Best Campgrounds near Bay City, MI

The Saginaw Bay region surrounding Bay City, Michigan features a mix of state, county, and private campgrounds catering to various camping styles. Bay City State Park Campground serves as a central hub with shaded sites and electric hookups, though campers must cross a road to access the beach and day-use areas. Nearby, Pinconning County Park offers year-round camping with water access to Saginaw Bay, while the Bay County Fairgrounds provides spacious grassy sites that accommodate large RVs. Within a 30-mile radius, additional options include family-oriented destinations like Frankenmuth Jellystone Park and more rustic experiences at Black Creek State Forest Campground.

Most campgrounds in the Bay City area operate seasonally from May through October, with limited year-round options. Reservations become essential during summer weekends, particularly around holidays when facilities reach capacity. According to camper Erica K., "Bay City State Park gets very full most weekends Memorial Day through Labor Day, especially around the 4th of July." The region experiences typical Michigan seasonal patterns with humid summers and cold winters. Many campgrounds feature electrical hookups and basic amenities, though full-hookup sites are less common at state facilities. Road access is generally good throughout the region, with most campgrounds accessible via paved roads suitable for larger RVs and trailers.

Family-friendly amenities distinguish many Bay City area campgrounds, with water recreation opportunities being particularly notable. Campers frequently mention the splash pad, playground, and beach access at Bay City State Park as highlights for children. Wildlife viewing opportunities exist along nature trails, with Jennifer H. noting, "The nature trail around the lagoon is a birder's dream. We saw white egrets, blue heron, sandpipers and their babies." Water quality at beaches can vary, with some visitors reporting murky conditions or algae at certain times. Weekday camping typically offers a quieter experience than weekends, when campgrounds fill with families. Most sites provide moderate shade from mature trees, though privacy between sites is limited at many of the more developed facilities.

Best Camping Sites Near Bay City, Michigan (93)

    1. Bay City State Park Campground

    21 Reviews
    Kawkawlin, MI
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (989) 684-3020

    "Beach, trails and children's solace pad, just an easy walk across the road. Newer bathhouse. Shady sandy campsite."

    "We took a group of 6 adults and 3 kids to Bay City which was a pretty good drive for us. We had a lot of fun! Park was clean and located across from the lake."

    2. Finn Road Park

    2 Reviews
    Essexville, MI
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (989) 992-2920

    $28 - $30 / night

    3. Bay County Fairgrounds

    1 Review
    Essexville, MI
    2 miles
    Website

    $15 / night

    "The office where payment is made is a few miles away from the actual campground.

    There is a dump station and water at the fairgrounds. "

    4. Pinconning County Park

    7 Reviews
    Pinconning, MI
    20 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."

    5. Frankenmuth Jellystone Park

    6 Reviews
    Clio, MI
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (989) 652-6668

    "We weren’t able to sit outside because of the direct sun until after 8:30pm.
    This was a smaller lot with our neighbors fairly close."

    6. Wesleyan Woods Camp

    4 Reviews
    Millington, MI
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (989) 823-8840

    "Went in right after they mopped and it looked like they just slid the dirt around."

    7. Berwagana Campground

    7 Reviews
    Caro, MI
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (989) 673-7125

    $32 - $152 / night

    "we live close to this campground and we love swimming in the pond on hot summer days. The halloween trick or treating was a blast along with their haunted woods."

    8. Church Grove Park

    1 Review
    Burt, MI
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (989) 652-6141

    $35 / night

    "Very nice prayer trail."

    9. Pine Ridge RV Campground

    5 Reviews
    Clio, MI
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (989) 624-9029

    "There’s private land on either side and a dirt bike track that the neighbor owns on the north end, so if you’ve got a light afternoon napper, stay away from that end."

    10. Krystal Lake Campground

    7 Reviews
    Millington, MI
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (989) 843-0591

    $28 - $66 / night

    "We insisted on a different site and were placed across the bridge on a beautiful huge site on the lake! After that, everything was wonderful."

    "Nice campground, lake, pool, playground and entertainment.

    Lots of sand and golf cart gangs"

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Showing results 1-10 of 93 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Bay City, MI

216 Reviews of 93 Bay City Campgrounds



Guide to Bay City

Camping near Bay City, Michigan, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Nature Trails: Explore the trails at Bay City State Park Campground. One camper mentioned, "The Tobico Marsh trails and observation towers were great for watching birds. Lots of trails!"
  • Beach Activities: Enjoy the sandy beaches at Tawas Point State Park Campground. A visitor shared, "There are beaches on both sides of the point. Staff friendly."
  • Fishing and Water Sports: At Port Crescent State Park Campground, you can fish right from the shore. One happy camper said, "The nature and wildlife there are simply amazing and the sunsets on the beach were incredible."

What campers like:

What you should know:

  • Busy Weekends: Campgrounds can get crowded on weekends. A visitor at Tawas Point State Park Campground said, "It can get really packed here on weekends."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Albert E. Sleeper State Park Campground, may have fewer amenities. A reviewer noted, "The camp store has limited selections for supplies."
  • Wildlife Encounters: Be prepared for raccoons and other wildlife, especially at Holly State Recreation Area. One camper warned, "Raccoons run this place! Don’t leave any food or garbage out ever."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Plan Activities: Look for campgrounds with kid-friendly activities, like Walnut Hills Family Campground, which offers swimming and paddle boat rentals. A parent shared, "They have a few children's activities such as swimming, volleyball net, and basketball court."
  • Choose Spacious Sites: Opt for campgrounds with larger sites, like McGinnis Lake Modern Campground — Holly Recreation Area, where families can spread out. A visitor mentioned, "The sites are spaced out nicely in the Trillium loop."
  • Bring Entertainment: Pack games and outdoor toys to keep kids entertained. One family at Walnut Hills Family Campground enjoyed the "dance party on Saturday and Sunday night."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Conditions: Before booking, check the site conditions at campgrounds like Auburn Hills Holly KOA. A reviewer warned, "The sites do not have any type of lane which causes the lots to be soggy and muddy."
  • Bring Extension Cords: Some sites may require longer cords for electric hookups. A camper at Bay City State Park Campground advised, "Recommend to have extension cord for some sites, as plug in can be far."
  • Book Early: Popular campgrounds fill up quickly, especially during peak season. A visitor at Port Crescent State Park Campground noted, "Make sure you know where your gas stations are as they are a long way away from each other."

Camping around Bay City, Michigan, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. With a little planning, you can enjoy a fantastic outdoor experience!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Bay City, MI?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Bay City, MI is Bay City State Park Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 21 reviews.