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Best Campgrounds near Auburn, MI

254 Reviews

The Auburn, Michigan area features a mix of state, county, and private campgrounds within a 30-mile radius, offering diverse camping experiences along the Saginaw Bay watershed. Bay City State Park Campground, approximately 15 miles northeast of Auburn, provides developed sites with electric hookups, modern restrooms, and access to Lake Huron beaches across the street. Black Creek State Forest Campground near Sanford offers a more rustic experience with vault toilets and spacious, wooded sites. Camping options range from full-service RV parks with 50-amp service to primitive tent sites, with several facilities offering cabin rentals for those seeking alternatives to traditional camping.

Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally from May through October, with a few year-round exceptions like Pinconning County Park. Reservations are strongly recommended during summer weekends and holidays when facilities reach capacity quickly. As one camper noted about Bay City State Park, "The park is huge and there are lots of places to ride your bike. It's a typical Michigan state campground with nice bathrooms and big lots." Weather considerations include hot, humid summers and potential for severe thunderstorms. Bug spray is essential during warmer months, particularly in wooded areas and near water features. Cell service is generally reliable throughout the region, with stronger coverage at developed campgrounds closer to towns.

Waterfront access represents a significant draw for campers in the Auburn area, with multiple sites offering proximity to Saginaw Bay, inland lakes, and rivers. Visitors consistently rate water-based recreation opportunities highly, with fishing, kayaking, and swimming among the most popular activities. Campers at Pinconning County Park appreciate the "great access to the Saginaw Bay for boaters/kayakers with a small beach." Family-friendly amenities are common, with Bay City State Park featuring "a splash pad area for the kids" and playground equipment. Campground facilities generally receive positive reviews for cleanliness, though some visitors note that electrical systems at older parks may require extension cords. Most campgrounds are within a short drive of small towns for supplies and dining options.

Map showing campgrounds near Auburn, MichiganExplore the Map

Detours Nearby

Gladwin City Park & Campground

Gladwin City Park & Campground

39 min away

Trout Lake

Trout Lake

57 min away

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Best Camping Sites Near Auburn, Michigan (107)

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Recent Camping Photos near Auburn, MI

101 Photos of 107 Auburn Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Auburn, MI

254 Reviews of 107 Auburn Campgrounds

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • tThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 20, 2025

    Pettit Park Campground

    City park

    Water and electric and a dump station. Near downtown Clare, nice park with pavilions, no reservations needed. Sites are within the city’s park so there’s local traffic.

  • AmcPhotography
    Jul. 13, 2025

    Chesaning Showboat Camping

    Camping

    it's a alright campground,quit,few things it could use,like another playground ,water hookups,and WiFi other than that it's good.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 3, 2025

    Arthur Latham Park

    No campground

    Called the office and was told that there is no longer a campground here. Used to be but not anymore

  • Corey L.
    Jul. 2, 2025

    Northern Bear Paw RV Park

    Northern Bear Paw

    An awesome place to stay! Owners are very thoughtful, through, and considerate of the campers. Second visit here and would highly recommend!!

  • A
    Jul. 2, 2025

    Otter Lake Park Campground

    Beautiful views & so much to do!

    We tent camped in site #56. I will say the sites are on the smaller side, but you can make do. The lake is soooo beautiful and you can rent kayaks $7/hour or a 2 person small boat for $10/hour. Laundry facility is nice and cheap, with a great sink to wash dishes. Bathrooms are poorly vented and gets so hot & humid, but I will say the showers are in-home quality for a campground! The owners are so nice and friendly. ORV trail butts up to the campground so bring your dirt bikes! We had a small trailer and they had no issue with us at all. Very good swimming beach with tons of places to take in the peaceful views. Playground is large and nice with a new basketball court and Gaga ball. Bring your bug spray and get ready to enjoy serene nature. Oh and I love how affordable it is :)

  • K
    Jun. 9, 2025

    Pine Ridge RV Campground

    We've chosen not to return

    We’ve camped at Pine Ridge Campground for the past five years. Over that time, we’ve chosen to overlook some ongoing issues — including a strong and persistent natural gas smell, ant infestations, loud music from a nearby bar, and no real amenities for families. The playground is extremely outdated and rarely used — it’s telling that you almost never see kids riding bikes or playing in the park. Still, we returned each year, hoping for a peaceful stay.

