Tawas Point State Park RV & Campground Guide
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Tawas Point State Park encompasses 183 acres at the end of a sand spit that forms Tawas Bay along Lake Huron. It's located off U.S. 23 in northeastern Michigan, less than five miles from East Tawas and Tawas City, and only 15 miles south of Oscoda. The state park, referred to as the "Cape Cod of the Midwest," is the home of the Tawas Point Lighthouse, which serves as the sole representative of a true Victorian-era style station on the Great Lakes. The 800-foot long reef located along the northern side of the bay is the perfect habitat for fish species such as pike, perch, walleye, and smallmouth bass. In addition, Tawas Point is the home of over 297 bird species such as gulls, terns, and rare shorebirds. The weather at Tawas Point State Park is warm and partly cloudy in summer with very cold winters.
Spring 24-58 F
Summer 54-74 F
Fall 33-66 F
Winter 15-31 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Tawas Point State Park
An RV is a comfortable and fun way to travel with your family and friends through Michigan's Saginaw Bay region. If you're looking to stay in an RV but don't have one of your own, consider getting a rental from RVshare.com, where you can select any size rig that meets your needs.
Tawas River RV Park
Located on the banks of the Tawas River and just six miles from the state park, Tawas River RV Park is the perfect spot to base your motorhome, fifth-wheel, or travel trailer. The campground can house RVs up to 35 feet long and is operational year-round. Slide-outs are welcome here.
Water hookup: Yes
Electrical hookup: Yes
Sewer hookup: Yes
Wi-Fi: Yes
Pet-friendly: Yes
Other amenities: Laundry facilities, dump station, and fish cleaning station
East Tawas City Park Campground
East Tawas City Park Campground has 178 modern campsites within walking distance of downtown in East Tawas. The maximum RV length that can be housed here is 37 feet. All sites are first-come, first-serve, and are near hot showers, restrooms, and campground activities.
Water hookup: Yes
Electrical hookup: Yes
Sewer hookup: Yes
Wi-Fi: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
Other amenities: Cable TV, swimming beach, and horseshoe pits
Brown’s Landing RV Park
Located on Lake Huron, Brown’s Landing RV Park is a family-owned RV campground with 80 campsites arranged in a wooded setting. The campsites are all equipped with a picnic table, fire ring, cement pad, and grassy area. Brown's Landing RV Park is a great place for an endless day of water sports.
Water hookup: Yes
Electrical hookup: Yes
Sewer hookup: Yes
Wi-Fi: Yes
Pet-friendly: Yes
Other amenities: 120-foot pier, fishing, and bathhouse
What to Do at
Tawas Point State Park
Inside Tawas Point State Park
Tawas Point State Park is home to the Sandy Hook Nature Trail, which travels 1.5 miles through wetlands and the natural habitat. During the Tawas Point Celebration Days in June, you'll be able to experience historical and educational displays, lighthouse tours, and demonstrations of traditional crafts such as wood carving, spinning, and weaving. You can spend the day sailing on the Tawas Bay with the perfect amount of wind balance. The bay is great for swimming, fishing, and other watersport activities. Other enjoyable activities that visitors do inside the state park are biking, cross-country skiing, and wildlife observation.
Outside Tawas Point State Park
There's plenty to observe and do outside of Tawas Point State Park. The area just outside of the park is filled with restaurants, shopping, and several sightseeing options. Many of these establishments are located in nearby Tawas City, East Tawas, and Oscoda.
Restaurants
The Lodge
The Lodge is a casual, laid back restaurant in Tawas City that serves a variety of comfort foods. They offer a small portion menu for children.
Type: American
Location: 1217 U.S. 23, Tawas City, MI 48763
Boathouse Beer Company & Boozery
Enjoy handcrafted beer, food, and cocktails at Boathouse Beer Company & Boozery. Be certain to save room for their famous New York cheesecake dessert.
Type: American
Location: 450 West Lake Street, Tawas City, NI 48763
Hsing’s Garden Restaurant
Hsing’s Garden Restaurant serves high-quality authentic Chinese cuisine, soups, and other menu items.
Type: Chinese
Location: 600 East Bay Street, East Tawas, MI 48730
Route 23 BBQ
When it comes to barbecuing, the Route 23 BBQ has the perfect signature recipes to enhance the smoke taste of pulled pork, brisket, and other menu meats. A variety of sides are offered as well.
Type: Barbecue
Location: 1626 South U.S. 23, East Tawas, MI 48730
Shopping
Save A Lot
Save A Lot is just five miles from the state park, making it the ideal place to pick up some food supplies. They offer weekly sales too.
Location: 1700 East Huron Street, East Tawas, MI 48730
Village Chocolatier
Caramel treats and hand-dipped chocolate to please every craving are prepared and sold at the Village Chocolatier. From a caramel apple and assorted candies to the mouth-watering taste of the famous chocolate caramel pecan cluster, you'll be able to cure your sweet tooth hunger.
