Best Glamping near Tawas City, MI

Tawas Point State Park Campground features upgraded glamping yurts just steps from the sandy beaches of Lake Huron, combining comfort with natural beauty near the historic lighthouse. These cozy canvas structures include proper beds with linens, electricity, and climate control options for year-round stays. "The park is very clean. Some sites are small, some are larger. Fun interpretive programs for adults and kids. Beautiful beach to spend the day on," noted one visitor. Northern Bear Paw RV Park also offers premium glamping accommodations with thoughtfully designed interiors, private decks, and easy access to the soothing creek that runs through the property, making it ideal for those seeking an elevated outdoor experience without sacrificing modern conveniences.

The shoreline location of these glamping sites creates exceptional opportunities for wildlife viewing, particularly at Tawas Point, a renowned stopover for migratory warblers in spring. Hiking trails lead to the lighthouse and connect to multiple beaches, including separate swimming areas on both the Lake Huron and Tawas Bay sides. A guest mentioned, "You can climb a lighthouse and look out 30+ miles. Two swimming beaches. Dog beach. A few trails to walk on." Beyond the natural attractions, East Tawas town is accessible via a paved pathway, offering dining options, a chocolate shop, ice cream at Marion's, and a vibrant farmers market. Kayak rentals are available on-site, while evening programs and interpretive activities enhance the glamping experience throughout the peak season from April through October.

Best Glamping Sites Near Tawas City, Michigan (20)

    1. Tawas Point State Park Campground

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

    $20 - $50 / night

    "It is an important stopping point for the migratory pattern of warblers in the spring, and has a very nice nature walk."

    "We stayed on site 70, and while it was crowded, we didn’t mind. We were close by to the boat launch, and just a short walk to the bathroom; not too far and not too close either."

    2. Old Orchard Park Campground

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

    "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. "

    "Very family and pet friendly. It has a playground and a small beach. There are many options to stay here! Highly recommend"

    3. Northern Bear Paw RV Park

    3 Reviews
    Sand Lake, MI
    10 miles
    Website
    +989362800009

    $40 - $50 / night

    "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."

    "Pulling into the campground you notice a warm and welcoming couple greeting you, as if your were long lost cousins. The campsites are nicely laid out with comfortable amenities."

    4. Oscoda KOA

    3 Reviews
    Oscoda, MI
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (989) 739-5115

    "Great location. Close to river trip companies and the lake."

    "Our location was right behind the general store so at night the lights were very bright. This KOA has so many activities for kids and we enjoyed ourselves here!"

    5. Port Crescent State Park Campground

    26 Reviews
    Port Austin, MI
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (989) 738-8663

    "General: A real hodgepodge of options: paved sites, sandy sites, some with electric, hammock sites, several different types of cabins, and domes."

    "This park is in a great location—The Thumb felt quite isolated."

    6. Devoe Lake Rustic Campround — Rifle River Recreation Area

    12 Reviews
    Lupton, MI
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (989) 473-2258

    "The site was easy to find, spacious, and had adequate distancing from other campers. It included a fire pit and picnic table too. The lake was serene in the early mornings and evenings."

    "This here is one of my favorite campgrounds in Michigan. The facilities are clean and kept up. All access to trails, lakes and the river are close and easy to get to."

    7. City of Au Gres Riverfront Campground

    1 Review
    Au Gres, MI
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (989) 876-8310

    "Great walking paths."

    8. South Branch Trail Camp Group Site

    1 Review
    Glennie, MI
    20 miles
    Website

    $40 - $100 / night

    "Bathroom was clean, site was large surrounded by tall pine trees. Picnic table was HC accessible. Fire pit ring. I'm a motocamper and suited my needs. No trash, so take what you brought in plus some."

    9. Jewell Lake Campground

    4 Reviews
    Barton City, MI
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 775-2421

    $15 / night

    "Relatively quiet and secluded, Jewell Lake campground resides in the Huron-manistee National Forest."

