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Best Campgrounds near Tawas City, MI

351 Reviews

The eastern shores of Lake Huron shape the camping landscape around Tawas City, Michigan, where state parks, private campgrounds, and rustic sites accommodate various camping styles. Tawas Point State Park Campground in East Tawas offers electric hookups and beach access with views of both Lake Huron and Tawas Bay. Northern Bear Paw RV Park provides full-service camping with 57 sites that support RVs, tents, and cabins. Within a 30-minute drive, campers find additional options at Monument Campground, Old Orchard Park, and the Oscoda-Tawas KOA. The region balances developed facilities with more rustic experiences, particularly along the Au Sable River corridor where primitive camping appeals to paddlers and anglers.

Michigan's seasonal patterns significantly influence camping conditions in the Tawas area. Most campgrounds operate from May through October, though several remain open year-round. Advance reservations are essential during summer weekends when lakefront sites fill quickly. As one camper noted about Tawas Point, "The sites are on the small side without barriers, which was fine midweek. On the weekend, overcrowding was the norm." Michigan State Parks typically provide electric hookups at sites with water available from communal spigots. Winter camping is limited but available at select locations for cold-weather enthusiasts. Cell service remains reliable near town but can become spotty in more remote forest campgrounds.

Lake Huron access represents the primary draw for many campers visiting the area. "You can watch sunrise on the Lake Huron side, sunsets over Tawas Bay," reports one regular visitor to Tawas Point. Waterfront sites command premium prices and require booking months in advance, especially those with direct beach access. Midweek stays offer a quieter experience with better site availability. The Lumberman's Monument area provides historical context alongside camping opportunities, while the Au Sable River corridor attracts paddlers seeking riverside sites. Campers frequently mention clean facilities at most established campgrounds, though some note that Michigan's high water levels have eroded beaches in recent years. Family-friendly amenities include playgrounds, bike paths, and fishing opportunities throughout the region.

Map showing campgrounds near Tawas City, MichiganExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near Tawas City, Michigan (113)

    1. Tawas Point State Park Campground

    24 Reviews
    Tawas City, MI
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (989) 362-5041

    $20 - $50 / night

    "There's some walking trails here, the lighthouse is a close walk/bike from anywhere in the park. Getting to town is a few minute drive, or a very long bike ride on the road."

    "Always packed, very little cover, but surrounded by memorable beaches, walking trails, and not far from town (if you feel the need to be a tourist)."

    2. Old Orchard Park Campground

    8 Reviews
    Oscoda, MI
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (989) 739-7814

    "The large campground is crowded in summer months and you have to buy tokens to take a shower, but the views and access to the River are spectacular."

    "Sites are reasonably priced around$25-30/night.

    The park is very dog-friendly, which we appreciated. 

    Nice large, woodsy, level lots. Many are waterfront. "

    3. Oscoda-Tawas KOA

    6 Reviews
    Oscoda, MI
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (989) 739-5115

    "Very nice campground off the beaten path. Oscoda is on the East side of Michigan off Lake Huron. Northern lower pennisula. This campground is a good base camp for the area.

       "

    "The only complaint I have of this is that there is an active train track that goes through the front of the campground at the entrance. It came through at about 1:30am when I stayed."

    4. Lumberman's Monument Visitor Center

    5 Reviews
    Sand Lake, MI
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (989) 362-8961

    $15 - $30 / night

    "Hike to the nearby monument and attend one of their educational programs, visit the museum, take the steps down to the floating shanty, or visit the small store."

    "This is a nice campground that butts up with the Lumberman’s Memorial park with a trail leading to the AuSable sand dune. Campsites are paved with fire pits and picnic tables."

    5. Northern Bear Paw RV Park

    3 Reviews
    Sand Lake, MI
    10 miles
    Website
    +989362800009

    $40 - $50 / night

    "With a soothing creek whispering in the background of our campsite, we set our camper up for a two week adventure in this northwestern part of Michigan."

    "It’s sits on the Au Gres River trail to the river with seating, picnic table and fire pit. The grounds are immaculate. Very peaceful setting."

    6. East Tawas City Park

    2 Reviews
    Tawas City, MI
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (989) 362-5562

    "You can walk to downtown and eat at several restaurants, go to the movies, walk to Walmart and get ice cream from 3 different locations."

    "The lake is Lake Huron. US 23 divides this park from the city and there is a train track and active train on the opposite side but it only goes through once a day at about 10 o’clock at night."

    7. Monument Campground

    4 Reviews
    Sand Lake, MI
    13 miles
    Website

    $15 - $30 / night

    "Large sites with easy access to water and vault toilets. $15 a night. Not many people and half the sites are first come first served (easy to get a site in the middle of the week)."

    "Near a lot of recreation, including Lumbermans Monument, the paddlers memorial, and the lovely Ausable River. Minutes away from Oscoda and Lake Huron."

    8. Browns Landing RV Park

    1 Review
    Tawas City, MI
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (989) 362-3737

    "There is a bike path that goes all the way i to Tawas. About 9 miles. It goes thru the woods and is just lovely with jasmine and lilac bushes and views of Lake Huron."

