Bay City, Michigan: State Campground and Recreation

 August 2020, 3 Nights, Weekday-Weekend

I had not planned to write another post about this location, since not much has changed since my last review; however, the state website information is still incorrect for campsite 68, and I felt it was important to share this information.

Snapshot from DNR reservation site with added notes by me

Bay City State Park campsites 68 - 71

The first time we stayed at this campground, we had reserved site 68 because the description says this site is 60 x 70, that it can accommodate a trailer up to 40', and the map shows a gray area between sites 64 and 68 (grayed areas are usually unusable areas next to campsites, often creating privacy). Campsite 68 is 60' wide; however, that measurement includes the gray unusable area, and a large RV will NOT fit on this site. We had our 30' fifth wheel when we had reserved it, and fortunately, another site was available when we arrived that time. Campsite 68 has a small area big enough for a tent, or possibly a pickup camper, right next to site 64, which is where the electrical outlet is located. There is another small area on the other side of the grayed area where the fire pit and picnic table are located. The people who stayed on this site set up two tents next to the fire pit with one of their tents mostly on our site (#69). Since our bedroom is in the front of our camper, and we know that is a crappy site, we did not say anything. There were several other empty sites, so I did not understand why they would have chosen site 68. They could not use their fire pit, as their tents were so close to it, and I do not think they knew that their power source was next to site 64. We greeted them when they arrived. They did not seem to want to talk much, so we just let them be. Maybe they thought we were on their site! I am sharing a few labeled pictures here to show the details.

Bay City State Park campsite 69

Campsite 69 is a large site (70 x 70), although there is not much privacy on the sides. Campsite 70 is not private at all, and it has obstacles to consider, like a large tree trunk and the location of the fire ring. People who arrived at site 70 the first day, left, and then returned to set up on campsite 71, which is much nicer. 

View from fire on campsite 69 at Bay City State Park

Here is another labeled photo for reference.

Sunset from trail between picnic area and beach

Bay City State Park recreation: beach, hiking, biking, fishing

There are plenty of hiking and biking opportunities in this park. Across the road from the campground, you will find the Visitor Center, beach, a couple of easy hiking trails, and a huge day use/picnic area with a playground and splash area. The splash area was not open due to COVID-19. It is easy to get to these areas on foot or bicycle, and there is plenty of parking available.

We hiked the small area by the Visitor Center, as well as Tobico Marsh. We observed several people fishing in the area behind the Visitor Center, although we did not chat with anyone about the details. 

Tobico Marsh hike

We biked all of the paved trails in the park, and into Bay City. When you get to the first bridge (Harry S. Truman Parkway) close to town, trail signage is non-existent, if you do not want to cross Saginaw River. To get to DeFoe Park and stay on the the west side of the river, you need to bike along Marquette Ave. We did not see any bike trail signs in this direction until we got close to DeFoe Park.

Bay City State Park beach area behind splash area

The beach on Lake Huron was a bit murky and stoney. The designated swimming area is cleaner than the beach areas to the southeast.

This is a great state park to visit, as long as you are aware of the campsite inaccuracies, and ground dampness (see my previous posts for info). Enjoy, and let me know if you have any questions!