Camping cabins near Midland, Michigan offer access to the Saginaw Bay watershed which spans 8,700 square miles across central Michigan. The area features mixed hardwood forests and shallow lake areas with water temperatures reaching 75°F during summer months. Most cabin rentals in the region remain open from April through October, with limited winter availability at select locations.
What to do
Kayaking on local waters: Bay City State Park provides lake access with shallow entry points for paddling. "The nature trail around the lagoon is a birder's dream. We saw white egrets blue heron, sand pipers and their babies," notes Jennifer H. at Bay City State Park Campground.
Boardwalk exploration: Pinconning County Park features extensive marsh boardwalks with observation platforms. "Nice campground with great access to the Saginaw Bay for boaters/kayakers/etc with a small beach," says Zach B. at Pinconning County Park. The park's walkways extend through wetlands with wildlife viewing opportunities.
Swimming in Lake Ovid: The lake at Sleepy Hollow offers designated swimming areas with gradual entry points. "Nice beach but you have to walk a short distance to get there. Bathrooms are clean, paved roads and grass sites," according to Ricky C. at Sleepy Hollow State Park Campground.
What campers like
Clean shower facilities: Many campgrounds maintain their facilities throughout the day. "The bathrooms and showers were very clean, smelled of bleach," mentions Jennifer H. about Herrick Recreation Area. "They have communal water spickets generously scattered around the grounds."
Water activities for children: The splash pads and water features are popular with families. "This is one of the best campgrounds for kids that I've ever visited. Take a 2 min walk from the camp office across to the day park and you'll find the Spray by the Bay splash pad, a huge timber playground," shares Sarah S. from Bay City State Park.
Weekend organized activities: Staff at many parks coordinate regular events. "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," notes a review from Just-In-Time Campground.
What you should know
Electrical access varies: Extension cords may be necessary at some sites. "Recommend to have extension cord for some sites, as plug in can be far," advises Tanner G. from Bay City State Park. "Most electrical posts are designed to accommodate at least 2 adjoining lots, and as many as 4."
Seasonal insects: May flies appear during summer months. "According to the park office they're pretty much there all summer. They weren't bad at the campground except at night around the bathrooms."
Reservation windows: Many sites book quickly during peak season. "Plan to book the day of six months before because otherwise you will not get a site," mentions Stephanie C. about Halloween weekends at Sleepy Hollow.
Lake conditions vary: Water clarity changes throughout the season. "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 access: Some campgrounds have multiple play areas. "There is a small playground in the campground, but you have to cut through campsites to reach it. There are trails for hiking around the wider state park area as well as a few that lead across the street to the swim area and day park," notes a Bay City review.
Site selection matters: Different loops offer varied experiences. "If given the choice get a site in the pine loops. It's more of a walk from the lake but the other loops have no shade and seem more crowded together," advises Jennifer H. from Herrick Recreation Area.
Budget for activities: Many parks offer rentals but costs add up. "They sell ice and wood at the camp office and there was an ice cream place next door to the park. It's a 5 min walk from the park office." Daily activities typically cost $5-15 per person.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Some parks have uneven terrain. "Sites have electric with shared water. Our site had a paved pad and patio. You definitely want to try and get one of these sites. The other sites were OK, but dirt pad and many of them had marsh behind or surrounding them," notes Clint from Gladwin City Park & Campground.
Light interference: Consider tent placement relative to RV neighbors. "We had no complaints about the campground itself but it would be nice if there was an RV lights out policy at night. It's really hard to sleep in a tent when your neighbors RV 'porch' light is on literally all night," mentions Melissa H.
Water access points: Hookup locations can be inconsistent. "May want to bring extra water hose as water hook ups can be farther away than expected," advises Andrea B. Most sites have shared spigots that serve 3-4 campsites.