    "Gorgeous area right on Jewell lake. Walking distance from Barton City. Sites have nice privacy between them. Utilized the grill on the fire ring alot Privy was well kept."

    10. River View Campground & Canoe Livery

    5 Reviews
    Alger, MI
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (989) 654-2447

    "Campground offers many amenities and with the river right on site there is so much to do. We always go tubing and kayaking. Bathrooms and showers are decent for a campground."

    "It sits along the Rifle River next to Rifle River Campground and Whites Campground.  The campground is huge and offers so much!"

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Glamping Reviews near Tawas City, MI

131 Reviews of 20 Tawas City Campgrounds


  • Hallee L.
    Aug. 26, 2023

    Tawas Point State Park Campground

    Nice but busy

    It is very nice and extremely clean. However it is kind of cramped. Sites feel close and everyone was very nosey. Pet beach is nice. Water is beautiful. Convenient location. People didn't listen to rules such as quiet hour and let their badly behaved dogs run loose. Bath house is extremely nice! All in all, I would camp here on an off day/season.

  • Emily F.
    Jul. 10, 2021

    Bay City State Park Campground

    Close sites

    Nice and clean. I’m in the inner loop though and the sites are very close together. If I came back I would definitely try to stay out the outer loop. Electric, fire pit, and picnic table on site. No grate. Showers and bathrooms available.

  • Rodger M.
    Sep. 3, 2021

    Devoe Lake Rustic Campround — Rifle River Recreation Area

    Spacious, Quiet, Relaxing

    We were greeted at the gate by an extremely helpful and knowledgeable gentleman. He provided good directions, and helped us with our Rec Pass.

    The site was easy to find, spacious, and had adequate distancing from other campers. It included a fire pit and picnic table too.

    The lake was serene in the early mornings and evenings. Listen for the woeful call of the loons. What a treat!

    Word of caution, the raccoons start partying as soon as you bed down. Make sure your food and trash is adequately covered/contained.

    Campground has vault toilets. We never used them but good to know they have them.

  • N
    Oct. 6, 2020

    Northern Bear Paw RV Park

    Words Can’t Describe

    This place is gorgeous. Owners have done a great job with the property. Pine trees left intact. 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.

  • Sean R.
    Jul. 5, 2021

    South Branch Trail Camp Group Site

    Nice Large Private Site #21

    Bathroom was clean, site was large surrounded by tall pine trees. Picnic table was HC accessible. Fire pit ring. I'm a motocamper and suited my needs. No trash, so take what you brought in plus some.

  • Lee D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 12, 2025

    Port Crescent State Park Campground

    Very popular campground nestled between the highway and the beach

    General: A real hodgepodge of options: paved sites, sandy sites, some with electric, hammock sites, several different types of cabins, and domes. Our stay was in 2023, and this review is based on that, but the campground was closed for the 2024 season for upgrades. 

    Site Quality: Varies greatly. We were able to secure two different sites for our two-night stay. Upon arrival, however, we doubted we would be able to navigate our 18-foot camper van into Site 58– it was sandy, narrow with trees, and cars were parked alongside the narrow access road, making backing in very difficult to impossible. We were able to switch to Site 69 for the first night. The second night we were in site 56 and enjoyed listening to the waves lapping up against the shore. Not all sites are level. Little privacy/separation between sites but if you can score a waterfront site, then it’s all good. Sites 93, 95, 95A, 98, 99A, 101, 103, 105, and 107 back up to the old river channel and the water was very stagnant and green. The beachfront sites mostly have nice views of Saginaw Bay/Lake Huron but be cautious when selecting: some are sand and not level. You will hear road noise from M25 on the 19 sites that back up to the road (and also some of the sites opposite these). 

    Bath/Shower: Two bathhouses (east and west) plus a couple of vault toilets. The East Bathhouse was very modern and clean. The West Bathhouse looked to be a bit older but still seemed fine. 

