Port Crescent State Park
Port Crescent State Park
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.5
132 reviews
Excellent
75
Very good
46
Average
8
Poor
2
Terrible
1
Keith B
Wayne, MI394 contributions
Jun 2021
This is a large state park built on a long gone town named Port Crescent. There camping area is separate from the trails and beach- the latter portion is what I used.
The road in turns to gravel halfway, only to be paved again, very odd. Signage on trails is a bit faded and in some areas missing and you can get lost. Beach access isn’t marked as well as it should be (you follow a specific trails that branches out to the water. It is quiet though.
Lake Huron is high this year so the water was shallow for quite a ways. I went way out and it didn’t get above my stomach.
There is an area that attracts stargazers at night- I was not there to experience it.
The road in turns to gravel halfway, only to be paved again, very odd. Signage on trails is a bit faded and in some areas missing and you can get lost. Beach access isn’t marked as well as it should be (you follow a specific trails that branches out to the water. It is quiet though.
Lake Huron is high this year so the water was shallow for quite a ways. I went way out and it didn’t get above my stomach.
There is an area that attracts stargazers at night- I was not there to experience it.
Written July 8, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Beach461
Oahu, HI2 contributions
Jul 2022
The park has a good day use area, but we were there for the Dark Park.
For dark park use, astrophotography, using telescope? I don't know. It was difficult. The viewing platform is TINY and became so crowded we had to leave. Children, children, children, at 1am don't do well: they were all over everyone and LOUD. Hordes of them.
Meanwhile in the parking lot, car after car after car with full lights on, shining right up to the platform, and more and more groups coming up the trail to the platform using flashlights: I put my camera away rather than damage it with too much light during a shot. Don't even think about using your cam here: this is not the place.
We did get out of the platform, through the crowd, to the designated parking lot, but with all the cars driving in and out with lights on, even at 2am, just locked the cams and equipment in the trunk and enjoyed the view when lit up cars and people with flashlights were not in the area - which was about 1/4th of the time, over 4 hours, that we were there.
There must be better dark parks, maybe those that are difficult to get to and require a long hike?
For dark park use, astrophotography, using telescope? I don't know. It was difficult. The viewing platform is TINY and became so crowded we had to leave. Children, children, children, at 1am don't do well: they were all over everyone and LOUD. Hordes of them.
Meanwhile in the parking lot, car after car after car with full lights on, shining right up to the platform, and more and more groups coming up the trail to the platform using flashlights: I put my camera away rather than damage it with too much light during a shot. Don't even think about using your cam here: this is not the place.
We did get out of the platform, through the crowd, to the designated parking lot, but with all the cars driving in and out with lights on, even at 2am, just locked the cams and equipment in the trunk and enjoyed the view when lit up cars and people with flashlights were not in the area - which was about 1/4th of the time, over 4 hours, that we were there.
There must be better dark parks, maybe those that are difficult to get to and require a long hike?
Written July 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lakefronter
Holland, MI234 contributions
Aug 2022
Thought we would try it out for 3 days. Grounds were clean, staff nice. Showers/ bathrooms are dated and need attention. Cleaning shuts them down at 10am. Well shaded throughout. Wifi is at the office only, A bit crowded for us with 5 tents and 3 campers in the 3 spots next to us. A few sites were pretty loud. Seemed to squeeze them in. Not for us.
Written August 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
katydog
Frederick, MD34 contributions
Aug 2021
The day use area of this state park features spectacular scenery, a great beach, and some very nice hiking trails. On this visit, we parked at the small parking area along M-25 and walked in across the old bridge. Beautiful area.
Written September 24, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dawn B
Wyoming, MI26 contributions
Sep 2020
Wanted to go to the dark sky park so we went during the day to check it out. Nice beach. Water really cold! We messed up and went at night the second night we were there but too cloudy. But on clear night it would be great to go to dark sky area.
Written September 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Susan M
Shelby Township, MI981 contributions
Sep 2022 • Family
The camping experience was enjoyed by all in the family. On an 85 degree day, swimming was a pleasant experience. They had wood for sales. The ice finally came on Saturday afternoon. The dark skis area was about two miles down the road, so you had the drive there. With two nights of clear skies, the sky was full of stars. The milky way and the Big Dipper were easily seen. Even people with telescopes were there.
