RV camping near Burt, Michigan offers access to the Saginaw Bay watershed area, with sites situated among various ecosystems including wetlands, forests, and lakefront properties. The area experiences warm summers with temperatures typically reaching the 80s from June to August, while spring and fall camping seasons feature cooler temperatures between 50-70°F. Most campsites in the region close for winter by late October due to Michigan's harsh winter conditions.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Bay City State Park provides access to multiple fishing environments including Saginaw Bay. According to one visitor, "The nature trail around the lagoon is a birder's dream. We saw white egrets blue heron, sand pipers and their babies."
Water recreation: Wolverine Campground offers boating and swimming options on Holloway Reservoir. A camper mentioned, "The lake was beautiful and very busy with lots of boats. It's a reasonable campground."
Hiking and biking: Several parks feature trail systems with wildlife viewing opportunities. One Bay City State Park visitor shared, "There is a long paved bike path we had a dear pass within 6 feet of us and enjoyed hiking out to the watch towers."
Splash pad activities: During summer months, families can enjoy water features at select parks. As noted by a camper, "From the beach, to the splash pad, the huge playground, the hiking trails, fishing in the lagoon... The kids had a blast and are wanting to go back again."
What campers like
Large, level sites: Pine Ridge RV Campground in Birch Run gets praise for its spacious sites. A camper stated, "Nice pull through sites, some are tight, but none are impossible. Knowledgeable and friendly staff."
Clean facilities: Campgrounds throughout the region maintain well-kept bathrooms and shower facilities. One visitor to Bay City State Park mentioned, "The restrooms and showers were very clean, smelled of bleach."
Family activities: Several parks offer scheduled events during peak season. A camper shared, "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."
Concrete pads: Finn Road Park in Essexville features concrete parking pads that eliminate the need for extensive leveling. According to a camper, "Campground is very nice sites are concrete pads and level! Sites are mostly shaded."
What you should know
Limited off-season options: Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally from May through October. One year-round option is Holts RV Sites and Mobile Home Court in Flint.
Varying site privacy: Site spacing differs significantly between parks. A camper at Pine Ridge noted, "Some camp sites are squished up to others. Other camp sites have plenty of room. So when you are stuck in a spot that is tight it kind of ruins the experience."
Power pole locations: Some sites have inconveniently placed electrical hookups. One camper recommended, "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."
Beach conditions: Water quality can vary at lakefront campgrounds. A visitor observed, "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."
Tips for camping with families
Plan for bathroom cleaning times: Bay City State Park Campground schedules daily facility cleaning. One camper noted, "The bathrooms and showers are very clean. They are closed an hour a day for thorough cleaning and restocked and wiped down in the late evening."
Bring bikes: Many campgrounds feature paved roads suitable for cycling. A visitor commented, "The drive around the campground is all paved and very long, so be sure to bring your bikes!!"
Consider campground activities: Some parks offer scheduled events for children. As one camper described, "This is one of the best campgrounds for kids that I've ever visited!!! They have campground hosts that facilitate free activities organized by the park."
Check playground availability: Not all parks have equal play facilities. A camper noted, "There is a small playground in the campground, but you have to cut through campsites to reach it."
Tips from RVers
Extension cord requirements: At Holiday Shores RV Park in Durand, electrical connections may not be conveniently located. A camper advised, "Our lot had a cement pad which required no leveling. The electrical, water and sewer connections were all easy to access."
Site selection considerations: Choose sites based on specific needs. One RVer warned, "The sites near the entrance are very crowded together and filled with large loud groups."
RV lighting etiquette: Be mindful of exterior lighting. A tent camper shared, "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."
Late arrival options: For those arriving after hours, some parks offer self-registration. A camper explained, "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."
