Best Campgrounds near Au Gres, MI

Camping options around Au Gres, Michigan include several established campgrounds along the Lake Huron shoreline and nearby waterways. The City of Au Gres Riverfront Campground provides tent, RV, cabin, and glamping accommodations with boat-in access, while Point Au Gres Marina & Campground caters primarily to boaters with tent and RV sites. Within a 30-minute drive, campers can access additional developed campgrounds including Tawas Point State Park, Big Bend Campground, and Pinconning County Park, all offering various amenities and proximity to water recreation.

Most campgrounds in the Au Gres region operate seasonally from April through October, with limited year-round options. Electric hookups are common at developed sites, though water hookups vary by location. "The grounds are immaculate. Very peaceful setting," noted one visitor about Northern Bear Paw RV Park, highlighting the natural beauty found throughout the area. Reservations are strongly recommended during summer weekends and holidays when lakefront sites fill quickly. Many campgrounds provide sanitary dump stations, showers, and toilets, though amenities decrease at more rustic sites. Cell service is generally reliable near established campgrounds but may be limited in more remote areas.

Waterfront access represents a significant draw for campers visiting the Au Gres area, with several campgrounds offering direct access to Lake Huron, the Au Gres River, or nearby inland lakes. According to reviews from The Dyrt, campers particularly value the clean facilities and spacious sites at many local campgrounds. Fishing opportunities abound, with boat launches available at several locations. Families appreciate the mix of water recreation and forested settings, with many campgrounds maintaining mature trees for shade and privacy between sites. While summer brings warm swimming conditions and busy campgrounds, spring and fall camping offers more solitude with comfortable temperatures for hiking and exploring the natural areas surrounding Au Gres.

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Best Camping Sites Near Au Gres, Michigan (122)

    1. Tawas Point State Park Campground

    24 Reviews
    Tawas City, MI
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (989) 362-5041

    $20 - $50 / night

    "There's some walking trails here, the lighthouse is a close walk/bike from anywhere in the park. Getting to town is a few minute drive, or a very long bike ride on the road."

    "Always packed, very little cover, but surrounded by memorable beaches, walking trails, and not far from town (if you feel the need to be a tourist)."

    2. Big Bend Campground

    2 Reviews
    Au Gres, MI
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (989) 653-2267

    "I was so scared of loud noises at night waking her, but after quiet time I couldn't hear another person around at a single site and it was a no vacancy weekend. So I was very glad."

    3. Point Au Gres Marina & Campground

    1 Review
    Au Gres, MI
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (989) 876-7314

    "The WiFi is nice and the scenery being close to Lake Huron is enjoyable, especially in the morning sunrise hour. The hookups work good and the owners are very nice."

    4. City of Au Gres Riverfront Campground

    1 Review
    Au Gres, MI
    0 miles
    Website
    +1 (989) 876-8310

    "Great walking paths."

    5. Sleeper State Park Campground

    22 Reviews
    Caseville, MI
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (989) 856-4411

    "Like most Michigan State Parks, you get electric (50/30) at your site, period. There's public water available at various spots, but not at your site."

    "The lake right next door is beautiful, will definitely be coming back during summer! Loved the secluded location of the camp and the quiet atmosphere, despite lots of people."

    6. Pinconning County Park

    7 Reviews
    Pinconning, MI
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (989) 879-5050

    "Nice campground with great access to the Saginaw Bay for boaters/kayakers/etc with a small beach. Some campsites are better than others, like most campgrounds but all have some perks."

    "Good place for quiet camping and a great walking trail back to the bay through the marsh."

    7. Russell Canoe Livery & Campground

    1 Review
    Standish, MI
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (989) 653-2200

    8. Rifle River Campground

    8 Reviews
    Alger, MI
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (989) 654-2556

    "There is a cluster of quiet sites, a track of sites tucked away in some pines, and then the modern sites. The campground itself is large and has a couple lakes to go fishing in."

    "Lots of hiking trails, bike trails. Lots of lakes, great beach areas!"

    9. Riverbend Campground & Canoe Rental

    2 Reviews
    Standish, MI
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (989) 653-2576

    "The campsites are purely for tent camping and are around 20'x40'. We went with a group and fit four tents on one site with a picnic table and fire pit for less than $10 each."

    10. Browns Landing RV Park

    1 Review
    Tawas City, MI
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (989) 362-3737

    "There is a bike path that goes all the way i to Tawas. About 9 miles. It goes thru the woods and is just lovely with jasmine and lilac bushes and views of Lake Huron."

