East Tawas City Parks & Rec

For us Michiganders, there’s nothing quite like escaping to the beautiful shores of our Great Lakes, and camping offers the perfect way to truly immerse ourselves in that natural splendor. When it comes to finding a campground that combines stunning lakeside views with convenient access to town amenities, the East Tawas City Park Campground consistently stands out. Nestled directly on the picturesque Tawas Bay, this well-established destination has been a favorite for generations of Michigan families, offering a blend of outdoor recreation and comfortable convenience that makes it a true gem on Lake Huron.

East Tawas City Park Campground isn't just a place to park your RV or pitch a tent; it's a vibrant community hub where the gentle waves of Tawas Bay provide a constant soundtrack to your relaxation. It’s known for its commitment to keeping things as clean as possible, ensuring a pleasant environment for all visitors. This campground offers a unique opportunity to wake up to a stunning sunrise over the bay, spend your days enjoying the expansive public beach, and then stroll into charming downtown East Tawas for a meal or an ice cream cone. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat or an active family vacation, this campground provides a fantastic base for exploring the "Sunrise Side" of our incredible state, making it a perfect spot for locals seeking an authentic Michigan experience.

East Tawas City Park Campground is ideally located at 407 W Bay St, East Tawas, MI 48730, USA. This prime address places it directly on the shores of Tawas Bay, which is part of the larger Lake Huron. For Michigan residents, this means direct access to one of the most beautiful bodies of water in our state, offering stunning views and a refreshing breeze.

One of the most significant advantages of this campground's location is its walkability to downtown East Tawas. Guests can easily stroll across East Bay Street into the city's business district, where they'll find a variety of local shops, restaurants, and entertainment options. This convenience means you can enjoy the tranquility of lakeside camping without feeling isolated, having all the necessities and local charm within easy reach. East Tawas itself is centrally located in Northeast Michigan, making it accessible from various parts of the Lower Peninsula. It's approximately an hour's drive south of Oscoda, and roughly three hours' drive from larger cities like Detroit and Lansing, and about an hour from Bay City. Its position right on US-23, also known as the "Sunrise Side" Coastal Highway, makes for a scenic and straightforward journey to the campground, ensuring that more time is spent enjoying your destination rather than on the road.

East Tawas City Park Campground provides a comprehensive array of services designed to enhance the camping experience for all visitors:

• Modern Campsites with Full Hook-Ups: The campground boasts 177 modern campsites, all equipped with water, sewer, and electric hookups (20, 30, and 50 amp options), providing all the comforts of home for RVers. Many sites also offer cable TV hookups.
• Camper Cabin: For those who prefer a more solid structure, there is at least one camper cabin available, offering a convenient lodging alternative.
• Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: Every lot is typically outfitted with a picnic table and a fire ring, perfect for outdoor meals and evening campfires.
• Clean, Modern Bath House: The campground provides well-maintained bathhouses with hot showers, ensuring comfort for all campers, especially those in tents or rustic setups.
• Year-Round Operation: Uniquely, this campground is open year-round, catering to all seasons of Michigan adventures, from summer beach trips to winter ice fishing excursions.
• Year-Round Wi-Fi: Stay connected with Wi-Fi available throughout the park.
• Sanitary Dump Station: A convenient facility for RV guests.
• Winter Trailer Storage: From October 15 to May 1, the park offers an on-site winter storage program for RVs and trailers, a great perk for local residents.
• Paved Bicycle/Pedestrian Access Pathway: Easy and safe access for walking, jogging, or biking around the park and into town.

