Bay City State Park

How does a campground combine the sprawling beauty of a Great Lakes coastal wetland with family-friendly amenities and year-round adventure? Bay City State Park Campground, located along the shores of Saginaw Bay near Bay City, Michigan, provides exactly that blend of unique natural features and modern convenience. The campground is defined by its proximity to the vast Tobico Marsh, an ecological gem offering wildlife observation towers, boardwalks, and trails through one of the largest remaining freshwater marshes on the Great Lakes.

Boasting nearly 200 campsites with electric hookups, the campground is well-suited for tent campers, RV enthusiasts, and even those seeking cozy mini cabins. Each site features fire pits and picnic tables, with modern restrooms, showers, and a sanitary dump station accessible throughout the area. For younger visitors, the sprawling Play by the Bay playscape and Spray by the Bay splash park provide hours of entertainment, while adults can enjoy the convenience of hiking and birdwatching trails that start right within the park. Seasonal interpretive programs at the Saginaw Bay Visitor Center add an educational touch to this rich natural environment.

Set just five miles from downtown Bay City, the campground also offers easy access to local dining and attractions. Nature lovers and outdoor adventurers can further explore seven miles of interconnected trails, sandy beaches for swimming, and year-round recreational activities, including ice fishing and cross-country skiing in winter. With its seamless combination of ecological significance and family-focused amenities, Bay City State Park Campground is ideal for weekend escapes, family vacations, and extended outdoor retreats.