The Standish, Michigan area sits at approximately 660 feet above sea level, with the Rifle River serving as a focal point for outdoor recreation throughout the warmer months. Summer temperatures typically range from 70-85°F during peak camping season, with cooler nights in spring and fall. The region's sandy soil and moderate elevation create well-draining campsites even after rainfall, though riverside locations may experience higher humidity.
What to do
Tubing and river floats: Multiple campgrounds offer river access for water activities along the Rifle River. At River View Campground & Canoe Livery, you can enjoy water recreation right from your site. According to Phil M., "The campground is huge and offers so much! The store up front had everything you probably forgot at home, plus more." Mikayla H. adds, "I love this campground. We go annually for a women's camping trip. It's always beautiful and relaxing."
Boardwalk nature trails: Explore the wetland ecosystem on elevated trails at Pinconning County Park. Andrea B. notes, "Nice campground, a lot of local/seasonal but the park is maintained very nicely. Good place for quiet camping and a great walking trail back to the bay through the marsh." Jayne W. shares that the park has "miles of boardwalk with observation decks overlooking the area."
Family beach time: Several campgrounds provide beach access with shallow swimming areas ideal for children. At Pinconning County Park, one visitor explains, "The beach is shallow and great for young kids, we camped over memorial weekend and water was nice even then. They have nice beach chairs to use for free and kayaks you can rent."
What campers like
Large riverside campsites: Sites along the Rifle River provide direct water access and extra space. At Big Bend Campground, Courtney H. recommends, "Highly suggest getting a river campsite that you can tube/kayak/canoe to if you launch from the access a couple of miles down the road. That was an absolute blast."
Clean, well-maintained facilities: Despite high usage during summer months, many campgrounds maintain clean bathrooms and showers. Jennifer S. notes about River View Campground, "Bathrooms and showers are decent for a campground. Also love that there are a lot of trees to provide shade during the hot days."
Off-peak season camping: Several campers mention benefits of visiting during less crowded times. Jami M. describes Big Bend Campground as a "Busy campground and a bit pricey but well worth the activities," suggesting value despite crowds. Visiting in spring or fall offers more privacy and potentially lower rates.
What you should know
Membership requirements: Some resorts in the area operate on a membership model. At Outdoor Adventures Saginaw Bay Resort, Tom M. advises, "Campground is one of Outdoor Adventures membership campgrounds, way overpriced, check FB Marketplace for resellers." Chad H. adds, "It's a members only. Few grouchy people that seem more miserable than into relaxing."
Water quality concerns: While the rivers are popular for recreation, water quality varies by location and season. One camper at Rifle River Campground cautions, "The water is not clean however, and if you find yourself floating down and feel the liquid courage kicking in telling you to climb a 100ft rock wall—DON'T."
Reservation timing: Many campgrounds fill quickly during summer weekends. For Bay City State Park Campground, Tanner G. recommends, "Can book day of until 8pm online. Easy to get into late at night. Big lots. Fire pit. Sites are electric only. Recommend to have extension cord for some sites, as plug in can be far."
Tips for camping with families
Multiple playground access: Campgrounds often feature multiple play areas spaced throughout the property. At Bay City State Park Campground, Sarah S. shares, "This is one of the best campgrounds for kids that I've ever visited!!! Take a 2 min walk from the camp office across to the day park and you'll find the Spray by the Bay splash pad, a huge timber playground, beautiful sandy beach along Lake Huron."
Children's activities: Many campgrounds offer organized events. Sarah S. continues, "They have campground hosts that facilitate free activities organized by the park. We did a kids craft and enjoyed hot cocoa or coffee Saturday morning and then returned after dinner for Back-to-School bingo and popcorn."
Site selection for families: Choose sites strategically based on proximity to amenities. At Big Bend Campground, Courtney H. notes, "The playgrounds were great because there are enough of them that we are able to keep an eye on the kids from the sites."
Tips from RVers
Electric hookup positioning: Many sites have uniquely positioned electric hookups requiring planning. At Bay City State Park, Deb M. advises, "Lots of moving around to get your electric hooked up to the shared and oddly placed power poles. Make sure to come with an extension cord - one member of our party had their power halfway into their neighbor's site through a bunch of bushes."
Overflow parking considerations: For larger RVs or groups with multiple vehicles, check campground policies. At Rifle River Campground, Cory W. notes, "Rifle River offered a nice variety of camp sites. There is a cluster of quiet sites, a track of sites tucked away in some pines, and then the modern sites."
Level site selection: Many campgrounds in the area have uneven terrain. Janine P. cautions about Rifle River Campground, "While the views of the river are great from the majority of sites, the entire campground is on a hill. There are few - if any - level areas to camp."
