Alcona Dam Pond State Forest Campground is a public state park in Michigan near Glennie. The park offers a peaceful retreat into nature for visitors of all ages.
Quick Facts
| State | Michigan |
| Nearest City | Glennie |
| Google Rating | ⭐ 4.4/5 (350 reviews) |
Location & Getting There
Alcona Dam Pond State Forest Campground is located near Glennie, Michigan. The park’s coordinates are 44.4667, -83.7167.
Things to Do
Michigan’s state park system — one of the largest in the nation — stretches across two peninsulas surrounded by four Great Lakes, offering extraordinary variety. Activities include swimming and sunbathing on freshwater beaches that rival ocean coastlines, hiking sand dune bluffs with panoramic lake views, fishing for walleye, bass, and salmon in rivers and Great Lakes tributaries, camping in pine forests steps from the beach, kayaking along dramatic Pictured Rocks-style shorelines, mountain biking through rolling hardwood forests, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling in the Upper Peninsula, and exploring historic lighthouses dotting the coastline. Michigan’s state parks include some of the finest freshwater beaches in the world.
Best Time to Visit
Michigan’s park season centers on summer (June–August), when Great Lakes beaches warm up, trails are fully accessible, and campgrounds are buzzing with activity. Lake Michigan water temperatures peak in August (65–75°F). Fall (September–October) brings spectacular foliage — the Upper Peninsula and northern Lower Peninsula peak in late September, while southern parks follow in October. Spring (April–May) is muddy but great for wildflowers and waterfall viewing. Winter transforms many parks into Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, and ice fishing destinations. The Upper Peninsula receives 200+ inches of annual snowfall, creating a winter recreation paradise. Recreation Passport ($17) required for vehicle entry — add it to your license plate registration for the best value.
Visitor Tips
Michigan state parks require a Recreation Passport ($17 for Michigan residents, $34 for non-residents) for vehicle entry. Purchase it with your license plate renewal for automatic access all year. Camping reservations are made through the Michigan DNR reservation system up to 6 months in advance. Lakefront campsites at popular parks like Holland, Ludington, and Traverse City sell out within hours of opening. Bring warm layers even in summer — Great Lakes breezes can drop temperatures significantly near the water.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Michigan Recreation Passport?
The Recreation Passport ($17 for residents, $34 for non-residents) is required for vehicle entry to all Michigan state parks and recreation areas. It can be purchased when registering your vehicle or at park entrances.
What are the best state parks in Michigan's Upper Peninsula?
Top UP parks include Pictured Rocks (stunning cliffs), Tahquamenon Falls (second-largest waterfall east of Mississippi), Porcupine Mountains (wilderness hiking), and Copper Harbor area parks for remote beauty.
Can I camp on the beach in Michigan?
Several Michigan state parks offer beachfront or near-beach camping on the Great Lakes, including Ludington, Holland, and Sleeping Bear Dunes area campgrounds. Lakefront sites are extremely popular and sell out quickly.
When is the best time to visit Michigan state parks?
Summer (June through August) is peak season for beaches and camping. Fall brings spectacular foliage, especially along the Lake Michigan shoreline. Winter offers cross-country skiing and ice fishing at many parks.
Explore More Michigan State Parks
Alcona Dam Pond State Forest Campground is one of many outstanding state parks in Michigan. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Michigan guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
Wildlife & Nature
Alcona Dam Pond SFC — on the Au Sable River in northeastern Michigan — provides camping at a reservoir impoundment. The Au Sable River — one of Michigan’s premier trout streams — supports brown trout, rainbow trout, and steelhead. Bald eagles nest along the river corridor. Great blue herons fish the shallows. Beavers maintain lodges along the banks.
Nearby Attractions
Au Sable River — flowing through — has the famed Au Sable River Canoe Marathon. Harrisville — 15 miles east — has the Lake Huron shore. Oscoda — 20 miles southeast — has the river mouth.
Keep exploring: The closest neighbors are Rifle River State Recreation Area (within about an hour’s drive) and Tawas Point State Park (within about an hour’s drive).
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Alcona Dam Pond State Forest Campground
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are welcome in Michigan state parks, campgrounds, harbors and state-designated trails, except designated swim beaches and other posted areas.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Pets must always be on a 6-foot leash and under the owner's immediate control.
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets are prohibited in buoyed swim areas but allowed along the shoreline outside them (on a 6-ft leash, even in the water); 50+ parks have pet-friendly shoreline or designated dog beaches.
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Up to two pets (cats and dogs only) allowed at ~12 parks' designated pet-friendly cabins, yurts and lodges; $10 per night per pet (cabins) or $15 (lodges); otherwise pets barred from overnight lodging.
- Pet fees statewide rule
- No day-use pet fee; pet-friendly lodging costs $10/night per pet (cabins) or $15/night per pet (lodges).
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Leash laws do not apply to dogs used for hunting on land open to such use; pets may not be left unattended.
Are dogs allowed at Alcona Dam Pond State Forest Campground?
Pets are welcome in Michigan state parks, campgrounds, harbors and state-designated trails, except designated swim beaches and other posted areas. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via michigan.gov. More: Michigan state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
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