    Activities/Amenities: Beach access, fishing, swimming, and an observation platform for bird watching or night sky viewing (the weather did not cooperate to check these out). There are nearby hiking trails, a playground, a basketball hoop, and a horseshoe pit. There is a dump station. Kudos to Michigan for extensive recycling! 

    We arrived late at night, and I was able to get in a nice walk around the campground before the rain started, dampening our options for the rest of the day. Obviously, our stay here would have been better with better weather, but I caution you to be careful when reserving your sites based on your type of camping. Despite the abundance of mayflies (gross but not biting) and the muddy sand-covered road from all the rain, we’d stay here again if we could get a beachfront site. We enjoyed our time here and would love to see what improvements were made when the campground was closed (although I thought it was very nice before).

  • Halie C.
    Jul. 9, 2018

    Jewell Lake Campground

    Beautiful, quiet, peaceful.

    Relatively quiet and secluded, Jewell Lake campground resides in the Huron-manistee National Forest. Our campsite was great with plenty of room to house three tents as well as a fire pit and picnic table. There is access to Jewell Lake from the campground where there is a small beach, dock, and boat launch. Beware, there are no park rangers on duty 24/7 at the campground or a camp store, however Barton city is only a few minutes away where they have a quaint general store.

  • Tanner G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 4, 2022

    Bay City State Park Campground

    "Late night check in"

    We came in late for just a place to rest before heading further north. Drop box available after 10pm(summer). Between 8p-10p there is a yellow phone to check in with. Can book day of until 8pm online. Easy to get into late at night. Big lots. Fire pit. Sites are electric only. Recommend to have extension cord for some sites, as plug in can be far. Website has pictures for sites and will advise if lot gets wet. Staff was very friendly the next morning. Updated our rec pass at the park before leaving. Lots of trails and swimming beach near park.

  • Mark H.
    Sep. 22, 2016

    Tawas Point State Park Campground

    Nice place on the bay

    We went on a family trip to the Tawas Pointe State Park. It is an important stopping point for the migratory pattern of warblers in the spring, and has a very nice nature walk. The nature walk leads out to the lighthouse by the bay, and comes up to the beach. The camp grounds have electrical and water access for RVs and campers, but people also camp out in their tents, and everything in between. There is a small playground that my daughter enjoyed, and a paved pathway through the grounds to Rollerblade/bike on. Most sites come with a fire pit. There is also a large dumpster near the entrance for waster disposal.


Guide to Tawas City

Tawas City sits at approximately 600 feet above sea level on the western shore of Lake Huron, where the sandy beaches create a natural transition from forest to shoreline. Winter temperatures regularly drop below freezing with annual snowfall averaging 45 inches, while summer brings temperatures in the mid-70s to low 80s. Camping options range from rustic sites with vault toilets to premium glamping accommodations with electricity and climate control.

What to do

Beach activities: Port Crescent State Park Campground offers extensive water recreation with clean, sandy beaches ideal for swimming. "A lot of fun things for kids, lots of adventures. Close to town," notes Wendy K. The park features both shallow swimming areas and fishing spots.

Hiking trails: Rifle River Recreation Area provides multiple trail systems connecting its five interior lakes. "There is a really nice observation tower and fishing pier on Grebe Lake. You can't keep the bluegills and sunfish off your hook," according to Dave V., who also mentions that "The water is super clean and crystal clear...and usually sand or rock bottom."

River activities: At River View Campground & Canoe Livery, tubing and kayaking are popular summer activities. "Nothing like grabbing a tube a flowing down the river with friends," says Megan W. The campground offers equipment rentals on-site with shuttle service for river trips.

Wildlife viewing: Jewell Lake Campground provides opportunities for nature observation in a quiet setting. "The lake has an island in the middle and is great to explore by boat," shares Amber A., noting it's "clean and simple. Shady."

What campers like

Private campsites: At Devoe Lake Rustic Campground, campers appreciate the secluded spots. "Devoe campground was very private sites are open and surrounded my trees," notes Daniel C., while Dave V. mentions that sites are "shielded from the next site by conifer and brush, so there is a fair amount of visual privacy."

