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The Standish, Michigan area encompasses several established campgrounds that offer various accommodation options including tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin rentals. River View Campground & Canoe Livery, located along the Rifle River, provides camping with water activities and modern amenities. Outdoor Adventures Saginaw Bay Resort in Standish offers year-round camping with full hookup sites and cabin accommodations. Big Bend Campground, positioned along the river, features family-friendly amenities and water recreation opportunities within a short drive from town.
Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally, typically from April through October, though some like Pinconning County Park and Outdoor Adventures Saginaw Bay Resort remain open year-round. Advance reservations are recommended, especially for summer weekends and holiday periods when water-adjacent sites fill quickly. Many campgrounds offer electrical hookups, shower facilities, and sanitary stations for RVs. The Rifle River area is particularly popular for water recreation with numerous access points for canoeing, kayaking, and tubing. As one visitor noted, "The water was warm and clear, you could see the sand dunes, and when you climb up the tower there's an extremely large eagle's nest."
Riverside camping represents a significant draw in the Standish area, with multiple developed campgrounds situated along the Rifle River and Saginaw Bay offering water-based recreation. Campers frequently mention the appeal of being able to launch directly into the water from their sites. Several visitors highlighted the family-friendly amenities available at many locations, including playgrounds, volleyball courts, and organized activities. According to a camper at Big Bend Campground, "I highly suggest getting a river campsite that you can tube/kayak/canoe to if you launch from the access a couple of miles down the road. That was an absolute blast." While some campgrounds like River View and Rifle River receive positive reviews for their natural settings, others like Outdoor Adventures properties have mixed feedback regarding management practices and value for the price charged.
"Nice campground with great access to the Saginaw Bay for boaters/kayakers/etc with a small beach. Some campsites are better than others, like most campgrounds but all have some perks."
"Lots of fisherman.water and electric only.great access to Saginaw Bay."
"We did the 6hr tubing trip, left at 11am and got back to the campground around 4:30. Theres more than enough locations along the tubing trip to stop and eat off to the side."
"It sits along the Rifle River next to Rifle River Campground and Whites Campground. The campground is huge and offers so much!"
"There is a cluster of quiet sites, a track of sites tucked away in some pines, and then the modern sites. The campground itself is large and has a couple lakes to go fishing in."
"Lots of hiking trails, bike trails. Lots of lakes, great beach areas!"
"It's a typical Michigan state campground, not much different. Nice bathrooms and big lots."
"The near by nature preserve is a great place to take a hike or bike ride. There are a couple restaurants right outside the park entrance."
from $32 - $80 / night
Check Availability"I was so scared of loud noises at night waking her, but after quiet time I couldn't hear another person around at a single site and it was a no vacancy weekend. So I was very glad."
"The camping is dispersed with walk in sites or drive in. There is a variety of pit toilets with trash pick up."
"The campsites are purely for tent camping and are around 20'x40'. We went with a group and fit four tents on one site with a picnic table and fire pit for less than $10 each."
TravelerWooded and quiet. Large sites that are easy to back into. Fire pits and picnic tables in great shape. If you don’t mind not having full hook ups, this is a Great spot for some peace and quiet after a day of traveling.
GuideWe spent a wonderful week at Port Crescent State Park and absolutely loved our stay. We were fortunate enough to land one of the few full-hookup sites, and we ended up on one of the best sites in the campground, backed up to a beautiful waterway. Only negative was the slope, needed more leveling blocks than we had.
The wildlife was a constant highlight. We had geese, swans, and all kinds of other birds and wildlife right outside our site. It really added to the experience.
The entire campground was immaculate. Staff were constantly making rounds, cleaning, and keeping everything looking great. The beach was also within an easy walk from pretty much any site, and it was beautiful. The water and beach were very clean, and the breeze coming off the lake made it easy to spend the entire day there.
We also enjoyed walking down to the public beach and going a little farther beyond it with our family and dogs. There was plenty of room to spread out and enjoy the lake.
Overall, Port Crescent was one of our favorite stops. Beautiful campground, great beach, excellent staff, and an awesome setting. We would definitely come back.
