Thunder Bay River

This rustic campground and boat launch facility provides access to the Thunder Bay River near Atlanta in Montmorency County. The small boat launch is located on the north side of the campground and serves as a convenient put-in for kayakers and canoeists. The campground offers ten first-come, first-serve sites for tent and trailer camping, with the bonus that every site provides direct water access to the river—ideal if you want to combine paddling with overnight camping.

**Important paddling note:** The Thunder Bay River features multiple operational hydroelectric dams on its main stem, which will significantly impact your paddling plans. Be aware of dam locations and water level fluctuations before launching. The river runs eastward from Long Rapids and eventually reaches Lake Huron at Thunder Bay. The upper tributary sections offer excellent coldwater habitat and are popular for paddle sports, though they may have obstructions such as undersized road crossings.

For current conditions, dam schedules, and any paddling restrictions, contact the Atlanta Management Unit. This access point works well as a base for exploring the Thunder Bay River system, particularly if you're interested in fishing or multi-day paddling trips in Michigan's lower peninsula river network.