Camping options near Goodells, Michigan span across both county and state parks with variable facilities depending on location and season. The area sits within Michigan's Thumb region at elevations between 600-800 feet above sea level, with camping seasons typically running April through October. Winter camping is limited to designated sites at certain facilities that maintain services through colder months.
What to do
Rock collecting along shorelines: At Lakeport State Park Campground, Lake Huron's shoreline offers exceptional rock hunting opportunities. "I have found the most beautiful Petoskey Stones at Lakeport. I have also found a large pudding stone. My husband brings his chair down to the water and I walk the shore for hours looking for rocks," notes one visitor who recommends booking six months in advance for weekend stays.
Hiking accessible trails: The trail system at Addison Oaks County Park includes 26 miles of paths for various skill levels. A camper mentioned, "Tons of trails for hiking and biking. They have kids activities on the weekends, a lake for swimming, great playgrounds and everything is really clean." The park maintains paved sections suitable for all mobility levels.
Freighter watching: Camp at Algonac State Park to observe large ships traveling the St. Clair River. "Freighters come by at all times of the day," reports one camper. The riverfront sites provide direct views of international shipping traffic passing between Lake Huron and Lake St. Clair.
What campers like
Clean, updated facilities: Many campsites near Goodells maintain modern bathhouses and amenities. A visitor to Lakeport State Park Campground appreciated that "the bathrooms are updated and clean with enough room so you don't have to wait. They have a lovely camp store right by the beach with all kinds of goodies."
Peaceful riverside settings: The smaller Ruby Campground in nearby Avoca offers a quieter experience. "This is a fitting name for this gem. It has a family owned summer camp vibe and the owners are very kind and helpful. The grounds are very well managed, it's right on a river, it's quiet, peaceful," writes a visitor who particularly noted the quality firewood sold at reasonable prices.
Diverse camping sections: Many parks offer distinct camping areas with different atmospheres. At Lakeport State Park, "the northern section seems to be the louder section and the southern section seems to be the more laid back quiet section. The south section has more of a woodsy outdoor feel while the north section has more of an open space, smaller lots, crowded feel."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Many campgrounds fill quickly, especially on weekends. For popular sites, book months ahead. The smaller P.L. Graham Park & Campground operates differently: "This is a first come, first served campground. There is ample space between campgrounds. A fire pit is located at each of the sites."
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies significantly by provider and location. At St. Clair RV Resort, one camper noted: "This place is beautiful and we'll absolutely be back! The entire facility was clean and staff couldn't have been friendlier. The only downside was the abysmal Verizon signal. I'm talking 3 mbps bad."
Road conditions: Some campgrounds have maintenance issues affecting vehicle access. A visitor to Algonac State Park warned: "We were super excited to bring our brand new trailer to camp here but could not believe the disrepair of the campground roads. Sooo many ruts that I was deeply concerned for the undercarriage of both my truck and camper."
Tips for camping with families
Activity-focused campgrounds: Port Huron KOA offers extensive recreation options. "Plenty of friendly staff. The site offers a lot of activities including pools, put put golf and play areas for the kids. The grounds are well kept," notes a recent visitor, though they caution about the prevalence of golf carts throughout the facility.
Beach considerations: Beaches in the region often have rocky shorelines. At Lakeport State Park, a camper advises: "The beach was rocky so don't forget to pack some water shoes but the rocky beach comes with finding cool rocks to either paint or just collect! (We left with a whole cooler filled)."
Quieter family options: For less crowded family experiences, seek smaller campgrounds. At Emmett KOA, a visitor found: "This is our favorite campground! On the smaller side but perfect for our small family. Playground for the kids, tons of activities on the weekend. Fishing is great! Beach is big and clean."
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategies: Choose sites strategically based on dump station location. At Lakeport State Park, "If you are considering staying in the North Section, you may not want to stay in sites 83-110 as those are on the path that all the RVs take to the dump station."
Parking constraints: Some parks have specific parking rules. At P.L. Graham Park, "You drive up the entrance of the park, and on your right there'll be a trailer with a sign that says parking. You will park your car there over night/during the day. But you can drive up close to the campsite for you to unload your car."
Electrical capacity issues: Monitor power usage during peak seasons. A visitor to Lakeport State Park learned: "They have to upgrade the electrical system on the southern side and they have closed some campsites in the south in order to help with the electricity issue. Apparently, some sites were losing power because there wasn't enough energy to support all of the lots in the southern side."
