Are you in need of a campground near Essexville, MI? Essexville is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.
"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."
"Each site has a cement fire ring and electric hookup. There are communal water spickets generously scattered around the grounds. The bathrooms and showers are very clean."
"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."
"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"
"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."
"General: A real hodgepodge of options: paved sites, sandy sites, some with electric, hammock sites, several different types of cabins, and domes."
"This park is in a great location—The Thumb felt quite isolated."
"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."
$20 - $50 / night
"It is an important stopping point for the migratory pattern of warblers in the spring, and has a very nice nature walk."
"We stayed on site 70, and while it was crowded, we didn’t mind. We were close by to the boat launch, and just a short walk to the bathroom; not too far and not too close either."
"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!"
"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."
"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."
"Great walking paths."
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!
TravelerIt is very nice and extremely clean. However it is kind of cramped. Sites feel close and everyone was very nosey. Pet beach is nice. Water is beautiful. Convenient location. People didn't listen to rules such as quiet hour and let their badly behaved dogs run loose. Bath house is extremely nice! All in all, I would camp here on an off day/season.
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.
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.
LegendGeneral: A real hodgepodge of options: paved sites, sandy sites, some with electric, hammock sites, several different types of cabins, and domes. Our stay was in 2023, and this review is based on that, but the campground was closed for the 2024 season for upgrades.
Site Quality: Varies greatly. We were able to secure two different sites for our two-night stay. Upon arrival, however, we doubted we would be able to navigate our 18-foot camper van into Site 58– it was sandy, narrow with trees, and cars were parked alongside the narrow access road, making backing in very difficult to impossible. We were able to switch to Site 69 for the first night. The second night we were in site 56 and enjoyed listening to the waves lapping up against the shore. Not all sites are level. Little privacy/separation between sites but if you can score a waterfront site, then it’s all good. Sites 93, 95, 95A, 98, 99A, 101, 103, 105, and 107 back up to the old river channel and the water was very stagnant and green. The beachfront sites mostly have nice views of Saginaw Bay/Lake Huron but be cautious when selecting: some are sand and not level. You will hear road noise from M25 on the 19 sites that back up to the road (and also some of the sites opposite these).
Bath/Shower: Two bathhouses (east and west) plus a couple of vault toilets. The East Bathhouse was very modern and clean. The West Bathhouse looked to be a bit older but still seemed fine.
Activities/Amenities: Beach access, fishing, swimming, and an observation platform for bird watching or night sky viewing (the weather did not cooperate to check these out). There are nearby hiking trails, a playground, a basketball hoop, and a horseshoe pit. There is a dump station. Kudos to Michigan for extensive recycling!
We arrived late at night, and I was able to get in a nice walk around the campground before the rain started, dampening our options for the rest of the day. Obviously, our stay here would have been better with better weather, but I caution you to be careful when reserving your sites based on your type of camping. Despite the abundance of mayflies (gross but not biting) and the muddy sand-covered road from all the rain, we’d stay here again if we could get a beachfront site. We enjoyed our time here and would love to see what improvements were made when the campground was closed (although I thought it was very nice before).
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.
GuideWe went on a family trip to the Tawas Pointe State Park. It is an important stopping point for the migratory pattern of warblers in the spring, and has a very nice nature walk. The nature walk leads out to the lighthouse by the bay, and comes up to the beach. The camp grounds have electrical and water access for RVs and campers, but people also camp out in their tents, and everything in between. There is a small playground that my daughter enjoyed, and a paved pathway through the grounds to Rollerblade/bike on. Most sites come with a fire pit. There is also a large dumpster near the entrance for waster disposal.
RangerTawas Bay is an awesome area to visit in the summer, and this state park is about the best camping you can get in the area. We stayed on site 70, and while it was crowded, we didn’t mind. We were close by to the boat launch, and just a short walk to the bathroom; not too far and not too close either. The bathrooms were clean, stocked, and had hot water for the showers whenever we needed it. On the opposite side of the bathroom, there’s even a full dishwashing sink, something I have yet to see at another campground. The ranger station has firewood and ice for sale, as well as maps and activity lists. As far as things to do at the campground, there are plenty of trails, including one leading to the lighthouse at the end of the point, as well as kayaks for rent at the boat launch. One thing I have to recommend it waking up early to catch the sunrise over Lake Huron. It is amazing! If you’re more of a night owl, sunsets are equally as great looking over the bay.
Locally there are tons of places to eat and things to do. Catch a sailboat race through the bay, head to any of the many beaches, or even walk through the small downtown. If you have a sweet tooth like me, there’s a super good chocolate shop called the Village Chocolatier, and an amazing place for ice cream called Marion’s. Totally recommend visiting Tawas, and staying at Tawas Point State Park!
ScoutThis park is in a great location—The Thumb felt quite isolated. There are some pretty rad sites right on Lake Huron—unfortunately, we were on site 41 which buts right up against a main road and it got quite loud at times (especially on the weekends). Bathrooms were good for a state park. The beach was a little small, but water levels are high this year. DNR staff were pleasant, helpful and good at being present. Firewood is for sale at the gate for $5 a bundle. This campground is close to Caseville, Bad Axe and Port Austin where I would recommend renting a kayak and checking out Turnip Rock (only accessible by H2O). This park didn’t get a full 5 stars because of the proximity to the road (which wasn’t really that bad…). Great Park!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Essexville, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Essexville, MI is Bay City State Park Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 22 reviews.
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