ScoutFirst time staying here. It was quiet and peaceful. There was a larger group by the lake that had a 'really good time' into the night, but zero issues with all the laughter. There were handicapped picnic tables and nice fire rings, but someone in a scooter or wheelchair might have issues with the slopes/dirt. Vaulted facilities were clean but hand sanitizer was empty on both sites. Lake was nice, pretty shallow in the swimming area but the vaulted facility next to it was pretty smelly... even when walking past on the road.
GuideSmall and quiet campground with around 20 sites. Most sites are quite private and nice size. Vault toilets were well maintained and very clean. Five minute walk to the visitor center and trails. 242 stairs down to the lake and wanigan. Very historical area for the lumberman.
ScoutEvidently we are too loud for all the other guests at 8:00 at night so the park rangers had to come up and quiet us down three times and we barely have the radio even up where we could hear it in our campsite they take care of the whine bags there that's for sure
ScoutIf you're looking for a family oriented campground, look no further. From the park to play in for the kids and the heated pool, to the large fields and trails, you'll find entertainment to fill your days. Visit the wishing tree or porcupine tree. Swing on your trail adventure. The owners are delightful.
ScoutStandard camping affair. Many of the spots are sloped, so be careful when choosing your spot.
TravelerNice park, good people here. Great little store with all kinds of snacks DvDs ice cream Delicious Beverages the Beach is Wonderful. The restaurants are close and have good service and good food we will be back.
GuideThis was our overall third visit in the last 4 years to this campground. The last visit was 2 years ago and we had friends visit and do the 6hr tubing ride with us and that ultimately got them into camping and willing to spend the weekend with us at this campground.
We've always been in the "rustic" area more towards the "adult/party" side of the campground, but not to scare anyone there was NOT an over abundance of loud music, or shenanigans. Everyone was pretty calmed down by 11-12.
Some of the upgrades from years past included shelving, hooks, small benches in the public shower areas (don't have to pay for shower access) water was always warm and the showers were always clean.
The store contained anything you'd need if you forget something at home, including water shoes for tubing, firewood, ice, etc.
We did the 6hr tubing trip, left at 11am and got back to the campground around 4:30. Theres more than enough locations along the tubing trip to stop and eat off to the side. The river is very shallow at some points, id say ankle deep and deep at some points, maybe 8+ ft in spots, but most of the time it was knee deep.
The staff is great, they drive around periodically and pick up trash if you leave it in bags along the driving paths, theres a security team at all hours, etc.
Cell service isn't the best, however they do offer wifi ($20 for multiple devices/week). The wifi would go in/out at times though
Overall this is one of my favorite campsites and will return next year.
The Standish, Michigan area sits at approximately 660 feet above sea level, with the Rifle River serving as a focal point for outdoor recreation throughout the warmer months. Summer temperatures typically range from 70-85°F during peak camping season, with cooler nights in spring and fall. The region's sandy soil and moderate elevation create well-draining campsites even after rainfall, though riverside locations may experience higher humidity.
Tubing and river floats: Multiple campgrounds offer river access for water activities along the Rifle River. At River View Campground & Canoe Livery, you can enjoy water recreation right from your site. According to Phil M., "The campground is huge and offers so much! The store up front had everything you probably forgot at home, plus more." Mikayla H. adds, "I love this campground. We go annually for a women's camping trip. It's always beautiful and relaxing."
Boardwalk nature trails: Explore the wetland ecosystem on elevated trails at Pinconning County Park. Andrea B. notes, "Nice campground, a lot of local/seasonal but the park is maintained very nicely. Good place for quiet camping and a great walking trail back to the bay through the marsh." Jayne W. shares that the park has "miles of boardwalk with observation decks overlooking the area."
Family beach time: Several campgrounds provide beach access with shallow swimming areas ideal for children. At Pinconning County Park, one visitor explains, "The beach is shallow and great for young kids, we camped over memorial weekend and water was nice even then. They have nice beach chairs to use for free and kayaks you can rent."
Large riverside campsites: Sites along the Rifle River provide direct water access and extra space. At Big Bend Campground, Courtney H. recommends, "Highly suggest getting a river campsite that you can tube/kayak/canoe to if you launch from the access a couple of miles down the road. That was an absolute blast."
