FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

When is the park office open?  The park office is open 7 days a week.  The office is closed on New Years Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day.  Summer office hours are 7am – 10pm, 7 days a week.  The office is open the rest of the year 7 days a week, from 8am-430pm.  A park ranger may not be in the office at all times.  During the spring, fall and winter seasons, it's recommended that customers call the office in advance to set up an office visit.  The office telephone number is (989) 879-5050.

What is the reservation policy for campsite rentals, cabin rentals, and facility rentals?
Campsite Reservation Policy – May through September, campsite reservations are recommended.  The campground is typically full each weekend during this time.  It is not necessary to call in advance for a campsite reservation in October – April.  Reservations are held by credit card, or advance payment by check or cash.  Reservations are accepted for the current calendar year only.

Cancellations – Cancellations must be made with the park office a minimum of 7 days prior to arrival date, except for the following – Long-Term Camping, Long-Term Cabin Rental, and Facility Rental which all require notification of cancellation a minimum of 1 month prior to the arrival date.  Failure to meet these terms will result in forfeiture of all money received by Bay County-Pinconning Park for the dates reserved by customer.

Long-Term Campsite Reservation Policy – Pinconning Park offers discounted camp rates to customers who choose to camp here for extended periods (1 week - 1 year).  Long-term campsite availability is limited to specific sites.  Customers interested in camping long term should contact a park staff member well in advance to determine campsite availability and location.  Please note the cancellation policy stated above.

What is the Cabin Reservation Policy?  Pinconning Park offers 6 rental cabins.  The cabins are available to rent 365 days a year.  Advance reservations are recommended for the cabins, especially from May – September.  Reservations are accepted for dates in the current calender year.  Click on  'Cabin Rules and Recommendations' for additional information.  Please note the cancellation policy stated above.

What is the Facility Rental Reservation and Cancellation Policy?  The gazebo and pavilion are available to rent year-round for a variety of events, from weddings and receptions, to family reunions and graduation parties.  Contact a park staff member in advance to reserve either the gazebo or pavilion.  Reservations are accepted for the current calender year.  Full payment in advance is necessary to hold the facility.  Payment options include credit card, check or cash.  Please note the cancellation policy stated above.

What are the check in and check out times?  For camping and cabin rentals - check in time is 3pm – 10pm.  Check out time is no later than 3pm.

How do I check in when a Park Ranger is not available?  For campers, an overnight payment box is attached to the front registration office building.  Customers are required to pay for the campsite prior to setting up on the site.  Remove a payment envelope from the small payment envelope box (also on the office door), fill out the information, endorse your check (checks only)  to Pinconning Park, enclose the check in the envelope, and place the envelope in the payment box.  A park ranger will bring a payment receipt to your campsite during their next park patrol.

What is the park policy on firewood?  Campfires are allowed in Pinconning Park in the designated fire rings located in the campground.  Due to the existence of the Emerald Ash Borer, the United States Forest Service recommends that all firewood transported into campgrounds be acquired from local (Pinconning area) firewood vendors. There are several local firewood vendors in close proximity to Pinconning Park.  Also, the park sells firewood.  Please follow all park rules, including specific firewood and burning regulations.  Click Park Rules for further information.

What is the park policy on pets?  Click on Pet Guidelines For Campers to read tips about how to make traveling and camping with a pet a safe and enjoyable experience.  Click on Park Rules for specific pet rules and regulations.

Are boating and swimming available at Pinconning Park?  Pinconning Park is located along the Saginaw Bay shoreline.  The Saginaw Bay is part of Lake Huron.  The Saginaw Bay shoreline is a coastal wetland shoreline.  Coastal wetland shorelines feature lush vegetation, reed grasses, and abundant wildlife.  Lake Huron (including the Saginaw Bay) water levels have dropped several feet over the past few years, and are now considered at, or near their lowest levels recorded. Lower water levels impact many activities on the Saginaw Bay, including swimming, boating, fishing, waterfowl hunting, ice fishing, and snowmobiling.  Responsible outdoor recreational users should consider these factors when planning activities involving the use of the Saginaw Bay.  In general, average water depths of 1-3 feet extend approximately 50-1000 feet from shore in the Pinconning Park area.  However, wind direction and speed, along with recent rain and snow amounts can contribute to fluctuations in water depth.

Water recreational users are advised to use caution at all times when considering their activities.  Pinconning Park features a small boat launch and channel, and a limited public beach area.  No lifeguards are utilized at the beach.  Park staff will provide the public with current general information regarding conditions, however it is the exclusive responsibility of the recreational user to determine reasonable and safe activities.

What recreational activities and features are available at Pinconning Park?  Swimming, boating, fishing, ice fishing, basketball court, horseshoe area, summer guided wildlife tours, nature trails, picnic areas, and 2 playgrounds.

What hunting and fishing opportunities are available at Pinconning Park?  No hunting is allowed under any circumstances on Pinconning Park property.  Waterfowl hunters are allowed to use park property to access the Saginaw Bay.  All Michigan state hunting laws are in effect and will be enforced.  Any criminal trespassing, hunting and fishing violations will be pursued to the fullest extent of the law by Bay County-Pinconning Park and it's officials.  Please refer to the Michigan Dept. of Natural Resources for specific rules and regulations.

Mosquito Control Information – For your protection and a healthier environment, Pinconning Park is one of many sites throughout Bay County that is treated for nuisance and/or disease carrying mosquitoes.  This process typically begins in April of each season, and continues through October.  For more information on this process please contact Bay County Mosquito Control at (989) 894-4555.

Emergency Contact Information -
Law Enforcement: Telephone – Dial 911
Area Hospitals: St. Mary's of Michigan Standish Hospital, 805 W. Cedar St., Standish, MI, Tel: (989) 846-4521
Bay Regional Medical Center, 1900 Columbus Ave., Bay