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Michigan
12

Michigan State Parks

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Michigan
Northeast Region
Oscoda State Forest
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OSCODA STATE FOREST
OSCODA STATE FOREST
The Oscoda State Forest, nestled in the northeastern part of Michigan's Lower Peninsula, is a wild and enchanting expanse of natural beauty. Spanning over 40,000 acres, this forest offers a diverse mix of landscapes, from lush green forests to sprawling meadows and sparkling rivers. It is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, providing ample opportunities for hiking, camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing. With towering trees that create a soothing canopy, nature lovers can wander along miles of scenic trails, immersing themselves in the sights and sounds of this tranquil oasis. Whether exploring the dense woodlands, floating down the peaceful Au Sable River, or simply reveling in the serenity of the forest, the Oscoda State Forest offers a rejuvenating escape into the heart of Michigan's natural wonders.
History of the Area
The Oscoda State Forest, located in northern Michigan, has a rich and fascinating history. Here is a brief overview of its historical development:

Late 1800s-1900s: The region where the Oscoda State Forest now stands was once heavily forested and inhabited by Native American tribes, primarily the Chippewa/Ojibwe people. The area was abundant with wildlife and served as a valuable resource for hunting, fishing, and gathering. However, during the late 1800s, commercial logging began to impact the area.

Early 1900s: By the early 1900s, much of the original old-growth forest was logged, leading to concerns about deforestation and the loss of habitat for wildlife. In response, the Michigan legislature initiated efforts to create state forest lands to preserve and carefully manage the remaining forests.

1922: As part of these efforts, the Michigan Legislature passed the State Forest Act in 1922, which allowed the State to acquire lands for reforestation, public recreation, and natural resource conservation. This legislation led to the establishment of the Oscoda State Forest.

1934: The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), a federal agency created during the Great Depression, played a significant role in developing the Oscoda State Forest. CCC workers were responsible for building trails, roads, fire towers, picnic areas, and other recreational facilities within the forest.

1960s-1970s: The logging industry in the region continued to be active, but new regulations were implemented to ensure sustainable timber harvesting practices. The state forest's management focused on both timber production and recreational opportunities.

Present: Today, Oscoda State Forest encompasses approximately 95,000 acres and is managed by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The forest provides various recreational activities for visitors, including hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, and nature observation. The DNR also manages the forest for sustainable timber production, ensuring the continued growth and vitality of the forest ecosystem.

The history of Oscoda State Forest reflects Michigan's conservation efforts to protect and sustainably manage its natural resources while providing recreational opportunities for residents and visitors.
Passes
The Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into state parks and recreation areas, state boat launches, state forest campgrounds and state trail parking lots. Details and information on how to obtain your Michigan Recreation Passport can be found by visiting the MICHIGAN RECREATION PASSPORT web page.
Camping
1. Oscoda/Tawas KOA: This campsite offers a variety of camping options including RV sites, tent sites and cabins for rent.

2. Old Orchard Park Campground: Located on the shores of Lake Huron, this campground features 500 campsites with water and electric hookups as well as restrooms and showers facilities.

3. Tawas Point State Park: Offers more than 200 modern campsites along with mini-cabins available to rent year-round.

4. River Road National Scenic Byway Dispersed Camping Sites: These are free dispersed camping areas located throughout the forest near the Au Sable River that offer basic amenities like fire rings but no running water or electricity.

5. Foote Pond Overlook Site: A primitive site offering rustic charm without any services such as power or plumbing; perfect for those who want an authentic wilderness experience.

6. Huron:Manistee National Forests- The forests have several developed campgrounds suitable for tents & trailers/RVs.

7. AuSable River Primitive Camping: It is open from April through November depending upon weather conditions.There are about one hundred individual single-family campsites which include a picnic table,fire ring,and parking spur.

8. Alcona Canoe Rental & Campground: They provide river trips,camping,lodging,outfitting,gear rental,sales,instruction,fishing gear,bait,tackle,hunting licenses,dnr permits etc.

