Alcona Park Campground (West Side): Your Family-Friendly Lakeside Getaway in Michigan

For Michiganders seeking a versatile and family-friendly outdoor escape, Alcona Park Campground (West Side) stands out as a beloved destination. Situated in Curtis Township, this expansive park offers a wide spectrum of camping experiences, from comfortable full hookup RV sites to secluded rustic tent sites, ensuring there’s something for every type of camper. Nestled along the beautiful Alcona Pond floodwaters of the Au Sable River, the campground provides ample opportunities for water-based recreation and a genuine connection with Michigan’s natural beauty. It’s a place where families can create lasting memories, enjoying the best of lakeside living and forest adventures.

Alcona Park is well-regarded for being a "great place to camp with your RV or tent," offering "full hookup to rustic camp sites and everything in between." Visitors consistently praise its well-kept grounds and welcoming atmosphere, making it a popular choice for "good quality time" with family. The park's diverse offerings and picturesque setting make it a highly recommended spot for a relaxing and engaging getaway, whether you prefer the convenience of modern amenities or the simplicity of a rustic campsite.

Alcona Park Campground (West Side) is located at 2550 AuSable Road, Glennie, Michigan 48737, USA. While the provided address is Curtis Township, MI 48761, the official Alcona Park website lists the Glennie address, which is typically where the main office and more central facilities are. This location places the park within Alcona County, a region celebrated for its pristine lakes, rivers, and vast forested areas within the Huron-Manistee National Forests.

The campground's accessibility is excellent, making it a convenient destination for Michiganders from various parts of the state. It's easily reachable via well-maintained roads. Once inside the park, the West Side campground area is clearly marked, offering a variety of site types to suit different needs. The park itself encompasses over 1100 wooded acres with three miles of shoreline on both sides of the Au Sable River (Alcona Pond). This extensive acreage ensures a sense of spaciousness and allows for various recreational activities directly from the campground. The lake access is a significant highlight, described as "amazing" for boating, fishing, and kayaking, with a boat launch available for easy water entry. While the park maintains a peaceful atmosphere, its proximity to local towns like Glennie and Oscoda means that essential services, supplies, and dining options are just a short drive away, providing a comfortable balance between wilderness immersion and convenience.

Alcona Park Campground (West Side) is a comprehensive camping destination, offering a wide array of services designed to accommodate diverse camping preferences, from primitive to full-service.

Campsites: The West Side area of Alcona Park offers various site types. The "West Primitive Campground" consists of rustic wooded campsites for tent and RV camping, equipped with picnic tables and fire pits. Alcona Park overall offers 222 nightly campsites and 240 seasonal campsites, encompassing full service (electric, sewer, and water hookups, with 30/50 amp service available), semi-modern (20 amp power to all sites and water to most), and rustic options. Walk-ins are welcome for many sites, though reservations are recommended for full service.
Bathhouses/Restrooms: Multiple clean bathhouses with modern restrooms and hot showers are available throughout the park, including in the semi-modern and full-service areas. Visitors frequently commend the cleanliness of these facilities. For the rustic West Primitive Campground, vault toilets are generally provided.
Laundry Facilities: Alcona Park offers convenient laundry facilities, a significant amenity for campers on longer stays, as noted in reviews.
Potable Water: Potable water is available at modern and semi-modern sites via hookups or shared spigots. For rustic sites, drinking water may be available from hand pumps.
Dump Station: A dump station is available for RVs and trailers, catering to full-service and semi-modern campers.
Firewood and Ice Sales: Campers can purchase firewood and ice directly at the park, ensuring convenience for essential camping supplies.
Public Day Use Picnic Area: The park features areas for day visitors, including picnic spots, perfect for a casual visit or for guests of campers.
Pet-Friendly: Pets are generally welcome throughout the campground, allowing families to bring their furry companions on their outdoor adventures (with leash and waste management rules).

Alcona Park Campground (West Side) is celebrated for several key features that make it a premier camping destination in Michigan.

Diverse Camping Options: One of its strongest highlights is the ability to choose from "full hookup to rustic camp sites and everything in between." This caters to a broad range of campers, from those seeking full amenities to those desiring a more traditional, secluded experience.
Amazing Lake Access and Water Activities: The campground boasts "amazing" access to Alcona Pond (part of the Au Sable River floodwaters). This large body of water is excellent for "good fishing, boating water, and kayaking." Common catches include Walleye, Pike, Perch, Bass, and Trout. A convenient boat launch is available.
Family-Friendly Environment: Reviews consistently highlight Alcona Park as an "awesome place to take the family for some good quality time." Its variety of facilities and activities makes it ideal for families.
Cleanliness and Well-Kept Grounds: Campers frequently praise the campground for being "very nice place well kept" and having "clean bathrooms," contributing significantly to a comfortable and enjoyable stay.
Spacious, Wooded Sites: Many sites are described as wooded, providing shade and a sense of privacy. The full hookup sites are noted as "large."
Proximity to Au Sable River and Huron National Forest: The park's location along the historic Au Sable River and within the Huron-Manistee National Forests means campers have access to extensive opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and exploring broader wilderness areas.

Alcona Park Campground, including its West Side, generally operates on a nightly fee structure that varies based on the type of campsite (rustic, semi-modern, full hookup). Nightly camping rates are competitively priced, offering excellent value for the range of services and recreational opportunities available. For instance, rustic wooded campsites in the West Primitive Campground may range from $14-$16 per night, depending on proximity to the lake. Full service sites generally have higher rates.

While specific "promotions" in the commercial sense (like seasonal discounts) are not widely advertised, the park does offer seasonal campsites, which can provide a cost-effective option for those looking for extended stays throughout the camping season.

Reservations for full service, modern, and semi-modern sites can be made by phone or in person, with the office typically opening for reservations on April 1st. A $10 booking fee may apply. Rustic sites may often be available on a first-come, first-serve basis, but it's always best to confirm directly with the park. Michiganders planning a trip should check the official Alcona Park website or call directly for the most current rates and any potential package deals, especially for seasonal camping.

For reservations, inquiries, or more information about Alcona Park Campground (West Side), please use the following contact details:

Address: 2550 AuSable Road, Glennie, Michigan 48737, USA

Phone: (989) 735-3881 (This is the main office number for Alcona Park, where reservations can be made and general inquiries answered).

It is always recommended to call ahead for campground opening dates and to confirm availability, especially during peak seasons or for specific site types like full hookups, as these can fill up quickly. The official Alcona Park website (alconapark.org) is an excellent resource for detailed information, maps of the campground areas, and rules.

Alcona Park Campground (West Side) is an exceptionally suitable destination for Michiganders, offering a comprehensive and enjoyable outdoor experience that caters to a wide range of preferences. Its versatility, with options from rustic tent sites to full hookup RV spots, means that local families and campers of all experience levels can find their ideal setup. The consistent praise for its cleanliness, well-maintained facilities, and friendly atmosphere ensures a comfortable and pleasant stay, which is paramount for a relaxing getaway.

The prime lakeside location on Alcona Pond (part of the Au Sable River) is a significant draw, providing ample opportunities for cherished Michigan pastimes like fishing, kayaking, and boating. This access to quality water recreation right from the campground is a huge advantage for locals. While playgrounds might need updating, the overall family-friendly environment and the focus on "good quality time" make it an excellent choice for creating lasting memories with loved ones. Surrounded by the beautiful Huron-Manistee National Forests, Alcona Park offers both serene relaxation and adventurous exploration, truly embodying the spirit of Michigan's great outdoors. It’s a place where Michiganders can reconnect with nature and each other, year after year.