Looking for the best campgrounds near Standish, MI? Standish is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.
"There is a cluster of quiet sites, a track of sites tucked away in some pines, and then the modern sites. The campground itself is large and has a couple lakes to go fishing in."
"Lots of hiking trails, bike trails. Lots of lakes, great beach areas!"
"Nice campground with great access to the Saginaw Bay for boaters/kayakers/etc with a small beach. Some campsites are better than others, like most campgrounds but all have some perks."
"Good place for quiet camping and a great walking trail back to the bay through the marsh."
"It sits along the Rifle River next to Rifle River Campground and Whites Campground.
The campground is huge and offers so much!"
"It's a typical Michigan state campground, not much different. Nice bathrooms and big lots."
"The near by nature preserve is a great place to take a hike or bike ride. There are a couple restaurants right outside the park entrance."
"I was so scared of loud noises at night waking her, but after quiet time I couldn't hear another person around at a single site and it was a no vacancy weekend. So I was very glad."
"The camping is dispersed with walk in sites or drive in. There is a variety of pit toilets with trash pick up."
"The campsites are purely for tent camping and are around 20'x40'. We went with a group and fit four tents on one site with a picnic table and fire pit for less than $10 each."
GuideWe were passing through and didn't have time to explore campground arriving around 7p & road tired.
Site # 3 was without metal fire ring as shown to have in reservation picture. In its place was a hole and pile of ash with a hardened ash plug as if it was dug out of ground and thrown near bushes, strange. We were only campers there but heard faint voices outdoors after turning in to sleep, kinda creepy.
Pictures taken just before leaving early morning. Heard there might be poison ivy around camp so only took basic photos but stayed clear of foliage around site.
TravelerThe site was truly rustic. About 1/4 mile to the next site. Nice clearing with multiple spots you could maneuver a small camper back into if you are a good enough driver. If not, there is a nice clearing by the road that also works. Had a fire ring with a flip over grill. Trails run back into woods to potential cat hole locations. For water, you can head up the road a few miles to the lumberman monument park, and they have a fauset by the parking lot. Also, about 1/8 mile down the road is an established path down to the Au Sable River to get water to extinguish your campfire but not for drinking (this stretch of the river is not safe to drink). During the day and sometimes at night you can hear a lot of road traffic and also jet engine noise from the local airport. Good openings for solar if you are using movable panels or can get your camper back far enough, but not so good in the default parking spot. Verizon = 3-4 bars 5G.
TravelerWe camped on the ausable river camping on alcona pond. The sites are very secluded from one another, no bathrooms, no water available, but its quiet, private, and had access right to the river. Lots of poison ivy in July, so be aware. Lots of campers across the river that you can see, but nothing overly noisy or distracting. Our site had room for 3 families with tents. Some walking paths, but we didn’t wander too far. Short drives to beautiful overlooks, or the dam for fishing. We wanted 006 site originally. its level with the river and right on a winding bend! Sites seem to reserve fast, so be ready!
TravelerPull 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.
GuideBeautiful, newly renovated park with a great beach and beach access.
Be advised that the sites closer to the beach are very sandy. Larger campers may get stuck, especially after a rainstorm.
GuideThis is a beautiful and picturesque park. The bathrooms are clean and well maintained.
Sites are large in general with plenty of room for activities.
The pet friendly beach is fantastic for dogs as the water is very shallow and let's them be active.
The access roads on the loop are narrow, so you may need to take some care of if you have a large vehicle.
There's also a kids playground and volleyball court.
TravelerEasy 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.
RangerSo, 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.
TravelerVery nice campground. Great sandy beach. Nice bathrooms and showers. Has geodomes and mini cabins for rent.
Camping near Standish, Michigan, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and a variety of campgrounds to choose from. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a family-friendly adventure, there's something for everyone.
Camping near Standish, Michigan, has its perks and quirks. With the right planning, you can enjoy a memorable outdoor experience!
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Standish campground located in Michigan?
Standish is located in Arenac County in northeastern Michigan, about 30 miles north of Bay City along the I-75 corridor. The area offers several camping options, with Outdoor Adventures Saginaw Bay Resort being directly in Standish. This location provides convenient access to Saginaw Bay on Lake Huron. Nearby, you'll find River View Campground & Canoe Livery near Sterling, which sits along the scenic Rifle River, making it ideal for water recreation enthusiasts exploring the Standish region.
What are the camping fees and reservation requirements for Standish campgrounds?
Camping fees in the Standish area vary by campground type and amenities. At Big Bend Campground near Standish, reservations are recommended, especially during peak summer months. For state parks in the region like Tawas Point State Park Campground, fees typically include your site rental plus a Recreation Passport (Michigan State Park entrance permit), with sites ranging from $25-$45 depending on hookups. Most campgrounds in the area require reservations through their official websites or by phone, with deposits often required. Reservation windows usually open 6 months in advance for peak season.
What amenities are available at campgrounds near Standish, MI?
Campgrounds near Standish offer a range of amenities to suit different camping styles. Northern Bear Paw RV Park provides comfortable sites with a welcoming atmosphere and convenient layout for RVs. For those seeking more natural settings, Herrick Recreation Area features spacious wooded sites with electric hookups, shared water access, swimming and fishing in the lake, and kayak launch areas. Many campgrounds in the region offer clean restrooms, fire pits, picnic tables, and access to recreational activities. Some provide camp stores, playgrounds, and shower facilities, while others focus on natural amenities like river access, hiking trails, and fishing opportunities.
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