Camping in Bay City State Park

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

Top camping in Bay City State Park

Public campgrounds here are often sold out.

1. Bay City Campground

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192 sites · RVs, Tents · In Bay City State Park

Ignite your everyday with a spontaneous trip to Bay City State Recreation Area and let the fun lend itself to the night at the Bay City Modern Campground

50% (3 reviews)

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

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Bay City State Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Bay City State Park

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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.

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"Elysium Heritage Farm"

5 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. Absolutely NO hunting allowed on the property. 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.

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Chippewa Henge Camp

5 sites · RVs, Tents122 acres · Mount Pleasant, MI

One acre swimming pond with multiple rustic campsites, common areas include the beach and group firepit. 122 acres with long entrance drive that situates campers next to "Lake Leland" as we refer to the pond. Absolutely no Glass permitted on property! Generators are permitted. A creek crosses the back portion of the property with several trails intersecting.

The Farm

9 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents34 acres · Alma, MI

My wife and I are slowly starting up our own little farm. We have 2 indoor cats, 1 outdoor cat, a dog, chickens and two ducks. We are on 34 acres and have a river that runs through the middle of it. We are 10 minutes from Alma and 20 minutes from Mt Pleasant. Lumberjack park is about 2 minutes away and Stearns preserve is about 5 mins away where you can walk or ride bike on a nice paved trail. We have a small garden that we plant every summer and plan to start a small farm stand this year. We are in a quiet area with lots of wildlife. We have 1 spot near the house with a view of the river that can support electric hook for a smaller RV and can attach a garden hose for water if needed. We do have a “field” that RVs can use but there is no hook up and there ground may not be level. We have many options for rustic tent camping along the river. No public restroom available. We can also provide some fire wood for campfires for a small cost. Along the river fires are allowed but must be contained in a fire ring. If camping by the field fires will be dependent on conditions. We have 3 kayaks and a canoe that can be used with prior consent. There is a park up river where you can put in and then can exit at our house which is about an hour on the river. We are very new to this and just purchased a UTV so we will be able to start making trails and clearing areas. But for now, camping along the river you will have to walk (and carry belongings) through tall grass to the site you desire. Quiet time 11 pm. We are an easy going couple that just want to share this slice of paradise with others! WiFi available

Booked 5 times

Covenant Hills Camp & Retreat

12 sites · RVs, Tents200 acres · Otisville, MI

Covenant Hills Camp and Retreat is located in Otisville, Michigan less than 30 minutes away from Frankenmuth, Cross Roads Village, Birch Run and many area golf courses. We have 321 full hook up sites (electric, water, sewer, 20amp & 50 amp service at every pole) in three distinct camping areas | Hemlock, Oakridge and the Valley. Our family friendly campground has a strict no marijuana, drugs and alcohol policy. 321 RV Sites with Full Hook-Ups; 55 Pull Through Sites Sites include picnic table, firepit. Amenities Include: Beach, Lake Access, Gaga Ball, Playground, Dog Park, Open Green Spaces to Play, Hiking Trails and more. Most activities are open to the public on Saturdays and a schedule is posted online and handed out at check-in for Boating, Archery, Game Room, Ice Cream Shop, Climbing Tower, Zip Line and More 6 Months of Camping May (Pre-Season April 1-30)

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Footsteps From Frankenmuth

7 sites · RVs, Tents14 acres · Bridgeport, MI

Enjoy peace and quiet at this brand new hip camp located just minutes from downtown Frankenmuth. Just off I-75 but far enough to not hear the noise! This property features a blacktop circle driveway for easy in & out access. Our property offers the perfect getaway for nature lovers, families, and solo adventurers looking to unwind and connect with the great outdoors. Location: Located just 8 miles from downtown Frankenmuth and 10 miles from the Prime Outlets of Birch Run, our campsites are easily accessible yet provides a secluded haven away from the hustle and bustle. Accommodations: We offer several types of accommodations to suit your camping style: Tent Sites: Spacious, grassy areas with plenty of shade, ideal for tents. RV Sites: Level, grass sites (or even blacktop if you prefer) with easy access for RVs and campers. Amenities: Potable Drinking water Fire pit Free Wi-Fi in common areas Pet-friendly (with prior approval) Activities: Wildlife Watching: Abundant opportunities to spot local wildlife, including deer, birds, and more. Stargazing: Enjoy clear night skies perfect for stargazing. Local Attractions: Frankenmuth: A short drive away, offering things from waterparks, world-famous chicken dinners, one-of-a-kind shopping, and Bavarian charm, 1-800-FUN-TOWN has your plans made. Birch Run Premium Outlets: Shop until you drop at the largest outlet mall in the Midwestern United States! Rules: Quiet hours from 10 PM to 7 AM. Fires only in designated fire pits. Pets must be kept on a leash unless otherwise approved. Please respect our property and other campers by cleaning up after yourself. Rates: Tent Sites: $10 per night RV Sites: $20 per night

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Unionville Village Park

5 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Unionville, MI

AS OF OCTOBER 31ST - 2025 THE CAMPGROUND IS CLOSED FOR THE WINTER - WILL REOPEN SPRING 2026 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.