Written September 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
OhioTravelchic
Lakewood, OH183 contributions
Jun 2014 • Friends
My sister and I wanted to go camping, not camping which means stuck next to a huge RV or you can spit on your neighbor. I did some research and after narrowing down to a few places we fell in love with Port Crescent State Park. The park is extremely clean and the staff was very friendly and helpful. They let us drive through, pick our own spot and then go back up and pay for it. When we went it was a bit early (June 8th) but there were only about a dozen other campers in the entire park. We chose spot 62 which I believe is the best. Spots in the mid to higher 50's are also pretty nice but they were taken. We had tons of privacy, a nice fire pit, close to the shower house and most importantly our own path leading down to the beach. We watched the sunsets and honestly I can say it's been one of the prettiest I've seen anywhere in the world!! The "beach" should not be taken to literally. It's not like you can sprawl out on it but it can fit your camping chairs down there to catch the lake breeze and watch the sun fall behind the lake. The place was super quiet and only saw a few people out for a night stroll or a bike ride. There Re also really nice trails right next door that walk along the small sand dunes and offer amazing views of the lake. You can hike, rent kayaks or canoes fish or just chill. During the days we checked out the surrounding towns which was fun. Great place to go out and get lost. I would highly recommend this place for people who want something primitive without having to strap on the backpack and go for a hike. I am sure later in the season things will change a bit but the views will always be amazing. The commercial for Pure Michigan was shot from one of the campsites in the 50's. Pretty much the same view we had!! Campsites are about $27 plus you have to pay a state park fee which I think was $11. Worth it in the end!! Relax and enjoy!!
Written July 3, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tymetraveler222
Bay City, MI6,819 contributions
We enjoyed a long weekend camping here at Port Crescent State Park. Located at the tip of the Thumb region of Michigan, it provides (for the most part) nice sized lots, most with very large shade trees. This park is on two levels; The sites on the upper level loop will not have as much wind; sites on lower loop back up either to the bluff or are right on the water. Bathrooms were always clean, and the staff were very friendly. We enjoyed the day use area also, with several paths to take for a walk or hike, fishing docks above the river, and a very nice beach. There is also a small, sandy camper beach located in the campground. Picnic facilities in the day use area were not the best, however. Nothing overlooking the water. Firewood available, but for $5 a bundle, we got ours up the road from a private seller-meaning we dropped $2.50 in the box provided and picked up our large bundle of wood. :) Picnic table and fire ring provided. Be sure and catch a sunset over the water. $26/night. No water hookups as far as I could find, electric only. One cabin rental. Good sized lots.
Written September 30, 2009
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mark S
Red Bud, IL12 contributions
Jul 2014 • Family
I have been camping here since I was about ten years old living in Fraser, Michigan, just north of Detroit. We have great memories, always camping above the bluff in the high 30s. When I first started bringing my wife and children, we did the same.
I had built up the vision of this park for months, and when we pulled into the park to register, my six year old started crying. My wife asked her why she was crying, and she said "I'm just so happy." It was the start of a great visit and legacy.
We have reserved lot 73 this year, but there are a couple of lots that are not reservable that we would prefer, so when we arrive we will look into those. Since we are arriving on a Sunday, we have a pretty good chance of getting one. Lot 73 is at the base of the dune across the camp road from the water, but the grasses there are pretty tall and will probably impede a direct view of the water. We hope to be right on the water for the first time.
For those who wish to just try camping or have another option, the camp rents a popup camper on what I consider a rather pleasant site. Close to the bathroom but not too close with a view of the water. The bathroom at this end of the park is a bit newer and nicer than at the south end, yet both are always kept up nicely. The beach is smaller that it used to be, but still pleasant.
I love to head up to Pt. Austin in the early morning, (very early), and hang out around the marina. You can see the sunrise and sunset over the water from there. We always plan a trail ride at nearby Knoblock Stables and go to Grindstone City for the world's largest and most reasonable ice cream cones. Just south of the park is a canoe livery. Port Austin has a great laundry/coffee shop with wi/fi that we just found last year. You can rent kayaks in town and explore the marina, lakeshore, and best of all, paddle to Turnip Rock near Grindstone City. Turnip Rock is landlocked and can't be view except by water.
Port Crescent is in our top three choices of Michigan state campgrounds, and when we can only get up here once a year, choosing this park says something. If you camp here, you will have to work hard not to love it.
I had built up the vision of this park for months, and when we pulled into the park to register, my six year old started crying. My wife asked her why she was crying, and she said "I'm just so happy." It was the start of a great visit and legacy.
We have reserved lot 73 this year, but there are a couple of lots that are not reservable that we would prefer, so when we arrive we will look into those. Since we are arriving on a Sunday, we have a pretty good chance of getting one. Lot 73 is at the base of the dune across the camp road from the water, but the grasses there are pretty tall and will probably impede a direct view of the water. We hope to be right on the water for the first time.
For those who wish to just try camping or have another option, the camp rents a popup camper on what I consider a rather pleasant site. Close to the bathroom but not too close with a view of the water. The bathroom at this end of the park is a bit newer and nicer than at the south end, yet both are always kept up nicely. The beach is smaller that it used to be, but still pleasant.
I love to head up to Pt. Austin in the early morning, (very early), and hang out around the marina. You can see the sunrise and sunset over the water from there. We always plan a trail ride at nearby Knoblock Stables and go to Grindstone City for the world's largest and most reasonable ice cream cones. Just south of the park is a canoe livery. Port Austin has a great laundry/coffee shop with wi/fi that we just found last year. You can rent kayaks in town and explore the marina, lakeshore, and best of all, paddle to Turnip Rock near Grindstone City. Turnip Rock is landlocked and can't be view except by water.
