Camp on the Beach at Port Crescent State Park
Visiting the Thumb Coast Of Lake Huron
Have you visited the tip of the thumb in Michigan? We’re giving Port Crescent State Park a huge thumbs up for being one of our favorite beach camping sites in Michigan! Located in Port Austin, this beautiful Michigan state park has an impressive 3 mile stretch of Lake Huron shoreline. Few places can boast campsites directly on the beach, but Port Crescent has amazing beach sites on Lake Huron. I can’t wait for you to experience swimming in the lake, jaw-dropping sunsets, exciting kayak trips and even a dark sky viewing area.
Feeling the cool breezes off the lake as you relax in your hammock is the best. YES, many of the sites have shady trees and spots ideal for setting up hammocks. Need I say more! I know, I had you at gorgeous sunsets and sandy beaches! So let’s get down to the details and the dreamy sunset photos so you can finish planning and start relaxing.
Why We Love it!
In my twenties I had college friends that lived in the thumb area and had fond memories of visiting, boating, wakeboarding and relaxing at the beach. Since living on the West side of the state for the last 15 years, I was excited to return and share my love for this beautiful area with my children. It goes without saying, boy did they love it!
The beach is by far the biggest draw to the park. Who doesn’t love walking barefoot in soft sand and falling asleep to the soothing sounds of waves crashing?
The part we all would like to avoid though is the long, hot walk through sand, lugging beach chairs and toys across a seemingly never ending stretch of burning sand. That’s why Port Crescent is perfect.
Sunsets are breathtaking at Port Crescent State Park
If you’re a beach bum at heart then you will love the convenience of Port Crescent’s campers beach, since most sites are a mere 100 feet from the shoreline. Another perk is that most people leave there rafts, kayaks, and boats anchored on the beach or pulled up on the shore near their campsite. So all you need to do is throw your bathing suits on, grab a drink and walk barefoot down to enjoy the beauty of the beach. Did I mention, the gorgeous painted skies as the sun sinks down are unbelievable at this state park.
Fourth of July
Fireworks can be seen along the beach at Port Crescent
Port Crescent is ideal for 4th of July festivities. At night, all week long you can wander down to the beach and watch fireworks illuminating the sky from towns along the coast. Plus both Port Austin and Caseville shoot off firework displays. We were highly impressed with the Port Austin fireworks show, held on the 4th, which was close to 30 minutes long. It was only 5 miles to town to watch are fill of the night sky above the State Harbor. In addition they have a parade during the day and live entertainment. Trying to decide your 4th of July plans for next year, here are The Best Places to Camp for the 4th of July in Michigan.
Highlights of Port Crescent State Park
Not only is the campground tucked into Saginaw Bay, but the Pinnebog River runs through the campground connecting to Lake Huron. This unique location creates a wide variety of outdoor activities from fishing, kayaking and swimming.
Fishing
Perch, walleye, bass, and pike all can be found in the waters of Lake Huron. If you want to take a charter fishing trip Port Austin Outdoor Adventures can get you outfitted. While camping at the state park bring your fishing poles and try your luck out. A popular spot for fishing is by the mouth of the Pinnebog River.
Explore the Mouth of the Pinnebog River
Mouth of Pinnebog River meets Lake Huron at Port Crescent
During your stay, walk down the beach to where the river meets Lake Huron. This location has a bunch of sand bars and spots to explore the peninsula. Our kids especially loved running up and down the dunes. It’s the perfect spot to bring along your furry friends, since dogs are allowed in the beach area to swim. This spot is also where canoe and kayak trips pull off to swim, explore the beach and people come to fish.
Sandy Beach
Only a short walk on Mobi mat to the beach at Port Crescent State Park
Port Crescent State Park has a narrow beach that stretches for 3 miles so it doesn’t feel crowded. Your toes will love the softest sugar sand. A slight scattering of flat smooth stones can be found along the shoreline, perfect for skipping. This is one beach where you don’t have to worry about water shoes.
We love that the camper’s beach is only a few yards from the sites so you can easily run back to your campsite to grab anything. It’s the perfect beach for kids0 from making epic sandcastles, to the shallow waters for a long distance. There is also a Mobi mat to aid in accessibility that leads to the beach, although it does stop about 2 yards from the water’s edge.
Modern Playground
Children will love the modern playground with a large play structure, zipline, tunnels, and monkey bars. It is located next to the bathhouse. Soft sand creates a cushion underneath the playground for little ones while playing.
