Bay City State Park
Bay City State Park things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
Description
outdoor
adventure
family friendly
pet friendly
Bay City State Park is a 2,389-acre state park located on the shore of Saginaw Bay near Bay City in Bay County, Michigan, United States. The Tobico Marsh, one of the largest remaining freshwater, coastal wetlands on the Great Lakes is located in the park.
attractions: Tobico Marsh & Frank N. Andersen Nature Trail, Michigan DNR Natural Resources Department, restaurants: Mussel Beach Drive In Bay city Michigan
Ratings
Description
Bay City State Park is a 2,389-acre state park located on the shore of Saginaw Bay near Bay City in Bay County, Michigan, United States. The Tobico Marsh, one of the largest remaining freshwater, coastal wetlands on the Great Lakes is located in the park.
Posts
Summer Family Fun in Michigan: Exploring Bay City & Dow Gardens
EbenezerEbenezer
60
Bay City State Park: A Hidden Gem Just an Hour from Flint! My girlfriend and I recently visited Bay City State Park (BCSP) for the first time (June 2024), and we were absolutely blown away. Living just an hour south in downtown Flint, I had never heard of this incredible place in the four years I’ve been here. It’s a quick drive up the freeway, making it a perfect escape close to home. Upon arrival, we paid for a Michigan recreation pass using a debit card. It's valid as long as my license plate is until my next birthday, and then I can renew it with my plate going forward - this means it's good for ins and outs during any particular day, and it's also good for any of the dozens of state parks throughout Michigan at any time of the year. Driving into the park, we were greeted by signs for an amazing and busy playscape-splash pad combination, large enclosed changing stations, and plenty of sidewalks for anyone with mobility issues. Just a few yards up the coast, a boardwalk forks into two paths: one leads into a marshy area perfect for fishing, nature walking, or bird watching, and the other to a stunning beach. Seriously beautiful beach. Clean sand and a nonstop breeze. The seagrass and reeds give it the feel of the Carolina or Florida coastline. The sandy beach and lake bottom (no yuck-o moss!) extend well over 100 feet into Saginaw Bay and remain shallow, not much more than waist-high, well within the designated swim area. The swim area is well marked with white buoys, and during our three-hour stay, we saw only a few pleasure boats, with one even pulling an inner tube. The other beachgoers, mainly families, were good-natured and there to have a quality time. High school and college kids were playing volleyball, listening to music, and simply enjoying themselves without any shenanigans or loud disruptions. The campground gets a high rating and this is the relative beach, so family-style fun is the beach vibe. My girlfriend and I were absolutely blown away by this park. Bay City State Park is a fantastic destination for families, couples, and anyone looking for an affordable, beautiful summer spot. Discover this hidden gem—you won't be disappointed.
Gary LewisGary Lewis
00
We stayed here from 8/30/18 - 9/2/18 in a 31 ft travel trailer on Site 101. I would definitely recommend staying here. The park is heavily wooded and the sites are really large. Even with the trees we could have probably fit 3 more trailers on our lot. As per most state parks, only electric was available but they did have 4 fill stations up front. The bathrooms were reasonably clean, although I continue my hatred of their sensor toilets. Don't you dare move a muscle as you do your business lest you face the wrath of the almighty flush. Oversensitive toilets aside, the big draw to this place is the splash pad and giant playground. While they are not directly in the campground, it was only a short 5 minute walk across a 35 mph road to get to it, and well worth it for the hours of fun my 3 yo had. We did not partake in the beach or walking trails, but they looked really nice. Walmart and Meijer were only about 10 minutes away and there were also a bevy of restaurants within 5 minutes, too. Again, I would highly recommend this place and will probably return next year.
Martin StieberMartin Stieber
00
Dangerous. The camp staff and local police do not take threats of violence, drunk driving while speeding through the campground,and stalking of women seriously at all. My “neighbor”was over intoxicated, stumbling, slurring, unplugging my site because he could not even figure how to plug in his trailer. I, as well as the other campers, DNR, and the useless Deputy Wolf witnessed him driving with open intoxicated and did not pursue. Deputy Wolf acted like I was the problem without ever interviewing the assailant. Camp staff directed me to call 911, just to be berated by Deputy Wolf. They did nothing until the man again, came on to my site behind me and I had to scream for help and keep him at bay with my camera tripod. He was arrested shortly after by the same incompetent deputy after calling 911 again!!!! She told him also before he was arrested “Try not drive drunk.” Witnessed by my husband via FaceTime. She would have done nothing if the DNR officer wasn’t standing witness. I packed in the dark and will never go back. And a BIG not so special salute to the Bay City Pigs🖕If that man wasn’t white he would have been shot on site by Officer little tiny out of her league Wolf. Good thing you called big strong backup to arrest him because he was “just being mean to me” and obviously that was too scary for you.
T KT K
00
Out of state visitors be aware that Michigan requires a $9.00 per day or $33.00 annual recreation pass, in addition to campground fees. We stayed at Bay City Campground for only one night during our travels to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. That one night was enough. The site was 54. The site was level, full shade, a picnic table, fire ring and electric were provided. The grounds behind the sites are very swampy, with that comes mosquitos. This area does not look like it drys up in hotter weather. The bathroom/shower house are centrally located within the campground, not far from any site. The showers are individual rooms with locking doors and enough room to share with someone. The pressure and hot water were great. The campground is clean and well maintained. State beach access is across the street from the campground. We drove over to see the Bay City Beach Access after setting up camp. The beach was not really pretty and had litter all over. There is a marshy area, which smelled nasty, prior to the actual beach.
medic0818 Smithmedic0818 Smith
20
Never used to go here as a child because of the pollution from the nearby Saginaw river. But things are so much better now. The beach is beautiful, especially the north end of the park area. Some reviewers mentioned seaweed or dead fish, and that seems likely at times since the Saginaw bay is quite shallow and huge, but I have encountered seaweed or algae along the beach only a few times in the last 5 years or so of visiting here. The beach is about a mile long and sandy, especially the north half, where it is also about 25 to 50 yards wide. Kid friendly, too, with a spray park and play area. Recent upgrades have been done to buildings and fixtures. The parking lot is huge and repaved. Hiking trails to explore and an adjacent area connected by the trail system to walk or bike to called Tobico marsh with 2 viewing towers and a wooded 3 mile trail loop. There are plenty of nearby places to eat, and Bay City is minutes away. Without a doubt, the best beach getaway in the Tri- city area.
MikeHglMikeHgl
40
Nearby Attractions Of Bay City State Park
Tobico Marsh & Frank N. Andersen Nature Trail
Michigan DNR Natural Resources Department

Tobico Marsh & Frank N. Andersen Nature Trail
4.6
(330)Click for details

Michigan DNR Natural Resources Department
4.2
(21)Click for details
Nearby Restaurants Of Bay City State Park
Mussel Beach Drive In Bay city Michigan

Mussel Beach Drive In Bay city Michigan
4.6
(488)$
Click for details
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