during the colder fall) and due to the noise and inconsideration of some campers we'll never return.
This campground has limited cell service and very few local TV stations to keep you occupied during rainy days.

Access
Location
Cleanliness
Site Quality
Noise

This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com

5 reviews
“Clean, quiet and off grid”

Reviewed 9/7/2022

Nightly rate: $14
Days stayed: 3
Site Number: 21
Overall Rating

Sites are huge! Very clean and grassy. Many back up to small lake. Pit toilets clean, no hookups, and very quiet. No signal for Verizon.

Several big fifth wheels and MH’s. Enter from west on Piper Lake Rd. All other ways in suck if towing a trailer.

Access
Location
Cleanliness
Site Quality
Noise
Verizon

ScubaSteve would stay here again

This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com

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Amenities

Hookups
  • dry camping
Recreation
  • boat ramp
  • casino
  • fishing
  • OHV
Site Amenities
  • fire ring
  • picnic table
Facilities
  • restrooms: vault

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