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The best camping near Bay City State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Bay City adventure.

50% (2 reviews)
50% (2 reviews)

Discover Bay City State Park's natural beauty and outdoor fun.  

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Community favorites near Bay City State Park

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Top-rated campgrounds near Bay City State Park

100%
(8)

"Elysium Heritage Farm"

4 sites ¡ Lodging, RVs, Tents120 acres ¡ Pinconning, MI
"Elysium Heritage Farm" is situated on 120 acres in Northeast, MI surrounded by woods, trails, ponds and canals. Enjoy access to a small farm that includes fainting goats, chickens, turkeys, rabbits, and more. Bring your pole and try your luck at some catch and release fishing. Enjoy viewing numerous types of wildflowers, birds, and butterflies. Depending on the season, (and how quietly you walk the trails) you may experience a wide variety of wildlife species. Although we don't allow motorized ATVs, you are welcome to bring a golf cart. Most of the trails are improved enough to allow you access. The property is located just (5) miles off I-75 so it's also a convenient mid-trip destination for those on a longer distance excursion. In case you plan on fishing the local hotspots on Lake Huron (15 minutes away) and are trailering a boat, there is plenty of area to park your rig during your stay. It's only a ten minute drive to Pinconning, where you can experience Michigan's "Cheese Town" and all it has to offer. There's a grocery store, numerous cheese shops, and a variety of party stores and restaurants. For the outdoor enthusiasts, don't miss out on going to the ever-famous "Northwoods Wholesale Outlet". Also nearby is the "Saganing Eagles Landing Casino" in Standish. We have resided here for over 30 years and can assist you in many ways to get the most out of your visit. By the way, the definition of the word "Elysium" is "Place of perfect bliss" and yes, we labeled it that long before the movie with Matt Damon was created.
from 
$29
 / night
99%
(46)

Oak Ridge Farm

4 sites ¡ RVs, Tents80 acres ¡ Coleman, MI
Oak Ridge Farm is located on 80 acres in the Mid-Michigan area, halfway between Midland and Mt. Pleasant. We are in the process of creating a self-sustainable, homestead vegetable and fruit farm. Our property is quiet, and the moon and stars are amazing to see on a clear night. If you're looking for a quiet place to get away from it all, look no further! There is plenty to see and do right around our property. Lots of wildlife including; Sandhill Cranes, deer, turkeys, porcupines, geese, rabbits etc. We have a walking/hiking path that you can explore through our property as well as hundreds of acres of state land right next door! Campsites are situated around our beautiful pond where the sunrises cannot be beat. Kayaks and a row boat are available for our guests to explore the pond. The AuSable State Forest neighbors our property line and can be accessed from multiple different areas right near the property. There are many trails for horseback riding, dirt bikes, ATVs/UTVs, hiking and mountain biking. The Chippewa River is very close and many enjoy kayaking, canoeing or tubing this river. Only 18 mins away is the Pine Haven Recreation Area in Sanford. This park has 12 miles of hiking, cross country skiing and mountain biking trails. Horseback riding trails are also available at this park. Places to see and things to do: - Soaring Eagle Casino and Resort, Mt. Pleasant - Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant - Isabella County Farmers Market, Mt. Pleasant - Great Lakes Loons at Dow Diamond, Midland - Dow Gardens, Midland - Whiting Forest (Nation's Longest Canopy Walk), Midland -Midland Area Farmers Market Midland and Mt. Pleasant are each located about 20-25 mins from our property. Please note that campsites are rustic. Pop up tent with toilet, hose connect water and brand new permanent shower house are available during seasonal times (May 1 to Oct 1). Campfire rings are located at each campsite and firewood is available to purchase. My family and I live full-time on our property. We have 3 young children and a sweet dog that loves people and other kids. On hot summer days we often join our campers at the pond to cool off! On weekends we love to work in our large garden, take care of our chickens, have a campfire, and play outside. We are so excited to host you this camping season and hope you enjoy your stay at Peaceful Pines on Oakridge Farm!
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$25
 / night
89%
(60)

Unionville Village Park

5 sites ¡ RVs, Tents1 acre ¡ Unionville, MI
AS OF OCTOBER 31ST - 2023 THE CAMPGROUND IS CLOSED FOR THE WINTER - WILL REOPEN SPRING 2024 The Village recently installed four campsites equipped with water and electric service. Campsites are $20 per night. Free use of the RV dump station for registered campers. An RV dump station is located at the corner of Brown and Pickle Streets. Learn more about this land: The Village of Unionville offers four campsites each with water and electric hookups. There is a dump station available free of charge to registered campers.
from 
$20
 / night
99%
(102)

