Bay City State Park, situated on the shores of the Saginaw Bay, is home to one of the largest remaining freshwater, coastal wetlands on the Great Lakes, the Tobico Marsh. With more than 1,000 feet of sandy beach and more than 2,000 acres of diverse habitats, including wetlands, woods and prairies, the park is a vital staging area for migratory birds.
This rich landscape makes the park a birdwatcher's paradise, particularly during spring and fall migrations. The diverse habitats are a haven for a wide variety of species, from shorebirds and herons to nesting songbirds.
Beyond its natural wonders, the park offers a modern campground, miles of trails, a spray park, and the Saginaw Bay Visitor Center. Kids will love the spray park and accessible "Play by The Bay" playground.
There’s a fishing pier and a seasonal floating dock located in the Tobico Lagoon.
Start your park visit at the Saginaw Bay Visitor Center. This award-winning facility offers interactive exhibits, wildlife viewing, a gift shop and educational programs about the unique coastal wetlands.
A picnic area is in the day-use area and includes picnic tables and charcoal grills that are available first come, first serve.
Five shelters are available for rent. Shelters can be reserved up to one year in advance by calling 1-800-447-2757 or visiting www.midnrreservations.com.
The all-new 'Play by The Bay' playground has a giant fish play structure, water spray park and other nature-themed features. In addition, there is a popular spray park.
The park has 11 vault toilets open year-round.
The park is situated on Saginaw Bay, which is part of Lake Huron.
There's an accessible beach mat and a coastal boardwalk in the buoyed swim area. A beach wheelchair is available, free of charge.
The park's track chair expands access beyond traditional wheelchairs. The chair is available for visitors to borrow at no cost.
Kids will have fun cooling off at the park's Spray by the Bay splash park complete with interactive water components, umbrellas and lawn chairs.
Begin your visit at theSaginaw Bay Visitor Center, an award-winning facility that serves as the gateway to the park's unique coastal wetlands. Inside, you'll find renovated interactive exhibits that highlight the Tobico Marsh, one of the largest coastal wetlands on the Great Lakes. The center also offers wildlife viewing, a gift shop and a variety of educational programs.
Whether you're enjoying the buoyed swim beach or the spray park, you'll find a beach house with restrooms, changing rooms and an outdoor shower.
Pets are allowed along the entire length of the Lake Huron shoreline other than the buoyed swim area. Pets must always be on a 6-foot leash and under an owner’s immediate control. All pet waste must be properly disposed of in trash receptacles.
Bicycles are welcome on established park roads and the park's trails.
There are four self-pay EV fast-charging stations located near the Saginaw Bay Visitor Center.
The Tobico Lagoon provides pike, carp, bass and panfish. An accessible fishing pier makes shore fishing available to all. Additional DNR-managed boating access sites are within a few miles of the park. Ice fishing is just off the park's shore in the winter months.
Hunting is allowed in the state park; however, you should call this park directly to inquire about any special rules, concerns or considerations.
Metal detecting is allowed in certain park areas. Please consult the park map for designated locations and review applicable regulations. Only registered campers can metal detect in campgrounds.
Seasonal naturalists offer nature-based programming at the park during the summer and/or fall. Check the park's explorer program calendar for dates, locations and topics.
Two observations towers, boardwalk, viewing platforms and shoreline spotting scopes help make wildlife viewing more interactive.
The park’s sanitation station is located at the modern campground. There is potable water available and two lanes.
This location is unable to offer sanitation station access to non-registered campers because the park infrastructure can't support additional use.
There's a buoyed swim beach along Lake Huron. There's an accessible beach mat and a coastal boardwalk in the buoyed swim area. A beach wheelchair is available, free of charge.
There are three Wi-Fi hot spots in the campground (near campground host site), spray park and visitor center.
This modern campground features mostly wooded sites. Each site offers 20/30-amp electrical service, with some sites also providing 50-amp service. A sanitation station is conveniently located, and kids can enjoy the on-site playground with slides and swings.
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This rustic, tent-only campground is open to youth groups and features two sites, each accommodating up to 50 people. The campground is equipped with picnic tables, fire pits, a flagpole, and vault toilets, with easy access to a potable water faucet.
Reservations can be made by calling the park office.
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Stay in one of two mini cabins, S and P, located within the modern campground. Each cabin sleeps up to five people with two bunkbeds (a full-size bed on the bottom and a twin on top). Inside, you'll find a counter with barstools, a microwave, a mini-fridge and a mini-split unit for both heat and air conditioning. Outside, each cabin has a deck, a picnic table, a fire ring, and a grill. A toilet and shower building is just a short walk away.
Guests must bring their own linens and cookware.
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