Bay City State Park
Great Lakes Beach and World-Class Wetland Birding on Saginaw Bay — 196 Modern Campsites With Electric Hookups, Mini-Cabin Rentals, Swimming Beach on Saginaw Bay, Tobico Marsh 1,700-Acre Coastal Wetland With Boardwalk and Observation Tower, Globally Important Bird Area With 130+ Documented Species, Saginaw Bay Visitor Center, Splash Pad Spray Park and Playground, Hiking and Biking Trails, Bay City Bay County Michigan
Bay City State Park is a state park on the shores of Saginaw Bay in Bay City, Bay County, Michigan, managed by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The park features 196 modern campsites with electric hookups arranged in multiple loops, mini-cabin rentals for indoor lodging, a public swimming beach on Saginaw Bay, the Tobico Marsh — a 1,700-acre coastal wetland designated as a Globally Important Bird Area with over 130 documented bird species, a boardwalk trail and observation tower overlooking the marsh, the Saginaw Bay Visitor Center with interactive natural history exhibits, a splash pad spray park and playground for children, hiking and biking trails through wetland and upland habitat, and excellent fishing access on Saginaw Bay for walleye, perch, and bass.
Bay City State Park combines Great Lakes beach recreation with world-class wetland ecology. The Tobico Marsh is one of the largest remaining freshwater coastal marshes on the Great Lakes and has earned Globally Important Bird Area designation from the National Audubon Society.
The boardwalk trail and observation tower provide eye-level views over the marsh — great blue herons, American bitterns, egrets, sandhill cranes, and migrating waterfowl are all regularly spotted. Over 130 bird species have been documented, making this a premier birding destination in Michigan’s Thumb region.
The 196-site campground fills up fast on summer weekends — book through the Michigan DNR reservation system well in advance. The Saginaw Bay beach and splash pad make this a top family camping destination.
Things to Do
- Camping — 196 electric sites, mini-cabins
- Swimming — Saginaw Bay beach
- Birding — 130+ species, Tobico Marsh boardwalk + tower
- Nature center — Saginaw Bay Visitor Center
- Hiking/Biking — wetland and upland trails
- Fishing — Saginaw Bay: walleye, perch, bass
- Kids — splash pad spray park, playground
Park Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Bay City, Bay County, MI |
| Campsites | 196 modern — electric hookups |
| Cabins | Mini-cabin rentals |
| Beach | Saginaw Bay swimming beach |
| Tobico Marsh | 1,700-ac wetland — boardwalk + observation tower |
| Birding | 130+ species — Globally Important Bird Area |
| Visitor Center | Saginaw Bay Visitor Center |
| Fishing | Saginaw Bay — walleye, perch, bass |
| Managed By | Michigan DNR |
| Coordinates | 43.6536° N, 83.8922° W |
Frequently Asked Questions
Wildlife & Nature
Bay City SP — on Saginaw Bay (Lake Huron) — features the Tobico Marsh, one of the largest coastal wetlands on the Great Lakes. The marsh — a National Natural Landmark — supports over 100 bird species including bald eagles, great blue herons, and American bitterns. Muskrats maintain lodges throughout the marsh. Snapping turtles patrol the channels.
Nearby Attractions
Bay City — adjacent — has the historic downtown and Saginaw River. Tobico Marsh NNL — within the park. Midland — 15 miles west — has Dow Gardens. Saginaw — 15 miles south.
What is special about Bay City State Park?
Bay City State Park in Bay City, Michigan combines Great Lakes beach recreation with the Tobico Marsh — a 1,700-acre coastal wetland designated as a Globally Important Bird Area by the National Audubon Society with over 130 documented bird species. The park offers 196 modern campsites with electric hookups, mini-cabin rentals, a Saginaw Bay swimming beach, a boardwalk and observation tower over Tobico Marsh, the Saginaw Bay Visitor Center, a children’s splash pad spray park, fishing on Saginaw Bay for walleye and perch, and hiking trails through wetland and upland habitat. Managed by Michigan DNR.
Last updated: May 2026
