About Tawas Point State Park
Tawas Point earned its nickname "the Cape Cod of the Midwest" for its sandy spit curving out into Lake Huron, a shape more reminiscent of the New England coast than the typical Michigan shoreline. The 183-acre park was developed in the 1960s and today combines two miles of sandy beach, a historic 1876 lighthouse, and one of the best birdwatching spots in the Great Lakes region.
Tawas Point sits on a major migratory flyway, and during spring and fall migration the point becomes what birders call a "migrant trap" — a concentration point for hundreds of bird species funneling along the Lake Huron shoreline. Even if birding isn't your thing, the lighthouse and beach alone make this one of the prettier state park settings on the eastern side of the Lower Peninsula.
Tawas Point's 189 modern sites book up fast for summer weekends, and the park sees an extra wave of demand during peak migration weeks in May when birders descend on the point. Reserve early either way.
Campground Layout
Tawas Point's modern campground has every site wired for electric, plus a handful of cabin and yurt options if you want a roof without towing a camper.
| Site Type | Sites | Hookups | Best For | Water Access |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Modern Campsites | 189 | Electric 20/30amp | Families, RVs, standard camping | Short walk to Lake Huron beach |
| Cabins & Yurt | 1 yurt, 2 cabins, 2 mini cabins | Electric | Campers who want a roof, sleeps up to 6 | Near the campground |
If birding is the priority, ask about sites closest to the point and the lighthouse trail, where migration activity concentrates. For beach access, look for sites on the campground's lake-facing side.
The Lighthouse & the Birding Trail
Tawas Point Lighthouse, built in 1876, is the only true Victorian-era light station still standing on the Great Lakes. The Michigan History Center runs seasonal tower tours where you can climb to the top for a view down the sandy point. Just as popular with a different crowd: this is an Audubon-recognized Important Bird Area with roughly 300 documented migratory species passing through, especially during the spring push in May.
Even without binoculars, the two miles of sandy, shallow Lake Huron beach is warm enough for swimming most of the summer — a rarity on the Lake Huron side compared to the colder waters further north.
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How to Get a Reservation at Tawas Point
Tawas Point sites book through the same system as every Michigan state park: the 6-month advance window, or a last-minute cancellation.
The 6-Month Window Strategy
Reservations open on MiDNRReservations.com at 8:00 AM Eastern (Monday–Friday) or 9:00 AM Eastern (Saturday–Sunday), exactly 6 months before your arrival date. If you're planning around spring migration in May, book that date the moment your window opens.
CampDrop Alerts for Cancellations
Missed the window? CampDrop watches MiDNRReservations.com around the clock and texts you the moment a site matching your dates opens up.
What to Know Before You Camp
Hookups and Amenities
Every modern site has 20 or 30-amp electric service, with no full hookups at individual sites. The campground has modern restroom and shower buildings and a sanitation dump station.
Beach Access
Two miles of sandy Lake Huron beach run along the park, with a designated pet-friendly section between the campground and the lighthouse.
Pets
Dogs are allowed on a 6-foot leash under owner control, with a designated pet-friendly beach area between the campground and the lighthouse.
Season Dates
The campground operates spring through fall, with peak demand in June through August and a secondary surge during May bird migration. Confirm exact current-year dates on MiDNRReservations.com.
Directions
Tawas Point State Park is located just east of East Tawas on Lake Huron's Tawas Bay. From US-23, follow signs east on Tawas Beach Road to the park entrance at the tip of the point.
Address: 686 Tawas Beach Road, East Tawas, MI 48730