Tent camping near Sandusky, Michigan offers access to the Black River watershed and surrounding rural landscapes in Michigan's Thumb region. The area features a mix of open meadows and deciduous forest with primarily flat terrain across Sanilac County. Summer temperatures typically range from 70-85°F with cooler nights in the 50s, making for comfortable camping conditions through October.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At P.L. Graham Park & Campground, campers can fish directly from their riverside sites. According to Braylynn G., "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."
Water recreation: Bring kayaks or canoes to explore the Black River from your campsite. Valerie D. mentions P.L. Graham Park & Campground is a "Compact Camp with open sites. Nice place to bring a kayak & canoe. Worn in dock area but still accessible."
Family entertainment: The Port Huron KOA in nearby Kimball offers extensive recreation options. Melissa B. notes, "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."
Horseback riding: For Scout groups, the D-bar-A Scout Ranch offers equestrian activities. Walker L. describes it as "a great scouting campground with cabins, rustic camping, tent sites, lakes, horses to ride, this is one HUGE camp ground for scouts to enjoy and learn."
What campers like
Affordable camping: P.L. Graham Park's low fees make it attractive for budget-conscious campers. A recent visitor noted, "The Manager informed us of updates that should be coming to the campground... It's perfect as is but a shower would be amazing to have."
Lake access: Genesee Otter Lake Campground provides water recreation with boat rentals. Tammy P. says, "Plenty of activities planned and structured thru the grounds to keep the whole family entertained including PUTT PUTT Golf, Arcade, Saturday Night Adult Bingo weekly, and tons more!"
Private wooded sites: Some campers prefer more secluded spots. Elaine K. from P.L. Graham Park shares, "Our site was in the woods and just what we needed. Walker was very welcoming and super generous! We did a lil walk around the grounds and saw a few people fishing and they had some catches."
Winter camping options: For year-round campers, Hilltop Campgrounds offers extended season options. Alicia A. mentions, "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."
What you should know
Firewood regulations: Many campgrounds prohibit outside firewood to prevent pest spread. At P.L. Graham Park, a camper reports, "He sold us a great bundle of wood for $10!!! You can NOT bring your own wood in."
Site variations: Not all tent sites have the same amenities or privacy. Okay M. explains about P.L. Graham Park, "There are only 2 campsites located nestled in the woods, the others are located in a rather flat, open area with trees around one side, and the lake on the other. Not every site has a picnic table."
Busy holiday periods: Expect crowded conditions during peak season at larger campgrounds. Kevin F. says about Port Huron KOA, "Campground was very busy, as you would expect on a holiday weekend. Overall, a very nice campground."
Tent site access: At some locations, vehicles park separately from tent sites. As one P.L. Graham visitor explains, "You drive up the entrance of the park, and on your right there'll be a trailer with a sign that says parking. You will park your car there overnight/during the day. But you can drive up close to the campsite for you to unload your car."
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Hilltop Campgrounds offers water recreation for families. Tammy P. shares, "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!"
Entertainment options: Look for campgrounds with structured activities. At Windy Hill Campground, Quynh V. notes, "There were tons of activities to do at night to entertain your kids such as movie night, game night and s'mores night."
Space considerations: Choose sites with room for play. Rebel A. from P.L. Graham Park says, "We showed up fresh off the road from AZ starting a new life here in the great state of Michigan. Two gentlemen met us right at the entrance... The Manager was on the tractor and greeted us right away."
Bathrooms and amenities: Crystal Creek Christian Campground provides facilities for families needing more amenities than primitive camping. Tammy P. says, "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."
Tips from RVers
Site sizing: Many campgrounds near Sandusky have limited space for larger rigs. Alex H. from Port Huron KOA recommends, "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."
Seasonal options: For longer stays, look into monthly rates. At Hilltop Campgrounds, Tammy P. notes, "All sites are 50 amp full hook ups... All while allowing daily, weekly and monthly visitors at a very reasonable price! For a full hook up campground this place is very economically friendly at only $40 a night!"
Connectivity concerns: Cell service and WiFi vary by location. Joe S. mentions about 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."
Hookup options: Different campgrounds offer various electrical services. Crystal Creek offers tiered pricing: "$30 a night 30/50 amp full hook up... don't need 30+ amp but want sewer as well only $25 a night 15 amp full hook up or as low as $20 for 15 amp water n electric only!"
