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Best Campgrounds near Saginaw, MI

334 Reviews

Campgrounds near Saginaw, Michigan provide a range of options for tent, RV, and cabin camping within a short drive of the city. Bay City State Park Campground offers shaded sites with electric hookups across from Lake Huron, while Frankenmuth Jellystone Park provides family-oriented camping with amenities like swimming pools and planned activities for children. The area features a mix of state parks, privately owned campgrounds, and county-operated facilities, most within 20-30 miles of downtown Saginaw. Several locations accommodate multiple camping styles, including full-hookup RV sites, tent camping areas, and rental cabins.

Camping season in the Saginaw region typically runs from April through October, with many facilities closed or offering limited services during winter months. Bay City State Park operates from May 1 through October 31, though some private campgrounds like Frankenmuth Jellystone remain open year-round. "The nature trail around the lagoon is a birder's dream. We saw white egrets, blue heron, sand pipers and their babies," noted one camper about Bay City State Park. Sites at most developed campgrounds offer electric hookups, while water and sewer connections vary by location. Reservations are recommended during summer weekends and holidays, as waterfront and premium sites fill quickly. Most campgrounds provide shower houses, restrooms, and fire rings, though some private facilities charge additional fees for amenities.

Campers consistently rate the Bay City State Park Campground highly for its family-friendly atmosphere and proximity to both nature trails and Lake Huron. The park features a splash pad, playground, and beach access, making it popular for families with children. Reviews highlight clean facilities and spacious sites at several campgrounds. Pine Ridge RV Campground near Birch Run receives positive feedback for its shaded sites among tall pines and hardwoods. One visitor noted, "We love this campground. It's quiet and well maintained." Finn Road Park offers concrete pads that are level and mostly shaded, making it attractive for RV campers seeking convenience. While some private campgrounds like Jellystone provide extensive amenities including planned activities and swimming pools, they tend to have more tightly spaced sites that offer less privacy than state park options.

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Best Camping Sites Near Saginaw, Michigan (94)

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Recent Camping Photos near Saginaw, MI

112 Photos of 94 Saginaw Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Saginaw, MI

334 Reviews of 94 Saginaw Campgrounds

  • Edward C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 22, 2025

    Seven Lakes State Park Campground

    Beautiful park

    Very pretty park. Sites and facilities are well maintained.

    Sites tend to slope towards Sand Lake so have leveling blocks if that's important to you.

  • l
    Aug. 25, 2025

    Black Creek State Forest Campground

    Black Creek State Forest Campground

    Pull up, grab a registration envelope, look for a spot then part. Fill out the registration. Put one portion of it on the clip at the spot number market, keep another portion then return the completed envelope and $20 cash or check per night plus $19 for Michigan recreation passport (if you don’t already have one). They will mail you the passport, keep receipt for proof. Vault toilets available, some river spots, some secluded spots, clean. Saw DNR in the morning checking on everything.

  • Melissa H.
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Bay City State Park Campground

    Bustling, clean and friendly

    Easy friendly check-in. Firewood prices are cheaper than on roads in. Small and large bags of ice at a good price. Great for families. Clean facilities. They do spray for mosquitoes, so that wasn't too bad at all even in the heat of August. We stayed at 106, the description was on point, level and shaded. Campers were super friendly. We had no complaints about the campground itself but it would be nice if there was an RV lights out policy at night. It's really hard to sleep in a tent when your neighbors RV "porch" light is on literally all night shining in the tent while your neighbors are sound asleep in RV. We had to ask our neighbors politely to turn their outside LED light strips off the second night. They were great about it but, didn't seem to realize it would bother tent campers next to them.

  • Deb M.
    Aug. 16, 2025

    Bay City State Park Campground

    Crowded and inconvenient

    So, this campground looks nice at first, with lots of trees on the sites. However, once you really start looking at them, none have a camping pad, so it’s random parking on the grass. Lots of moving around to get your electric hooked up to the shared and oddly placed power poles. Make sure to come with an extension cord - one member of our party had their power halfway into their neighbor’s site through a bunch of bushes. The sites near the entrance are very crowded together and filled with large loud groups. (please don’t park any extra vehicles hanging out over the road…) And cleaning the bathrooms at 8:30 and 9:30 in the MORNING? Bummer for tenters. It’s ok for a quick stop, but wouldn’t want to stay here too long. I would expect better from a State Park.

  • Ethan R.
    Aug. 13, 2025

    McGinnis Lake Modern Campground — Holly Recreation Area

    In the woods

    Nice campground. Paved sites. Some are pretty secluded. Downside is that the campground and stuff to do, are far apart. Bring a bike or drive. Beach is nice. Has a water park on the lake.

  • tThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 20, 2025

    Pettit Park Campground

    City park

    Water and electric and a dump station. Near downtown Clare, nice park with pavilions, no reservations needed. Sites are within the city’s park so there’s local traffic.

  • AmcPhotography
    Jul. 13, 2025

    Chesaning Showboat Camping

    Camping

    it's a alright campground,quit,few things it could use,like another playground ,water hookups,and WiFi other than that it's good.

