The Saginaw Bay shoreline near Bay City offers camping options within a mix of hardwood forests and coastal wetlands. Water levels fluctuate seasonally, affecting beach access at several campgrounds. Summer temperatures typically range from 60-85°F with higher humidity near the bay, while spring and fall camping often requires additional layers for comfort.
What to do
Explore nature trails: Bay City State Park features multiple hiking paths surrounding a lagoon area with wildlife viewing opportunities. A camper at Pinconning County Park notes, "This campground has lots to do, miles of boardwalk with observation decks overlooking the area."
Water activities: Beaches for swimming and boating access are available at several locations. "Great beach area with rental boats! My family of 5 stayed 2 nights. Flush toilets and shower were well maintained," shares one visitor to Pinconning County Park.
Kid-friendly activities: Many campgrounds offer organized events throughout summer. At Frankenmuth Jellystone Park, "There are tons of scheduled activities for kids like wagon rides, arts & crafts, scavenger hunts, obstacle courses, etc. Activities are scheduled all day from 9am to 8pm."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Many campers appreciate well-maintained bathrooms and showers. At Bay County Fairgrounds, "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. Along the left side near the dump/water station as you enter are huge grassy sites."
Family-friendly atmosphere: Several campgrounds prioritize activities for children. "This is one of the best campgrounds for kids that I've ever visited! The campground itself is beautifully laid out and maintained," shares one camper about Bay City State Park.
Paved biking paths: Cyclists enjoy the extensive trail systems. A visitor to Bay City State Park mentioned, "The drive around the campground is all paved and very long, so be sure to bring your bikes!!"
What you should know
Site variations: Campsite quality and spacing can vary significantly. At Krystal Lake Campground, "Overall, very nice place IF you request a quiet/private site. Once I spoke up, we were given a wonderful site on the lake in a very quiet area!"
Seasonal crowds: Expect busier conditions during summer weekends and holidays. One camper at Bay City State Park noted, "We were there in the middle of the week so it was not packed or loud."
Water conditions: Saginaw Bay water clarity fluctuates. "The water at the beach is pretty murky with a lot of green algae, we are told by locals the water is nicer at the far end of the beach near the private houses," reports a camper.
Tips for camping with families
Splash pads: For families seeking alternatives to beach swimming, Bay City State Park offers water play options. "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," a visitor shares.
Playground access: Several campgrounds maintain play areas for children. At Wesleyan Woods Camp, "This campground has a lot to offer for people traveling with their families. They have putt putt, basket ball, jr basket ball, running track, baseball field, horseshoes, playground and a pond."
Evening activities: Many campgrounds schedule family events. A camper at Bay City State Park reported, "They have campground hosts that facilitate free activities organized by the park. We did a kids craft and enjoyed hot cocoa or coffee Saturday morning and then returned after dinner for Back-to-School bingo and popcorn."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Request specific sites when making reservations. At Pine Ridge RV Campground, "Nice pull through sites, some are tight, but none are impossible. Knowledgeable and friendly staff."
Hookup access: Check electrical connection locations before setup. One RVer at Finn Road Park mentioned, "Campground is very nice sites are concrete pads and level! Sites are mostly shaded."
Extension cords: Some electric hookups are poorly positioned. A camper at Bay City State Park advises, "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."
