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| Home > Michigan > Ambrose Lake |
Ambrose Lake State Forest Campground
Saturday, May 10, 2025
| Other Names | Ambrose Lake Trail, Ambrose Lake To Rose City Trail, Ambrose Lake To Ogemaw Hills Trail, Ogemaw County, Michigan Cross County Cycle Trail |
| Last Known Status | Open |
Located on Ambrose Lake with boating and fishing access, this campground offers rustic lake front camping plus direct access to about 9 miles of ATV trails that eventually connect to the Michigan Cross Country Cycle Trail.
The campground has about 19 primitive sites and most will accommodate a 40 foot vehicle/trailer. There are no RV hookups but the campground does have vault toilets and potable water from a hand pumped well. Sites are available on a first-come, first-serve basis only, with no reservations.
REGULATIONS
| Permit Required | Yes | MI ORV Sticker |
| Dates Open | Year-Round | |
| Other ATV Stickers Accepted | No | MI ORV permit required. |
| Spark Arrestor | Yes | A spark arresting exhaust silencer or end cap is required for all vehicles. |
| Noise Limit | Yes (94 dB) | |
| Whip Flags | Not Required | |
| Maximum Vehicle Width | Yes (50 inches) | has entrance gate or posts |
 Motorcycles & Dirt Bikes | Permitted | |
 ATVs | Permitted | (maximum width 50 inches) |
 UTV & SXS | Permitted | (maximum width 50 inches) |
 SUVs & Jeeps (registered) | Prohibited | |
| Dune Buggy & Sand Rail 4x4 (unregistered) | Prohibited | |
| 2 Stroke Engines | Prohibited | |
| MX Helmet Required | Yes | required by state law |
 Camping | Some Areas | |
 Campfires | ||
| Night Riding | Unknown | Not Recommended |
| Trail Blazing | Prohibited | keep on designated trails |
| Rule Enforcement |
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TYPE OF AREA
| Area | Motorized Trails |
| Land | State Forest |
FEES & PASSES
| Parking | (None) |
| Entry | (None) |
| Riding | (None) |
| Camping | Yes Tent: $20.00 RV: $20.00 Addtl. Vehicle: $0.00 Ambrose Lake State Forest Campground Fee |
RATINGS
| Our Rating |  Good |
| Recommended Stay | 1-2 Days |
| Comments | (Scroll Down For Rider Reviews & Comments) |
DRIVING DIRECTIONS
| Nearest City | Rose City, MI | ||
| From: Rose City, MI
1) Take Rose City Road, west about 5 miles 2) Turn left (south) on Piper Lake Road, continue 1 mile to staging area. |
OFFICIAL CONTACTS
| Contact Info | Roscommon Field Office (989) 275-4622 dnr-reservations@michigan.gov www2.dnr.state.mi.us |
| Contact Info | Michigan Department of Natural Resources P.O. Box 30181 Lansing, MI 48909 (517) 373-1204 dnr-parksandrecreation@michigan.gov www.michigan.gov |
| Comment | MI ORV Sticker Info |
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TERRAIN
| Approx Size | 2,500 acres (4 sq mi) | |
| Miles Of Trail | 23 | |
| Climate Type | Forest | |
| Elevation | 1200 to 1400 ft. | |
| Trail Maintenance | Marked, Rated, Lightly Maintained | |
| Loose Dirt |  Mostly | |
| Hard Pack |  Little | |
| Sand |  None | |
| Mud | Little | |
| Dust | Little | |
| Rocks |  Some | |
| Trees |  Many | |
| Steep Hills |  Few | |
| Water Crossings | Few | |
| Small Jumps | Few | |
| Large Jumps | None | |
| Berms | Some | |
| Sand/Gravel Pits | None | |
| Single Track | Some | not quite single track, but often narrow (50 inches wide) |
| Roads | Some | |
| Intersections | Few | |
| Rider Traffic | Some | |
| Shade | Many | |
| Ranges/Gunfire | None | |
| Hazards | Few | (hazards assumed marked but use caution) |
 Novice | Some | |
 Amateur | Some | |
 Expert | Little |
GPS POINTS
KEY SERVICES
 Gasoline | 1-5 Miles (NE) | Rose City BP (989) 685-3333 |
| Diesel | 5-20 Miles (S) | Shell (989) 345-1693 |
 Water | On Site | |
 RV Hookup | 20-30 Miles (S) | Greenwood Campground (989) 345-2778 |
 RV Disposal | 20-30 Miles (S) | Greenwood Campground (989) 345-2778 |
| Campground | On Site | |
 Conv Store | 1-5 Miles (NE) | Rose City BP (989) 685-3333 |
RIDER COMMENTS & REVIEWS