Camping options near Smiths Creek, Michigan extend beyond developed campgrounds to include riverside locations with scenic views and rock-picking opportunities. The area's terrain features a mix of lakefront and wooded sites with elevations ranging from 580 to 650 feet above sea level. Most campgrounds remain accessible from April through October, with some sites closing during winter months due to freezing temperatures that typically begin in November.
What to do
Rock collecting along Lake Huron shoreline: At Lakeport State Park Campground, visitors can search for distinctive stones including Michigan's state stone. A camper notes, "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 short for hours and hours looking for rocks."
Fishing at rustic riverfront sites: P.L. Graham Park provides access to the Black River with basic amenities for tent campers seeking a quiet fishing spot. According to a visitor, "Nice place to bring a kayak & canoe. Worn in dock area but still accessible. Donation based camping. Quick country get away where the locals are friendly."
Watching freighter traffic: Algonac State Park Campground offers prime viewing of commercial vessels. One reviewer mentioned, "If you want to see the freighters, this is awesome. Freighters come by at all times of the day. Most sites are sunny."
What campers like
Clean, updated facilities: Lakeport State Park receives praise for its maintained restrooms. A camper reports, "The bathrooms are updated and clean with enough room so you don't have to wait. They have a lovely camp store right by the beach with all kinds of goodies."
Family-oriented activities: At Port Huron KOA, families appreciate the structured events and amenities. A visitor explains, "Tons to do for kids, multiple pools including a zero entry, jumping pillow, ice cream stores, old west town hayrides, train rides, multiple parks, and next to small water park."
Spacious sites with separation: Addison Oaks County Park offers well-spaced campsites with natural surroundings. A camper mentioned, "Our spot #18 I felt was spacious and not too close to the people next to us and trees behind us. We had privacy and it was quiet."
What you should know
Seasonal flooding and road conditions: Many campgrounds in the area experience spring flooding and deteriorating road conditions. At Algonac State Park, a visitor observed, "The roads are paved, however in very bad shape. The bathhouse was modern and in the center of the campground with easy access from all sites."
North vs. south camping sections: At Lakeport State Park, the two camping areas offer different experiences. One camper explained, "The northern section seems to be the louder section and the southern section seems to be the more laid back quiet section. The south section has more of a woodsy outdoor feel while the north section has more of an open space, smaller lots, crowded feel."
Dump station configurations: Some campgrounds have unusual dump station arrangements that can create traffic bottlenecks. A camper at Lakeport State Park noted, "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! It is the weirdest set up ever."
Tips for camping with families
Water shoes for rocky beaches: Lake Huron shorelines feature rocks that can be difficult to walk on barefoot. A visitor to Lakeport State Park advised, "The beach is rocky so don't forget to pack some water shoes but the rocky beach comes with finding cool rocks to either paint or just collect!"
Weekday visits for quieter experience: Many campgrounds near Smiths Creek become crowded on weekends. A camper at Ruby Campground mentioned, "Small campground but just awesome staff is so friendly! We love it there!"
Activities during off-peak times: Some campgrounds offer structured events even during slower periods. At Addison Oaks County Park, a visitor noted, "It was a Boo Fest weekend. Lots of socially distanced activities for the kids and a scavenger hunt (finding clues on signs in park to solve a mystery). There 26 miles of bike trails and hiking."
Tips from RVers
Site selection for privacy: Choose sites away from main thoroughfares for a more peaceful experience. At Port Huron Township RV Park, a camper observed, "If you want a peaceful camp trip, this is the place (if it's not during a holiday). It is right off of a major interstate, so you'll hear occasional noise."
Electrical system limitations: Some campgrounds have power restrictions during peak season. At Lakeport State Park, "The workers said 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. Apparently, some sites were losing power because there wasn't enough energy to support all of the lots."
Advance reservations essential: Popular campsites fill quickly, especially waterfront locations. A camper at Lakeport State Park recommended, "My suggestion is to book six months in advance because it is extremely hard to get into this campground on the weekends."