The Crow’s Nest

2 sites ¡ Lodging20 acres ¡ Beaverton, MI
This property was once part of an 80 acre farm. It has now grown into a mature forest with deer, turkey, squirrels,chipmunks and many types of songbirds. Sheila grew up just across the road and spent many hours riding her horse and writing poetry on the property. As a retired artist, we love to entertain creative peaceful people and many think of our place as a quiet sanctuary that encourages creativity. We provide games, both outdoor and indoor, a screen house, hammock, nature trails and a new camp store with local items and snacks. There is an Amish community close by and a tour map is provided. We are also close to the largest canopy walk in the US at Whiting Forest and Dow Gardens. Only 25 minutes away. There is a small water park in the closest town with a beach. Locally there is tubing and canoeing at the Cedar River in Gladwin and kayaking at Pinconning Park on Saginaw Bay.
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$45
 / night
98%
(105)

Boondock Ridge

1 site ¡ RV, Tent1 acre ¡ Gladwin, MI
Learn more about this land:The spot Is on the riverbank and private. Beautiful river view and access. Short foot trail down to the river where there is a dock providing access to river and a artesian well that has been tested for purity Perfect to tie up a float and watch the wildlife.
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$30
 / night
100%
(3)

River Daze

10 sites ¡ RVs, Tents6 acres ¡ Beaverton, MI
Campsites are all riverfront along the Tobacco River. Country feel within blocks of town. Ross Lake/Beach, the remodeled Beaverton Tavern, park, an ice cream shop and splash park are all located within a long walk or short drive. We are close to Gladwin, Ross Lake, OHV trails and the Juicy Bone. The river flows into Wixom Lake which is anticipated to be back in 2025. Sandy beach with river access . You can access the river from our canoe portage on the property. Good fishing, swimming or just hanging out. You can also canoe, kayak or tube beautiful Tobacco River or sandy Cedar River. Picnic tables and fire pits are located throughout the property. Good music, games, sing a longs. Hike through the trails to get to the the enchanted cedar forest which is all located in the campground. We have an outdoor 250 inch screen where we project movies, concerts, games, interactive dance videos. For kids and adults, everyone leaves with a smile.
from 
$30
 / night
99%
(125)

Halls Haven

6 sites ¡ RVs, Tents30 acres ¡ Gladwin, MI
The property was purchased by my father more than 40 years ago and left to our family a paradise. As a escape from the city you can find a great place to view the stars and passing satellites in the night sky. We are located about half way between Gladwin and West branch, about 40 minutes south east of Houghton Lake. As campers ourselves we are focused on the experience and always working improving the land. Sharing some of our land with you is a benefit for all. We have a pond you can fish upon request, a nature trail, Disc Golf practice baskets and Play field on the 30 acre site. Tubing or Canoeing experience at: 989-387-8658 E-mail Info@GladwinBoatRental.com Operating With Gladwin City Campground www.GladwinBoatRental.com Our Specialty, Paddling the “Golden” Cedar River near Gladwin, Michigan 2-6 times daily. Everything by appointment - Call 1st. Canoes (electric motor - optional) Kayaks - small 12' Fishing Boat.
from 
$30
 / night
Booked 1 time

Blue Heron Homestead

2 sites ¡ Tents1 acre ¡ Au Gres, MI
Spend an enchanting evening on the shores of the Saginaw Bay. We are located in the North Bay- the northern end of the Saginaw Bay in a secluded coastal marsh. Enjoy some of the best views of stars in the Lower Peninsula, or roast marshmallows around a bonfire while the sound of frogs singing lulls you to sleep. Wake up to the sounds of blue herons and snowy egrets coasting over the bay as the sun rises in the morning and enjoy the biodiversity of plants and birds that call this part of Lake Huron home. Watch eagles and kingfishers fish as you kayak the marsh or just lounge in hammocks and enjoy the tranquility of this region. Activities: Kayaking- bring your own kayak or use one of ours. The bay is very shallow here and an ideal spot for a leisurely paddle. Take a tour by kayak of the maze of marsh, or kayak out to the tip of Point Au Gres. Fishing-Perch, Walleye , catfish, bluegill, sunfish, pike and bass are common in the North Bay. Need fishing gear or a license? Stop to Norm's Sporting Goods at the traffic light in Au Gres for a local experience. Birdwatching- This spot is truly a birdwatcher's paradise. In the summer we see abundant herons, egrets, kingfishers, swans, grebes, and a myriad of ducks on a daily basis. During migration seasons the bird action is endless. Swimming- although the marshy coastline here is not ideal for swimming you can easily kayak out to a sandbar or jump in, or just down the road is a public county park with a sandy beach. Visit the Northeast Region! Au Gres has few amenities or restaurants, but 20 minutes north Tawas has ample public beaches, dozens of bars and restaurants, a Walmart and other provisions you may want. The Huron National forest outiside of Tawas also has many great hiking trails, ORV trails and more.
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$40
 / night
100%
(4)