Port Crescent is in our top three choices of Michigan state campgrounds, and when we can only get up here once a year, choosing this park says something. If you camp here, you will have to work hard not to love it.
Written May 16, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
nhurianek
Mead, CO33 contributions
Jul 2011 • Couples
We camped at the state park for two night and found the park to be clean, well run and the perfect spot to watch the sunsets. Some must do activities in the area are kayaking to the rocks/islands, the saturday farmers market, and Walt's Meat Market. Walt's has great homemade sausages that were some of the best we have had.
Written July 5, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Does port crescent campground have a playground?
immererin
Bexley, OH8 contributions
it sure does - it’s across the drive aisle from the beach access point (well, the primary access that has the posted warnings and flags). it’s sandy and pretty decent, and also next to the toilets/bathhouse. It’s not quite central to the campground.
That last time we camped on the east side of the state (East Tawas), the mosquito scene was really intense. I see Tawas is even doing a mosquito control program. We’ve avoided the East/Lake Huron side since. I’m thinking of trying Port Crescent, though... maybe it was just a fluke? Idk. Anyone have insight on the mosquito situation at Port Crescent?
Anyone have any experience on site 62, as far as concerns about being so close to restrooms/septic area? Especially for a weekend at end of September? We're also considering sites 85, or possibly 73/74 . but aren't sure and are weighing factors -- traffic noise from M25, restroom proximity, lake-views/hill sites as well as being in more flood-prone or mosquito areas...
Russ H
White Lake, MI113 contributions
Can't speak for 62. 85,73,74 can have issues with winds if they come from the north as the sand will blow in since they are on the lake. We had 120/121 and were very pleased, close to bath house and playground and short walk down hill to the beach.
jeannelainee
Michigan3 contributions
I am planning a a trip to Port Crescent State Park and spending the day at the beach.
Is it true that I could be turned away from using the day use area if the campground is full?
Ferrisone28
1 contribution
No. Day use and campground are separate units at this park.
Anton-Scott
Detroit, MI115 contributions
Aren't your confusing Grindestone City (EAST of Port Austin) which is a real "ghost town" for Caseville (WEST of Port Austin) which is full of life?
Anton-Scott
Detroit, MI115 contributions
I am rather sure that the ghost-town is east of Port Austin -- Grindstone City, not Caseville. Caseville is a thriving small town and is west of Port Austin.
tigerfanlivonia
livonia,Mi2 contributions
Do the campsites have electricity?
Whitelaketraveler18
White Lake, MI19 contributions
Yes the campsites have electric. Also, have flush toilets and showers.
lilmexi3
Detroit, MI
are the picnic tables at every site?
UP_SpartanFan
Bingham Farms, MI52 contributions
Each campsite is allocated a picnic table.
gypsy4849
Livonia, MI5 contributions
We have booked site 61 in May 2018,no picture on DNR site but read it can accommodate an RV...we have a 25 foot motorhome,do you think we will fit? Thank you.
UP_SpartanFan
Bingham Farms, MI52 contributions
We camped on site 63 and 61 last year in tents. When we first arrived we set up our tent on 63, because the rest of the family didn’t arrive until the next day. There was a small trailer camping on 61 when we arrived, so I do believe that it will be just enough space for a 25 ft vehicle. You may have to move the picnic table around to make it work. The fire pit is of course stationary. There is a slight slope on the site, so you may have to also maneuver your RV to the most level spot. It is a very nice spot. The kids loved it as they could easily run down to the beach, and was right across from bath house. See the pics I posted on this site. Enjoy!
roachrd3
7 contributions
Have a 29 ft RV will this fit on site 78?
Travelalot963
Michigan342 contributions
I have no idea. I suggest you call the state park and ask them. Good luck.
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Claim your listingPort Crescent State Park - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Port Crescent State Park
- Hotels near Port Crescent State Park:
- (0.91 mi) Sandcastles on the Beach
- (2.24 mi) Sun And Sand Hotel
- (3.67 mi) The Beachcomber Motel & Apartments
- (3.64 mi) Lake Vista Resort
- (3.52 mi) Blue Spruce & Lucky Horseshoe Motel and Cabins
- Restaurants near Port Crescent State Park:
- (0.88 mi) The Farm Restaurant
- (1.49 mi) The Fireside Inn
- (3.73 mi) The Lighthouse Cafe
- (3.68 mi) The Bank 1884 Food & Spirits
- (7.88 mi) Grindstone General Store
- Attractions near Port Crescent State Park:
- (3.89 mi) Port Austin Kayak
- (1.84 mi) Tip A Thumb
- (2.30 mi) Sandy Dunes Adventure Golf
- (3.89 mi) Port Austin Marina
- (3.75 mi) Port Austin Farmers Market
Port Crescent State Park Information
Excellent Reviews | 75 |
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Very Good Reviews | 46 |
Port Crescent State Park Photos | 139 |