Stargazing
The wonders of the night sky are illuminated in this designated night sky area. Grab a blanket and take time to lay on your back and take in the beauty above. Access to the designated dark sky area is located in Port Crescent Day Use Area (which is open to drive into). There are viewers to look through that will enlarge objects in the night sky. If possible, go look at the location and familiarize yourself with the park during the day before you try to go there in the dark, as there are no lights driving back into that area. The designated dark sky park can be accessed 24/7.
Birding
Port Crescent State Park is a popular birding area.
Bring your binoculars and direct your gaze to the waters, skies, and trees. Known to be one of the BEST birding areas, keep your eyes peeled for songbirds, gulls, blue heron, egrets, woodpeckers, swans and hawks. The state park even features a observation platform since birding is a popular activity.
During our stay I got up-close and watched a majestic raptor take flight on my morning run. Then while kayaking down the Pinnebog River, we spotted a pair of graceful swans guarding their nest. Another spot that has tons of wildlife is the Pinnebog bog area which is home to various birds, cranes, and turtles.
Hiking Trails
Three scenic trails wind through the state park. So pack your hiking shoes or athletic footwear.
Day Use Trail (2.5 miles, easy)
Hiking trails run through Port Crescent State Park
An easy trail great for the whole family and all abilities can enjoy. This 2.5 mile shady trail has large towering trees as well as the sandy dunes and views of Lake Huron. Sand dunes and wooded trails and various ecosystems to explore on this popular trail. As you hike, visitors can relax to sounds of birds calling amongst the trees and savor vistas of the sand dunes.
Dunes Nature Trail (0.75)
Less than a mile in length, this short easy trail leads along a wooden boardwalk. This unique trail features glimpses of sparkling Lake Huron waters. As you stroll along, the Dunes Nature Trail will give you a taste of the different wildlife and ecosystems of the region.
Organization Area Trail (2.5 miles) mod-rugged
Venture on this trail which features lovely views of Saginaw Bay . A bit more challenging with sand dunes to climb, visitors will be rewarded with 3 overlook spots to take in the scenery and the beauty of the thumb.
Paddle on the Pinnebog River
Winding through the park is the shallow Pinnebog River. Create the perfect day trip by canoeing or kayaking on the calm waters. An ideal family-friendly activity starts by heading to the small launch spot located in the park. After getting dropped off at the Port Crescent Day Use Area, we enjoyed kayaking to the mouth of the Pinnebog River. Make sure to have life vest on each water craft. DNR officers were monitoring the launch site when we visited. It’s only a short paddle to the mouth of the river, (app 30 minutes) to leisurely kayak to the mouth. This spot is a fun place to hang out, especially with your furry friends. Two options for trips, we opted for the first. The first includes paddling all the way to where the mouth of the Pinnebog River meets up with the Lake Huron and then paddling along the shoreline of Lake Huron to the campers beach by your campsites (total trip took 1 hour). The second option is to paddle back upstream to the launch site to your parked vehciel. Luckily this is doable since flow is minimal on this calm river.
Kayaking to Turnip Rock
Kayak on Lake Huron
If you’re up for a challenge, kayaking out to see Turnip Rock is a rewarding experience. This spot can only be accessed by water which makes the 3 mile paddle to reach the unique rock formation quite the satisfyingly, although strenuous paddle. All the effort will provide stunning up close views of Turnip Rock. This kayak trip isn’t for newbies and is recommended for experienced kayakers since it’s roundtrip distance of 7 miles on Lake Huron’s open waters. If the weather and water is rough, trips will be canceled since Lake Huron can turn quickly. Port Austin Kayak, a local trip outfitter launches from Port Austin Harbor behind there store or at nearby Veterans Park. Rentals for single kayaks rates are $40-45.
Cost to Enter Port Crescent State Park
Michigan State Parks require a $9.00 daily entrance fee or $34.00 for an annual Michigan state park pass. For Michigan residents, a yearly Michigan Recreation Passport can be purchased in advance with their license plate renewal and vehicle registration. This is the best deal if you plan to visit Michigan state parks during the year.
Camping at Port Crescent
The campground has one large outer loop with a second one that cuts the middle. This park boasts lake front sites only yards away from the shore. Unlike some beach camping which feels like a parking lot, Port Crescent has a decent amount of large trees that provide shade and exceptional spots for hammocks. Here is the online campground map to help familiarize yourself with the layout.
Cost
Entrance to a Michigan State Park requires a Recreation Passport. Michigan residents can purchase a yearly pass for $13.00 with their vehicle registration. There's a $5 convenience fee when the Recreation Passport is not purchased at the time of your license plate registration renewal through the Secretary of State. Non residents can purchase a daily pass for $11 and an annual pass for $40 as of 1/1/24.