• Direct Lake Huron Beach Access: A significant highlight is the expansive 1600-foot public swimming beach directly on Tawas Bay, offering pristine sandy shores perfect for relaxing, swimming, and enjoying the sun.
• Adjacent to Downtown East Tawas: The campground's location allows for easy walking access to the vibrant downtown area, with its shops, restaurants, local cinema, and other amenities.
• Proximity to State Pier and Launch Site: Guests have easy access to the State Pier for fishing and a State Launch Site for boating on Tawas Bay and Lake Huron.
• Playground and Picnic Area with Gazebo: Family-friendly amenities include a playground for children and picnic areas, some with gazebos, for gatherings and outdoor meals.
• Views of Tawas Bay: Many sites and common areas offer stunning views of the bay, known for its calm, shallow, and warm waters ideal for swimming and various water sports.
• Family-Friendly Community: East Tawas is described as a very fun, small, family-friendly community, enhancing the overall experience for visitors.
• Professional Horseshoe Pits: A classic campground activity for friendly competition.
• Iosco County Historical Museum: Located nearby, offering cultural exploration for those interested in local history.
• Winter Activities: For year-round campers, the location is suitable for ice fishing, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing on nearby trails like the Corsair Trail System.
• Scenic Setting: The campground's flat terrain with sandy beaches and views of Lake Huron create a beautiful and relaxing environment.

East Tawas City Park Campground operates on a "first come, first served" basis, meaning reservations are not taken for individual campsites. This system, while unique, doesn't typically lend itself to traditional promotional "offers" in the same way a bookable resort might. However, their pricing structure and operational model do provide certain benefits and value propositions for long-term stays:

• Variable Daily/Monthly/Seasonal Rates: The campground offers a tiered pricing structure that provides savings for longer stays. For instance, daily rates for lake lots and other lots decrease significantly when booking monthly or seasonally. This is essentially a built-in discount for extended stays, making it more affordable for Michiganders looking for a longer retreat.
• Off-Season Rates: From October 15 to May 1, all lot rates are substantially reduced, offering a highly economical option for winter camping or extended stays during the quieter months. This is particularly appealing for locals who enjoy the peace of Michigan's off-season.
• Winter Storage Program: The park offers a very convenient winter storage program for RVs and trailers from October 15 to May 1 at a set monthly or daily rate. This is a valuable service for local RV owners who want to keep their units secure and accessible for winter activities like ice fishing or snowmobiling.

While there aren't "flash sales" or coupon codes, the park's pricing model is designed to reward longer visits and provide affordable options during the less busy times of the year. For the most current rates and specific details on their pricing structure, it is always best to directly contact East Tawas City Parks & Rec at (989) 362-5562 or visit their official website.

Address: 407 W Bay St, East Tawas, MI 48730, USA

Phone: (989) 362-5562

For us Michiganders, East Tawas City Park Campground offers an exceptional and highly suitable option for a local getaway, encapsulating much of what we love about our state's outdoor experiences. Its primary appeal lies in its unparalleled location directly on Tawas Bay. This means immediate access to the beautiful Lake Huron shoreline, offering clear waters, expansive sandy beaches, and those iconic Michigan sunrises that make every morning feel like a vacation. Being able to step out of your RV or tent and be just steps from the bay is a huge draw, minimizing travel time and maximizing relaxation.

The campground's unique blend of natural beauty and urban convenience truly sets it apart for local users. With downtown East Tawas within easy walking distance, campers can enjoy the tranquility of the lakeside while still having immediate access to local shops, restaurants, and community events. This allows for a flexible vacation, whether you want to unwind by the water all day or explore the charming local scene. The positive feedback from visitors, highlighting the beautiful views and the efforts to keep the park clean, reinforces its reputation as a well-maintained and enjoyable destination.

Furthermore, the year-round operation and specific amenities like full hookups, Wi-Fi, and even winter storage, make it incredibly versatile for Michigan's varied seasons. Whether you're planning a summer family trip, a peaceful fall retreat, or a base for winter ice fishing and snowmobiling, this campground can accommodate. The "first come, first served" policy, while requiring some planning, also means that those who are prepared can secure a coveted spot, especially during peak season. East Tawas City Park Campground truly embodies the spirit of Michigan outdoor living, offering a practical, picturesque, and genuinely enjoyable escape right here in our own backyard. It's a place where generations can create memories, connect with nature, and savor the unique charm of the Sunrise Side.