Best Glamping near Au Gres, MI

Tawas Point State Park Campground and River View Campground & Canoe Livery stand out among the glamping destinations in Michigan's coastal Au Gres region. These locations house unique accommodation options including yurts with comfortable bedding, climate control, and electricity. The canvas tent accommodations at Northern Bear Paw RV Park provide an elevated camping experience with real beds and private decks overlooking the Au Gres River. One guest shared, "This place is gorgeous. Owners have done a great job with the property. Pine trees left intact. It sits on the Au Gres River trail with seating, picnic table and fire pit." The safari tents at City of Au Gres Riverfront Campground feature queen beds with luxury linens, small kitchenettes, and private bathrooms, offering the perfect balance of outdoor immersion and modern comfort.

Waterfront glamping experiences define the Au Gres area, with sites positioned along the scenic Rifle River and Lake Huron shoreline. Nature trails weave through the grounds at Tawas Point State Park, leading to the historic lighthouse at the end of the point where guests can witness spectacular sunrises over Lake Huron. According to a camper, "We enjoy the water and the lighthouse. Lots of room to ride your bike." Seasonal activities enhance the glamping experience, with River View offering canoe and kayak rentals for river adventures from May through October. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, particularly at Tawas Point, which serves as an important stopping point for migratory warblers in spring. Glamping cabins and canvas accommodations at these destinations remain accessible to East Tawas' dining options, chocolate shops, and farmers markets, all within a short drive from the campsites.

Best Glamping Sites Near Au Gres, Michigan (22)

    1. Tawas Point State Park Campground

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

    $20 - $50 / night

    "It is an important stopping point for the migratory pattern of warblers in the spring, and has a very nice nature walk."

    "We stayed on site 70, and while it was crowded, we didn’t mind. We were close by to the boat launch, and just a short walk to the bathroom; not too far and not too close either."

    2. City of Au Gres Riverfront Campground

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

    "Great walking paths."

    3. River View Campground & Canoe Livery

    5 Reviews
    Alger, MI
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (989) 654-2447

    "Campground offers many amenities and with the river right on site there is so much to do. We always go tubing and kayaking. Bathrooms and showers are decent for a campground."

    "It sits along the Rifle River next to Rifle River Campground and Whites Campground.  The campground is huge and offers so much!"

    4. Northern Bear Paw RV Park

    3 Reviews
    Sand Lake, MI
    16 miles
    Website
    +989362800009

    $40 - $50 / night

    "It’s sits on the Au Gres River trail to the river with seating, picnic table and fire pit. The grounds are immaculate. Very peaceful setting."

    "Pulling into the campground you notice a warm and welcoming couple greeting you, as if your were long lost cousins. The campsites are nicely laid out with comfortable amenities."

    5. Bay City State Park Campground

    22 Reviews
    Kawkawlin, MI
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (989) 684-3020

    "Fire pit. Sites are electric only. Recommend to have extension cord for some sites, as plug in can be far. Website has pictures for sites and will advise if lot gets wet."

    "Each site has a cement fire ring and electric hookup. There are communal water spickets generously scattered around the grounds. The bathrooms and showers are very clean."

    6. Port Crescent State Park Campground

    26 Reviews
    Port Austin, MI
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (989) 738-8663

    "General: A real hodgepodge of options: paved sites, sandy sites, some with electric, hammock sites, several different types of cabins, and domes."

    "This park is in a great location—The Thumb felt quite isolated."

    7. Devoe Lake Rustic Campround — Rifle River Recreation Area

    12 Reviews
    Lupton, MI
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (989) 473-2258

    "The site was easy to find, spacious, and had adequate distancing from other campers. It included a fire pit and picnic table too. The lake was serene in the early mornings and evenings."

    "This here is one of my favorite campgrounds in Michigan. The facilities are clean and kept up. All access to trails, lakes and the river are close and easy to get to."

    8. Old Orchard Park Campground

    8 Reviews
    Oscoda, MI
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (989) 739-7814

    "Sites are reasonably priced around$25-30/night. The park is very dog-friendly, which we appreciated. 

    Nice large, woodsy, level lots. Many are waterfront. "

    "Very family and pet friendly. It has a playground and a small beach. There are many options to stay here! Highly recommend"

    10. Sebewaing County Park Campground

    2 Reviews
    Pigeon, MI
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (989) 883-9192

    "Nice place to stay,it’s sitting just off of the river,and the lake is next to it,if you like fishing you’re going to love it.the site is a little tight but you can pull through,overall it’s really quiet"

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Glamping Reviews near Au Gres, MI

140 Reviews of 22 Au Gres Campgrounds


  • N
    Oct. 6, 2020

    Northern Bear Paw RV Park

    Words Can’t Describe

    This place is gorgeous. Owners have done a great job with the property. Pine trees left intact. It’s sits on the Au Gres River trail to the river with seating, picnic table and fire pit. The grounds are immaculate. Very peaceful setting.

