Port Crescent State Park is set to reopen for camping on June 27 following nearly $5 million in improvements funded through federal relief dollars.
The renovations, totaling $4.95 million, were part of Michigan’s “Building Michigan Together Plan,” signed in 2022 by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. The initiative allocated more than $270 million from the American Rescue Plan Act to improve state park infrastructure across Michigan.
At Port Crescent, renovations began with updates to the park’s day-use areas, followed by upgrades to the beach building and a repaving of the entrance road. Most recently, the park focused on revitalizing the campground, which included replacing water and sewer lines, improving electrical systems, upgrading sanitation stations, and installing new roads. Campers can also expect new full-hookup sites and modernized amenities throughout the campground.
In addition to these improvements, the park has started a side project to expand its sewer lagoon system. The project involves clearing land to prepare for an additional pond that will increase capacity for the on-site sewage system servicing the campground. The work is being done in collaboration with consulting firms and the Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy, and will continue over the coming months.
Located just west of Port Austin along Lake Huron, Port Crescent is one of the Thumb’s most visited outdoor destinations, popular for its hiking trails, stargazing, and proximity to the Saginaw Bay shoreline. The renovations aim to support growing interest in outdoor recreation and improve long-term access for campers across the region.
Adding to the spotlight, Port Crescent State Park was recently named one of the “50 Favorite Places to Camp in America Right Now” by Hipcamp. It was the only site in Michigan to make the list.
Hipcamp is an American company that offers an online platform and app for booking campsites, RV parks, glamping stays, and private land camping experiences.
Hipcamp evaluated more than 500,000 campgrounds across the U.S., narrowing the list based on camper reviews, regional popularity, and unique experiences. The goal, according to Hipcamp founder and CEO Alyssa Ravasio, was to highlight both iconic locations and “resilient campgrounds recovering from natural disaster devastation.”
For more information and to keep up-to-date with construction, visit the Department of Natural Resources website or the Port Crescent State Park Facebook page.
For more information on finding and booking a campsite or to explore Hipcamp’s vast catalog, visit hipcamp.com.