  • Holly S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 11, 2025

    Seven Lakes State Park Campground

    Family friendly

    The campground has a private lake that’s good for swimming and fishing. The sites are decently sized with most being easily gotten into with an RV. Plenty of hiking/biking trails easily accessed from the campground. Only 2 downsides to this campground are the showers (not very clean and very small), and it’s very busy.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 4, 2025

    Metamora-Hadley Recreation Area

    Okay

    Stayed here the first night of July 4th weekend. Full campground and sites are close together and crowded. With the large camping trailers and 2-3 vehicles per site, it felt claustrophobic. A good number of sites are not level. Bathrooms were well maintained and people were courteous. I would not stay here again because it felt packed with people.

Guide to Saginaw

Camping near Saginaw, Michigan, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. From serene lakeside spots to family-friendly campgrounds, there’s something for everyone.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails at Holly Recreation Area. One camper mentioned, “We did a 7-mile loop hike and then went to Battle Alley Brewing in Holly (10 min away).”
  • Fishing: At Sherman City Acres, you can fish right from the property. A happy camper shared, “My husband caught several during our stay.”
  • Swimming: Enjoy the beach at Bay City State Park Campground. One reviewer noted, “Beach, trails, and children's solace pad, just an easy walk across the road.”

What campers like:

  • Spacious sites: Campers appreciate the roomy spots at McGinnis Lake Modern Campground. A visitor said, “The camp site was spacious but tucked back in a bit.”
  • Clean facilities: Many enjoy the well-maintained restrooms and showers at Port Crescent State Park Campground. One camper remarked, “Showers/restrooms are good, cleaned twice a day.”
  • Natural beauty: The scenic views at Sleepy Hollow State Park Campground are a hit. A reviewer stated, “The campsite itself was great, nice and roomy while also being wooded.”

What you should know:

  • Bug spray is essential: Campers at Sleepy Hollow State Park Campground warned about the bugs. One said, “The bugs were pretty intense, but bug spray helped.”
  • Limited cell service: If you rely on your phone, be aware that some areas, like Sleepy Hollow State Park Campground, have poor reception. A visitor noted, “Verizon service was basically non-existent other than at the beach.”
  • Reservations are recommended: Popular spots like Bay City State Park Campground can fill up quickly. One camper mentioned, “The campground usually clean and patrolled.”

Tips for camping with families:

  • Check for kid-friendly activities: Campgrounds like Groveland Oaks County Park offer mini-golf and playgrounds. A family camper said, “There are lots of family activities like mini golf, kids bike courses, and playgrounds.”
  • Plan for raccoons: At Holly Recreation Area, be cautious with food. One camper warned, “Raccoons run this place! Don’t leave any food or garbage out ever or you will be robbed by a gang of raccoons.”
  • Bring outdoor games: Campers at Sherman City Acres enjoyed relaxing by the river. One said, “The riverside firepit and table was the perfect relaxation spot, with the soft sound of the river as background music while we enjoyed drinks and a game of chess.”

Tips from RVers:

  • Leveling challenges: Some sites can be tricky for larger RVs. A visitor at Pontiac Lake Recreation Area noted, “Leveling would be more of the challenge.”
  • Check electric hookups: At Bay City State Park Campground, some sites may require extension cords. One camper advised, “Recommend to have extension cord for some sites, as plug in can be far.”
  • Explore nearby towns: Campers at Holly Recreation Area enjoyed local breweries. One said, “We went to Battle Alley Brewing in Holly (10 min away).”

Camping near Saginaw, Michigan, has its perks and quirks. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat or a family adventure, there’s a spot waiting for you!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best campgrounds near Saginaw, Michigan?

The Saginaw area offers several excellent camping options. Pinconning County Park sits right on Saginaw Bay with a small beach, boardwalk, and great water access for boaters and kayakers. It's just a couple miles from supplies in Pinconning. Bay City State Park Campground provides family-friendly amenities including a beach, splash pad, hiking trails, fishing in the lagoon, and a large playground. The park is also conveniently located near tourist attractions like mini golf and go-karts. Other notable options include Sleepy Hollow State Park, which offers easy access to Lansing and fishing opportunities, and Herrick Recreation Area, known for its spacious, wooded sites and lake for swimming and kayaking.

What tent camping options are available near Saginaw?

Tent campers near Saginaw have several scenic options to choose from. Seven Lakes State Park Campground offers beautiful wooded sites with some lakeside locations, featuring easy water access via small paths. The park includes a boat launch and a beach area, making it perfect for water-loving tent campers. McGinnis Lake Modern Campground in Holly Recreation Area provides heavily wooded campsites that offer privacy and shade - ideal for tent camping. The park features kayak-friendly lakes and excellent hiking/biking trails. Sleepy Hollow State Park is another option with its large fishing lake and accessibility from major roads, while Herrick Recreation Area offers spacious, wooded sites perfect for traditional tent camping.

Are there full hookup RV campgrounds in Saginaw, MI?

Yes, the Saginaw area has several full hookup options for RV campers. Groveland Oaks County Park offers a dedicated full hookup area that's conveniently positioned away from weekend traffic while maintaining easy access to amenities. This family-friendly park features a swimming lake, water slide, mini golf, and boat rentals. Holiday Shores RV Park is another excellent choice with full hookups and a user-friendly experience - they're particularly accommodating to beginners. For additional options, consider Lake of Dreams Campground near Merrill and Frankenmuth Jellystone Park, both offering full hookup capabilities and big-rig friendly sites. Always call ahead to confirm current hookup availability and make reservations during peak seasons.

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