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Recent Reviews near Au Gres, MI

366 Reviews of 122 Au Gres Campgrounds


  • alicianlv The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 4, 2025

    Au Sable Loop Campground — Huron Manistee National Forests

    Au Sable Loop #3

    We were passing through and didn't have time to explore campground arriving around 7p & road tired.
    Site # 3 was without metal fire ring as shown to have in reservation picture. In its place was a hole and pile of ash with a hardened ash plug as if it was dug out of ground and thrown near bushes, strange. We were only campers there but heard faint voices outdoors after turning in to sleep, kinda creepy.

    Pictures taken just before leaving early morning. Heard there might be poison ivy around camp so only took basic photos but stayed clear of foliage around site.

  • Jonathan  B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Au Sable River Primitive Camping

    Primitive camping, but too close to the road/airport

    The site was truly rustic. About 1/4 mile to the next site. Nice clearing with multiple spots you could maneuver a small camper back into if you are a good enough driver. If not, there is a nice clearing by the road that also works. Had a fire ring with a flip over grill. Trails run back into woods to potential cat hole locations. For water, you can head up the road a few miles to the lumberman monument park, and they have a fauset by the parking lot. Also, about 1/8 mile down the road is an established path down to the Au Sable River to get water to extinguish your campfire but not for drinking (this stretch of the river is not safe to drink). During the day and sometimes at night you can hear a lot of road traffic and also jet engine noise from the local airport. Good openings for solar if you are using movable panels or can get your camper back far enough, but not so good in the default parking spot. Verizon = 3-4 bars 5G.

  • K
    Aug. 25, 2025

    Au Sable Loop Campground — Huron Manistee National Forests

    Spacious Private Sites

    We camped on the ausable river camping on alcona pond. The sites are very secluded from one another, no bathrooms, no water available, but its quiet, private, and had access right to the river. Lots of poison ivy in July, so be aware. Lots of campers across the river that you can see, but nothing overly noisy or distracting. Our site had room for 3 families with tents. Some walking paths, but we didn’t wander too far. Short drives to beautiful overlooks, or the dam for fishing. We wanted 006 site originally. its level with the river and right on a winding bend! Sites seem to reserve fast, so be ready!

  • l
    Aug. 25, 2025

    Black Creek State Forest Campground

    Black Creek State Forest Campground

    Pull up, grab a registration envelope, look for a spot then part. Fill out the registration. Put one portion of it on the clip at the spot number market, keep another portion then return the completed envelope and $20 cash or check per night plus $19 for Michigan recreation passport (if you don’t already have one). They will mail you the passport, keep receipt for proof. Vault toilets available, some river spots, some secluded spots, clean. Saw DNR in the morning checking on everything.

  • Edward C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 24, 2025

    Port Crescent State Park Campground

    Beautiful views

    Beautiful, newly renovated park with a great beach and beach access.

    Be advised that the sites closer to the beach are very sandy. Larger campers may get stuck, especially after a rainstorm.

  • Edward C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Tawas Point State Park Campground

    Terrific location

    This is a beautiful and picturesque park. The bathrooms are clean and well maintained.

    Sites are large in general with plenty of room for activities.

    The pet friendly beach is fantastic for dogs as the water is very shallow and let's them be active.

    The access roads on the loop are narrow, so you may need to take some care of if you have a large vehicle.

    There's also a kids playground and volleyball court.

  • Melissa H.
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Bay City State Park Campground

    Bustling, clean and friendly

    Easy friendly check-in. Firewood prices are cheaper than on roads in. Small and large bags of ice at a good price. Great for families. Clean facilities. They do spray for mosquitoes, so that wasn't too bad at all even in the heat of August. We stayed at 106, the description was on point, level and shaded. Campers were super friendly. We had no complaints about the campground itself but it would be nice if there was an RV lights out policy at night. It's really hard to sleep in a tent when your neighbors RV "porch" light is on literally all night shining in the tent while your neighbors are sound asleep in RV. We had to ask our neighbors politely to turn their outside LED light strips off the second night. They were great about it but, didn't seem to realize it would bother tent campers next to them.

  • Deb M.
    Aug. 16, 2025

    Bay City State Park Campground

    Crowded and inconvenient

    So, this campground looks nice at first, with lots of trees on the sites. However, once you really start looking at them, none have a camping pad, so it’s random parking on the grass. 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. The sites near the entrance are very crowded together and filled with large loud groups. (please don’t park any extra vehicles hanging out over the road…) And cleaning the bathrooms at 8:30 and 9:30 in the MORNING? Bummer for tenters. It’s ok for a quick stop, but wouldn’t want to stay here too long. I would expect better from a State Park.

