Lakeside camping near Saginaw

Explore Saginaw Bay, leafy forest trails, and a Dark Sky Preserve on Lake Huron.

90% (28 reviews)
90% (28 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Saginaw

Under $50

8 top lakeside campgrounds near Saginaw

63%
(4)

Blue Heron Homestead

2 sites · Lodging1 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.
Campfires
Showers
Trash
from 
$40
 / night
100%
(2)

Wixom Lake On Anderson Dr.

1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Beaverton, MI
Discover the charm of this delightful lot situated on a canal of Wixom Lake. Boasting full hookups for your convenience, this location offers a cozy retreat, with the only exception being that water access is temporarily unavailable during the winter months. Positioned near ATV trails and a scenic hiking area, outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty of opportunities to explore and enjoy the natural surroundings. The convenience of being close to Midland, Michigan adds to the appeal, providing easy access to additional amenities and attractions. While the lake is anticipated to make a comeback in the next few years, in the meantime, this lot serves as an affordable and inviting camping spot for both RVs and tents. Experience the tranquility and simplicity of camping in this picturesque setting, where outdoor adventures and relaxation await. Should you have any questions or need further information, please feel free to reach out. Your perfect camping getaway is just a question away! Please bring freshwater hose, sewer hose, and 30 or 50 amp cord for hookup.
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
Trash
from 
$27
 / night

Nature's Nest

3 sites · Lodging1 acre · Au Gres, MI
Nestled along Saginaw Bay's shore, you have immediate access to the water's edge where you can breathe in the fresh air. This unique A-frame cabin provides its own special charm and character offering comforts of home with opportunity to unwind, reconnect with nature and create lasting memories with loved ones. Whether you seek adventure or relaxation, we provide the perfect backdrop for a memorable getaway. The space Feel a million miles away from normal day-to-day life as you enjoy the fresh scent of Michigan's UpNorth air, and the scene of the bay where Lake Huron and wildlife come together. Just after sunset experience the glow of the home as you sit around the campfire listening to the crackling of the burning wood in the firepit and gaze up to watch the stars. As you come inside to enjoy the comfortable accommodations, you'll be sure to relax in the comfort of the living area and the cozy bedrooms that soothe your senses with soothing surroundings. Cooking with a lakeview is more tempting as this A-frame has a deck with a barbeque grill and a fully equipped kitchen and dining area where you and your guests can enjoy a meal and conversation together. Enjoy this location as it is great for experiencing wildlife viewing and listening to the sounds of nature. Slow down, relax and experience the memories to be made.
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
Trash
from 
$144
 / night

Cozy Home on Lake Huron I

2 sites · Lodging1 acre · Au Gres, MI
Comfortable accommodations, self check in you'll be sure to feel right at home. The property is located in a natural setting with endless opportunities of witnessing free-roaming wildlife, majestic sunrises/sunsets, and offers a variety of activities such as watersports, hunting, fishing, bonfires, and more right on the Saginaw Bay! Guests will have exclusive access to the space shown in the photos, including their own entrances, deck, parking area, and 75 feet of private beach. The space Feel a million miles away from normal day-to-day life as you enjoy the fresh scent of Michigan's UpNorth air, and the scene of the bay where Saginaw Bay and wildlife come together. Just after sunset experience the glow of the accessory suite as you sit around the campfire listening to the crackling of the burning wood in the firepit and gaze up to watch the stars. As you come inside to enjoy the comfortable accommodations, you'll be sure to relax in the comfort of the living area and the cozy bedrooms that relax your senses with soothing surroundings. Cooking with a lakeview is more tempting as this home has a deck with a barbeque grill and a fully equipped kitchen and dining area where you and your guests can enjoy a meal and conversation together. Enjoy this location as it is great for experiencing wildlife viewing and listening to the sounds of nature. Slow down, relax and experience the memories to be made. Guest access Private living, deck, fire pit and beach. Other things to note Local Activities and Adventures include: - Extraordinary Scenic Views - Biking/Walking - Canoeing/ Kayaking/ Tubing - There are many canoe livery's nearby including Riverview, Big Bend Family Campground, and Russel's Canoe Livery. - Golfing - Huron Breeze, Knoll View, and Pine River are just a few of the many golf courses - Gravelly Shoal Lighthouse - Fishing Charters out of Au Gres Bay - Sportyfishing Charters, Bluebird Charters, and Carter's Charters - Fishing Piers - 3 public piers with handicapped access on Au Gres River. - Boat Access - The boat launch in Au Gres is one of the largest on the lake including 4 large boat ramps. A Recreation passport through the Secretary of State allows access to these ramps. - Downtown Tawas shopping and restaurants are roughly 25 miles away. - Beach and volleyball amenities are less than a mile away.
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
Trash
from 
$112.50
 / night

