RV camping near Essexville, Michigan offers diverse options across Bay County and surrounding areas. The region features a mix of county-managed facilities and privately owned RV parks in mid-Michigan, typically open from May through October with select year-round options. Winter temperatures in the area can drop below freezing, with summer highs averaging in the 80s Fahrenheit.
What to do
Biking trails access: Bay City State Park Campground features extensive paved paths ideal for cycling with wildlife viewing opportunities. "The park is huge and there are lots of places to ride your bike. It's a typical Michigan state campground, not much different. Nice bathrooms and big lots," notes camper Nick B.
Bird watching opportunities: The wetland areas around Bay City State Park provide excellent bird habitat. "The nature trail around the lagoon is a birder's dream. We saw white egrets, blue heron, sand pipers and their babies," shares Jennifer H. who spotted deer within six feet while using the paved trail system.
Family-friendly water activities: Bay City State Park Campground offers beach access and splash pads. "We spent all day at the park with 4 kids 6yrs and under and not a single one of them complained of being bored," explains Sarah S. The park features "Spray by the Bay splash pad, a huge timber playground, beautiful sandy beach along Lake Huron," making it suitable for extended family outings.
Casino access with convenience: Soaring Eagle Hideaway RV Park provides complimentary shuttle service to casino properties. "This campground is a few miles from the casino but offers free shuttles to the soaring eagle properties (including the water park)," mentions Stephanie C. The shuttles run regularly, eliminating driving concerns for evening entertainment.
What campers like
Clean, modern facilities: Multiple RV parks maintain high standards for bathroom cleanliness. At Bay City State Park, "The restrooms and showers were very clean, smelled of bleach," reports Jennifer H. Facility maintenance schedules are posted, with most parks conducting thorough bathroom cleaning once daily.
Fishing opportunities: Nearby waterways offer various fishing spots. "It is right on the Saginaw Bay so there is a lot of fishing that can be done out there," states Matt S. about Bay City State Park. Many parks maintain dedicated fishing areas with shoreline access.
Natural setting with privacy: Northern Bear Paw RV Park preserves its wooded environment. "Pine trees left intact. It sits on the Au Gres River trail to the river with seating, picnic table and fire pit. The grounds are immaculate. Very peaceful setting," describes Nellie. The park maintains 57 sites with full hookups while preserving natural features.
Organized activities: Scheduled campground events enhance stays without additional cost. "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," explains Sarah S.
What you should know
Site variations within parks: Site quality and spacing can differ significantly within individual campgrounds. At Pine Ridge RV Campground, "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," reports Kristin T.
Electrical hookup placement: Power connections at some parks require planning ahead. "Recommend to have extension cord for some sites, as plug in can be far," advises Tanner G. about Bay City State Park. Sites often share power poles positioned between multiple campsites.
Reservation timing considerations: Summer weekends fill quickly at most parks. Bay City State Park allows "book day of until 8pm online," according to Tanner G., but prime summer dates typically require booking months in advance.
Seasonal algae conditions: Water quality at beaches fluctuates throughout summer. Jennifer H. notes that "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
Playground options: Outdoor Adventures Mount Pleasant Resort provides family-friendly amenities. "This campground is the best one in their fleet. It is super dog friendly as well," mentions Cindy C., making it suitable for families traveling with pets.
Budget-friendly activity packages: Some RV parks bundle access to local attractions. "You get discounts at the water park!" notes Renee C. about Soaring Eagle Hideaway RV Park, adding value for families seeking water recreation.
Multiple bathroom facilities: Larger families benefit from campgrounds with well-distributed restrooms. Melissa H. appreciates that Bay City maintains "Clean facilities" even during peak usage, with evening restocking schedules.
Light pollution considerations: Tent campers should consider site placement relative to RVs. "It's really hard to sleep in a tent when your neighbors RV 'porch' light is on literally all night shining in the tent while your neighbors are sound asleep in RV," explains Melissa H.
Tips from RVers
Level pad availability: Finn Road Park offers concrete parking surfaces for easier setup. "Very nice, quite and clean, everything you need, water electric, sewer, cement pad will definitely be back there again," shares lathan W., highlighting the practical advantage of level sites.
Accessibility during setup: Some parks have challenging navigation. Mitchell C. notes about Pine Ridge RV Campground: "Nice pull through sites, some are tight, but none are impossible. Knowledgeable and friendly staff."
Specialized year-round accommodations: Northern Bear Paw RV Park maintains 57 sites with full hookups open throughout winter. "Traveling in from Indiana, the country side relaxes your big city anxieties while calming the busy lifestyle in your rear view mirror," describes Colin L., emphasizing the peaceful setting available even during off-season.
Big rig considerations: Select parks accommodate larger vehicles but require careful navigation. "Getting to this campground is an adventure," cautions Dave P. about travel routes to some rv parks in Essexville, Michigan.
