13 Unique Port Austin Hotels, Vacation Rentals, & Camping Options for a Fun Getaway
Would you like to save this full guide?
When you stay at the tip of the Michigan Thumb you have the opportunity to experience something few can enjoy in Michigan — both the sunrise and sunset over Lake Huron. Of course, you’ll want to stay in one of the Port Austin hotels, vacation rentals, or camping spots to get the best views.
Among the plethora of things to do in Port Austin, you can easily find panoramic views of Lake Huron and Saginaw Bay, allowing you to enjoy the most magical times of the day. These are the best lodging options in and around the city.
Best Local Hotels in Port Austin
From waterfront motels with affordable rooms and incredible views to quaint, historic bed-and-breakfasts, there are a variety of Port Austin hotels to choose from.
Most of the hotels in Port Austin are locally owned and operated, which ensures that you enjoy an authentic, immersive, and personal experience during your stay in this idyllic town.
Beachcomber Motel & Suites
For a taste of the Caribbean in the heart of the Michigan Thumb, consider staying at the Beachcomber Motel & Suites. This family-friendly resort is located on a private stretch of beach in Port Austin, offering guests exclusive access to the crystal blue waters of Lake Huron.
The balcony rooms offer waterfront views. Also, there’s a resort playground and fishing access on the pier. This is the hotel that everyone in your travel party will love.

Lake Vista Resort
Another resort that’s a favorite among families traveling in Port Austin is the Lake Vista Resort. This independent resort has been locally owned and operated since 1976.
Alongside cabins and rooms to rent, this resort boasts an incredible lake view pool. The love and care that has been poured into the resort shine through.

The Garfield Inn
For a historic experience in Port Austin, consider staying at The Garfield Inn. This bed and breakfast is located in downtown Port Austin, just a few blocks away from the beach.
The Garfield Inn is famous for being a historical landmark for the 20th President of the United States, James Garfield. It’s currently being renovated by new owners and will be accepting reservations in the future.

Sandcastles on the Beach
About 2 miles outside of downtown Port Austin, Sandcastles on the Beach offers a peaceful respite from the hustle and bustle of city life. This quiet, family-friendly resort is known for its park-like setting.
Not only does it offer lakefront views and private beach access, but it also has large shade trees, picnic tables, barbecues, and bonfires. It’s the perfect place to get away from it all and make lifelong memories with those you love the most.

Blue Spruce & Lucky Horseshoe Motel & Cabins
The Blue Spruce & Lucky Horseshoe Motel & Cabins is considered to be a clean, comfortable place to stay, and it offers the best of both worlds in Port Austin. It’s not located in the downtown area, which means that guests enjoy a quieter experience during their stay.
However, it’s within walking distance of some of the top area attractions and restaurants. This hotel has single and double rooms, as well as cabin rentals available, and guests can enjoy its on-site outdoor pool.

Lakeside Motor Lodge
The Lakeside Motor Lodge is one of the few hotels located directly in downtown Port Austin. When you stay at this hotel, you can easily walk to all of the best shops and restaurants in the historic area while still only being steps away from the lake.
However, this hotel has a heated pool and a sprawling green space. So, you may find that you never want to leave.

Quaint Port Austin Vacation Rentals
As a town, Port Austin is less of a vacation destination and more of a residential community. While there are hundreds of full-time, year-round residents, there’s also a whole new population that moves into town every summer in the many vacation homes that line the lake.
Fortunately for those who want to visit Port Austin and experience the Tip of the Thumb, many of those vacation homes are available to rent on a short-term basis.
Heart Rock Haven
This beachfront cottage in Port Austin features three bedrooms, one bathroom, and 50 feet of private beach. With a recently renovated interior, this cottage boasts all of the modern amenities that you crave while still offering you the chance to enjoy a rustic and charming beachfront experience.

Cozy Cottage With Lake Views
This vacation rental is a typical Northern Michigan cottage, offering guests the chance to enjoy a home-like atmosphere with Lake Huron views. And, it’s available for year-round rentals!
The screened porch allows those who stay here to enjoy the fresh air and natural beauty that surrounds them throughout the entire year, regardless of the weather.

Little Yellow Cottages
The Little Yellow Cottages are, perhaps, the most quaint and charming Port Austin vacation rentals available. Consisting of six tiny, pale yellow cottages in the heart of downtown Port Austin, these rentals look like something straight out of a children’s storybook.
The cottages are located in a prime spot, just two blocks from Lake Huron and within walking distance of downtown Port Austin and the weekly farmers market.

Sunset Beach Cottages
If you’re looking to combine the cottage experience with lakefront views, consider renting one of the Sunset Beach Cottages along Lake Huron near Port Austin. This cottage community consists of eight cottages that range in size from studios to four-bedroom vacation rentals.
While each cottage offers unique amenities and views of the surrounding area, all guests can enjoy a beautiful common area that includes a large deck overlooking the beach. In the evenings, most guests congregate on the deck to watch the mesmerizing sunsets that take place over the lake.
In addition to the common area, guests can play in the sand and surf on the private stretch of beach that spans more than 150 feet. These cottages are becoming increasingly popular, and those who stay here love the lively, social atmosphere and premier amenities.
Camping Near Port Austin Michigan
With its cool evening breezes and warm summer days, Port Austin has long been a popular camping destination. Campers who want to experience the sights and sounds of Port Austin will be pleased to know that there are several campgrounds in the area.
Port Crescent State Park Campground
Port Crescent State Park is a beautiful park that preserves the natural beauty of the Michigan Thumb and gives all visitors an opportunity to experience the natural flora, fauna, and wildlife that thrive in this region.
In addition to being the home of the Pinnebog River, a dark sky preserve, and miles of winding trails, it’s considered the premier camping destination in Port Austin.
At Port Crescent State Park, campers can enjoy a modern campground that features 10 types of lodging options — many of which boast waterfront views of Lake Huron. Campers can choose from geodesic domes, cabins, RV spots, tent campsites, and more.
Most people who camp at Port Crescent State Park spend their days on the beach, wandering the trails, or kayaking to Turnip Rock. By the time the sun sets and the stars arrive, they head to the dark sky preserve to see the constellations in all their glory.

Duggan’s Family Campground
Campers who’re looking for a family-friendly, private campground to stay at during their trip to Port Austin will be delighted by Duggan’s Family Campground. It offers modern amenities, such as a heated pool and a well-stocked camp store.
On any given afternoon or evening, you’ll find campers heading to the store to grab a scoop of ice cream. The campground is also located within walking distance of the beach, Port Crescent State Park, and Sandy Dunes Adventure Golf, which is a mini-golf course beloved by people of all ages.
Conveniently located on Port Austin Rd between Port Austin and Caseville, this campground is one of the most popular places to stay in the Michigan Thumb. If you visit in August, you have to check out the Cheeseburger in Caseville festival!
Windy Hill Campground
Another Port Austin campground to consider is the Windy Hill Campground. This private campground is preferred among those who enjoy RV camping because it has dozens of RV hookup spots.
It’s centrally located, which allows campers to spend their time on the campground or explore the many attractions throughout Port Austin, Caseville, and Grindstone City.
Book Your Favorite Port Austin Hotels, Vacation Rentals, or Camping Options
Whether you opt to stay in Port Austin hotels or you prefer Port Austin campgrounds, you’ll find that most lodging options in this waterfront town are more affordable than in other vacation destinations in the Mitten.
The quiet, authentic nature of Port Austin is appealing, particularly as tourism increases year after year in some of the most popular communities in Northern Michigan. Book your stay to begin your Michigan Thumb adventure!