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Best Campgrounds near Port Austin, MI

222 Reviews

Port Austin, Michigan provides a variety of campground options along the scenic shores of Lake Huron at the tip of Michigan's Thumb region. Port Crescent State Park Campground offers tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin accommodations with beach access and sunset views over Saginaw Bay. The surrounding area includes several county parks like Oak Beach, Lighthouse Park, and Stafford County Park that support tent camping, RV sites, and some cabin options. Most established campgrounds in this region feature electric hookups, water access, and shower facilities, making them suitable for families seeking developed camping experiences.

Many campgrounds in the Port Austin area operate seasonally, with most open from May through mid-October. The weather can be unpredictable along Lake Huron, with potential for strong winds and storms, particularly in early fall. Advanced reservations are essential, especially for lakefront sites at popular destinations like Port Crescent State Park. Campers should prepare for sandy conditions at most sites, with varying levels of privacy between camping areas. Cell service is generally available throughout the region, though signal strength may vary. A recent review noted: "When storms come in, make sure you have everything put away and your tent staked down reeeeeal good, cause I've definitely seen 60mph+ winds and tents end up in the trees."

Lake views and beach access represent significant draws for campers in the Port Austin area. The campgrounds facing Saginaw Bay offer particularly impressive sunset views, with several campers highlighting this feature in their reviews. While waterfront sites provide scenic vistas, they tend to fill quickly during peak summer months. Most campgrounds maintain clean bathroom facilities, though some visitors note they may become crowded during busy periods. One camper shared that "Port Crescent is a clean and comfortable campground with great lake views even from sites not on the water. It's also an extremely busy campground so not a place to find silence and solitude." The region's sandy beaches and proximity to water activities like kayaking to attractions such as Turnip Rock make these mixed-use campgrounds popular destinations for families and outdoor enthusiasts.

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Best Camping Sites Near Port Austin, Michigan (53)

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Recent Camping Photos near Port Austin, MI

64 Photos of 53 Port Austin Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Port Austin, MI

222 Reviews of 53 Port Austin Campgrounds

  • Max
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Jellystone Park North Port Huron

    Very disappointing, bored kids in an expensive campground.

    The store staff and lifeguards were great! My disappointments:

    * 5:30 PM We were in our screened in porch when a golf car blaring rap music was cleaning out all the fire pits. Maintenance crew did not treat guests with respect.

    * Grounds teams were cleaning up sites, again loud work due to closing down.

    * Internet was completely down due to"an electrician accidentally cut the wires". They were not planning on fixing this for the season.

    * Slides were closed or not working (due to wind, though there was VERY little wind), even the lifeguards were hard pressed to give us that answer. It was obvious they did not want to run them the last week they were open.

    * Pool heater was broken and they were not going to fix it, it was too cold to swim. The pool stayed empty.

    * The mini gold course was torn up in several places. The ponds and water areas were not working. Entire course has been neglected. Golf clubs are beaten up.  My two 10 year old grandchildren were bored, we played board games.  I was so disappointed!

    The campground was closing the water sports, it was the last week open.  Earlier season may be better, though the gold course was real bad.

  • Edward C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 24, 2025

    Port Crescent State Park Campground

    Beautiful views

    Beautiful, newly renovated park with a great beach and beach access.

    Be advised that the sites closer to the beach are very sandy. Larger campers may get stuck, especially after a rainstorm.

  • Kayla P.
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Forester Park Campground

    Such a loud place at night!

    This is such a nice park and we really do love it, however due to quiet time not being followed, we are going to find a new one next year. Two years in a row we have not been able to sleep more than a couple of hours. This year a large group next to us had flood lights shining on our tent until 3 in the morning both nights along with loud music. No one was available to enforce the quiet hours and the lack of sleep ruined our trip. We love everything else about this place and they keep it very clean.

  • Edward C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Tawas Point State Park Campground

    Terrific location

    This is a beautiful and picturesque park. The bathrooms are clean and well maintained.

    Sites are large in general with plenty of room for activities.

    The pet friendly beach is fantastic for dogs as the water is very shallow and let's them be active.

    The access roads on the loop are narrow, so you may need to take some care of if you have a large vehicle.

    There's also a kids playground and volleyball court.

  • Ethan R.
    Aug. 13, 2025

    Port Crescent State Park Campground

    Great lakeside campground

    Very nice campground. Great sandy beach. Nice bathrooms and showers. Has geodomes and mini cabins for rent.

  • L
    Aug. 6, 2025

    Monument Campground

    Quiet spot in the pines

    18 spots available. Half are reservable and half are first come first serve. There are a few double lots. Pay at entrance in envelope. Camp host came around to check our ticket. Clean pit toilets and water spigots throughout. Close to Lumbermans monument visitor center. $15 for single site or $30 for double. Half price if you have a Golden Age/Access or Interagency Senior/Access Pass

  • K
    Jul. 9, 2025

    Jellystone Park North Port Huron

    Best campground in the Michigan Thumb

    This campground has SO much to do that you will never hear your kids say those dreaded words.. I am bored! The are round the clock activities, pool with kid area, water slides, obstacle course, GaGa pit, playground, jumped and so much more! There are multiple ways to stay RV,tent or choose from one of the many cabins. Clean bathrooms and restrooms throughout the campground. There is a camp store with homemade ice cream and even a cafe to get your quick meals. Ground are kept meticulously clean.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 3, 2025

    Monument Campground

    Nice place

    Stayed here one night. Nice paved road and paved sites. Large sites with easy access to water and vault toilets. $15 a night. Not many people and half the sites are first come first served (easy to get a site in the middle of the week). Some road noise so we picked a site further back away from the road. Would stay again

  • Corey L.
    Jul. 2, 2025

    Northern Bear Paw RV Park

    Northern Bear Paw

    An awesome place to stay! Owners are very thoughtful, through, and considerate of the campers. Second visit here and would highly recommend!!

