R
Robert S.
Scout
ScoutEaton County Fairgrounds
Charlotte campground
Very convenient off highway with easy check-in and very quiet during the weekend when there are no events at the Fairgrounds
Camping near Pinckney, MI
109 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
Camping near Pinckney, Michigan ranges from developed RV parks with full hookups to quiet rustic tent sites. Bishop Lake Campground, about six miles from town, has both tent and RV sites along with flush toilets and a swimming beach that families tend to like. If you want something more basic, Blind Lake Rustic Campground in the Pinckney Recreation Area has fewer amenities but much more quiet. RVers often head to Haas Lake Park RV Campground, 19 miles away, which comes with full hookups and a swimming pool. Wildlife is common throughout the Pinckney area, so you'll need to keep food stored properly. Spring and fall bring the most comfortable camping weather with mild temperatures. Summers can get hot, though the lakes help you cool off. Winter camping works if you bring the right gear for cold conditions. Getting to these campgrounds isn't difficult - the roads leading to them stay in good shape year-round.
Best Campgrounds near Pinckney (109)
1. Bishop Lake Campground — Brighton Recreation Area
"Campground Review: Bishop Lake is a great campground located in the middle of the Brighton Rec Area. The upper and lower campgrounds are both modern, with every site including electric."
"Great family place with paved and dirt biking/hiking trails. Very nice beach with grass and sand. There are 2 areas of inflatables, one of them is for the little kids 48 in. and under."
from $32 - $37 / night
Check Availability2. Blind Lake Rustic Campground — Pinckney Recreation Area
"Nice place to camp right on the lake. It's a 7 mile hike in(can also be accessed via boat), part of the Potowatomi loop trail(~18 miles) located in Waterloo-Pinckney recreation area."
"Camp ground is located along the Potawatomi Trail in Pinckney Recreation area. Bikers head the opposite direction from hikers. The route I followed was about 8 miles in to Blind Lake."
from $20 / night
Check Availability3. Bruin Lake Campground — Pinckney Recreation Area
"There is a new large playground structure and nice but short paved path for kids to bike or scooter around."
"This is a small rustic campground within the Pinckney Recreation Area."
from $30 - $120 / night
Check Availability4. Green Lake Rustic Campground — Waterloo Recreation Area
"The lack of cover between sites gave everyone a nice view of the lake from our tents on our inland sites, which was beautiful."
"I stayed at #6 and had a beautiful view of the lake. There is muddy lake access on that site and I paddled from there in my kayak. There is an official boat launch nearby."
from $20 - $100 / night
Check Availability5. Hell Creek Ranch & Campground
"Direct connections to the Waterloo Pinckney trail system. Near Hell, Michigan and Chelsea, Michigan. Large pool in season. Priced reasonably."
"As an added plus a horse barn (Heavenly Horse Stables) right on property offering riding lessons, trail rides and meet and greets with their houses and other barn animals, my daughter wanted to move here"
from $20 - $35 / night
Check Availability6. Sugarloaf Campground — Waterloo Recreation Area
"It is usually easy to get multiple sites next to each other with reservations.
There is a decent sandy beach here with a playground and volleyball net.""There is an outside vault toilet behind the cabin. Lots of trails connecting the cabin to the rest of the park. Cheap too! Only $68 per night."
from $35 - $160 / night
Check Availability7. Murray Lake Campground — Brighton Recreation Area
"This was our first camping experience in Michigan, so we weren’t exactly prepared. My rating takes this into consideration."
"This often overlooked campground is part of Brighton Recreation area in lower Michigan. Only 25 sites, with no electricity and vault toilets. Pump water available."
from $20 / night
Check Availability8. Appleton Lake Campground — Brighton Recreation Area
"Close by but up north feel."
"Picnic table pit ring outside toilets best site was 24 17$ dollars a night 3 parks Brighton recreational is for Rv and electric sites indoor plumbing hot showers Murry is only for weekend visits Appleton"
from $20 / night
Check Availability9. Portage Lake Modern — Waterloo Recreation Area
"We purchased our new rPod 193 late in the fall and have been dying to give it a test camp and Michigan Winter Weather gave us a great opportunity the week after Christmas (2021)."
