Tawas Point is surrounded by water, Lake Huron and Tawas Bay. This park is open and flat with lots of trees. Each site has a fire ring and table. In the Michigan state parks, the fire ring is a metal band surrounding a concrete ring. They are raised and I couldn't determine if that was because they had a lot of ash in them or if that was the way they were constructed. The bottom line is that you can easily watch your campfire.
This park also has the wonderful Michigan State Park individual shower rooms separate from the bathroom. The even sites from 34 to 44 and sites 186 to 193 are closest to the water.
There is a large play park and lighthouse at the end of the park.
We almost turned around because there is a gravel road into the park, and we were leery since most Michigan parks we had been in had paved roads. We thought we were lost. But, no, this one is a little less developed than some of the others.
There are lots of trees but the sites are very open. Sites are big and flat; no leveling problems here for the most part. Lake access ends at site 46; if you want to be close to the lake choose an odd numbered site between 17 and 45.
The campground has heavily wooded sites but with clear sight lines between the sites. There are lots of hiking trails in the park and a bike trail that takes you to Rogers City, 4.5 miles away. They have bikes for rent at the campground.
The roads are paved but the sites are dirt/grass. Usual wonderful Michigan State Park bathrooms.
Lots of trees; right on Lake Huron. We got a campsite across the road from the beachside sites. Even in late September the beach sites are often totally booked ahead.
Usual great Michgan State Park bathrooms. Very friendly camp hosts. We were there on the weekend and there was coffee and goodies on Saturday and Sunday mornings.
Unique firewood dispenser; you put in your money and the wrapped firewood drops into a bin with a VERY loud thunk. You open the bin and take out your wood. Even when you know it's coming, you jump. We were told it is one of only two such dispensers in existence.
Bikes for rent. Easy walk into town. Try the Pasty Place.
We explored the park before choosing a campsite. Sites 4A, 5A, and 6A were all vacant. They all were RIGHT ON THE WATER with a wonderful view of the Mackinac Bridge. The sites across from them were full. We asked why no one had chosen those sites and were told, "They don't have electric." Well, we can live a few days on our batteries and propane. It was wonderful, seeing the bridge illuminated at night.
Sites 1 to 18 are near the shore and the best. 'A' sites 1 to 10 are ON the water, but no electric. Sites 52 to 254 are in the woods a hike away from the water. The road is blacktopped and sites are either grass or gravel. Many of the sites are uneven.
Michigan state parks all have wonderful tiled bathrooms; individual showers entered from a hallway or, sometimes, from outside.
This campground is 5 stars for the view and the bathrooms, but 4 because of the road and grass/gravel sites.
This is the place to be if you want to park the RV and explore the town. It is right in town! It's about a 5 minute walk to the heart of Grand Marais. The sites are mainly on grass but even when it rained they were fine. The city pool (indoors) is in the park; you can use it for $5 and your receipt for the park.
We came to unplugged xii at North House Folk School, which is right next door. It was great to walk over and back each night. If you choose the higher number sites, you will be close to Lake Superior and can hear the waves. Their website has a map of the campsites, so it's easy to pick. Close to the road, close to town. Close to the water, more of a hike. We were at site 58W, which is near the road, and didn't hear any road noise. But it was cool and we didn't have the windows open.
Each site has a table and fire ring. They are ample. Bathrooms are unexceptional. At the bathhouse nearest us there were only 2 showers and I couldn't turn the handle on one of them.
You are right on the seaway and in town. You can walk to the locks if you are a walker (it's about a mile or so), you can set your chair up on the grass and watch the big boats go by.
But it is essentially a parking lot. The sites are almost all on a blacktop lot; they ARE wide. Each site has a picnic table and fire pits are scattered throughout. We took showers in our RV so I can't comment on those.
Bottom line: If you are here to watch the big boats and like to be in town, this is the place to be.
All but 2 of the sites are pull thrus and almost all are quite level. They are grassy. This is the first park we have been in that had benches at each campsite by the fire ring.
Each site is sheltered from the road by trees, but many back up to another site with a wooden fence in between. The sites are very ample.
There are lots of trails, including one to Big Manitou Falls, the highest falls in WI, and around the lake to Little Manitou Falls. It is about 18 mi to Duluth/Superior.
Bathrooms are fine with space divided so that there is room for dressing.
Must pay WI daily pass ($10 for out of state) in addition to campsite fee.
Lots of trees at Lake Wissota State Park. We had a campfire and couldn't see the stars because of all the trees! Water is at the dump station and at a few faucets in the campground, but you need to block the road to fill. The sites are very large.
Went to dinner at The Edge, just a few miles from the park. Lots of trails in the park.
Must pay the WI daily pass fee ($10 for out of state) in addition to campsite fee.
