Camping spots near Port Huron, Michigan sit at elevations between 580-600 feet above sea level along the eastern shore of Michigan's thumb region. The area experiences a humid continental climate with temperatures averaging 70-85°F in summer months and winter lows frequently below freezing. Summer thunderstorms can develop quickly over Lake Huron, making weather awareness important for campers at lakeside campgrounds.
What to do
Rock collecting along shorelines: Lake Huron's rocky beaches offer excellent opportunities for collecting unique stones. At Lakeport State Park Campground, you can search for distinctive specimens. "I have found the most beautiful Petoskey Stones at Lakeport. I have also found a large pudding stone. My husband brings his chair down to the water and I walk the shore for hours looking for rocks," explains one visitor.
Freighter watching: The St. Clair River provides views of massive shipping vessels. Algonac State Park Campground offers prime locations for this activity. One camper recommends: "If you are interested in watching freighters, bring a chair and binoculars, and sit on the beach!" The park sits directly on shipping lanes where international vessels pass regularly.
Water recreation: Swimming, fishing, and boating are popular in warmer months. At Lexington Park Campground, "you are within walking distance to the water. Most campsites have a good view of the water," notes a reviewer. For fishing enthusiasts, P.L. Graham Park provides river access where "people fishing had some catches" according to visitors.
What campers like
Varying campground atmospheres: Different sections within the same park can offer completely different experiences. "The northern section seems to be the louder section and the southern section seems to be the more laid back quiet section," explains a reviewer about Lakeport State Park Campground. This allows campers to choose between social and secluded settings.
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain well-kept amenities. At Lexington Park Campground, "Bath house was always clean and fully stocked," according to a recent visitor. Another camper noted, "Full immaculate restrooms and showers" at this county park.
Natural shade: The tall pines at many campgrounds provide relief from summer heat. "I absolutely love the old tall trees throughout the campground," shares a Lexington Park visitor. This natural canopy creates cooler camping conditions compared to more exposed sites in the area.
Stargazing opportunities: Clear nights offer excellent celestial views. "Star gazing was amazing. We saw many shooting stars sitting on the beach at night," reports a Lexington Park camper. Lake Huron's eastern shoreline provides minimal light pollution for optimal night sky viewing.
What you should know
Road conditions: Some campground roads require careful navigation. At Algonac State Park, one reviewer warns about "the disrepair of the campground roads. Sooo many ruts that I was deeply concerned for the undercarriage of both my truck and camper." These conditions can be especially challenging after rainfall.
Fire ring availability: Not all campgrounds provide permanent fire pits. At Port Huron Township RV Park, "this campground does not have permanent fire rings. You will either need to bring your own pit, or rent one from the front office," advises a regular visitor.
Beach conditions: Shorelines are primarily rocky rather than sandy. "The beach is mostly rocks," notes one Lakeport visitor, while another recommends, "don't forget to pack some water shoes but the rocky beach comes with finding cool rocks to either paint or just collect!"
Site variations: Even within single campgrounds, site quality varies significantly. As one Lakeport camper explains, "The south section has more of a woodsy outdoor feel while the north section has more of an open space, smaller lots, crowded feel." Researching specific site numbers before booking is recommended.
Tips for camping with families
Activity-focused campgrounds: For families wanting recreational amenities, certain campgrounds excel. At Port Huron KOA, "There is a movie theater, old one room schoolhouse, camp store, pools, number boats and putt putt," explains one visitor. The connected fun park provides additional entertainment options.
Weekend programming: Many campgrounds offer scheduled activities. At Lakeport State Park, they have "activities every couple hours for the kids" on weekends, making it ideal for family camping trips. One camper mentions, "On the weekend activities every couple hours for the kids."
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature play equipment. P.L. Graham Park includes "a pavilion and a small swing set for kids," while Lexington Park has a "great playground for the kids" according to recent visitors.
Kid-friendly beach areas: Water access varies between locations. Lakeport State Park offers "sandy beaches and clean clear water," but another visitor notes the practicality issue that "the rocks extend about 20 yards from the waters edge, but if you have water shoes its not so bad."
Tips from RVers
Electrical systems: Some campgrounds have recently upgraded their power infrastructure. At Lakeport State Park, staff reported that "they have to upgrade the electrical system this fall on the southern side and they have closed some campsites in the south in order to help with the electricity issue." The northern section has already been upgraded.
Site sizing: Choose appropriate sites for your rig size. At Ruby Campground, the "small campground" layout may limit options for larger rigs. While at Algonac State Park, sites are "sizable with some care taken to abate some puddles."
Dump station layouts: Some campgrounds have unusual waste disposal configurations. Lakeport State Park has "one of the weirdest dump stations" according to one reviewer, who explains, "The dump station is at the north campground and to get to it, you have to enter the north campground and drive all the way through it, come back out, and then go to the dump station!"
