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Best Campgrounds near Standish, MI

392 Reviews

The Standish, Michigan area encompasses several established campgrounds that offer various accommodation options including tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin rentals. River View Campground & Canoe Livery, located along the Rifle River, provides camping with water activities and modern amenities. Outdoor Adventures Saginaw Bay Resort in Standish offers year-round camping with full hookup sites and cabin accommodations. Big Bend Campground, positioned along the river, features family-friendly amenities and water recreation opportunities within a short drive from town.

Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally, typically from April through October, though some like Pinconning County Park and Outdoor Adventures Saginaw Bay Resort remain open year-round. Advance reservations are recommended, especially for summer weekends and holiday periods when water-adjacent sites fill quickly. Many campgrounds offer electrical hookups, shower facilities, and sanitary stations for RVs. The Rifle River area is particularly popular for water recreation with numerous access points for canoeing, kayaking, and tubing. As one visitor noted, "The water was warm and clear, you could see the sand dunes, and when you climb up the tower there's an extremely large eagle's nest."

Riverside camping represents a significant draw in the Standish area, with multiple developed campgrounds situated along the Rifle River and Saginaw Bay offering water-based recreation. Campers frequently mention the appeal of being able to launch directly into the water from their sites. Several visitors highlighted the family-friendly amenities available at many locations, including playgrounds, volleyball courts, and organized activities. According to a camper at Big Bend Campground, "I highly suggest getting a river campsite that you can tube/kayak/canoe to if you launch from the access a couple of miles down the road. That was an absolute blast." While some campgrounds like River View and Rifle River receive positive reviews for their natural settings, others like Outdoor Adventures properties have mixed feedback regarding management practices and value for the price charged.

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Best Camping Sites Near Standish, Michigan (151)

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Recent Camping Photos near Standish, MI

177 Photos of 151 Standish Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Standish, MI

392 Reviews of 151 Standish Campgrounds

  • alicianlv The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 4, 2025

    Au Sable Loop Campground — Huron Manistee National Forests

    Au Sable Loop #3

    We 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.

  • Jonathan B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Au Sable River Primitive Camping

    Primitive camping, but too close to the road/airport

    The 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.

  • K
    Aug. 25, 2025

    Au Sable Loop Campground — Huron Manistee National Forests

    Spacious Private Sites

    We 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!

  • l
    Aug. 25, 2025

    Black Creek State Forest Campground

    Black Creek State Forest Campground

    Pull 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.

  • Edward C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 24, 2025

    Port Crescent State Park Campground

    Beautiful views

    Beautiful, 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.

  • Edward C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Tawas Point State Park Campground

    Terrific location

    This 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.

  • Melissa H.
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Bay City State Park Campground

    Bustling, clean and friendly

    Easy 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.

  • Deb M.
    Aug. 16, 2025

    Bay City State Park Campground

    Crowded and inconvenient

    So, 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.

  • Ethan R.
    Aug. 13, 2025

    Port Crescent State Park Campground

    Great lakeside campground

    Very nice campground. Great sandy beach. Nice bathrooms and showers. Has geodomes and mini cabins for rent.

Guide to Standish

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.

What to do:

  • Explore the beaches: Many campgrounds, like Tawas Point State Park Campground, have stunning beaches. One reviewer mentioned, "Two swimming beaches. Dog beach. A few trails to walk on, not many to ride bikes."
  • Hiking and biking: Trails are available for both hiking and biking. A visitor at Harrisville State Park Campground noted, "Not a huge park, but complete with bike and walk/jog trails."
  • Fishing: The area is great for fishing, especially at spots like Au Sable River Primitive Camping, where one camper said, "Directly across from the best fishing spot and shoreline to soak up the summer sun."

What campers like:

  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review for Bay City State Park Campground highlighted, "Showers/restrooms are good, cleaned twice a day."
  • Friendly staff: Many visitors mention the helpfulness of campground staff. One camper at Port Crescent State Park Campground said, "Staff friendly. Like most MI State Park sites, it's electric only."
  • Scenic views: Campers love the beautiful surroundings. A visitor at North Higgins Lake State Park Campground remarked, "Campground was beautiful and had many trails to walk & bike."

What you should know:

  • Crowded during peak season: Many campgrounds can get busy, especially on weekends. A review for Tawas Point State Park Campground noted, "It can get really packed here on weekends."
  • Limited reservations: Some campgrounds, like South Higgins Lake State Park Campground, have a hard time booking spots. One camper said, "It’s impossible to get a spot somehow they’re already booked before they even allowed to be booked."
  • Noise levels: Campers near busy roads may experience noise. A visitor at North Higgins Lake State Park Campground mentioned, "The campground was located right next to a busy road. So, there was road noise through the night."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose family-friendly campgrounds: Look for places with amenities for kids. A reviewer at Bay City State Park Campground said, "Great newer playscape and splash pad (!) for the kids."
  • Plan for activities: Make sure to have a list of activities to keep everyone entertained. One camper at Harrisville State Park Campground noted, "Great facilities and most spots are fairly private with amazing sites right on the lake."
  • Pack for the beach: If you're near a beach, bring beach toys and towels. A visitor at Tawas Point State Park Campground mentioned, "Nice park. Can feel a little tight on some spaces, especially if your neighbor sprawls over the lines."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check site sizes: Some campgrounds have tight spaces. A reviewer at Tawas Point State Park Campground warned, "Big rigs, note that the roads can be tight, especially when inconsiderate campers crowd the road."
  • Bring extension cords: Some sites may require longer cords for electric hookups. A camper at Bay City State Park Campground advised, "Recommend to have extension cord for some sites, as plug in can be far."
  • Book early: Popular spots fill up fast, so plan ahead. A visitor at South Higgins Lake State Park Campground mentioned, "You will want one of these sites, you will need to be ready to book the site 6 months in advance."

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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