Located in St. Clair County, Smiths Creek offers access to the coastal plain of Lake Huron with elevations averaging 650 feet above sea level. The area experiences continental climate patterns with warm summers reaching 80°F and cold winters dropping to 15°F. Most rv sites near Smiths Creek, Michigan have sandier soil conditions requiring sturdy tent stakes or alternative anchoring methods.
What to do
Beach swimming and water activities: Directly across from Jellystone Park North Port Huron, visitors can access Lake Huron for swimming. "This place was really cool especially for families because it has a huge camp store, an ice cream place, and tons of amenities. You can rent golf carts, little paddle boats, and more," reports Kelsey P. The campground itself features "a very nice kid friendly pool" according to Barb L.
Mini-golf and recreational games: Port Huron KOA offers putt-putt golf and organized activities. "There is a movie theater, old one room schoolhouse, camp store, pools, number boats and putt putt," notes Melissa B. Equipment condition varies by campground, with some visitors reporting "the mini gold course was torn up in several places" at Jellystone late in the season.
River paddling: Located along the Black River, P.L. Graham Park & Campground offers water access for canoes and kayaks. "Nice place to bring a kayak & canoe. Worn in dock area but still accessible," mentions Valerie D. The park maintains a canoe launch with direct river access for paddlers.
What campers like
Wooded campsites for natural shade: Holly Recreation Area provides heavily forested sites rather than open fields. "Actually feels like camping with all the trees, not lined up in a farmer's field," writes Zachary S. Visitors appreciate that some campgrounds offer "several semi-private sites screened from neighbors by trees," as Jennifer H. observed at Holly.
Quiet atmosphere at smaller parks: Lexington Park Campground provides a more peaceful alternative to larger state parks in the region. "The park is quieter, and the campsites are under tall pines instead of out in an open field," notes Janet R., who found it "a happy alternative" to busier nearby campgrounds.
Clean facilities: Campground cleanliness ranks high in visitor priorities. At Holly Recreation Area, "The bathrooms and showers were clean, there were a lot of activities for the whole family, and the camp site was nice and shaded," writes BrianaLynn R. Similarly, at Lexington Park, visitors consistently mention "full immaculate restrooms and showers."
What you should know
Seasonal availability limitations: Most campgrounds in the region operate between April and October. Washakie Golf & RV Resort specifically lists their season as "May 1 - Oct 31," while Holly Recreation Area remains one of the few options open year-round. Cell coverage also varies significantly by carrier and location.
Site spacing concerns: At busier campgrounds, proximity between sites can impact the camping experience. At Port Huron Township RV Park, Craig W. notes "the campground is very simple and still has all the basic features needed for your camping needs." This straightforward approach works well for some campers.
Fire pit configurations: Fire pit designs vary between parks. At Port Huron Township RV Park, Terri W. advises: "Heads up, this campground does not have permanent fire rings. You will either need to bring your own pit, or rent one from the front office." Other campgrounds feature standard in-ground fire rings or constructed fire pits.
Tips for camping with families
Pool amenities: For families seeking water recreation beyond the lake, several campgrounds offer pool facilities. At Dancing Fire Glamping and RV Resort, Nathan H. found "nice pool, showers and sitewide wifi," noting the facilities were "clean" despite feeling the price was "high for a tent."
Activities for children: Planned activities keep younger campers engaged. At Jellystone Park, Kelly L. reports, "This campground has SO much to do that you will never hear your kids say those dreaded words... I am bored! The are round the clock activities, pool with kid area, water slides, obstacle course, GaGa pit, playground, jumped and so much more!"
Playground access: Many campgrounds feature playground equipment. Holly Recreation Area includes "several playgrounds, bench swings, play fields and even a basketball court," according to Jennifer H. Lexington Park offers a "great playground for the kids" with the added benefit of being "within walking distance to the water."
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: At Port Huron KOA, site location significantly impacts the camping experience. Alex H. recommends specific sites: "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."
Internet connectivity concerns: Digital accessibility varies widely between campgrounds and service providers. At Port Huron KOA, Joe S. reports "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."
Electrical service variations: Many rv sites near Smiths Creek offer varying levels of electrical service. Port Huron Township RV Park provides full hookup sites with 50-amp service, while Lexington Park offers "electric or electric and water hookups" according to Janet R., who primarily tent camped but noted the RV options.