Available this weekend

Dog-friendly getaways

Value Prop
Value Prop
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Lakeside camping near Saginaw guide

Overview

Between Saginaw Bay and the Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge in Mid Michigan, this midwestern town makes for the perfect Great Lakes camping getaway. Saginaw Bay, an arm of Lake Huron, is ringed with beach parks for relaxing lakeside swimming, boating, fishing, and camping. And even better, the Saginaw Bay watershed is an important migratory bird habitat that draws birders during spring and fall migrations. South of Saginaw, the hardwood forests and wetlands of the Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge feature miles of hiking routes, mountain biking trails, and paddling paths. Campers love the area’s fall foliage and its proximity to Detroit, only a 90-minute drive away.

Where to go

Saginaw Surrounds

The Saginaw River runs right through downtown Saginaw, providing urban boating and fishing access. Hikers and bikers can take the nearby Saginaw Valley Rail Trail 11 miles to St. Charles in summer (the multi-use trail is utilized by skiers in winter).

Bay City State Park

Just 25 minutes from Saginaw, Bay City State Park sits on a sandy beach of Saginaw Bay that’s perfect for swimming, boating, and fishing. Tent and RV camping sites feature picnic tables, fire rings, and restrooms, while observation towers let campers study the wildlife in the park’s Topico Marsh.

Lake Camping on the “Thumb”

About 80 minutes northeast from Saginaw are two state parks on Lake Huron at the tip of Michigan’s thumb. Sleeper State Park has lakeside camping with sunrise and sunset views, plus a dune forest you can explore. Port Crescent State Park, meanwhile, is a designated Dark Sky Preserve with excellent stargazing and a campground offering both cabins and geodesic domes.

Tawas Point State Park

An hour and a half north of Saginaw is Tawas Point State Park, a 183-acre lakeside getaway set on the sand spit that separates Tawas Bay from Lake Huron. The park links up to the Tawas Bay Multi-Use Trail for biking or hiking on the lakeshore, and campers have plenty of options—choose from tent sites, RV sites, and cabins.

When to go

With late sunsets and warm days, summer is the best time to visit Saginaw for a camping trip. The autumn fall foliage transformation is also a beautiful time to camp, while spring and fall are prime for spotting migrating birds. Winters are dark, cold, and snowy—most campers steer clear unless opting for a cozy cabin rental.

Safety at Hipcamp

Inclusion Policy
Inclusion Policy
Inclusion Policy
Hipcamp Hand

Safety partners

Recreate Responsibly

About us

Camp Your Way™

Find the perfect site to match your camping style. Explore the largest collection of private campsites, RV parks, cabins, and glamping—including 120,000+ sites you won’t find anywhere else. Explore our maps, filter by your camping style, read real camper reviews, and book directly in our app. Hipcamp is the simplest way to find yourself outside under the stars.

Download the Hipcamp App

© 2025 Hipcamp, Inc. All rights reserved.
Hipcamp is created with ❤️ and hope for our future.