Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Bay City, MI is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Bay City. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.
"Beach, trails and children's solace pad, just an easy walk across the road. Newer bathhouse. Shady sandy campsite."
"The staff is very friendly and they patrol all through the night to ensure safety and noise control. The sites vary from close together, to secluded."
"Nice big sites and nice bath house. Great staff as well."
"My only complaint would be that bathrooms and showers could be cleaner. Went in right after they mopped and it looked like they just slid the dirt around."
"No tents allowed but pop-up are welcome. The bathrooms are key for me and are very clean. There shower are private and are quarter operated. This is our go-to when in the area."
"Knowledgeable and friendly staff."
"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"
"Staff was helpful with activities such as archery but, seldom seen if not directly helping with things. "
"Large play areas, dog run, basketball court, lots of walking trails, and family friendly."
"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!"
"I grew up in Otter lake spent lot's of summers running around the campground and beach area. I haven't stayed in the campground for years but I have visited friends staying in the campground."
"Close to Munising and Pictured Rocks."
"Park is very well kept, quiet, staff is friendly and plenty of things to do on site"
"Great walking paths."
"No Worries...they have you covered at their general store anywhere from a toothbrush, table cloth, soda, Lg homemade Pizzas, Subs and the best Ice Cream ever in their homemade waffle cones!!"
GuideWe had a large group of families with varying ages and abilities. We used multiple different styles of cabins and a few RV sites, as well as various buildings for activities. All in all, it was an incredible time and I highly recommend it. Staff was helpful with activities such as archery but, seldom seen if not directly helping with things. It was nice to feel like we had the run of the place but, still know that help was available if we needed it. The location is pretty great, off the beaten path but, within 30 minutes of major stores and conveniences.
Laundry facilities would have been awesome since we were staying a full week but, there was a laundromat only about 15 minutes away.
The food selection was about what you'd expect in a public school cafeteria and resulted in health-minded guests needing to make their own meals in the cabins and meals were VERY rushed, only allowing 30 minutes for our large group to get their food, eat and be out of the building.
The grounds were well maintained for a rustic campground but, bathrooms and meeting buildings were adequately upgraded and offered pleasant amenities, such as a game room, large gym and decent air conditioning.
We had a great time here and look forward to returning one day!
GuideNice 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.
TravelerBeach, trails and children's solace pad, just an easy walk across the road. Newer bathhouse. Shady sandy campsite. Be sure and visit downtown Bay City, lots of great restaurants, a Riverwalk on both sides of the river, concerts in the park. Great atmosphere.
TravelerI used to work at this state park for two years and really enjoyed my time there. I spent many nights there with family and coworkers. The staff is very friendly and they patrol all through the night to ensure safety and noise control. The sites vary from close together, to secluded. It is easy to camp in a group with sites all close to each other, or to be off on your own. the bathrooms on the campground side are very clean. They are newer and updated and are cleaned 2-3 times a day or more as needed. The visitor side has less updated bathrooms, making them appear more dirty, but they are cleaned 4-6 times a day at the least. These bathrooms are also close to the beach, so sand makes it seem dirty as well. Sites vary in size, allowing tents or large rvs to be in most spaces. This campground does get very full most weekends Memorial Day through Labor Day, especially around the 4th of July. Bay city has lots to do and the visitor side has plenty of interesting programs for kids to do. swimming is iffy, as the city closes the beach depending on bacteria in the water and which way the wind is blowing it on a given day. The water is not clean (not the parks fault). there is a splash pad for younger children to enjoy though. There are no water sites. you must cross a relatively busy road to get to the visitor side where the beach/splash pad/visitor center is.
TravelerThis 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.
ScoutWe 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. There was a splash pad area for the kids which they begged to go to every day! The only bad thing was we had to drive our kayaks across the street and then lug them down the very long walk way to the beach. Nevertheless it was a great time and great park!
ScoutNot a great place to tent. Great place to stay with a small camper or RV if passing through Bay City or going to an event. Beach is not the most sanitary.
GuideWe 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.
TravelerStayed there for a day and there was plenty to do. From the beach, to the splash pad, the huge playground, the hiking trails, fishing in the lagoon, and the touristy attractions right down the road (i.e. - bumper boats, mini golf, batting cage, go karts, etc..). The kids had a blast and are wanting to go back again. We were there in the middle of the week so it was not packed or loud. It is located north of Bay City by a little bit, so if a night out in the city is what you want it is easy to do. It is right on the Saginaw Bay so there is a lot of fishing that can be done out there too. The campsites were the normal state park campsite fare. Overall it was a great day. The only downfalls were that there was a bit of construction in park going on and the beach wasn't of the all sand variety. A bit of small rocks and a lot of shells, plus the water was a tad murky but nothing major. If you are looking for the great outdoors, in the middle of nowhere camping, this is not it. But if you want a fun time with the kids, I would recommend it.
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According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Bay City, MI is Bay City State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 20 reviews.
TheDyrt.com has all 15 glamping camping locations near Bay City, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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