  • Hallee L.
    Aug. 26, 2023

    Tawas Point State Park Campground

    Nice but busy

    It is very nice and extremely clean. However it is kind of cramped. Sites feel close and everyone was very nosey. Pet beach is nice. Water is beautiful. Convenient location. People didn't listen to rules such as quiet hour and let their badly behaved dogs run loose. Bath house is extremely nice! All in all, I would camp here on an off day/season.

  • Emily F.
    Jul. 10, 2021

    Bay City State Park Campground

    Close sites

    Nice and clean. I’m in the inner loop though and the sites are very close together. If I came back I would definitely try to stay out the outer loop. Electric, fire pit, and picnic table on site. No grate. Showers and bathrooms available.

  • Rodger M.
    Sep. 3, 2021

    Devoe Lake Rustic Campround — Rifle River Recreation Area

    Spacious, Quiet, Relaxing

    We were greeted at the gate by an extremely helpful and knowledgeable gentleman. He provided good directions, and helped us with our Rec Pass.

    The site was easy to find, spacious, and had adequate distancing from other campers. It included a fire pit and picnic table too.

    The lake was serene in the early mornings and evenings. Listen for the woeful call of the loons. What a treat!

    Word of caution, the raccoons start partying as soon as you bed down. Make sure your food and trash is adequately covered/contained.

    Campground has vault toilets. We never used them but good to know they have them.

  • Sean R.
    Jul. 5, 2021

    South Branch Trail Camp Group Site

    Nice Large Private Site #21

    Bathroom was clean, site was large surrounded by tall pine trees. Picnic table was HC accessible. Fire pit ring. I'm a motocamper and suited my needs. No trash, so take what you brought in plus some.

  • Lee D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 12, 2025

    Port Crescent State Park Campground

    Very popular campground nestled between the highway and the beach

    General: A real hodgepodge of options: paved sites, sandy sites, some with electric, hammock sites, several different types of cabins, and domes. Our stay was in 2023, and this review is based on that, but the campground was closed for the 2024 season for upgrades. 

    Site Quality: Varies greatly. We were able to secure two different sites for our two-night stay. Upon arrival, however, we doubted we would be able to navigate our 18-foot camper van into Site 58– it was sandy, narrow with trees, and cars were parked alongside the narrow access road, making backing in very difficult to impossible. We were able to switch to Site 69 for the first night. The second night we were in site 56 and enjoyed listening to the waves lapping up against the shore. Not all sites are level. Little privacy/separation between sites but if you can score a waterfront site, then it’s all good. Sites 93, 95, 95A, 98, 99A, 101, 103, 105, and 107 back up to the old river channel and the water was very stagnant and green. The beachfront sites mostly have nice views of Saginaw Bay/Lake Huron but be cautious when selecting: some are sand and not level. You will hear road noise from M25 on the 19 sites that back up to the road (and also some of the sites opposite these). 

    Bath/Shower: Two bathhouses (east and west) plus a couple of vault toilets. The East Bathhouse was very modern and clean. The West Bathhouse looked to be a bit older but still seemed fine. 

    Activities/Amenities: Beach access, fishing, swimming, and an observation platform for bird watching or night sky viewing (the weather did not cooperate to check these out). There are nearby hiking trails, a playground, a basketball hoop, and a horseshoe pit. There is a dump station. Kudos to Michigan for extensive recycling! 

    We arrived late at night, and I was able to get in a nice walk around the campground before the rain started, dampening our options for the rest of the day. Obviously, our stay here would have been better with better weather, but I caution you to be careful when reserving your sites based on your type of camping. Despite the abundance of mayflies (gross but not biting) and the muddy sand-covered road from all the rain, we’d stay here again if we could get a beachfront site. We enjoyed our time here and would love to see what improvements were made when the campground was closed (although I thought it was very nice before).

  • Halie C.
    Jul. 9, 2018

    Jewell Lake Campground

    Beautiful, quiet, peaceful.

    Relatively quiet and secluded, Jewell Lake campground resides in the Huron-manistee National Forest. Our campsite was great with plenty of room to house three tents as well as a fire pit and picnic table. There is access to Jewell Lake from the campground where there is a small beach, dock, and boat launch. Beware, there are no park rangers on duty 24/7 at the campground or a camp store, however Barton city is only a few minutes away where they have a quaint general store.

  • Tanner G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 4, 2022

    Bay City State Park Campground

    "Late night check in"

    We came in late for just a place to rest before heading further north. Drop box available after 10pm(summer). Between 8p-10p there is a yellow phone to check in with. 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. Website has pictures for sites and will advise if lot gets wet. Staff was very friendly the next morning. Updated our rec pass at the park before leaving. Lots of trails and swimming beach near park.

  • Mark H.
    Sep. 22, 2016

    Tawas Point State Park Campground

    Nice place on the bay

    We went on a family trip to the Tawas Pointe State Park. It is an important stopping point for the migratory pattern of warblers in the spring, and has a very nice nature walk. The nature walk leads out to the lighthouse by the bay, and comes up to the beach. The camp grounds have electrical and water access for RVs and campers, but people also camp out in their tents, and everything in between. There is a small playground that my daughter enjoyed, and a paved pathway through the grounds to Rollerblade/bike on. Most sites come with a fire pit. There is also a large dumpster near the entrance for waster disposal.