Location: 104 Newman Street, East Tawas, MI 48730
Alabaster Corner Mall
Alabaster Corner Mall features a rustic and delightful feel. You can shop for jewelry, antiques, vintage, and home décor here.
Location: 2441 U.S. 23, Tawas City, MI 48763
Chick’n Dots
Chick’n Dots is a family-owned boutique based in East Tawas, Michigan. Some popular items featured here include toys, books, accessories, and a variety of children's clothing sizes.
Location: 229 Newman Street, East Tawas, MI 48730
Motor City Kiteboarding
Motor City Kiteboarding sells everything necessary for outdoor surfing, including kiteboards, navigator control bars, and other supplies. They also offer kiteboarding, paddleboarding, and snowkiting lessons.
Location: 542 Tawas Beach Road, East Tawas, MI 48730
Sightseeing
Iosco County Historical Museum
Iosco County Historical Museum offers self-guided tours that navigate you through the history of Losco County. However, the museum staff is always happy to accompany you on the tour.
Location: 405 West Bay Street, East Tawas, MI 48730
Tuttle Marsh Wildlife Area
Experience the 5,000 acres of natural habitat and wildlife that call the Tuttle Marsh Wildlife Area home. The area attracts herons, shorebirds, and egrets. The higher ground and marsh area is also the home of white-tail deer, bobcats, black bear, beavers, and other mammals. It is best to view them through your car window so that they don't flee the area.
Location: Sherman Road, Oscoda, MI 48750
Highbanks River Trail
Take a short, seven-mile hike along the bluffs of the Au Sable River on the Highbanks River Trail. Hikers and skiers will be able to look over the river valley. You'll also have the opportunity to observe the wildlife that inhabits the area.
Location: Oscoda, MI 48750
Wurtsmith Air Museum
Wurtsmith Air Museum preserves the history of Wurtsmith Air Force Base and aviation in Northeastern Michigan. Visitors will be able to observe three hangers full of military and aviation history, artifacts, equipment, and static aircraft displays.
Location: 4071 East Van Ettan Street, Oscoda, MI 48750
Oscoda Beach Park
Oscoda Beach Park has about 1,000 feet of Lake Huron frontage and 9.6 acres to explore. You can swim, sunbathe, or walk the boardwalk at the beach. Other things to do here include playing basketball, picnicking, skateboarding on the ramps, or listening to a band in the wooden band shelter.
Location: 201 East River, Oscoda, MI 48750
How to Get to
Tawas Point State Park
From East Tawas, head east on East Bay Street toward Main Street, and then, turn right onto Tawas Beach Road. Follow Tawas Beach Road to the state park.
From Tawas City, head northeast on U.S. 23 North/West Lake Street toward 1st Street and continue for about two miles. Turn right onto Tawas Beach Road and follow to the state park.
From Oscoda, head east on West River Road toward Huron/North State Street/U.S. 23 and then turn right at the first crossroads onto US 23 South/Huron/South State Street. Continue to follow U.S. 23 for 11 miles and then turn left onto Baldwin Resort Road. Follow for approximately two miles and then turn left onto Tawas Beach Road/Tawas Beach and Point Road. Follow signs to the state park.
Entering Tawas Point State Park
Tawas Point State Park hours of operation are from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.
Tawas Point State Park Daily Vehicle Pass (1-4 adults) : $9.0
Tawas Point State Park Annual Vehicle Pass : $34.0
You'll make memories that last a lifetime when you take an RV adventure to Tawas Point State Park. If you don't have an RV of your own, rent one with RVshare! If you share your trip photos on social media, be sure to tag us, or send them to [email protected] for a chance to be featured on our blog.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tawas Point State Park
Anytime is the best time to visit Tawas Point State Park. Bird watching and hiking are popular spring and summer activities. Leaf peepers will enjoy the changing trees, and winter is a great time to visit the lighthouse.
The park is one of the most popular bird-watching spots in the Midwest. There have been over 300 species of birds identified at the park. Bird species include gulls, songbirds, owls, hawks, falcons, waterfowl, eagles, and more.
Tawas Point State Park has 193 camping sites with electric hookups. During the winter, designated spots will be assigned and plowed. Other amenities include a designated swimming area, modern restrooms, and a playground.
No, you do not have to reserve a spot. Most spots are first-come, first-serve. If you want a guaranteed space, reservations can be made six months in advance. There is an $8 fee when making reservations online.
Tawas Point State Park welcomes pets. There is a designated pet area where dogs are allowed off-leash. Otherwise, they need to be on a six-foot leash. Pets are not allowed on the Sandy Hook Trail and certain beach areas.