    9. Round Lake

    1 Review
    Sand Lake, MI
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (989) 739-0728

    $14 / night

    10. Sleeper State Park Campground

    22 Reviews
    Caseville, MI
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (989) 856-4411

    "Like most Michigan State Parks, you get electric (50/30) at your site, period. There's public water available at various spots, but not at your site."

    "The lake right next door is beautiful, will definitely be coming back during summer! Loved the secluded location of the camp and the quiet atmosphere, despite lots of people."

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Recent Camping Photos near Tawas City, MI

172 Photos of 113 Tawas City Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Tawas City, MI

351 Reviews of 113 Tawas City 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!

  • 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.

  • L
    Aug. 6, 2025

    Monument Campground

    Quiet spot in the pines

    18 spots available. Half are reservable and half are first come first serve. There are a few double lots. Pay at entrance in envelope. Camp host came around to check our ticket. Clean pit toilets and water spigots throughout. Close to Lumbermans monument visitor center. $15 for single site or $30 for double. Half price if you have a Golden Age/Access or Interagency Senior/Access Pass

Guide to Tawas City

Camping near Tawas City, Michigan, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family adventure, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Explore the beaches: Many campgrounds, like Tawas Point State Park Campground, have stunning beaches. One camper mentioned, "Two swimming beaches. Dog beach. A few trails to walk on, not many to ride bikes."
  • Visit local attractions: Check out the Tawas Point Lighthouse. A reviewer noted, "The lighthouse here, which you can climb for a few bucks, is a nice little gift shop next to it."
  • Enjoy water activities: Kayaking and fishing are popular. A camper at Au Sable River Primitive Camping said, "Kayaking only to get there was SUCH a fun experience!"

What campers like:

  • Scenic views: Campers rave about the beautiful surroundings. One visitor at Port Crescent State Park Campground said, "The nature and wildlife there are simply amazing and the sunsets on the beach were incredible."
  • Clean facilities: Many campgrounds pride themselves on cleanliness. A reviewer at Bay City State Park Campground mentioned, "Showers/restrooms are good, cleaned twice a day."
  • Friendly staff: Campers appreciate helpful staff. A visitor at Harrisville State Park Campground noted, "The staff was very friendly the next morning."

What you should know:

  • Crowded on weekends: Many campgrounds can get busy, especially on weekends. A camper at Tawas Point State Park Campground said, "It can get really packed here on weekends."
  • Limited reservations: Some campgrounds, like South Higgins Lake State Park Campground, can be hard to book. A visitor mentioned, "Getting a site here during the summer can be very difficult."
  • Rustic amenities: If you prefer a more primitive experience, Ossineke State Forest Campground offers a rustic feel. A camper shared, "The vault toilets were clean, odor was minimal."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose spacious sites: Look for campgrounds with larger sites. A family at Albert E. Sleeper State Park Campground said, "Good spacious spots. Many sites are wide so they lend themselves to good group camping."
  • Check for kid-friendly amenities: Some campgrounds have playgrounds and splash pads. A reviewer at Bay City State Park Campground noted, "Great newer playscape and splash pad for the kids."
  • Plan for quiet hours: Be mindful of noise levels, especially during quiet hours. A camper at Harrisville State Park Campground mentioned, "We were warned about noise levels, which was a bit surprising."

Tips from RVers:

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

Camping near Tawas City, Michigan, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the beautiful outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best campgrounds in Tawas City, Michigan?

The Tawas City area offers several excellent camping options. Tawas Point State Park Campground is a premier destination with electric hookups, walking trails, and a lighthouse within walking distance. The park is well-maintained with close proximity to beaches and East Tawas town. For RV campers, Northern Bear Paw RV Park provides comfortable sites with a welcoming atmosphere and is known for its friendly hosts. Other highly-rated options in the region include Harrisville State Park, Rollways Campground, and Devoe Lake Rustic Campground, each offering unique amenities from beach access to trail connections. A Michigan Recreation Passport is required for state park entry, and reservations are recommended during peak summer months.

Is there waterfront camping available near Tawas City?

Yes, the Tawas City area offers excellent waterfront camping options. Harrisville State Park Campground features wooded sites right on Lake Huron's shoreline, with lakeside campsites that have their own beach access just steps away. The park offers a mix of shade and sun, with a sandy beach that transitions to all sand once you're in about two feet of water. Another exceptional waterfront option is Ossineke State Forest Campground, which provides gorgeous sites right on Lake Huron that fill up quickly. These lakeside sites offer privacy while remaining close to markets and fuel stations. For a more secluded experience, Negwegon State Park Campground offers beachfront camping with pine trees and gorgeous views of Lake Huron.

What is the difference between camping in Tawas City versus East Tawas?

Tawas City and East Tawas offer different camping experiences despite their proximity. East Tawas City Park provides convenient drive-in camping with water and toilet facilities, plus it's big-rig friendly and located directly in town with easy access to local amenities. In contrast, the Tawas City area features more natural settings like Port Crescent State Park Campground, which offers larger lots with firepits and picnic tables, proximity to fishing and kayaking opportunities, and beautiful beach access. East Tawas tends to have more urban convenience while Tawas City provides better access to nature-focused camping experiences. Both areas are within driving distance of each other, so campers can enjoy amenities from both locations regardless of where they stay.

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