Stafford County Park Campground in Port Hope provides various accommodations for visitors to Michigan's Thumb region. The waterfront location offers campsites directly on Lake Huron with practical amenities and options for different camping preferences. The park maintains gravel pads throughout, with newer electric boxes supporting 20-50 amp service, and renovated facilities including freshly painted bathhouses.
What to do
Hiking and nature observation: Port Crescent State Park Campground features trails and observation platforms for visitors. "There are nearby hiking trails, a playground, a basketball hoop, and a horseshoe pit. There is a dump station. Kudos to Michigan for extensive recycling!" notes Lee D.
Water activities on sandy shorelines: The shallow waters at Tawas Point State Park Campground create ideal conditions for various water activities. "The dog beach, a bit of a walk down the trail towards the lighthouse, surely exceeded our expectations... The shallows go out quite far, and is pleasantly sandy. The water is warmer than on the Huron side of the point, too," explains Sasha K.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple locations in the Port Hope area support fishing as a primary activity. "Nice place to stay, it's sitting just off of the river, and the lake is next to it, if you like fishing you're going to love it," says Gary S. about Sebewaing County Park Campground.
What campers like
Direct waterfront access: Campers consistently mention Lake Huron frontage as a major draw at Stafford County Park Campground. "Stayed at lakeside site. Lakeside sites $36 electric only. Full hookup $41 across a small dirt road, no traffic. Also electric only non-lakeside $35. Tent sites as well as nice looking rental cabins lake side," explains John S.
Clean, well-maintained facilities: Visitors appreciate the upkeep of camping facilities in the area. "Park is very well kept, quiet, staff is friendly and plenty of things to do on site," says Kevin E. about Evergreen Park Campground.
Peaceful atmosphere: Many campers note the quiet setting at campgrounds near Port Hope. "Stafford County park was beautiful when we visited. We stayed on a spot right on the lake. The park was clean and quiet. The other campers were all polite and respectful of one another and staff was very helpful and friendly," says Kayleigh A.
What you should know
Site characteristics and limitations: Many campgrounds in the Port Hope area have specific site features to consider. "All sites are level with gravel pads. There is zero privacy between sites. Sites 1-4 in the Lakeview section are pull-through. All other sites are back in," reports Lee D. about Port Crescent State Park Campground.
Seasonal operations: Most campgrounds around Port Hope operate on limited schedules. "This park is open from May 1– October 15. Three different types of campsites (Lake view, FHU, and two rustic areas) plus six cabins," notes a reviewer about Stafford County Park.
Weather considerations: The Lake Huron shoreline can experience significant weather changes. "When storms come it, 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," warns Dave E. about Port Crescent State Park Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds near Port Hope offer dedicated play areas for children. "Our family loves this campground- it has a nice playground, and beach volleyball court near the entrance. There's a nice sandy beach that faces Tawas Bay in the campground," reports Marie H. about Tawas Point State Park Campground.
Water safety considerations: Beaches vary in safety features and conditions. "Very nice campground. Great sandy beach. Nice bathrooms and showers. Has geodomes and mini cabins for rent," notes Ethan R. about Port Crescent State Park Campground.
Family-friendly glamping close to Port Hope, Michigan: For families wanting extra comfort, City of Au Gres Riverfront Campground provides cabin options. "Park is in town and on the river. Good people running it. Good size sites. Great walking paths," says Kenneth W.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategies: RVers should carefully consider site options when glamping close to Port Hope. "We were able to secure two different sites for our two-night stay. Upon arrival, however, we doubted we would be able to navigate our 18-foot camper van into Site 58– it was sandy, narrow with trees, and cars were parked alongside the narrow access road, making backing in very difficult to impossible," shares Lee D.
Surface conditions: Gravel and sand surfaces dominate the camping areas. "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," warns Edward C.
Hookup options: RV campers have varied utility options at Stafford County Park. "Full hookup $41 across a small dirt road, no traffic. Also electric only non-lakeside $35. Most pads are gravel newly refreshed. Fire rings are new. Electric boxes are new 20-50 amp," notes John S.
