Stafford County Park Campground in Port Hope houses six lakeside glamping cabins within view of Lake Huron, offering an elevated outdoor experience with modern comforts. The waterfront cabins provide panoramic views of the sunrise over the lake and include amenities like comfortable beds, electricity, and picnic tables for outdoor dining. One guest shared, "Walking along the beach, watching the sunrise or sunset, was incredible. A nice little park, within walking distance of the town of Port Huron." Other glamping options near Port Hope include the geodesic domes at Port Crescent State Park Campground just 20 minutes away in Port Austin, providing year-round accommodations with climate control and proximity to sandy beaches. These boutique camping experiences combine natural settings with creature comforts that traditional camping lacks.
The sandy beach at Port Crescent provides an ideal setting for glamping guests seeking water recreation, with swimming, kayaking, and fishing opportunities directly from the property. The area's dark sky preserve status makes it perfect for stargazing from your canvas accommodation. A recent visitor mentioned, "The lake and beach are also the best here; sandy and not full of rocks like other campgrounds." Turnip Rock, accessible only by water, attracts kayakers staying at these glamping accommodations, with rental shops located a short distance from the campgrounds. Visitors should book well in advance as these premium glamping sites fill quickly, especially during the peak season from May through October. The region's relative isolation on Michigan's Thumb creates a peaceful retreat atmosphere while still providing access to dining options in nearby Port Austin and Caseville.
"Nice small campground on the shore of Lake Huron in Port Hope Michigan. Back in Full hook up and water/electric sites. Also cabins to rent. Marina in the campground. Most sites are gravel."
"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."
"General: A real hodgepodge of options: paved sites, sandy sites, some with electric, hammock sites, several different types of cabins, and domes."
"This park is in a great location—The Thumb felt quite isolated."
$20 - $50 / night
"It is an important stopping point for the migratory pattern of warblers in the spring, and has a very nice nature walk."
"We stayed on site 70, and while it was crowded, we didn’t mind. We were close by to the boat launch, and just a short walk to the bathroom; not too far and not too close either."
"Park is very well kept, quiet, staff is friendly and plenty of things to do on site"
"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.the site is a little tight but you can pull through,overall it’s really quiet"
"Great location. Close to river trip companies and the lake."
"Our location was right behind the general store so at night the lights were very bright. This KOA has so many activities for kids and we enjoyed ourselves here!"
"Great walking paths."
ScoutNice small campground on the shore of Lake Huron in Port Hope Michigan. Back in Full hook up and water/electric sites. Also cabins to rent. Marina in the campground. Most sites are gravel.
TravelerIt is very nice and extremely clean. However it is kind of cramped. Sites feel close and everyone was very nosey. Pet beach is nice. Water is beautiful. Convenient location. People didn't listen to rules such as quiet hour and let their badly behaved dogs run loose. Bath house is extremely nice! All in all, I would camp here on an off day/season.
LegendGeneral: A real hodgepodge of options: paved sites, sandy sites, some with electric, hammock sites, several different types of cabins, and domes. Our stay was in 2023, and this review is based on that, but the campground was closed for the 2024 season for upgrades.
Site Quality: Varies greatly. 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. We were able to switch to Site 69 for the first night. The second night we were in site 56 and enjoyed listening to the waves lapping up against the shore. Not all sites are level. Little privacy/separation between sites but if you can score a waterfront site, then it’s all good. Sites 93, 95, 95A, 98, 99A, 101, 103, 105, and 107 back up to the old river channel and the water was very stagnant and green. The beachfront sites mostly have nice views of Saginaw Bay/Lake Huron but be cautious when selecting: some are sand and not level. You will hear road noise from M25 on the 19 sites that back up to the road (and also some of the sites opposite these).
Bath/Shower: Two bathhouses (east and west) plus a couple of vault toilets. The East Bathhouse was very modern and clean. The West Bathhouse looked to be a bit older but still seemed fine.
Activities/Amenities: Beach access, fishing, swimming, and an observation platform for bird watching or night sky viewing (the weather did not cooperate to check these out). 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!
We arrived late at night, and I was able to get in a nice walk around the campground before the rain started, dampening our options for the rest of the day. Obviously, our stay here would have been better with better weather, but I caution you to be careful when reserving your sites based on your type of camping. Despite the abundance of mayflies (gross but not biting) and the muddy sand-covered road from all the rain, we’d stay here again if we could get a beachfront site. We enjoyed our time here and would love to see what improvements were made when the campground was closed (although I thought it was very nice before).
GuideWe went on a family trip to the Tawas Pointe State Park. It is an important stopping point for the migratory pattern of warblers in the spring, and has a very nice nature walk. The nature walk leads out to the lighthouse by the bay, and comes up to the beach. The camp grounds have electrical and water access for RVs and campers, but people also camp out in their tents, and everything in between. There is a small playground that my daughter enjoyed, and a paved pathway through the grounds to Rollerblade/bike on. Most sites come with a fire pit. There is also a large dumpster near the entrance for waster disposal.
ScoutThis park is in a great location—The Thumb felt quite isolated. There are some pretty rad sites right on Lake Huron—unfortunately, we were on site 41 which buts right up against a main road and it got quite loud at times (especially on the weekends). Bathrooms were good for a state park. The beach was a little small, but water levels are high this year. DNR staff were pleasant, helpful and good at being present. Firewood is for sale at the gate for $5 a bundle. This campground is close to Caseville, Bad Axe and Port Austin where I would recommend renting a kayak and checking out Turnip Rock (only accessible by H2O). This park didn’t get a full 5 stars because of the proximity to the road (which wasn’t really that bad…). Great Park!
RangerTawas Bay is an awesome area to visit in the summer, and this state park is about the best camping you can get in the area. We stayed on site 70, and while it was crowded, we didn’t mind. We were close by to the boat launch, and just a short walk to the bathroom; not too far and not too close either. The bathrooms were clean, stocked, and had hot water for the showers whenever we needed it. On the opposite side of the bathroom, there’s even a full dishwashing sink, something I have yet to see at another campground. The ranger station has firewood and ice for sale, as well as maps and activity lists. As far as things to do at the campground, there are plenty of trails, including one leading to the lighthouse at the end of the point, as well as kayaks for rent at the boat launch. One thing I have to recommend it waking up early to catch the sunrise over Lake Huron. It is amazing! If you’re more of a night owl, sunsets are equally as great looking over the bay.
Locally there are tons of places to eat and things to do. Catch a sailboat race through the bay, head to any of the many beaches, or even walk through the small downtown. If you have a sweet tooth like me, there’s a super good chocolate shop called the Village Chocolatier, and an amazing place for ice cream called Marion’s. Totally recommend visiting Tawas, and staying at Tawas Point State Park!
GuideThis was our 2nd time here. We stayed on site 71 this time down by the beach. Good amount of space for our set up. Nice view of the lake from across the road.
ScoutSmall county park. 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.
Friendly staff. Older bathhouse with newly painted interior. 2 showers each men and women. Park looks newly renovated. Most pads are gravel newly refreshed. Fire rings are new. Electric boxes are new 20-50 amp.
Stayed overnight on a weekday early June. Very few here now suspect more crowded later. Sites relatively close no real shade.
TravelerOur 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, the public beach on Lake Huron has rougher water and more rocks. there’s even a separate dog friendly beach. They have been replacing some of the old fire pits.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
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According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Port Hope, MI is Stafford County Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 9 reviews.
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