    Unfortunately, this year changed everything.

    Managers Joe and Susan falsely accused us of having our dog off-leash (which he never was). We always keep him leashed and use an e-collar to help manage barking. Joe even admitted that no other campers had complained, and we’ve never had any dog-related issues at any other campground. Despite this, they continued circling our site in their golf cart, closely watching us, and bullying to the point of telling us we were no longer welcome—threatening to call the police for no valid reason. Joe even made a comment about noticing my dog was standing on our dinette table - so he was peering outside our window??? No wonder my dog barked at him. We closed all our shades the remainder of the weekend to avoid feeling like we were living in a fishbowl.

    This kind of targeting isn’t new — last year, Joe also rushed over in his golf cart to confront us about a visitor pass we had already paid for, showing a lack of trust and an overly aggressive approach. So yet another instance of over-the-top behavior that seems to define their management style.

    Additionally, communication at this campground is poor — it’s often hard to reach someone to even make a reservation, there’s no automation and poor responsiveness.

    On what should have been a bustling, beautiful summer weekend, the park was nearly empty, which speaks volumes.

    After years of being respectful, loyal guests, we’ve decided it’s time to move on. If you’re looking for a welcoming, dog- or family-friendly campground with basic hospitality and amenities, we suggest looking elsewhere.

Guide to Auburn

Camping near Auburn, MI, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a family-friendly adventure, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails at Holly Recreation Area. One camper mentioned, "We did a 7-mile loop hike and then went to Battle Alley Brewing in Holly (10 min away)."
  • Fishing: Enjoy fishing at Sherman City Acres. A visitor shared, "The river on the property where you can fish was a highlight for us."
  • Beach Activities: Spend a day at the beach at Tawas Point State Park Campground. One reviewer noted, "There are beaches on both sides of the point."

What campers like:

  • Spacious Sites: Campers appreciate the roomy sites at Bay City State Park Campground. A happy camper said, "Campground was perfect for tenting. Right by bathrooms and they were very clean."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Many families enjoy the activities at Walnut Hills Family Campground. One parent mentioned, "The bounce thingy on the pond and dance party on Saturday were a hit with the kids."
  • Natural Beauty: Campers love the scenic views at Port Crescent State Park Campground. A visitor remarked, "The nature and wildlife there are simply amazing and the sunsets on the beach were incredible."

What you should know:

  • Busy Weekends: Expect crowds at popular spots like Tawas Point State Park Campground. One camper noted, "It can get really packed here on weekends."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Albert E. Sleeper State Park, may have fewer amenities. A reviewer mentioned, "The bathrooms in the east loop are older and not that great."
  • Wildlife Encounters: Be prepared for raccoons at Holly Recreation Area. One camper warned, "Raccoons run this place! Don’t leave any food or garbage out ever or you will be robbed by a gang of raccoons."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Plan Activities: Look for campgrounds with activities for kids, like Walnut Hills Family Campground. A family shared, "They have a few children's activities such as swimming, volleyball net, and paddle boat rentals."
  • Choose the Right Site: Make sure to pick a level site for tents, especially at places like Albert E. Sleeper State Park. One camper noted, "I can't imagine how ugly it would get during rainstorms with the mud."
  • Bring Entertainment: Pack games and outdoor toys to keep kids engaged. A camper at Holly Recreation Area mentioned, "The kids loved the dance party on Saturday and Sunday night."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Conditions: Before booking, check the site conditions at places like Auburn Hills Holly KOA. One RV owner warned, "The sites do not have any type of lane which causes the lots to be soggy and muddy."
  • Bring Extra Cords: Some sites may require long extension cords for electric hookups. A visitor at Bay City State Park Campground advised, "Recommend to have extension cord for some sites, as plug in can be far."
  • Be Mindful of Space: RVers should be aware of tight spots at campgrounds like Holly Recreation Area. One camper noted, "Any site above 80ish is very hilly and may be difficult to level an RV."

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Auburn, MI?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Auburn, MI is Bay City State Park Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 22 reviews.

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