Midland, Michigan sits at 630 feet above sea level in the Saginaw Valley region, where the Tittabawassee and Chippewa Rivers converge. The area features a humid continental climate with warm summers reaching into the 80s and cold winters often dropping below freezing. Summer camping near Midland typically requires preparation for occasional thunderstorms and humidity, while spring and fall campers should be ready for significant temperature fluctuations.
What to do
Kayaking and canoeing on the Rifle River: River View Campground & Canoe Livery offers equipment rentals for exploring local waterways. "The campground is huge and offers so much! The store up front had everything you probably forgot at home, plus more," notes a recent visitor at River View Campground & Canoe Livery.
Trail biking through wooded areas: Bay City State Park Campground features extensive paved trails ideal for cyclists of all ages. "This is a great campground if you enjoy riding bicycles or going on nature walks with trails that seem endless," shares Nick B., highlighting the park's outdoor recreation options.
Birdwatching around lagoon areas: Multiple species including white egrets, blue herons, and sandpipers can be spotted on the nature trails. Jennifer H. observed at Bay City State Park Campground: "The nature trail around the lagoon is a birder's dream. We saw white egrets blue heron, sand pipers and their babies."
Seasonal fishing opportunities: Several campgrounds provide lake or river access for anglers. "Fishing is good here for some largemouth bass, and huge blueguils," reports Michael P. about the fishing at Sleepy Hollow State Park Campground.
What campers like
Secluded, spacious sites: Many campgrounds offer privacy between sites with ample shade. "Our site backed up to trees and I can't recall seeing our neighbors to the left or right," notes Amy D. about her stay at Sleepy Hollow State Park Campground.
Clean, updated facilities: Most campgrounds maintain their restrooms and showers regularly. "The bathrooms are newer and the grounds are well kept," mentions Stephanie C., describing the amenities at Sleepy Hollow.
Four-season yurt camping options: Year-round accommodations make yurt camping near Midland, Michigan accessible regardless of season. "The glamping sites at Sleepy Hollow State Park provide premium outdoor experiences while maintaining access to modern facilities," one camper noted.
Organized activities for campers: Many locations offer scheduled events throughout the week. "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., detailing the community activities at Bay City State Park.
What you should know
Reservation timing: Peak season reservations should be made 6 months in advance, especially for yurt accommodations near Midland. "Plan to book the day of six months before because otherwise you will not get a site," advises Stephanie C. about Halloween weekend at Sleepy Hollow.
Electrical connections: Some campgrounds have unusual electrical setup requiring additional preparation. "Between 8p-10p there is a yellow phone to check in with. Can book day of until 8pm online," explains Tanner G. at Bay City, adding: "Recommend to have extension cord for some sites, as plug in can be far."
Bathroom cleaning schedules: Plan shower times around facility cleaning. "The bathrooms and showers are very clean. They are closed an hour a day for thorough cleaning and restocked and wiped down in the late evening," notes Sarah S.
Seasonal insect considerations: Bug activity varies throughout summer months. "According to the park office, May Flies are pretty much there all summer. They weren't bad at the campground except at night around the bathrooms," reports one camper at Bay City State Park Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and water features: Several campgrounds have dedicated children's 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 (i.e. - bumper boats, mini golf, batting cage, go karts, etc..). The kids had a blast," shares Matt S. about Bay City.
Kid-friendly yurt accommodations: Spacious yurt options provide comfortable glamping experiences for families near Midland. "The campground itself is beautifully laid out and maintained. It features roughly 150 some odd sites ranging from tent sites to RV and cabins," explains a camper about the diverse accommodation options.
Weekend organized activities: Check the monthly schedule for planned events. Sarah S. observed: "They have campground hosts that facilitate free activities organized by the park. See pic of the August schedule for a better idea of what was offered."
Diverse recreation options: Outdoor Adventures Mount Pleasant Resort offers comprehensive family amenities. "This campground is the best one in their fleet. It is super dog friendly as well. This is our 'go to' spot for sure," recommends Cindy C., highlighting its popularity with families.
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: Choose sites based on specific needs and seasonal conditions. "Some camp sites are squished up to others. Other camp sites have plenty of room. Weird thing is, the bigger sites are the same price," notes Kristin T. at Pine Ridge RV Campground.
Full hookup availability: Many campgrounds offer complete utility connections. "Large sites, all full hookup. Plenty of onsite activities on the weekend. Large play areas, dog run, basketball court, lots of walking trails, and family friendly," mentions Andrew H. about Wesleyan Woods Camp.
Seasonal RV camping considerations: Check operating dates when planning longer stays. "Nice pull through sites, some are tight, but none are impossible. Knowledgeable and friendly staff," reports Mitchell C., noting that even tight spaces are manageable with proper planning.
RV lighting etiquette: Be mindful of exterior lighting when near tent campers. "It's really hard to sleep in a tent when your neighbor's RV 'porch' light is on literally all night shining in the tent while your neighbors are sound asleep in RV," explains Melissa H., highlighting an important consideration for mixed camping areas.
