River, stream, or creek camping near Saginaw

Explore Saginaw Bay, leafy forest trails, and a Dark Sky Preserve on Lake Huron.

97% (278 reviews)
97% (278 reviews)

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12 top river, stream, or creek campgrounds near Saginaw

100%
(81)

"Elysium Heritage Farm"

5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents120 acres · Pinconning, MI
"Elysium Heritage Farm" is situated on 120 acres in Northeast, MI surrounded by woods, trails, ponds and canals. Enjoy access to a small farm that includes fainting goats, chickens, turkeys, rabbits, and more. Bring your pole and try your luck at some catch and release fishing. Enjoy viewing numerous types of wildflowers, birds, and butterflies. Depending on the season, (and how quietly you walk the trails) you may experience a wide variety of wildlife species. Although we don't allow motorized ATVs, you are welcome to bring a golf cart. Most of the trails are improved enough to allow you access. Absolutely NO hunting allowed on the property. The property is located just (5) miles off I-75 so it's also a convenient mid-trip destination for those on a longer distance excursion. In case you plan on fishing the local hotspots on Lake Huron (15 minutes away) and are trailering a boat, there is plenty of area to park your rig during your stay. It's only a ten-minute drive to Pinconning, where you can experience Michigan's "Cheese Town" and all it has to offer. There's a grocery store, numerous cheese shops, and a variety of party stores and restaurants. For the outdoor enthusiasts, don't miss out on going to the ever-famous "Northwoods Wholesale Outlet". Also nearby is the "Saganing Eagles Landing Casino" in Standish. We have resided here for over 30 years and can assist you in many ways to get the most out of your visit. By the way, the definition of the word "Elysium" is "Place of perfect bliss" and yes, we labeled it that long before the movie with Matt Damon was created.
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$23.20
 / night
92%
(42)

Thousand S.’s Land

18 sites · Tents84 acres · Lapeer, MI
Welcome to Thousand Suns, a unique 84-acre sanctuary where the land is intentionally cultivated and vibrantly alive. Unlike any ordinary campground, our space is designed to support both traditional and non-traditional ceremonies, fostering a profound connection to oneself and the natural world. At Thousand Suns, guests and members can explore 84 acres of scenic trails, pristine spring-fed waters, and a flowing river, offering an immersive experience in nature's tranquility. Whether you're seeking solitude or community, our land provides a serene environment for personal growth and reflection. Depending on the timing of your visit, you may have the opportunity to participate in private sessions with our skilled facilitators. Our offerings include yoga, bodywork, and other holistic practices designed to enhance your well-being. Additionally, we host various events throughout the month, providing diverse experiences that nurture your mind, body, and spirit. Join us at Thousand Suns with your Fishing poles swim trunks and a desire to relax and enjoy the land while you embark on a journey of self-discovery and connection in a space where nature and intention come together harmoniously.
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$50
 / night
100%
(21)

River Daze

8 sites · RVs, Tents6 acres · Beaverton, MI
Campsites are all riverfront along the Tobacco River. Country feel within blocks of town. Ross Lake/Beach, the remodeled Beaverton Tavern, park, an ice cream shop and splash park are all located within a long walk or short drive. We are close to Gladwin, Ross Lake, OHV trails and the Juicy Bone. The river flows into Wixom Lake which is anticipated to be back in 2025. Sandy beach with river access . You can access the river from our canoe portage on the property. Good fishing, swimming or just hanging out. You can also canoe, kayak or tube beautiful Tobacco River or sandy Cedar River. Picnic tables and fire pits are located throughout the property. Good music, games, sing a longs. Hike through the trails to get to the the enchanted cedar forest which is all located in the campground. We have an outdoor 250 inch screen where we project movies, concerts, games, interactive dance videos. For kids and adults, everyone leaves with a smile.
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$35
 / night
98%
(131)

The Crow’s Nest

2 sites · Lodging20 acres · Beaverton, MI
This property was once part of an 80 acre farm. It has now grown into a mature forest with deer, turkey, squirrels, chipmunks, many types of songbirds and most recently a family of sandhill cranes. Our most recent improvement is an air conditioner in the Crow's Nest. Sheila grew up just across the road and spent many hours riding her horse and writing poetry on the property. No discharge of firearms is allowed on this property. As a retired artist, we love to entertain creative peaceful people and many think of our place as a quiet sanctuary that encourages creativity. We provide games, both outdoor and indoor, a screen house, hammock, nature trails and a new camp store with local items and snacks. There is an Amish community close by and a tour map is provided. We are also close to the largest canopy walk in the US at Whiting Forest and Dow Gardens. Only 25 minutes away. There is a small water park in the closest town with a beach. Locally there is tubing and canoeing at the Cedar River in Gladwin and kayaking at Pinconning Park on Saginaw Bay.
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$65
 / night

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

River, stream, or creek camping near Saginaw guide

Overview

Between Saginaw Bay and the Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge in Mid Michigan, this midwestern town makes for the perfect Great Lakes camping getaway. Saginaw Bay, an arm of Lake Huron, is ringed with beach parks for relaxing lakeside swimming, boating, fishing, and camping. And even better, the Saginaw Bay watershed is an important migratory bird habitat that draws birders during spring and fall migrations. South of Saginaw, the hardwood forests and wetlands of the Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge feature miles of hiking routes, mountain biking trails, and paddling paths. Campers love the area’s fall foliage and its proximity to Detroit, only a 90-minute drive away.

Where to go

Saginaw Surrounds

The Saginaw River runs right through downtown Saginaw, providing urban boating and fishing access. Hikers and bikers can take the nearby Saginaw Valley Rail Trail 11 miles to St. Charles in summer (the multi-use trail is utilized by skiers in winter).

Bay City State Park

Just 25 minutes from Saginaw, Bay City State Park sits on a sandy beach of Saginaw Bay that’s perfect for swimming, boating, and fishing. Tent and RV camping sites feature picnic tables, fire rings, and restrooms, while observation towers let campers study the wildlife in the park’s Topico Marsh.

Lake Camping on the “Thumb”

About 80 minutes northeast from Saginaw are two state parks on Lake Huron at the tip of Michigan’s thumb. Sleeper State Park has lakeside camping with sunrise and sunset views, plus a dune forest you can explore. Port Crescent State Park, meanwhile, is a designated Dark Sky Preserve with excellent stargazing and a campground offering both cabins and geodesic domes.

Tawas Point State Park

An hour and a half north of Saginaw is Tawas Point State Park, a 183-acre lakeside getaway set on the sand spit that separates Tawas Bay from Lake Huron. The park links up to the Tawas Bay Multi-Use Trail for biking or hiking on the lakeshore, and campers have plenty of options—choose from tent sites, RV sites, and cabins.

When to go

With late sunsets and warm days, summer is the best time to visit Saginaw for a camping trip. The autumn fall foliage transformation is also a beautiful time to camp, while spring and fall are prime for spotting migrating birds. Winters are dark, cold, and snowy—most campers steer clear unless opting for a cozy cabin rental.

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