The best campgrounds near Port Austin, Michigan with swimming

Looking for the perfect camping experience near Port Austin, Michigan with swimming? Look no further than Hipcamp! With over 330 options near Port Austin, Michigan, you'll find the ideal campsite to suit your swimming needs. Whether you're looking for a secluded spot by the lake or a campground with swimming facilities, Hipcamp has got you covered. And with campsites like Boondock Ridge (61 reviews), Beautiful Lake View Camping (35 reviews), and Maitland River Campground (33 reviews) being the top picks, you can trust that you're in for a great camping experience. Plus, popular amenities like showers, potable water, and toilets are available for your convenience. So grab your swimsuit and get ready to dive into an unforgettable camping adventure!

99% (78)

Top-rated campgrounds

The beautiful Loop-Harrison Mansion celebrates its 150th anniversary in 2022.

Looking for the perfect camping experience near Port Austin, Michigan with swimming? Look no further than Hipcamp! With over 330 options near Port Austin, Michigan, you'll find the ideal campsite to suit your swimming needs. Whether you're looking for a secluded spot by the lake or a campground with swimming facilities, Hipcamp has got you covered. And with campsites like Boondock Ridge (61 reviews), Beautiful Lake View Camping (35 reviews), and Maitland River Campground (33 reviews) being the top picks, you can trust that you're in for a great camping experience. Plus, popular amenities like showers, potable water, and toilets are available for your convenience. So grab your swimsuit and get ready to dive into an unforgettable camping adventure!

99% (78)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Step Back in Time with Us!

98%

(66)

48mi from Port Austin · 7 sites · RVs · Port Sanilac, MI

Our beautiful, 10-acre grounds include wooded and grassy areas, 14 different gardens, bridges, boardwalks, swings and benches, walking trails, and 17 historic buildings. Visit the beautiful Loop Harrison Mansion, General Store, one-room schoolhouse, Banner Cabin, our historic church and train depot, the hearse shed that houses our antique wooden hearse, and more. Wildlife and nature abound. Our peaceful and private grounds will be your camping oasis. Within walking distance of beautiful Lake Huron with its beaches and marina and parks, plus the Port Sanilac Lighthouse (tours available on summer Fridays), and several bars and restaurants. Check out our Farmers' Market on Fridays and catch a live play at the 150-year-old Barn Theatre. Take a guided tour of the beautiful Loop-Harrison Mansion, built in 1872. Or hop on a 1917 open-air Model T or horse and carriage for a tour around town. There is always something happening at the Museum! Learn more about this land: RV campers are welcomed to our beautiful 10-acre grounds at the Sanilac County Historic Village and Museum. At this time, we do not allow tent campers. Campers are invited to use our two large communal bonfire pits. Firewood is available for purchase. Advance notice is recommended. Guest WIFI is available in and near the Mansion but does not reliably connect to our camping areas. Here you will find beauty, quiet, and privacy. Be sure to wander our brick/stone path and nature trail that combine to make a one-mile walking path around the grounds. You'll enjoy bridges, swings and benches to rest awhile, a boardwalk, a fairy garden, 14 flower gardens, birds and wildlife, and lots more! The path also winds past each of our 17 historic buildings and the 1942 U.S. Army Troop Train. Tour the beautiful Loop-Harrison Mansion, celebrating its 150th anniversary in 2022. Enjoy a live performance at the Barn Theatre on Friday and Saturday evenings. Take a unique tour of Port Sanilac in our 1917, open-air Model T or horse and carriage. We are located within walking distance of beautiful Lake Huron, including a lakeside park, beach, harbor, and break wall. Check out the live music at the harbor park every Saturday during the summer months. The historic Port Sanilac Lighthouse (tours offered on Fridays) is also within walking distance, as well as restaurants, bars, and shopping. Follo us on Facebook at "Sanilac County Historic Village and Museum" for the most up-to-date info on events, etc.

2. Ruffin It

100%

(11)

49mi from Port Austin · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · Prescott, MI

Learn more about this land:Privacy and freedom, In between West Branch and Tawas, you’ll be centrally located to choose from many options. Lake Huron 30 minutes away, Au Sable River 15 min away, Rifle River 10 minutes away. Hiking, canoeing, kayaking, star gazing, hunting, fishing,

3. WaterFront Saginaw Bay - All Year

100%

(16)

46mi from Port Austin · 1 site · RV · Fairgrove, MI

Waterfront on Quanicassee River at the mouth of Saginaw Bay. It has a lighted 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. High Speed WiFi, Water & 50 amp Power; Sewer dump. No playground equipment but one of the best RV sites in Michigan (that I have found). The Quanicassee River is one of the cleanest rivers in our area. Lots of boats go out and in by the dock. DNR boat ramp near. There are resident eagles, ducks, geese, swans, pelicans (rare) and lots of fish.