Guide to Port Austin

Camping near Port Austin, Michigan, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family adventure, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Explore the beaches: The area has stunning beaches along Lake Huron. Campers at Tawas Point State Park Campground enjoy the beautiful water, with one reviewer saying, "The water is beautiful. Convenient location."
  • Visit the Tawas Point Lighthouse: This historic lighthouse is a great spot for a quick visit. One camper mentioned, "You can climb a lighthouse and look out 30+ miles."
  • Hiking and biking: Trails are available for both hiking and biking. A visitor at Harrisville State Park Campground noted, "Not a huge park, but complete with bike and walk/jog trails."

What campers like:

  • Privacy and space: Many campers appreciate the spacious sites. A review for Port Crescent State Park Campground highlights, "If you get the right spot, you have essentially private access to the beautiful waters of Lake Huron."
  • Clean facilities: Campers often mention the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. One camper at Bay City State Park Campground said, "Showers/restrooms are good, cleaned twice a day."
  • Friendly staff: Many reviews mention helpful staff. A visitor at Albert E. Sleeper State Park Campground noted, "The staff is excellent."

What you should know:

  • Limited amenities: Some campgrounds, like Negwegon State Park Campground, have fewer amenities. A camper mentioned, "There are only 4 primitive sites... Water is available at the parking lot."
  • Crowded on weekends: Popular spots can get busy. A visitor at Tawas Point State Park Campground noted, "It can get really packed here on weekends."
  • Reservations recommended: Many campgrounds require reservations, especially during peak season. A camper at Rifle River Devoe Lake Rustic Campground said, "Sites require a reservation either at the office or online."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose family-friendly campgrounds: Look for places with amenities for kids. One camper at Bay City State Park Campground mentioned, "Great newer playscape and splash pad (!) for the kids."
  • Plan for activities: Bring games and outdoor toys. A family at Jellystone Park North Port Huron enjoyed the "huge campground" with "lots of fun amenities."
  • Pack snacks and meals: Having food ready can save time. A camper at Harrisville State Park Campground said, "We tented at this campground and enjoyed it so much!"

Tips from RVers:

  • Check site sizes: Some sites can be tight for larger RVs. A review for Tawas Point State Park Campground warned, "Big rigs, note that the roads can be tight."
  • Bring extension cords: Some sites may require longer cords for hookups. A visitor at Bay City State Park Campground advised, "Recommend to have extension cord for some sites."
  • Plan for limited services: Some campgrounds may not have full hookups. A camper at Port Crescent State Park Campground noted, "This was my first experience at a Michigan state park, and I do not know if others have designated spaces based on the size of the RV or tent."

Camping near Port Austin, Michigan, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does camping cost in Port Austin, MI?

Camping costs in Port Austin vary by campground type and amenities. At Sleeper State Park Campground, expect to pay the standard Michigan State Park rates, which typically range from $25-35 per night for electric sites, plus the required Recreation Passport for vehicle entry. Caseville County Park Campground offers county park rates which tend to be slightly lower than state parks. Private campgrounds like Duggan's Family Campground typically charge $30-45 per night depending on hookups and season. Most campgrounds offer discounts for weekly stays, and prices generally increase during peak summer months and holidays.

What campgrounds are available in Port Austin, Michigan?

Port Austin offers several excellent camping options. Port Crescent State Park Campground is a local favorite located at the tip of Michigan's thumb with spacious sites, some right on Lake Huron, and beach access. Lighthouse Park (Huron County Park) provides waterfront camping with rustic/tent sites. Other nearby options include Duggan's Family Campground, Oak Beach County Park, and Sleeper State Park which is about 15 minutes from Port Austin. These campgrounds provide a range of experiences from rustic tent camping to more developed sites with various amenities, making Port Austin a versatile destination for campers seeking lakeside recreation.

What outdoor activities can I do while camping near Port Austin?

The Port Austin area offers abundant outdoor recreation opportunities. Swimming and sunbathing are popular at the great beaches along Lake Huron, particularly at Oak Beach County Park Campground. Water enthusiasts enjoy kayaking, fishing, and boating in the protected waters of Saginaw Bay. Rollways Campground provides access to scenic walking trails with various viewpoints. The region features hiking opportunities through dunes and wooded areas, bird watching at nature preserves, and lighthouse tours. Don't miss the popular farmers market in Port Austin on Saturdays. History buffs can explore local ghost towns and maritime heritage sites, while photographers will appreciate the stunning Lake Huron sunrises and sunsets.

What amenities do Port Austin campgrounds offer?

Harrisville State Park Campground exemplifies the quality amenities available in the Port Austin area, featuring wooded sites with electric hookups, fire rings, and picnic tables. The park boasts excellent new bathhouses with spacious showers and clean facilities. For RV campers, Tawas Point State Park Campground offers electric hookups (30/50 amp) and accommodates larger rigs. Most campgrounds in the area provide drinking water, restrooms, and shower facilities. Many feature direct beach access, playground equipment for children, and hiking trails. Some private campgrounds add amenities like camp stores, Wi-Fi, and laundry facilities, enhancing the camping experience in Michigan's thumb region.

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