Family-friendly amenities: Northern Bear Paw RV Park receives praise for its thoughtful design and natural setting. Colin L. describes it as having "campsites nicely laid out with comfortable amenities. With a soothing creek whispering in the background of our campsite," adding that "the atmosphere is relaxing and the birds add a melody to the air."

Water access: Old Orchard Park Campground offers direct waterfront options along the AuSable River. "Beautiful wooded sights. Fishing, boat ramp, beach, wagon rides, hearts, cabins great place," shares C.P. The park provides both modern and rustic camping options.

Cleanliness: Port Crescent State Park Campground maintains clean facilities despite high usage. "The bathrooms are clean and well maintained. Sites are large in general with plenty of room for activities," according to Edward C., who adds that "The pet friendly beach is fantastic for dogs as the water is very shallow."

What you should know

Reservation systems: Many campgrounds in the Tawas area require reservations, especially during peak season. At Tawas Point State Park Campground, campsites can book up quickly. "This state park is about the best camping you can get in the area. We stayed on site 70, and while it was crowded, we didn't mind," notes Emma W.

Weather considerations: The Lake Huron shoreline experiences variable weather patterns. Port Crescent camper Timothy P. advises, "When storms come it, make sure you have everything put away and your tent staked down reeeeeal good, cause I've definitely seen 60mph+ winds and tents end up in the trees."

Site selection: At Old Orchard Park Campground, site selection matters. Tracey R. points out, "Water and electric are poorly located. Need extra hose/cords," though she appreciates that "Nice large, woodsy, level lots. Many are waterfront."

Busy periods: Oscoda KOA sees varying levels of traffic seasonally. Kristy G. mentions, "We went second week of July and it was pretty empty, which was nice for us. There is a few things for kids/teens to play on, although half the arcade games were not working."

Tips for camping with families

Multiple swimming options: Port Crescent State Park Campground offers varied swimming experiences. "The park is always clean. The pet friendly beach is fantastic for dogs as the water is very shallow and lets them be active," notes Edward C., adding, "There's also a kids playground and volleyball court."

Recreation amenities: River View Campground caters to families with numerous activities. Phil M. says, "There were numerous playground areas, volleyball, horseshoes, and even an arcade area. Although we didn't stay in the Family area it looked very nice."

Educational opportunities: At Rifle River Recreation Area, families can enjoy nature-based learning. Jessika A. shares, "All access to trails, lakes and the river are close and easy to get to. Great location to bring family and pets." Tasha T. adds, "The overlook tower is definitely worth the hike and there's a hidden surprise at the same location for those who know where to look."

Kid-friendly glamping: Glamping in Tawas City, Michigan has grown in popularity among families seeking comfort with outdoor access. At Old Orchard, Rachel S. notes, "I have been coming to this campground for many years. I bring my whole family! Very family and pet friendly. It has a playground and a small beach."

Tips from RVers

Site specifications: At Tawas Point State Park, RV campers should note the layout challenges. "The access roads on the loop are narrow, so you may need to take some care of if you have a large vehicle," warns Edward C., though he rates the campground highly for its overall experience.

Seasonal considerations: Luxury glamping near Tawas City works well for RVers seeking alternatives to traditional setups. City of Au Gres Riverfront Campground offers river access with full hookups. Kenneth W. notes it has "Good size sites. Great walking paths," and is conveniently located "in town and on the river."

Hookup locations: For those traveling in larger RVs, River View Campground offers more spacious options in certain sections. Phil M. explains, "The rustic sites along the river in section 'N' were very large and spacious spots. Sections L and M seemed to be tightly packed in," providing useful guidance for selecting the right site.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Tawas City, MI?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Tawas City, MI is Tawas Point State Park Campground with a 4-star rating from 24 reviews.

What is the best site to find glamping camping near Tawas City, MI?

TheDyrt.com has all 20 glamping camping locations near Tawas City, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.