Clean, well-maintained facilities: Despite high usage during summer months, many campgrounds maintain clean bathrooms and showers. Jennifer S. notes about River View Campground, "Bathrooms and showers are decent for a campground. Also love that there are a lot of trees to provide shade during the hot days."
Off-peak season camping: Several campers mention benefits of visiting during less crowded times. Jami M. describes Big Bend Campground as a "Busy campground and a bit pricey but well worth the activities," suggesting value despite crowds. Visiting in spring or fall offers more privacy and potentially lower rates.
Membership requirements: Some resorts in the area operate on a membership model. At Outdoor Adventures Saginaw Bay Resort, Tom M. advises, "Campground is one of Outdoor Adventures membership campgrounds, way overpriced, check FB Marketplace for resellers." Chad H. adds, "It's a members only. Few grouchy people that seem more miserable than into relaxing."
Water quality concerns: While the rivers are popular for recreation, water quality varies by location and season. One camper at Rifle River Campground cautions, "The water is not clean however, and if you find yourself floating down and feel the liquid courage kicking in telling you to climb a 100ft rock wall—DON'T."
Reservation timing: Many campgrounds fill quickly during summer weekends. For Bay City State Park Campground, Tanner G. recommends, "Can book day of until 8pm online. Easy to get into late at night. Big lots. Fire pit. Sites are electric only. Recommend to have extension cord for some sites, as plug in can be far."
Multiple playground access: Campgrounds often feature multiple play areas spaced throughout the property. At Bay City State Park Campground, Sarah S. shares, "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, beautiful sandy beach along Lake Huron."
Children's activities: Many campgrounds offer organized events. Sarah S. continues, "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."
Site selection for families: Choose sites strategically based on proximity to amenities. At Big Bend Campground, Courtney H. notes, "The playgrounds were great because there are enough of them that we are able to keep an eye on the kids from the sites."
Electric hookup positioning: Many sites have uniquely positioned electric hookups requiring planning. At Bay City State Park, Deb M. advises, "Lots of moving around to get your electric hooked up to the shared and oddly placed power poles. Make sure to come with an extension cord - one member of our party had their power halfway into their neighbor's site through a bunch of bushes."
Overflow parking considerations: For larger RVs or groups with multiple vehicles, check campground policies. At Rifle River Campground, Cory W. notes, "Rifle River offered a nice variety of camp sites. There is a cluster of quiet sites, a track of sites tucked away in some pines, and then the modern sites."
Level site selection: Many campgrounds in the area have uneven terrain. Janine P. cautions about Rifle River Campground, "While the views of the river are great from the majority of sites, the entire campground is on a hill. There are few - if any - level areas to camp."
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Standish campground located in Michigan?
Standish is located in Arenac County in northeastern Michigan, about 30 miles north of Bay City along the I-75 corridor. The area offers several camping options, with Outdoor Adventures Saginaw Bay Resort being directly in Standish. This location provides convenient access to Saginaw Bay on Lake Huron. Nearby, you'll find River View Campground & Canoe Livery near Sterling, which sits along the scenic Rifle River, making it ideal for water recreation enthusiasts exploring the Standish region.
What are the camping fees and reservation requirements for Standish campgrounds?
Camping fees in the Standish area vary by campground type and amenities. At Big Bend Campground near Standish, reservations are recommended, especially during peak summer months. For state parks in the region like Tawas Point State Park Campground, fees typically include your site rental plus a Recreation Passport (Michigan State Park entrance permit), with sites ranging from $25-$45 depending on hookups. Most campgrounds in the area require reservations through their official websites or by phone, with deposits often required. Reservation windows usually open 6 months in advance for peak season.
What amenities are available at campgrounds near Standish, MI?
Campgrounds near Standish offer a range of amenities to suit different camping styles. Northern Bear Paw RV Park provides comfortable sites with a welcoming atmosphere and convenient layout for RVs. For those seeking more natural settings, Herrick Recreation Area features spacious wooded sites with electric hookups, shared water access, swimming and fishing in the lake, and kayak launch areas. Many campgrounds in the region offer clean restrooms, fire pits, picnic tables, and access to recreational activities. Some provide camp stores, playgrounds, and shower facilities, while others focus on natural amenities like river access, hiking trails, and fishing opportunities.
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