4. Port Crescent State Park

100%

(4)

145 sites · Port Austin, Michigan

Three miles of sandy shores await campers along Michigan’s thumb.

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

5. Sleeper State Park

100%

(4)

226 sites · Caseville, Michigan

Discover Sleeper State Park's natural beauty and outdoor fun.

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

6. Rosemary Pines

100%

(2)

30mi from Port Austin · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · Oscoda, MI

This home was built by my grandparents back in the 40’s he was a military man she was a homemaker! We lived around the kitchen with smoked fish and freshly baked oatmeal raisin cookies! At one time my uncles horse lived here and many of my grandfathers chicken! This home and land has lots of love surrounding it! There are many blueberry farms and amazing fishing spots! I can hand out brochures when you arrive. I also have a relationship with a local fishing charter if you would like to do a fish and fry!Learn more about this land:Woods and moss with a pond. We offer camping (must bring tents) on the property. It’s optional bathrooms and showers, grill chairs and table. We are a mile from the beach and we can drop you at the canoe rental in town. You can choose to only camp or to camp and use toilet and shower with code access. . We offer s’more sets for 2 people package in garage in refrigerator if wanted. We also have in town canoeing local and beach side fire pits along Lake Huron. We’re close to Lumberman monument which is a beautiful place to hike and see the fall colors. We’re also not a far drive from the Mackinac Bridge. You can engage in water, beaches, canoeing or just sit by the bonfire and eat s’mores! The property is 5 acres with a home located on site and someone will be available if needed. We do have dense pines with bugs so bring bug spray!

7. Tawas Point State Park

0%

(4)

197 sites · East Tawas, Michigan

Discover Tawas Point State Park's natural beauty and outdoor fun.

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

8. Huron-Manistee National Forests

83%

(29)

938 sites · Mio, Michigan

You’re going to feel like you struck gold when you visit Huron-Manistee National Forest and you might actually strike gold! Along with hiking and horseback riding in the fairytale forest of lower Michigan, you can also pan for gold or hunt for natural minerals and geodes. If a sparkly souvenir isn’t your fancy, tube down the AuSable National Scenic River or explore the Nordhouse Dunes. The Loda Lake National Wildflower Sanctuary is delight for all your senses and a spot to get that epic panoramic shot. This is a place you’ll want to discover for more than a day, so crack a few fireside brews at one of Huron-Manistee’s campgrounds. You’ll have no issues here striking it rich in both scenery and fun.

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

9. Harrisville State Park

83%

(3)

197 sites · Harrisville, Michigan

Discover Harrisville State Park's natural beauty and outdoor fun.

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

Public campgrounds near Port Austin

100%

(4)

Port Crescent Campground

3.6mi from Port Austin · 145 sites · Tents, RVs · in Port Crescent State Park

100%

(4)

Sleeper Campground

12mi from Port Austin · 226 sites · Tents, RVs · in Sleeper State Park

0%

(4)

Tawas Point Campground

27mi from Port Austin · 197 sites · Tents, RVs · in Tawas Point State Park

100%

(1)

Round Lake Campground

39mi from Port Austin · 29 sites · Tents, RVs · in Huron-Manistee National Forests

Monument Campground

41mi from Port Austin · 19 sites · Tents, RVs · in Huron-Manistee National Forests

Au Sable River Primitive Camping

41mi from Port Austin · 102 sites · Tents, RVs · in Huron-Manistee National Forests

83%

(3)

Harrisville Campground

44mi from Port Austin · 197 sites · Tents, RVs · in Harrisville State Park

Pine River Campground

47mi from Port Austin · 11 sites · Tents, RVs · in Huron-Manistee National Forests

Better to keep the canoe on the river - its about 250 steps up the bank and a 1/4 mile hike to the campgrounds.

Rollways Campground

48mi from Port Austin · 19 sites · Tents, RVs · in Huron-Manistee National Forests

Stories from the community

D

Douglas

October 2025

13 ft travel trailer

With pets

1 night at Step Back in Time with Us!