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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, many types of songbirds and most recently a family of sandhill cranes. Our most recent improvement is an air conditioner in the Crow's Nest. Sheila grew up just across the road and spent many hours riding her horse and writing poetry on the property. No discharge of firearms is allowed on this 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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B Mo's Hideout

5 sites · RVs, Tents42 acres · Columbiaville, MI

42 private acres for day use or tent camping. This is a clothing optional green space, walk the trails, play horse shoes bean bag toss or just sit back and relax. It's a great place to hang a hammock and chill or explore the woods, pick wild strawberries early summer raspberries mid summer and blueberries mid summer. Open from March 17th thru Oct 1st. Please call ahead for bookings between Mar 17 and April 14 for site conditions. Sites 2 and 3 can accommodate small pop up trailers less than 20ft. Check in times may very.

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Camping on our Organic Farm

7 sites · RVs, Tents138 acres · North Branch, MI

WHAT'S NEW ON THE FARM 2025 This year we are expecting a foal (baby horse). The end of April. We are also milking a family cow for our own milk as well. Her name is Daisy. We are also bottle feeding two calves at this time. We will have Great Pyrenees puppies from April through mid July. Come and spend some time with them! ABOUT DOREEN I’m an entrepreneur. I’m all about health and taking care of the mind, body and spirit. I’m an organic farmer, an animal nut, health coach, mindset mentor and Psych-K facilitator. I have six children and hosted three foreign exchange students. I love kids, animals (especially horses) and nature. I love anything and everything about health and personal growth and well being. ABOUT THE FARM We have a working, organic farm with a lot of animals, however, we also do crops as well. This particular farm is 138 acres with 8 acres of woods. We have working dogs, sheep, cattle, horses, a couple goatsWe have some super great animals. Most of which are very friendly. You never know what will be available to see on the farm when you visit. We are expecting a foal (baby horse) this summer (2021) and are already planning for another foal next summer as well. We often have puppies as well and sometimes we have to bottle feed lambs. There's never a dull moment. Our farm is unique in the way of having a very positive VIBE to it. The energy is awesome! It's really a space of tranquility and healing if you allow yourself to go there. After hosting with air bnb for a little over a year now, we decided to give this a try as well. We love hosting people and having them come to the farm and enjoy our way of life. It also helps to have a supplemental income as having and running a small family farm isn't very sustainable. Typically there's off the farm jobs to help pay for the farm life. It's a crazy equation. Small family farms are far and few between. Please support your local farmer if possible! It is greatly appreciated!

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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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Lake Huron Wooded Retreat 🚗🏕️🏖️

1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Au Gres, MI

~ Newly Renovated June 2025 ~ Private One-Acre Campsite Near the Beach Enjoy a peaceful and affordable escape just minutes from Lake Huron with this one-acre private campsite in Au Gres, Michigan. When you book, you get the entire property to yourself—no other campers. The space is clearly marked with pink boundary flags and includes three roomy areas perfect for pitching tents, parking an SUV, or setting up a small campervan. Pop-up campers can fit, but space is tight and better for simple setups. The front of the property is grassy and open, while the rear features a wooded section with a short walking path. Behind the site is a larger wooded parcel that isn’t part of the Hipcamp, but it adds to the secluded, natural feel. Just a 4–5 minute walk brings you to a quiet public access point to Lake Huron. The road dead-ends at private homes, and between them is a public footpath to the beach. Before the shoreline, you'll find a small 20-yard-wide wooded area where our guests can set up chairs and enjoy the view—feel free to walk beyond to the sandy beach as well. A photo of this spot is included in the listing. While the campsite isn’t totally secluded—there are a few nearby homes and occasional daytime traffic—you’ll still enjoy full privacy on your acre with room to unwind, make a fire, and relax under the stars. This spot is best for couples or small groups looking for a low-key beach getaway close to nature and just 10 minutes from the shops and restaurants of Au Gres and Tawas City.

Camping in 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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3 ratings · 0 reviews