"It is a bit of a walk to get to but is handicap accessible.
There are two bathrooms throughout the loop and one at the beach."from $35 - $160 / night
Check Availability10. Camp Dearborn
"Booked a two week stay at Pontiac Lake Rec. area in Whitelak, MI. Huge sites not stacked on top of one another. They have electric hookups, but only 30 amp."
"You will either need a longer electrical cord or if you can back your RV up far enough to reach you will need something to put under your steps to make them touch the ground."
from $3 / night
Check Availability
Drive Time
- 22 min from Ann Arbor, MI
- 42 min from Lansing, MI
- 43 min from Jackson, MI
- 48 min from Flint, MI
Recent Camping Photos near Pinckney, MI
149 Photos of 109 Pinckney Campgrounds
Dave M.
PINCKNEY RAILS-TO-TRAIL CAMPGROUND
Corey O.
Blind Lake Rustic Campground — Pinckney Recreation Area
Heidi S.
Bruin Lake Campground — Pinckney Recreation Area
Nona A.
Bishop Lake Campground — Brighton Recreation Area
Erika N.
Appleton Lake Campground — Brighton Recreation Area
Allison S.
Murray Lake Campground — Brighton Recreation Area
Jacki F.
Green Lake Rustic Campground — Waterloo Recreation Area
Kim S.
Sugarloaf Campground — Waterloo Recreation Area
Mark M.
Pines Rustic Campground — Waterloo Recreation Area
Rachel K.
Portage Lake Modern — Waterloo Recreation Area
Janessa L.
Camp Dearborn
K
Haas Lake Park RV Campground
Recent Reviews near Pinckney, MI
616 Reviews of 109 Pinckney Campgrounds
- ssusan V.Scout
Indian Creek Camp & Conference Center
Nice family campground
Pool, nice playground, small putt putt course, rec room and other activities available. We are retired and just needed overnight camping and the only site available was tiny and right on the curve of the road. Our firepit and picnic table were less than 10 feet from the road so not private at all. We felt it was overpriced for the site. Others were better but none very private(smallish and no trees).
Austin R.ScoutLansing Cottonwood Campground
Randos in your site late at night
This place is a weird one for sure, they’ll let you do whatever you want there, even wander into random tent sites asking minors for alcohol and drugs.
We planned on camping here longer but after an evening where a drunk camper pursued our coolers at 1 in the morning and then asked our teenagers who’d were sleeping in tents if they had any alcohol or weed.
We told management of the incident, they did nothing. We also told them of the Lansing homeless who were coming in the early morning hours to use the facilities… nothing.
So if you like randoms in your site late at night, this is the campsite for you.
Gary G.
GuideSterling State Park Campground
State Park, almost zero trees
Why the Dyrt has this place listed under "glamping" is beyond me. This is very far from that. A state park, some FHU sites, some pull thru, but it's almost like camping in a prairie. There's so very few trees here, so almost every site will be full sun. Full, blisteringly hot, sun.
It's an ok campground, but that's it. Host (each time we were there) did nothing that we could see. People tend to drive fast here, even staff.
It's right on Lake Erie, which can be good/bad, depending on if the toxic algae blooms are occuring.
City of Monroe is nearby for whatever you might need. (Aldi, etc)
Even though this park is close, it's just not one we like to choose because of the barren feel of the place. (We've been here three times)
- Gary G.Guide
Metamora-Hadley Recreation Area
Nice state park
As usual, there's only electric at sites, but the pedestals seem fairly new, and tight. South loop is nicely wooded & has a newer, larger restroom/shower building, not much lake view. The north loop is a little less wooded, with the NW end having a little better lake views, but a pretty ancient restroom/shower facility.
Across the lake is the day use area with a beach and concession stand. (There's a small camp store in the north loop.)
ADA Only sites are asphalt paved. Some of the regular sites could be a challenge to get level on, but the rangers told me they have wood blocks for loan if you don't have enough.
Our first night & a half, we had some terrible neighbors two sites over. Constant profanities, yelling at & threatening their kids... real dirtbags. Rangers booted them from the park! Good to see them taking such positive action. I have not run into a single staff member here that wasn't pleasant.
