RV sites near Freeland, Michigan offer camping experiences along the eastern shoreline of Michigan, with many parks located within 30 miles of Saginaw Bay. The area's humid continental climate creates warm summers with highs around 80°F and moderate rainfall throughout the camping season. Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally from May through October, with peak occupancy occurring during summer weekends and holidays.
What to do
Kayaking on Secord Lake: Located 30 miles northwest of Freeland at Secord Lake Campground, this waterfront location caters to paddlers. "Perfect spot for kayakers," notes camper Jake C., highlighting the campground's appeal for water sports enthusiasts.
Nature walks on wooded trails: Bay City State Park offers extensive hiking opportunities on paved and unpaved paths. "The nature trail around the lagoon is a birder's dream. We saw white egrets, blue heron, sand pipers and their babies," writes Jennifer H., who appreciated the wildlife viewing opportunities near the water.
Wildlife observation towers: Birding platforms at Bay City State Park Campground provide elevated viewing areas for spotting migratory birds. One camper mentions "hiking out to the watch towers" and having "a dear pass within 6 feet of us" while using the paved bike path through the park.
What campers like
Concrete camping pads: Finn Road Park in Essexville provides 57 sites with durable concrete surfaces, making setup easier regardless of weather conditions. A recent camper noted: "Campground is very nice sites are concrete pads and level! Sites are mostly shaded."
Full hookups with consistent spacing: Pine Ridge RV Campground in Birch Run features sites with good utility access. "Nice pull through sites, some are tight, but none are impossible. Knowledgeable and friendly staff," according to Mitchell C., who appreciated the forest setting with "lots of tall pines and hardwoods providing good cover."
Shuttle service to attractions: At Soaring Eagle Hideaway RV Park in Mount Pleasant, campers can take advantage of transportation to nearby amenities. "This campground is a few miles from the casino, but offer free shuttles to the soaring eagle properties (including the water park)," reports Stephanie C.
What you should know
Electrical hookup placement varies: At Bay City State Park, power pedestals might require extension cords for some sites. "Recommend to have extension cord for some sites, as plug in can be far," advises Tanner G., who checked in late using the after-hours system.
Site dimensions differ significantly: Campground layouts can be inconsistent across the region. At Harrison RV Family Campground, formerly Camp Withii, seasonal sites are available for longer stays. Lewis M. reports, "We have camped here a couple of times now Gloria and Larry are awesome and we will be seasonal again."
Bathroom cleaning schedules: Park maintenance routines may affect morning routines. One camper at Bay City State Park noted, "cleaning the bathrooms at 8:30 and 9:30 in the MORNING? Bummer for tenters," indicating this might be inconvenient for those needing facilities during morning hours.
Tips for camping with families
Look for campgrounds with youth activities: Some parks organize regular events for children. At Bay City State Park, campground hosts arrange scheduled programming. "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," shares Sarah S.
Choose sites away from noise sources: When selecting a campsite, consider proximity to potential disruptions. At Pine Ridge Campground, one camper advised, "There's private land on either side and a dirt bike track that the neighbor owns on the north end, so if you've got a light afternoon napper, stay away from that end."
Check for playground facilities: Outdoor recreational amenities vary between parks. Bay City State Park features multiple play areas. "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," Matt S. lists as family-friendly options.
Tips from RVers
Consider paved vs. unpaved sites: Surface types affect RV leveling and setup. Soaring Eagle Hideaway RV Park provides "paved sites and a nice lake. Not much space, trees or privacy," according to Michael G., who found it "good for a one nighter or a casino stay."
Check water park partnerships: Some RV parks offer special arrangements with local attractions. A camper at Soaring Eagle noted, "We did not use the soaring eagle water park, but were told that the use of the water park is included in your stay at the RV park."
Verify campground pet policies: Dog regulations vary between parks. At Church Grove Park, pets may not be permitted according to amenity listings, while Outdoor Adventures Mount Pleasant Resort has been described as "super dog friendly" by Cindy C., who called it "the best one in their fleet" and their "go to spot."
