Camping near Tawas City, Michigan spans inland forest regions with elevations ranging from 580 to 820 feet above sea level. The area experiences distinct seasonal changes with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F and winter lows frequently below freezing. While Lake Huron dominates the eastern landscape, inland camping areas feature pine forests, marshlands, and river access points with variable cell reception depending on tree cover and terrain.
What to do
Wildlife viewing and birding trails: Tawas Point State Park Campground provides excellent birding opportunities as a major migration stopover. "The nature walk leads out to the lighthouse by the bay, and comes up to the beach," notes Mark H., with another visitor adding that the park is "an important stopping point for the migratory pattern of warblers in the spring."
River activities on the AuSable: Monument Campground places campers near prime river access points. "Geocaching, canoeing, fishing or hiking to the nearby visitor center with a reproduction logging shanty or the educational programs in the pavilion. There is something for everyone here," explains Becky K. The campground sits close to Lumberman's Monument with river access.
Sand dune exploration: Lumberman's Monument Visitor Center offers direct access to significant dune systems. "Awesome spot, a must see if you're in the area. Just a mile or two walk to the dunes overlook where you can descend a 100+ ft sand dune down to the water and go for a swim," reports Max O. The center provides educational programming about regional logging history.
What campers like
Varied beach experiences: Tawas Point State Park Campground offers multiple water access options with different characters. "The water areas range from nice sandy beaches to more marshy but scenic beaches, great for dog walking and enjoying birdwatching and sunsets!" explains Erin H., while Marie H. notes "There's a nice sandy beach that faces Tawas Bay in the campground, the public beach on Lake Huron has rougher water and more rocks."
Dog-friendly amenities: Sites specifically designed for pet owners receive positive reviews. "The pet friendly beach is fantastic for dogs as the water is very shallow and let's them be active," explains Edward C. Another camper elaborates: "The dog beach, a bit of a walk down the trail towards the lighthouse, surely exceeded our expectations... The shallows go out quite far, and is pleasantly sandy."
Dishwashing facilities: Old Orchard Park Campground offers unique campground amenities not commonly found elsewhere. One camper praised "a full dishwashing sink, something I have yet to see at another campground." The campground maintains these facilities alongside typical bath houses and shower stations.
What you should know
Train noise affects multiple campgrounds: Several Tawas area campgrounds have nearby train tracks. At Oscoda-Tawas KOA, campers report: "The only complaint I have of this is that there is an active train track that goes through the front of the campground at the entrance. It came through at about 1:30am when I stayed." Another visitor notes: "Typical KOA clean orderly but a train does run right next to the camp."
Water and electrical hookup placement issues: Northern Bear Paw RV Park receives high ratings but campers note infrastructure challenges. "Water and electric are poorly located. Need extra hose/cords," advises one reviewer. Plan to bring extension cords and extra water hose lengths to ensure proper connectivity at many area campgrounds.
First-come-first-serve limitations: Many campgrounds don't accept advance reservations, requiring arrival planning. A camper notes about Old Orchard: "We have driven all the way there before and not been able to get in. There was another time that we drove there and there was one reservable site that we stayed on the first night and then had to move the next day when a first come site opened up."
Tips for camping with families
Activity programs for children: Sleeper State Park Campground offers structured programming for younger visitors. "Camp host had fun activities for the kids (my kids claim this was the best time of the trip) as well as tea, coffee, and hot chocolate," reports Tyler H., with other campers mentioning morning beverage service and afternoon activities.
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds feature play structures with varying amenities. "It has a playground and a small beach. There are many options to stay here!" notes Rachel S. about Old Orchard Park, while at Tawas Point, a visitor mentions "a nice playground, and beach volleyball court near the entrance."
Safety features: Campgrounds recognize traffic concerns between beach and camping areas. One campground features "a walkway overpass that goes over M25 making for a safe walk from camp to the beach," an important consideration for families with small children wanting to minimize road crossings.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger rigs: East Tawas City Park offers lakefront camping with size restrictions. "37' is the longest length recommended. We have a 42' 5th wheel and made it fit only because we were here during the off-season. There's no way we would of got the RV in if people had the vehicles parked in their campsite or on the road," notes Erika P.
Extended stays possible: Some campgrounds accommodate longer-term visitors. "We had our camper on one site for three months but had to pay for 3 weeks at a time," explains an Old Orchard Park visitor, while Oscoda-Tawas KOA offers comprehensive RV services. "Very nice campground off the beaten path... a good base camp for the area," writes a KOA visitor.
Off-season considerations: East Tawas City Park changes operations seasonally, affecting RV campers. "The city turns the water off around the 3rd week in October. There is one bathroom building open for showers and you can also get water from the side of the office building to fill your tanks. You still have electricity and sewer at your site," reports Erika P.
