Tent camping sites around St. Clair, Michigan extend beyond the Black River area into nearby regions with both established facilities and primitive options. The area sits at low elevations of 580-600 feet above sea level with a humid continental climate featuring warm summers and cold winters. Camping season typically runs April through October, with July and August bringing average temperatures of 70-85°F.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Port Huron KOA campers report successful fishing nearby. "We came 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!" notes Wendy K.
Beach access: Camp Agawam offers swimming opportunities in a suburban setting. "This park is great! It has campsites, a playground, swimming, fishing, an outdoor amphitheater (with concerts!), pavilion rentals, and disc golf!" reports James P.
Canoeing and kayaking: P.L. Graham Park provides water access for paddling on the Black River. "Compact Camp with open sites. Nice place to bring a kayak & canoe. Worn in dock area but still accessible," says Valerie D.
What campers like
Family-oriented activities: Crystal Creek Christian Campground offers numerous recreational options. "Amenities including but not limited to horse shoes, swimming (man dug pond) hiking, basketball, volleyball and etc. No alcohol allowed as this is a Christian campground," explains Tammy P.
Budget-friendly options: Tent camping near St. Clair includes affordable sites. "Great place to take the family even several times a season on a budget! Want the full camping ambiance $15 a night for rustic tent camping!" notes a review of Crystal Creek Campground.
Lake access: Hilltop Campgrounds provides sites near water. "The beach is right on the sports lake nepessing. Forget something while packing? No worries! They have you covered at their conscience store specific to their campgrounds!" shares Tammy P.
What you should know
Reservation timing: Popular campgrounds fill quickly during summer months. For Port Huron KOA, one camper advises: "Reserve well in advance!"
Firewood regulations: Many campgrounds restrict outside firewood due to invasive species concerns. At P.L. Graham Park, "The Manager sold us a great bundle of wood for 10$!!! You can NOT bring your own wood in," explains Rebel A.
Seasonal considerations: Winter camping options exist for full-timers. "We are full timers here for the winter into spring. The campground here is simple but the people are so friendly it will be difficult to leave when our season is over," notes Alicia A. about Hilltop Campgrounds.
Tips for camping with families
Child-friendly activities: Port Huron KOA offers extensive options for children. "Jumping pillow, tons of scheduled activities, equipment rentals, trails nearby. There is a movie theater, old one room schoolhouse, camp store, pools, number boats and putt putt," shares Melissa B.
Site selection for privacy: Choose sites carefully at busy campgrounds. "If you're in a camper I'd recommend sites 54,179,180. Those sites have a bit of a backyard to them and more space," suggests Alex H. about Port Huron KOA.
Alternative play spaces: P.L. Graham Park offers kid-friendly amenities. "There is a pavilion and a small swing set for kids. I love the river and the caretaker 'walker' is very nice. You can fish and there is a lot of room for kids to run around," writes Braylynn G.
Tips from RVers
Full hookup availability: Hilltop Campgrounds offers complete services. "All sites are 50 amp full hook ups... For a full hook up campground this place is very economically friendly at only $40 a night!" notes Tammy P.
Site spacing considerations: Port Huron KOA can feel crowded. "Crowded sites so close to one another it was hard to tell were one started and another ended," cautions George H.
Connectivity issues: Cell service varies by location and carrier. "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," advises Joe S.