We recommend it although not highly. Kind of a cool setting if you’re into old timey museum type places. It’s great for a quick stopover point. Location was nice, we were the only people there (late season trip) so it was very quiet. Port Sanilac is a great little town.

M

Mark

September 2025

31 ft travel trailer

2 nights at Step Back in Time with Us!

We had a pleasant and quiet stay. The restrooms were clean, and the historic village was interesting. We had a little trouble hooking up to the 20 amp electrical service, but Dan was quick to help with a solution. We would certainly recommend this listing.

W

Wayne

September 2025

6 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Step Back in Time with Us!

Quiet, nearest neighbor was 80 yards away. This is like a miniature greenfield village. It is clean and well kept, with fun little walking trails to explore. For an additional fee you can have a guided tour of the historic buildings onsite. I had a wonderful time!

J

Jema

September 2025

16 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Step Back in Time with Us!

Wonderful venue!! We didn’t realize until we arrived, this is not a “campground“ but a historical village, and you camp on their grounds. The only negative would be that there’s no shower, but that was not a big deal. We went to a play at The Barn Theater onsite - perfect for us theater folk! We were tempted to leave a bad review so we could have the place to ourselves, but that wouldn’t be fair!! Quiet, beautiful, lots of things to do in the area - what’s not to love?!!

R

Randy

August 2025

18 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to Step Back in Time with Us!

It was flat and grassy. Also very quiet. Nice bathhouse. Convenient to town

Christopher & Elaine

July 2025

12 ft travel trailer

With pets

1 night at Step Back in Time with Us!

Our second stay at the property and as good as ever. We arrived a bit late so we didn’t meet our Host however she provided all the info we required. The site is really amazing with clusters of refurbished heritage buildings. We felt safe and had access to washroom facilities (no showers) which was very convenient. We highly recommend a stay

G

Geri

July 2025

32 ft Class A

With pets

2 nights at WaterFront Saginaw Bay - All Year

Perfect spot for a relaxing getaway. The river is beautiful to watch, lots of wildlife and fantastic sunsets right in front of you. You are able to fish right from your site. The hosts were very helpful and friendly. This will be our annual fishing spot.

Miguel

July 2025

36 ft toy hauler

Weekend Trip to Step Back in Time with Us!

Beautiful location and great atmosphere, I'll definitely be going back.

L

Lisa

June 2025

25 ft Class C

1 night at Step Back in Time with Us!

We stayed here on our way through Michigan to explore the Great Lakes. We arrived in the rain an hour before closing and Dan advised us to not park where we were assigned (electric site) due to potentially getting stuck in the wet grass. We didn’t really need power (donated the payment) and were able to park in the driveway for the evening and walk into town when the rain stopped. We walked by the marina and stopped at Alli’s for a drink and great conversation with the bar tender. It’s a must visit if in the area. It was a Really rainy night, but we enjoyed a peaceful stay!

K

Kevin

May 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Ruffin It

Very nice spot for car camping, right in the edge of the woods, easy to find and close to gad station if extra supplies are needed.

A

Amanda

May 2025

17 ft travel trailer

With kids

Weekend Trip to Step Back in Time with Us!

Fun time with family! Land is on a public museum site, there were clean bathrooms available and easy set up and access. Fun variation to camping!

Mike

May 2025

26 ft Class C

With pets

2 nights at Step Back in Time with Us!

Private camping with 20 amp outlet in a historic museum coupled with short walk to Lake Huron made a relaxing 2 day trip. Dan was helpful pointing out site, electric and offered firewood for a small donation. Great to see a smaller MI town do so much too preserve history back to mid 1800s. Well worth 2 days.

Patrick

November 2024

16 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Step Back in Time with Us!

Fantastic experience staying at a very unique site. Great spot under the stars near the campfire site. Plenty of places to explore. We toured the mansion on property and walked the path through the historic village. Later we walked the path around the property. Dan was there when we arrived and helped us to our site. We had the whole place to ourselves at night. Very clean bathroom on property if needed. Great experience and I would highly recommend.

R

Richard

October 2024

26 ft toy hauler

14 nights at Step Back in Time with Us!

Suited us very well. For public museum with a Halloween Venture for kids, that was an enjoyable party. Never a noisy day and peaceful nights. The visitors were pleasantly talkative with input of the Port Sanilac history. Google Maps sent us in the wrong direction but phone call to our host directed to and met us on the grounds. I hope to be back next fall.