Guide to Au Gres

Camping near Au Gres, Michigan provides access to both Lake Huron shorelines and inland waterways within Arenac County. The region sits at approximately 600 feet above sea level with sandy soil conditions that drain quickly after rainfall. Summer temperatures typically range from 65-85°F with moderate humidity levels, creating favorable conditions for extended outdoor activities from late spring through early fall.

What to do

Water activities on the Rifle River: At River View Campground & Canoe Livery, visitors can rent tubes, kayaks, and canoes for river trips. "Nothing like grabbing a tube a flowing down the river with friends," notes camper Megan W. The campground offers guided excursions and self-guided options with shuttle service back to your starting point.

Wildlife observation towers: Devoe Lake Rustic Campground features observation points that provide panoramic views and wildlife spotting opportunities. "The overlook tower is definitely worth the hike and there's a hidden surprise at the same location for those who know where to look," shares Tasha T. These elevated platforms offer prime viewing during spring and fall bird migrations.

Beach activities along Saginaw Bay: Sebewaing County Park Campground provides access to shorelines with natural features. "Something pre-historic, particularly the beach, & the roads to it," explains Don M. The undeveloped shoreline areas maintain natural features with shallow entry points suitable for wading.

What campers like

Clean, well-maintained facilities: At Tawas Point State Park Campground, campers appreciate the upkeep of amenities. "The bathrooms are clean and well maintained. Sites are large in general with plenty of room for activities," notes Edward C. The campground features accessible water spigots and full dishwashing stations uncommon at many other parks.

Kid-friendly amenities: Bay City State Park Campground offers multiple recreational options for children. "This is one of the best campgrounds for kids that I've ever visited!!! There is a small playground in the campground, but you have to cut through campsites to reach it," says Sarah S. The park also includes the "Spray by the Bay" splash pad near the main beach area.

Privacy options at waterfront sites: Northern Bear Paw RV Park features secluded sites along the waterfront. "This place is gorgeous. Pine trees left intact. It sits on the Au Gres River trail with seating, picnic table and fire pit," explains Nellie. Many sites include private water access points and natural vegetation buffers between camping areas.

What you should know

Site conditions vary significantly: At Port Crescent State Park Campground, site quality depends on location. "Site Quality: Varies greatly. Not all sites are level. Sites 93, 95, 95A, 98, 99A, 101, 103, 105, and 107 back up to the old river channel and the water was very stagnant and green," advises Lee D. Research site-specific reviews before booking.

Seasonal availability limitations: Many glamping facilities near Au Gres operate seasonally, typically May through October. River View Campground & Canoe Livery operates from "May 1 to October 15," while City of Au Gres Riverfront Campground runs from "April 15 to October 15," making advance planning essential for spring and fall visits.

Varying shower facilities: Bathroom and shower quality differs between parks. At Old Orchard Park Campground, "Showers run on tokens/quarters and do not have a temperature control," notes Tracey R. Some parks require payment for showers while others include them with your site fee.

Tips for camping with families

Pack for variable water conditions: Water clarity varies throughout the Au Gres region. At Rifle River Recreation Area, "The water is super clean and crystal clear...and usually sand or rock bottom," reports Dave V. Bring water shoes for rocky areas and consider rashguards for sensitive skin in shallow water zones.

Explore offseason for solitude: Rifle River Recreation Area offers quieter experiences outside peak times. "We spent all week in solitude until the weekend, when it swells to its limit....and when we usually say good-bye and move on. Shoulder seasons would be incredible, especially with the color change," recommends Dave V. Consider weekday visits during spring and fall for more private experiences.

Research site-specific playgrounds: Bay City State Park Campground features extensive play areas but requires planning. "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," explains Sarah S. Some recreation areas require short walks or drives from campsites.

Tips from RVers

Bring extension cords and extra hoses: At Old Orchard Park Campground, utilities placement requires additional equipment. "Water and electric are poorly located. Need extra hose/cords," advises Tracey R. Pack extension cords of at least 25 feet and water hoses of 50+ feet for many sites.

Check seasonal road conditions: Access roads at Tawas Point State Park Campground can present challenges for larger rigs. "The access roads on the loop are narrow, so you may need to take some care of if you have a large vehicle," notes Edward C. Consider calling ahead during spring thaw when road surfaces may be compromised.

Reserve waterfront sites early: The most desirable glamping spots near Au Gres fill quickly, especially waterfront options. "We got lucky enough to snag a week-long stay on a waterfront site(401) the last week of July," shares Tracey R. about Old Orchard Park. Book premium sites up to six months in advance, especially for summer weekends and holidays.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Au Gres, MI?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Au Gres, MI is Tawas Point State Park Campground with a 4-star rating from 24 reviews.

What is the best site to find glamping camping near Au Gres, MI?

TheDyrt.com has all 22 glamping camping locations near Au Gres, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.