For reference we camped with 4 children for 4 days in a 27ft trailer. After someone canceled the week of, we were lucky enough to snag a spacious campsite on the upper level and spent one night enjoying site 39. With the perfect tree for triple stacking our hammocks, it provided some favorite moments relaxing while listening to the waves as the sun set through the trees. The rest of our trip we stayed in site 81, which was on the lower section and close to the beach.
The state campground doesn’t only have campground sites, They also recently added geodomes and have cabin rentals and 2 hammock sites.
Geodome at Port Crescent State Park
Geodomes: Two domes are ideally located along Saginaw Bay. They have a firepit, grill and outdoor chairs. Inside the domes you can enjoy AC, a microwave, mini fridge and beds. ( no bathroom) These green options are constructed with triangular shapes which are stronger, less expensive to make, and energy efficient to heat/ cool the geodesic domes.
Cabins 7 cabins are also available at Port Crescent. They range from a camper cabin that sleeps 6, as well as, 4 person miny cabins. Ranging about ^0-$100/ night.
Tent sites Port Crescent has some of the best tent sites if you love the beach. Many of the prime sites are for tents with the gorgeous view of Lake Huron and include trees offering shade and set up for a hammock.
Hammock Sites During our stay we spoke with a group that was enjoying the 2 designated hammock sites (66, 67). They were repurposed sites due to erosion. There are 4 designated poles for hammocks on each site to fit 4 hammocks. Doesn’t it sound wonderful to be right on the beach drifting off to sleep to the sounds of waves in your hammock. Their set up was great and they raved about their Sunyear Hammocks with mosquitoes netting that they slept in all week long.
Trailer and RV sites As a whole the sites throughout the campground have mature trees and decent space with electric hookup. Some are deep sand with a cement pad, some are grass/ dirt. It’s the road that causes the problems with parking. It is pretty narrow road with large trees that make parking difficult. Plus vehicles park along the narrow road, making it even more challenging for backing up. We saw many larger trailers struggling when parking.
Amenities
Modern restrooms with hot showers and flushing toilets. (The farther restrooms and showers are newer and much nicer on the northern part of the park than the ones by the playground. )
Electric hook up
A large family shower/ restroom which have a handicap accessible bench.
Doggy bags for waste were located at bathrooms.
Picnic tables and fire rings at each site.
Wifi hotspot by the ranger station, although our phones ( Verizon) had spotty cell reception when near the beach area.
Dump station and trash receptacles
Dish washing station (located at northern bathroom)
Campground host did activities with the kids and decorated bikes for a 4th of July bike parade.
Basketball hoop
Where to Stay /Accommodations
If camping at Port Crescent State Park isn’t in the cards for you this season, there are lots of nearby places to stay.
Sleeper State Park A nearby Michigan State Park, which has a similar feel as Port Crescent, is Sleeper State Park. If you’re struggling to get a spot at Port Crescent Sleeper State Park is a great option.
If you’re hoping to visit the thumb area and Port Crescent State Park, but don’t want to camp there are many various accommodations available. With so many places to stay in the thumb area you’re sure to find something to fit your needs. Choose from quaint bed and breakfasts, campgrounds, beach homes or hotels. Click here to discover the perfect place for your next vacation using Vrbo.
Port Austin Bed & Breakfast Enjoy Cozy rooms and delicious breakfast on this beautiful front porch as you explore the beauty of the thumb
85ten Boutique Hotel & Events Stay close to the beach and downtown Port Austin in this lovely hotel.
PROS/ CONS of Port Crescent State Park
No Michigan park is perfect. Here is a simple list of pros and cons to help you make a decision if this is the right campground for your family.
CONS
Some cons include M-25 runs along one side of the park, you can hear a bit of noise if your site backs up to the road..
Sand… Yes there will be lots of sand in your tent and camper, but that is just part of beach camping.
The campground road is a one way loop which is narrow. Not ideal for larger trailers, especially when parking. People were often blocked while campers were backing up and parking their trailers. The problem is not the campsites, those are a decent size. The difficult part is the road is narrow and maneuvering into your site is challenging due to trees and other vehicles parked on the one way road.
PROS
As mentioned earlier, Port Crescent is a great spot for 4th of July, gorgeous beach and sunsets, kayaking, birding, great campsites on the beach, and hiking trails. The designated Dark Sky Area and convenient location to Port Austin make it easy to access nearby restaurants and activities.
Getting Around
Port Austin is 5 miles away
Caseville is 15 miles away
A neat stop on the way is Indigo Lavender Farms U-pick, which is a lovely place to pick up some fresh lavender to add color and a pleasant smell to your campsite.