This was our first time here. A test run, since it's only an hour from home (but feels farther). We'll be back for sure. (Especially with gas prices so high anymore.)
T-Mobile was only slow LTE at our site, but our Starlink worked perfectly at our site. Might be harder to get a clear shot in the more wooded areas of the park.
Dana B.ScoutGroveland Oaks County Park
Absolutely beautiful
My husband and I actually took our first camping trip in our new camper to this location, but we are novice when it comes to campgrounds. It was nice because there was always an attendant at the office to help. They gave clear and concise directions. The grounds were impeccable. Everything looked fantastic. We have even considered being seasonal here because it is so beautiful.
Ginny
TravelerGroveland Oaks County Park
Well kept park :)
Pretty with trees, although you do have very open views if you like more growth... weekend activities... family park, you need to be able to walk a ways to enjoy all their games, activities and beach...
- RRicky Z.Scout
Lake Interstate State Game Area- Dispersed Camping
Lake Interstate
Wasn’t really anywhere to park when it’s been raining all day so I parked on the side where the trail is but left enough room for whoever wants to go to the lake. My son was tired and cranky so I had to just park and set up the camper for my kids. Just a parking lot with a trial that leads to the lake. You can park anywhere there’s no sign saying you can’t park next to the trail so just thought I’d add that lol but it’s beautiful at night besides the traffic from the highway
- JJennifer M.Traveler
Camp Dearborn
Beautiful!
We booked this spot and stayed for 4 nights. Large and spacious. Our spot backed up on a hill and the electric hookup was at the back of the spot as opposed to the side like most other campgrounds. You will either need a longer electrical cord or if you can back your RV up far enough to reach you will need something to put under your steps to make them touch the ground. By no means a negative thing, just make sure you are prepared!
Guide to Pinckney
Pinckney sits at the edge of southeastern Michigan's Waterloo-Pinckney Recreation Area, one of the largest state recreation areas in the Lower Peninsula with over 25,000 acres of protected land. The terrain features numerous kettle lakes formed by receding glaciers that left depressions filled with water. This creates multiple camping options ranging from well-developed facilities to rustic sites without amenities, all within a one-hour drive of Detroit.
What to do
Mountain biking trails: Pinckney Recreation Area connects to extensive trail systems popular among mountain bikers. "The trail was in great condition and is well marked with numbered posts. Reservations can be made ahead for 1 of the 10 sites at Blind Lake Rustic Campground," reports Pat W., who appreciated the navigation system.
Kayaking on Green Lake: The small lakes around Pinckney offer protected waters for paddlers. "I stayed at #6 and had a beautiful view of the lake. There is muddy lake access on that site and I paddled from there in my kayak," writes Melissa B. about Green Lake Rustic Campground. She notes you can bike a few miles into Chelsea for restaurants and shopping.
Jump Island water park: Kids enjoy this floating water obstacle course at Bishop Lake during summer. "Such a cool place to enjoy with the kids, we had a blast at Jump Island!" explains Jillian E. Beth G. adds, "It's connected but costs money. $15 for a 45 minute jump session. Follow on Facebook for coupons."
What campers like
Secluded lakefront sites: Some campsites offer direct lake access away from crowds. "This is a rustic campground right on beautiful blind lake. It is only accessible by foot/bike/or boat. The hike/bike is about 7 miles or 4 (depending on where you park). The paddle in works out to be about 2.5 miles from the Halfmoon boat launch," notes Kate K. about Blind Lake Rustic Campground.
Clean facilities: Haas Lake Park RV Campground maintains well-kept restrooms. "The entire campground was well kept; the bathrooms, the grounds, and the laundry facility were all in great condition," writes John C., who also mentions, "The fire rings are double insulated with sand, which made for a safer experience."
Spacious sites: Some campgrounds provide larger-than-average sites. Jennifer H. appreciates Murray Lake Campground: "We love the large sites with walls of greenery separating the campsites. This is rustic camping at its best. Small fishing lake for paddling. Mountain bike and hiking trails run through the campground."
What you should know
Mosquitos at some campgrounds: Low-lying areas near marshes can have significant insect activity. "The biggest problem was mosquito activity. The camping area sits on an inaccessible lake with a marsh area," warns Ryan F. about Brighton Recreation Area. "When we rolled in the first thing we noticed was that everyone had screen houses set up."
