Campsites near St. Clair, Michigan lie along the St. Clair River, part of the Great Lakes waterway system connecting Lake Huron to Lake Erie. Many camping areas sit on flat terrain with elevations under 600 feet above sea level. Fall camping offers smaller crowds with daytime temperatures ranging from 50-70°F in September and October, though some facilities close their modern shower houses after Labor Day.
What to do
Archery and shooting sports: Algonac State Park Campground offers dedicated ranges for both archery and firearms. "They also have a range for archery, and firearms. The park was kept clean," notes Sandy K. in her review of the park facilities.
River kayaking: P.L. Graham Park & Campground provides access to the Black River with a canoe launch area. "Nice place to bring a kayak & canoe. Worn in dock area but still accessible," mentions Valerie D. The campground operates on a donation basis with rustic amenities.
Freighter watching: Maritime shipping traffic creates a unique camping activity in this region. Lakeport State Park Campground offers prime viewing spots. "The freighter traffic did not disappoint. We saw at least 4 during our 2-night stay and the sunrise we witnessed from our site could have been a postcard," reports Rodger M.
Rock hunting: Lake Huron shoreline access makes this area excellent for rock collecting. "I have found the most beautiful Petoskey Stones at Lakeport. I have also found a large pudding stone," shares Stephanie C. Water shoes are recommended as the beaches are predominantly rocky.
What campers like
Riverfront views: Algonac State Park Campground offers two distinctly different camping experiences. "If you can get a River View site its is awesome. Freighters come by at all times of the day. Most sites are sunny. Sites closer to the shower house are closer together and some trees. There is also the 'Wagon Well'. You'll feel like you are in the woods," explains Kelly B.
Clean facilities: Lakeport State Park Campground maintains well-kept bathrooms and showers. "The bathrooms were kept up well and the showers were squeaky clean with warm water running the whole shower," notes Cole G., who appreciated the cleanliness despite the park's high usage.
Quiet atmosphere: Port Huron Township RV Park provides a peaceful alternative to busier campgrounds. "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. But overall, I love this place," states Terri W.
Halloween events: Several campgrounds offer special Halloween activities. "We come for Halloween camping every year! We love this campground. There is a ton to do for all ages. The kids keep busy all day long!" shares Wendy K. about her experiences at Port Huron KOA.
What you should know
Cell service variations: Mobile coverage differs significantly between providers in the region. At Port Huron KOA, "WiFi is slow but stable. You probably won't be able to watch Netflix. AT&T service is terrible. Our friends have T-Mobile and it is very fast for them," reports Joe S.
Road conditions: Campground roads may present challenges, particularly for larger rigs. "Sooo many ruts that I was deeply concerned for the undercarriage of both my truck and camper," notes Rodger M. about conditions at Algonac State Park during his late-season visit.
Site selection: Campgrounds near St. Clair feature varied site types. "This campground has a couple distinctively different campground loops," explains a visitor. Choose sites away from main roads for less noise, especially at Lakeport State Park where "the sites are very spacious in size and a few provide full hookups."
Reservation timing: Most campgrounds in the area require advance planning. "Reserve well in advance!" advises Wendy K. about Port Huron KOA, which fills quickly during summer months and holiday weekends.
Tips for camping with families
Water activities: Emmett KOA provides numerous water recreation options. "My daughter and I had a great time here. We went during the week so it was not packed. Nice workers help with anything asked. Food from the snack shack was good," shares Gary E.
Holiday weekends: Algonac State Park offers special programming during holidays. "Halloween weekends are a blast. Expect a ton of kids," notes Kelly B. Many campgrounds in the area coordinate activities specifically for children during weekend stays.
Playground access: Multiple parks feature play equipment for younger campers. At Lakeport State Park, "There is trails to ride your bike around and two playgrounds to keep the kids busy," according to Cole G., highlighting the park's family-friendly amenities.
Educational opportunities: Addison Oaks County Park offers structured activities. "We stayed in a water/electric site. 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)," reports Tim & Nancy C.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Concrete pads at Addison Oaks County Park provide stable foundations. "Cement pads, water, and electric. Loop C is spacious with some trees," notes Ron E., highlighting the convenience for RVs requiring level surfaces.
Hookup availability: Thousand Trails St. Clair offers full hookup sites but with variable quality. "I was fortunate to get full hookup however the bathhouse in C section is the pits. I will not use the showers in this section. Section A showers are a possibility," advises Sherry H.
Big rig access: Several campgrounds accommodate larger RVs, though site selection matters. "The campground is relatively flat, many spaces to choose from, very catering to RV and travel trailer," explains Bryan A. about Algonac State Park.
Dump station access: The dump station at Algonac State Park has an unusual configuration. "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," warns Stephanie C.