9. Timberline Tenting Area (Tent Only): Timberline has its own bathhouse facility complete with hot showers,toilets,& sinks.It also includes access to all park activities,pools,recreation hall,wifi hotspot at office area etc.

10. Rollways Resort LLC.:It provides cabin rentals,RV spots(tents not allowed),and boat dockage.They do not allow pets in their resort due to insurance regulations.
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Location
Oscoda State Forest is

Trails
1. Hoist Lakes Foot Travel Area: This trail system offers two loops, the 10-mile Byron Lake loop and the eight-mile Hoist lake loop. The trails wind through a variety of forest types including hardwoods, aspen groves, pine plantations and open meadows.

2. Reid Lake Foot Travel Area: A seven mile long hiking path that circles around Reid Lake with several scenic overlook points along its route offering stunning views of both water bodies and surrounding forests.

3. Highbanks Trail: An approximately seven miles linear non-motorized pathway located on River Road Scenic Byway overlooking Au Sable River Valley's breathtaking vistas for bird watching enthusiasts or those seeking solitude in nature's beauty.

4. Corsair Skiing & Hiking Trails System: With over 28 miles divided into six interconnecting loops ranging from three to eleven miles each; this is one of Michigan's largest groomed cross-country ski systems during winter which also serves hikers well throughout other seasons due to its diverse terrain features like wetlands, old-growth white pines stands etc., providing an array of wildlife viewing opportunities too!

5. Tawas Point State Park Nature Trail: Located within Oscoda area but technically not part state forest itself yet worth mentioning because it provides excellent coastal habitat exploration options via boardwalk sections spanning across marshy areas leading towards Tawas Bay lighthouse besides sandy beach stretches ideal for leisurely walks while observing migratory birds species especially during spring/fall season transitions periods when they are most active here.

6. Eagle Run Pathways: It comprises five different interconnected routes totaling about ten kilometers length overall where visitors can enjoy panoramic river valley scenes plus dense mixed-hardwood/pine woodland environments teeming various animal life forms such deer/elk/moose among others depending upon time year visited at these parts northern lower peninsula region near town Mio vicinity close by Huron National Forest boundary line adjacent east side Oscoda State Forest lands.

7. Lumberman's Monument Visitor Center Trails: This site offers three short trails, each less than a mile long but rich in history and natural beauty. The Dune Trail provides views of the Au Sable River; Logging History trail takes you back to Michigan's logging era with life-size displays while Wanigan Overlook gives an elevated view over Cooke Pond.

8. AuSable River Foot Path: A 3-mile loop that follows along the banks of this beautiful river offering great opportunities for fishing or simply enjoying peaceful riverside ambience amidst lush greenery all around during warmer months especially summer season when vegetation growth is at its peak hereabouts within these parts northeastern lower peninsula region near town Mio vicinity close by Huron National Forest boundary line adjacent east side Oscoda State Forest lands too!

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Area Campgrounds
Jack's Landing Resort
20836 Tennis Road
Hillman, MI
989-742-4370
Thunder Bay Golf & RV Resort
27800 M-32
Hillman, MI

Directions
1. Start by heading north on I:75 N.
2. Continue driving for approximately 150 miles until you reach Exit 194 toward Standish/Omer.
3. Take this exit and merge onto US:23 N towards Au Gres/Tawas City/East Tawas.
4. Drive for about 50 miles on US:23 N until you reach East Tawas.
5. In East Tawas, turn left onto E Bay St/US:23 Bus S (signs for Oscoda).
6. Continue to follow US:23 Bus S for around 10 miles as it takes you into downtown Oscoda.

Once in downtown Oscoda:
7. Turn right at the first cross street onto River Rd/Michigan Ave/Woodland Dr/National Scenic Byway/Huron Shores National Scenic Byway (you will see signs indicating Huron:Manistee National Forest).
8. Follow River Road along the scenic shoreline of Lake Huron while keeping an eye out for signage directing you to specific areas within the state forest.

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Michigan
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Michigan State Parks

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