Tips
Pet friendly beach area at Port Crescent State Park
Dogs
Pets are allowed on the main beach area and lake, except for the designated swim area marked by buoys. There is even a specific pet friendly section of beach located near the mouth of the Pinnebog River. Access the dog beach by crossing the steel bridge near the campground and following the trail. Your pups will appreciated seven miles of trails that meander throughout the park. *Dogs need to be on a 6-foot leash. The rangers were friendly and laid back at the park. We were happy that Port Crescent was a dog-friendly place. For me a perfect way to start my morning was running along this 3 mile stretch of sandy beach with my pup.
Cell reception/ Wifi
Port Crescent cell service and wifi is spotty. Near the road we could get some reception *Verizon, but none by the beach. There is a designated Wifi spot near the ranger station.
What to Pack
Bring all your beach toys, floats, aqua lily pads, kayaks and paddleboards since you can leave them anchored on the beach by your campsite. Several Aqua Lily Pads were easily anchored in the bay during our stay and were a big hit. They are fun for the whole family and conveniently roll up to be easily transported. We love bringing ours to beaches that don’t have long walks to the shore.
Bikes Having bikes is a nice way to get around the campground, although there is only 1 large loop with an upper and lower section. Stairs make it easy to cut through, although our family enjoyed riding around the campground, to the bathrooms and playground area on our bikes.
Nearby Dining/ Activities in Port Crescent
Lake Street Local You’ll love the atmosphere at this bar and restaurant in downtown Port Austin. The outdoor seating area has a pirate theme vibe and outdoor patio games like a giant chess set and a pool table inside. It’s a great social atmosphere and spot for kids. They serve Detroit style pizza, wings and occasionally feature live music.
Located next to the Port Austin Kayak rental, PAK’s is an ideal spot to enjoy the coffee bar in the morning, a refreshing smoothie, espresso or drink at the Backyard Restaurant and Beer Garden (Open 7am-12pm") Or after being on the water during the day, head there to grab dinner and relax in the beer garden with outdoor seating serving appetizers, burgers and drinks.
Port Austin Market (IGA) Everything you need for a picnic with a deli that makes fresh subs, fried chicken and pizza, plus all your grocery needs. When all the restaurants stopped serving food early for the 4th of July, we grabbed pizza here during our stay.
Grind Stone City No camping trip is complete without some ice cream. The Grindstone General Store serves up HUGE cones of ice cream. Order the small.... trust me it’s enormous. Plus they have very reasonable prices.
Murphy's Bakery A great place to visit and grab food. Go earlier rather than later since they sell out fast!
Port Austin’s Farmers Market A variety of vendors offering fresh produce, maple syrup, hand-made crafts, clothing, and fresh flowers can be found every Saturday from 9-1:00 in downtown Port Austin.
Huron County Nature Center During your stay head down the road to the nature center which has interactive displays inside. Hiking is great and to add to the experience they have "adventure packs" that the kids could check out for free for the hike.
Kooky Mini Golf A fun place for putt putt golf. Each hole has a different theme varying from the Port Austin Reef Lighthouse to Mario characters.
Port Austin Splash Pad Younger children will enjoy the splash pad in Port Austin
Veterans Waterfront Park A public access beach and playground. The break wall is fun to walk on and ther is also a fitness park nearby.
Port Austin Dime Store & Fudge Shop Who doesn’t love some delicious fudge while on vacation!
The Pointe aux Barques Lighthouse Located in Port Hope, this active lighthouse is one of the oldest lighthouses in Michigan and can be visited for a small fee.
Cheeseburger in Caseville Festival If you’re a burger lover than you won’t want to miss the 25th Anniversary of this amazing festival occuring August 11-20. This 10 day festival is filled with burger stands everywhere and tons of activiites too.
FAQ’s
Sleeper State Park vs Port Crescent State Park?
If you have a big RV or have difficulty parking, Sleeper is a better option than Port Crescent. Another main difference is that at Sleeper State Park, you have to cross a pedestrian bridge to get to the beach.
Final Thoughts
With an abundance of outdoor activities and the beauty of the Great Lakes, visiting Port Crescent State Park is bound to be a memorable experience.
As you plan your vacation to this beautiful destination in Michigan, make sure to Pin and Save for later and share with a friend. If you found this helpful, follow Discovering Anew for more campground reviews and Michigan adventures. We’re constantly producing new content and strive to create honest reviews to help make planning your next trip easier. From our family to yours…HAPPY CAMPING!
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