WaterFront Saginaw Bay

1 site ¡ RV1 acre ¡ Fairgrove, MI
Water front on Quanicassee River at the mouth of Saginaw Bay. It has a deck to fish from or enjoy sunsets right in front of the RV site. Great location, 5 min from Hwy 25 (East of Bay CIty {20 minutes}, Frankenmuth just 35 minutes.
from 
$45
 / night
100%
(5)

Grassy Woods Edge

1 site ¡ RV300 acres ¡ Vassar, MI
Learn more about this land:🏕 Private quiet camping on maintained grass alongside of 8 acre woods. 🌟 Great night sky View overlooks farm fields. 10 minutes ftom Frankenmuth. 10 minutes from kayak launch to Cass River. 25 minutes from Bay City downtown river front with entertainment and street dining.
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$25
 / night
100%
(2)

Morgan's Place

2 sites ¡ RVs, Tents37 acres ¡ Millington, MI
Morgan's Place is a nonprofit campground serving people who have been injured in traumatic accidents to full recovery. We also offer Hipcamp stays and Airbnb rentals so our visitors who are in recovery do not have to pay out of pocket during their stay if they cannot. We located on 37 beautiful acres outside of Millington, Michigan and only 15 minutes from Frankenmuth and Birch Run. We have hiking trails, little goats, chickens, fishing, kayak rental and/or drop off/pick up at Cass River, and offer yoga classes, karaoke on certain nights, and blacksmithing demonstrations! There is a 4 person camper on site to rent if needed or we offer water/electric and tent sites too just ask.
from 
$25
 / night
99%
(48)

Bear Paw

4 sites ¡ RVs, Tents17 acres ¡ West Branch, MI
Learn more about this land: There is a great play area for kids, plus a log playhouse and treehouse they can even sleep in if they wish. You and your guests will have the property to yourselves, to increase your ability to relax and enjoy, so book early! Catch and release fishing, beach area for swimming, plus zip line, water slide, and giant swing that all land you in the water. Horse shoes, sand pit volley ball court, and tetherball are here as well. Wildlife is abundant on our property. We are a mile from ORV trails and State land, 30-45 minutes from the Au Sable, Rifle, and Cedar rivers for canoeing, tubing, or kayaking. There are numerous public lakes close by for fishing or pleasure cruising. Treasure hunt a piece of Michigan history by metal detecting along our old narrow gauge railroad grade on the property. Take a ride on our Bear Paw Dragon! Bring a whole group to use all four sites and have a private (safe) campground outing! Fees apply to each site used. We also have 2 RVs available to rent if needed. Contact us for details. Look for an amazing treehouse  this spring!!!
from 
$45
 / night

The best camping near Bay City State Park guide

Overview

About

To start with, Bay City State Recreation Area is a prime location for glimpsing migratory birds, so grab your binoculars and hit the trails! Home to Tobico Marsh, one of the biggest wetlands along the Great Lakes, and covering over 2,000 acres that vary between wetland woods, meadow, marshlands, beach and prairie, this park truly has something for everyone. If you’re not the walking-around-looking-at-stuff type, there’s more than a thousand feet of sandy beach for you to lie on, make into castles, or scour for buried treasure. Jump into Lake Huron for an afternoon dip, or take off on a hunting or fishing journey. With both modern and rustic camping options, plus miles of wilderness to explore, this place has your name on it. Seize the bay!

When to go

The ideal time to visit Bay City State Park is during the summer months, from June to August, when the weather is warm and the lake is perfect for swimming. Fall also offers a spectacular display of changing leaves. Winters can be harsh with heavy snowfall, making some activities less accessible.

Know before you go

  • Check the weather forecast before your visit to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
  • Remember to bring sunscreen and insect repellent to protect against the sun and bugs.
  • Wear appropriate footwear for hiking and exploring the trails.
  • Be aware of park hours, which may vary by season, and plan your visit accordingly.
  • Don't forget to bring your Recreation Passport for park entry.

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