Weekend availability challenges: Many campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. Rob notes about Green Lake Rustic Campground: "I would recommend getting a reservation before showing up. They have laminated signs posted on the campsites to let you know which ones are taken... most weekends are booked solid."
Highway noise: Some lakefront sites have road noise. Jordan B. mentions Green Lake Rustic Campground has "a major roadway passes along the other side of the lake making lake front sites noise until about 12am and rear sites sit near a wetland aka the border of the mosquito kingdom; neither of these problems are terrible if you plan accordingly."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Sugarloaf Modern Campground offers child-friendly amenities. "It has a very nice play area for the children and clean bathrooms. The boat launch was near our camp site which was nice not having to leave the campground," explains Debra B.
Biking opportunities: Children can safely ride bikes at some campgrounds. Kim S. shares her experience at Sugarloaf Modern: "Spent 4 nights and 5 days camping with my husband and 2 kids. We had fun and the kids had a blast. They rode bikes around the loop and loved swimming and the playground."
Horseback riding: Young visitors can interact with horses at specific locations. Ashley S. mentions Hell Creek Ranch Campground has "a horse barn (Heavenly Horse Stables) right on property offering riding lessons, trail rides and meet and greets with their houses and other barn animals, my daughter wanted to move here."
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger rigs: Large RVs need specific sites. Beth G. notes about Sugarloaf Modern: "Site was a little small for our 38foot - we had to go sideways which opened us up to other campers. Not my favorite. No WiFi or sprint service."
Park layout considerations: Some campgrounds have creative layouts for group camping. Gary E. recommends Haas Lake Park: "The round area's with the sites on the outside and common area on the inside make for a great group type setup."
Affordable extended stays: Brighton Recreation Area provides convenient amenities for longer visits. "Decently clean showers with hot water and lots of kids on bikes," reports Christina A., while Melissa M. notes "They offer all types of camping" and "Near by grocery stores."
Frequently Asked Questions
What amenities are available at campgrounds near Pinckney, MI?
What amenities are available at campgrounds near Pinckney, MI?
Campgrounds near Pinckney offer a range of amenities to suit different camping styles. Hell Creek Ranch & Campground provides rustic to full-hookup sites with 30-amp service, clean shower facilities, and direct access to the Waterloo-Pinckney trail system. They also feature a swimming pool, playground, and basketball court. For those seeking more modern facilities, Camp Agawam offers well-maintained grounds with access to hiking trails. Other area campgrounds typically provide basic amenities like vault toilets, potable water, and picnic tables. Some locations have playgrounds, boat launches, swimming areas, and access to fishing opportunities. Many campgrounds in the region connect to extensive trail systems, making them ideal for hikers and mountain bikers.
Where are the campgrounds in Pinckney State Recreation Area?
Where are the campgrounds in Pinckney State Recreation Area?
Pinckney State Recreation Area features two main campgrounds. Blind Lake Rustic Campground is located along the Potawatomi Trail, accessible only by hiking or biking approximately 7-8 miles in, or by boat. It sits right on Blind Lake, offering a serene, primitive camping experience with vault toilets but no running water. The second option is Bruin Lake Campground, which is vehicle-accessible and situated on Crooked Lake with 25 sites. It offers more amenities including newer restrooms, a beach area, playground, and a paved path for biking. Both campgrounds are nestled within the recreation area's 11,000 acres of forests, lakes, and trails, providing excellent access to the area's extensive trail network.
Do I need reservations for camping in Pinckney, Michigan?
Do I need reservations for camping in Pinckney, Michigan?
Yes, reservations are highly recommended for camping in the Pinckney area, especially during peak season (May through September) and weekends. Bruin Lake Campground in Pinckney Recreation Area requires reservations, which can be made through the Michigan DNR reservation system up to six months in advance. Sites fill quickly, particularly those with lake views or electrical hookups. Waterloo Sugarloaf Modern nearby also operates on a reservation system. For rustic camping options like Blind Lake, reservations are still needed despite the hike-in requirement. Some private campgrounds may accept walk-ins during off-peak times, but calling ahead is always advisable to ensure availability.
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