Bay City Campground

4.39

38 reviews

Bay City Campground

Quick Facts

Price

$20 - $29/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

193 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Not Allowed

RV FriendlyElectricShowersWiFi

Opens Michigan Department of Natural Resources site

Get Directions

Quick Facts

Price

$20 - $29/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

193 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Not Allowed

RV FriendlyElectricShowersWiFi

Opens Michigan Department of Natural Resources site

Get Directions

Bay City Campground

$20.00 - $29.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Nightly rates vary by service: $25 per night for 20/30 amp sites, $29 per night for 50 amp sites. Off‑season rates reported as $20/$24. Fees and...

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

Total Campsite Fees$0.00

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Michigan

Provider

(800) 447-2757

What Campers Say

4.39

Recommended

Based on 38 reviews

38 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanshowersrestroomssites

Some mention

noise

"Visitors consistently praise clean, modern restrooms and showers, spacious shady sites, family‑friendly amenities (playscape and splash pad), and good trails/boardwalks for birding and biking. Common negatives focus on variable beach water quality, occasional noisy or unruly campers, and some sites near a road that can be noisy."

Read all reviews

Fees & Passes at Bay City Campground

$20 - $29/night

Campsite fees

Prices verified December 13, 2025

Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Michigan Department of Natural Resources website.

Best Time to Camp at Bay City Campground

Summer brings families eager for beach days and splashing in the park's popular splash pad, while October sees a second wave of visitors drawn by harvest festivals and Halloween happenings. The swimming season offers refreshing bay access, though water quality can fluctuate—the park monitors conditions closely and posts updates when needed, so checking ahead ensures the best experience.

Spring (Mar-May)

Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.

Best

Summer (Jun-Aug)

Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.

Fall (Sep-Nov)

Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.

Winter (Dec-Feb)

Off-season, limited services. Check for closures before visiting.

Planning Tips

About Bay City Campground

Tucked into the shaded woods of Bay City State Park, this welcoming campground strikes the perfect balance between natural beauty and modern comfort. Spacious, level sites accommodate both tents and RVs, while pristine facilities and proximity to a sandy Saginaw Bay beach make it an ideal basecamp for families seeking a true Michigan coastal experience.

Modern campground supporting tents, RVs, and on‑site mini‑cabin accommodations; primarily family oriented.

Weather and SeasonsSummer brings families eager for beach days and splashing in the park's popular splash pad, while October sees a second wave of visitors drawn by harvest festivals and Halloween happenings. The swimming season offers refreshing bay access, though water quality can fluctuate—the park monitors conditions closely and posts updates when needed, so checking ahead ensures the best experience.

Natural Features and SceneryYour mornings here begin with birdsong drifting across from Tobico Marsh, where boardwalks wind through wetlands alive with waterfowl. A paved rail-trail runs right behind the campground, inviting evening strolls past tranquil lagoons. Just across the road, the day-use area opens onto a sweeping sandy beach where Saginaw Bay's waters lap the shore—a landscape that shifts beautifully between the vibrant greens of summer and the golden hues of autumn.

Geological RegionCoastal wetland / marsh complex (Tobico Marsh) on Saginaw Bay

Campsite details

Total Campsites193 campsites

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive are not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsMIDNRReservations.com

Accomodation available

Cabin lodgingCabin lodging is available for campers seeking a more sheltered and comfortable experience. These enclosed accommodations offer protection from the elements and are ideal for those who prefer not to camp in tents.

Amenities available

Showers

WiFi

Cell phone service

Flush toilets

Electricity hookups

Activities you can enjoy

Family‑oriented park with beach/day‑use amenities across the road, paved rail‑trail and boardwalks through Tobico Marsh for biking/walking, and strong opportunities for birding and wildlife viewing. Playscape and splash/sprinkler park at the day‑use area are major draws for families.

Hiking

Multiple nature trails and a paved rail‑trail and boardwalk through Tobico Marsh and around the lagoon provide easy walking and nature‑viewing opportunities.

Swimming

Broad sandy swimming beach on Saginaw Bay (day‑use area across the road). Water quality can be variable; sources note occasional mucky conditions and past temporary closures for elevated E. coli.

Biking

Wildlife viewing

Campground rules

Pets are not allowed

Hazards

General hazardsBeach water quality can be variable (mucky conditions) and has at times closed due to elevated E. coli. Campground is separated from the beach by a road that must be crossed. Some back‑of‑loop sites are close to a public road and can experience traffic noise; some low/wet spots reported in center of campground.

Weather at Bay City Campground

°F

Dec 13

Saturday

Overcast

Precipitation: 0%

Humidity: 67%

Wind: 14.4 mph

Overcast

Weather History

Weather data powered by Open-Meteo

Detailed 7-Day Forecast

Reveal forecast

Good to know

Common complaintsBeach water quality can be murky and has been closed at times for elevated E. coli; no campsites have direct waterfront views; some back‑loop sites are near a public road and can experience traffic noise; occasional campsite conflicts or unruly campers reported.

Campground Map

Bay City Campground

Driving directionsCampground is within Bay City State Park, sitting just inland from Saginaw Bay and separated from the main beach/day‑use area by a two‑lane road.

Accessible via local roads from Bay City; park is close to town (specific route information not provided).

Nearby places

Bay City (nearby)

Nearby supplies

Bay City (closest town for restaurants, shops and supplies)

Reviews from booking and map sources

4.4

38 reviews

Recommended

Bay City Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Visitors consistently praise clean, modern restrooms and showers, spacious shady sites, family‑friendly amenities (playscape and splash pad), and good trails/boardwalks for birding and biking. Common negatives focus on variable beach water quality, occasional noisy or unruly campers, and some sites near a road that can be noisy.

Review Summaries

Based on 38 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean, updated restrooms and showers; large, level sites suitable for RVs and tents; excellent family amenities including a playscape and splash park across the road; strong birding and paved trail...

Based on 38 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring a long power cord because power pedestals are shared between two sites; book early for holiday weekends and popular October events; bring bikes or walking shoes to enjoy the marsh rail‑trail;...

Based on 38 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Big sites. Clean facilities and lots of areas for kids to explore."; "Showers were clean and well stocked."; "Great environment for the kids & family."

Based on 38 reviews