  • Ethan R.
    Aug. 13, 2025

    Port Crescent State Park Campground

    Great lakeside campground

    Very nice campground. Great sandy beach. Nice bathrooms and showers. Has geodomes and mini cabins for rent.


Guide to Au Gres

Camping near Au Gres, Michigan, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor fun. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat or a family adventure, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Biking: Enjoy the trails at Harrisville State Park Campground. “Not a huge park, but complete with bike and walk/jog trails,” says one visitor. The trails are great for both hiking and biking.
  • Fishing: The waters around Tawas Point State Park Campground are perfect for fishing. One camper mentioned, “You can climb a lighthouse and look out 30+ miles,” making it a scenic spot for anglers.
  • Beach Time: Relax at the beaches near Bay City State Park Campground. A reviewer noted, “Beach, trails and children's solace pad, just an easy walk across the road.”

What campers like:

  • Privacy: Many campers appreciate the spacious sites at Port Crescent State Park Campground. One happy camper said, “If you get the right spot, you have essentially private access to the beautiful waters of Lake Huron.”
  • Clean Facilities: Campers often mention the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A visitor at Bay City State Park Campground remarked, “Showers/restrooms are good, cleaned twice a day.”
  • Friendly Staff: Many reviews highlight the helpfulness of campground staff. A camper at Tawas Point State Park Campground noted, “Staff friendly. Like most MI State Park sites, it's electric only.”

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds have strict quiet hours. A frustrated camper at Harrisville State Park Campground shared, “We were warned about noise levels, and it was quite the experience.”
  • Site Size: Be aware that some sites can feel cramped, especially on weekends. A visitor at Tawas Point State Park Campground mentioned, “Sites feel close and everyone was very nosey.”
  • Booking in Advance: Many popular spots fill up quickly. A camper at South Higgins Lake State Park Campground advised, “If you want one of these sites, you will need to be ready to book the site 6 months in advance.”

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and splash pads. A reviewer at Bay City State Park Campground mentioned, “Great newer playscape and splash pad for the kids.”
  • Choose Spacious Sites: Opt for campgrounds that offer larger sites for family gatherings. A camper at Albert E. Sleeper State Park Campground said, “Good spacious spots. Many sites are wide so they lend themselves to good group camping.”
  • Plan for Quiet Time: Make sure to respect quiet hours to keep the peace. A camper at Harrisville State Park Campground noted the importance of keeping noise down after 10 PM.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Accessibility: Some sites can be tricky to navigate, especially for larger RVs. A visitor at Tawas Point State Park Campground warned, “Big rigs, note that the roads can be tight.”
  • Bring Extra Cords: Some sites may require long extension cords for electric hookups. A camper at Bay City State Park Campground suggested, “Recommend to have extension cord for some sites, as plug in can be far.”
  • Plan for Busy Weekends: Expect crowded conditions during peak times. A visitor at South Higgins Lake State Park Campground mentioned, “This was a large state park on a beautiful inland lake. There are several camping areas within the campground, and they are large and wooded.”

Camping near Au Gres, Michigan, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at Point Au Gres Park & Campground?

Point Au Gres Marina & Campground offers basic amenities including water access and toilet facilities. This boat-in accessible campground provides reservable sites for visitors looking to enjoy Lake Huron. For those seeking riverside camping options in the area, City of Au Gres Riverfront Campground provides both boat-in and drive-in access with water hookups, toilet facilities, and reservable sites that accommodate various camping styles.

Where are the best campgrounds in Au Gres, Michigan?

Northern Bear Paw RV Park is highly rated for its gorgeous setting along the Au Gres River. The grounds feature intact pine trees, immaculate maintenance, and river access with seating areas, picnic tables, and fire pits. The peaceful environment and welcoming owners make it a standout choice. Another excellent option is Rifle River Recreation Area, which offers clean facilities and easy access to trails, lakes, and the river—perfect for family outings with pets.

How do visitors rate Au Gres camping experiences?

Visitors consistently rate camping experiences in the Au Gres region very highly. Harrisville State Park Campground receives five-star ratings for its wooded sites, clean facilities, and excellent Lake Huron beach access. Campers appreciate the spacious sites that accommodate both RVs and tents. Tawas Point State Park Campground also earns strong reviews for its walking trails, nearby lighthouse, and reliable electric hookups (30/50 amp). The region's campgrounds are frequently praised for their natural beauty, well-maintained facilities, and proximity to water activities.