Camping around Port Hope, Michigan sits along the sandy shores of Lake Huron in Michigan's "Thumb" region. The area experiences warm summers with average high temperatures near 80°F and cold winters that often drop below freezing. Water levels in Lake Huron fluctuate seasonally, affecting beach conditions at waterfront campgrounds. Most camping options remain open from May through mid-October, with limited winter availability.
What to do
Beach activities at Sleeper State Park: Located a short drive from Port Hope, the park offers a clean, sandy stretch of shoreline on Saginaw Bay. "The sunrises are beautiful!" notes Lee D., who stayed at the park. The beach includes designated swimming areas and pet-friendly sections.
Lighthouse tours: Lighthouse Park offers tours of its historic lighthouse for $5 per adult and $3 per child. "You can tour the lighthouse for which the park is named... but you can only climb to the top on select–usually holiday–weekends. The volunteers are very passionate about their knowledge of the lighthouse," according to Lee D.
Fishing opportunities: Several campgrounds offer fishing access. At Stafford County Park, "Saw some boys with fishing poles," mentioned Lee D., while Lake Huron Campground provides both lake access and stocked ponds for younger anglers.
Hiking trails: Multiple campgrounds connect to trail systems. "Loved all the hiking trails around!" writes Brooke L. about her experience at Sleeper State Park. The trails vary in difficulty and provide opportunities to view native wildlife and plants.
What campers like
Waterfront views: Port Crescent State Park offers prime waterfront sites. "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," reports Lee D. Many campers specifically request lakeside sites for the views.
Clean facilities: Campground cleanliness ranks high on visitor priorities. "Bathrooms were clean, stocked, with plenty of hot water," writes tyler H. about Sleeper State Park, while at Lake Huron Campground, "Overall a clean facility with a ton to do from swimming at the beach or pool to mini golf and gem mining our boys had a blast."
Family activities: Many parks offer organized events. "Camp host had fun activities for the kids (my kids claim this was the best time of the trip) as well as tea, coffee, and hot chocolate," shares tyler H. about Sleeper State Park. Several campgrounds provide recreational facilities like playgrounds, sports courts, and game areas.
Affordable lakefront camping: Basic waterfront sites often cost less than full-hookup options. "We had a rustic site and it was only $24 with tax," notes Stephanie M. about her tent site at Stafford County Park, while Lee D. mentions Lighthouse Park's pricing: "electric sites facing Lake Huron... electric only sites were completely full mid-week in June."
What you should know
Weather preparedness: Lake Huron weather can change rapidly. "It rained all day the second day of our stay and the dirt road and grassy areas accumulated quite a few puddles," reports Lee D. about Lighthouse Park. Strong winds can also impact camping: "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," warns Dave E.
Site selection considerations: Choose sites based on your specific needs. At North Park Campground, "These sites were right on top of each other and I felt squished with just my truck and a tent," reports Tucker B. Similarly, at Port Crescent, "Not all sites are level. Little privacy/separation between sites but if you can score a waterfront site, then it's all good."
Reservation timing: Popular sites book months in advance. "During summer months, it books up 6 months in advance," notes Dave E. regarding Port Crescent State Park. This is especially true for lakefront and holiday weekend reservations.
Swimming conditions vary: Not all waterfront sites offer good swimming. At Wagener County Park, "The beach is NOT good for swimming. It is mucky and covered with dead fish," reports Kayla P., while others note rocky conditions: "the beach has a lot of rocks on it not much a beach to sit on and for the kids to play," writes Lindsey S.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Forester Park offers traditional play equipment. "This campground offers showers, toilets and has a nice old school merry go round in it's park. Great place to bring kids," recommends Valerie D. Several campgrounds feature updated play structures.
Beach safety awareness: Water conditions change throughout the season. "The beach was a little small, but water levels are high this year," notes Timothy P. about Port Crescent. Some beaches have designated swimming areas with gradual drop-offs better suited for children.
Activity planning: Campgrounds offer varying recreation options. Lake Huron Campground provides "Great shallow pool, splash pad, water slides, mini-golf, trampoline area, sandy beachfront," according to Bret J. For rainy days, some campgrounds offer indoor recreation areas.
Morning refreshments: Some campgrounds provide complimentary morning beverages. "The campgrounds host site has coffee, tea, and hot chocolate available in the mornings," mentions Nona A. about Sleeper State Park, making for a pleasant morning routine.
Tips from RVers
Utility placement awareness: Check site maps carefully before arrival. At Forester Park, "The sewer and water spigot were on opposite ends of our site. I had to race to Raymond's hardware in town for a 50 foot fresh water hose," warns Branden B. Many sites have utilities positioned for standard RV configurations.
Leveling requirements: Bring leveling blocks for uneven sites. At Port Crescent, Lee D. notes, "Not all sites are level," while at Stafford County Park, John S. mentions "Most pads are gravel newly refreshed," requiring careful positioning.
Site size considerations: RV length restrictions apply at most campgrounds. At Lighthouse Park, "It would be a bummer if you had a site behind a large class A blocking your view of the lake," cautions Lee D., while Stafford Park offers "back in Full hook up and water/electric sites... most sites are gravel."
