Best Camping near Chelsea, MI

Are you in need of a campground near Chelsea, MI? There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that Michigan camping has to offer. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

Best Camping Sites Near Chelsea, MI (102)

Showing results 1-10 of 102 campgrounds

Pet-friendly camping near Chelsea

Recent Reviews In Chelsea

543 Reviews of 102 Chelsea Campgrounds


  • Camper-submitted photo from Crooked Lake Rustic Campground — Pinckney Recreation Area
    September 17, 2024

    Crooked Lake Rustic Campground — Pinckney Recreation Area

    Rustic & Friendly

    The staff were so kind and helpful. I visited in my off-grid ready camper van, and staff helped us choose a site that had good views and felt private (SITE #22). It was a little slanted, but it didn't bother me. We could see the lake and had an outhouse right nearby.

  • Camper-submitted photo from The Holly Campground
    September 15, 2024

    The Holly Campground

    Such a disappointment

    We paid 500.00 for 5 days. At first our sights were so unleveled that we had to go In And request a site change. Looked to rent the bikes as pictured, NOPE they were toddle trikes.. very deceiving! First day kids were in the pool, looked a little dirty. 2nd day , 90 degree weather the

    Pool was green! We spoke with staff and they said they were working on it. They were putting little bags of shock in.. REALLY!  The pool ended up closing stating it was related to the weather!!! Rain 3 days prior! No refund offered, site dirty, grass not mowed, dirty unkept campers in the campground, no trash pick up! NEVER EVER AGAIN! Took a ride to other nearby sites… cost less, clean, offered more activities for kid.

  • Camper-submitted photo from McGinnis Lake Modern Campground — Holly Recreation Area
    August 26, 2024

    McGinnis Lake Modern Campground — Holly Recreation Area

    Nice but wouldn't recommend 93

    It's a very nice campground with lots of trees and the sites are spaced out nicely in the Trillium loop. I've wouldn't pick site 93 however as the pavement is sloped and the whole site is sloped quite steeple. Also, it shares an electrical box with 95 and my camper cord was about 30 ft short.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Harrison Lake State Park Campground
    August 24, 2024

    Harrison Lake State Park Campground

    Great site!

    Our first time at this park and got lucky with our site. The pad was a little unlevel but easy to fix. The fire ring was fantastic and had pea gravel around it so if it rained it wasn’t a muddy mess. Great site with grass for tents and no one behind us besides a cornfield. We had a sidewalk next to us to the bathroom but there were so many bathrooms we didn’t have very many people pass by. It had pretty decent shade but unfortunately a sweet gum tree nearby so watch out if you’re barefoot. The shower house was nice but no benches in the stall and only had curtains. They were very clean and the camp hosts were friendly. We are headed back in September!

  • Camper-submitted photo from Lake Chemung Outdoor Resort
    August 13, 2024

    Lake Chemung Outdoor Resort

    Great for year-round camping - Winter camping as well

    Love this campground for it's friendly people to it's great amenities. They have an indoor pool, sauna, putt putt, playground, lake  Great for Winter camping as well.

  • Camper-submitted photo from McGinnis Lake Modern Campground — Holly Recreation Area
    August 12, 2024

    McGinnis Lake Modern Campground — Holly Recreation Area

    Far Away But Close To Home

    A short trip from home, this was a great weekend getaway! The camp site was spacious but tucked back in a bit (we tent camped on an RV site). The campground was quiet as well.

    We did a 7 mile loop hike and then went to Battle Alley Brewing in Holly (10 min away).

    No grate on the firepit so be aware of that.

    Would definitely come back - it’s like being up north but you’re under an hour from home.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Sterling State Park Campground
    August 7, 2024

    Sterling State Park Campground

    Nothing seems enforced here

    Stayed 5 days. Had a FHU site, of which there's a lot here. That all worked fine. Almost no trees here. None of the usual painted lines on the pavement to indicate your site boundaries, which sucks. You have to guess, and hope your neighbor doesn't spread out.

    Nothing seems enforced here, and I mean nothing. Rarely saw anyone patrolling the park, never saw any staff checking sites before the next camper came in. My site had dog droppings and cigarette butts in the firepit. Neighbors had FOUR vehicles on site, two more than the rules. Witnessed endless speeding and people going the wrong way on the roads. Without exaggerating, 80% of the cars were going too fast, 75% going the wrong way. No one seems to care or enforces anything. I think the supervisor here should be fired or retrained. I camp in 4 to 8 MI state parks per summer, this is the only one where it felt like no one cares.

    They need some "wrong way" signs and "speed limit 10" signs. (15 is too high, cause 15 means 20 to people, 10 means 15... ). Then they need to care.

    At least the bathrooms were clean.

    You can get TV from Detroit or Toledo, and T-Mobile service was ok.

    Groceries and many dining options not far off.

    We're 50/50 on staying here ever again.

  • Camper-submitted photo from McGinnis Lake Modern Campground — Holly Recreation Area
    July 31, 2024

    McGinnis Lake Modern Campground — Holly Recreation Area

    Love this place!

    I love to come here when I want a quick get away from home because it is only 30min away.

    The campsites are big,secluded, wooded, and clean. The people in the check in stand are nice, friendly, and helpful as well.

    I do wish there was more public bathrooms, it’s a long walk or a quick drive to the only flushable toilets in the campground.

    Raccoons run this place! Don’t leave any food or garbage out ever or you will be robbed by a gang of raccoons who are not afraid of people.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Hell Creek Ranch & Campground
    July 29, 2024

    Hell Creek Ranch & Campground

    Great Campground

    Great out of the way campground. It was nice and quiet. Bathrooms were clean and well kept. The gentleman that checked us in moved things around so we could all be together not on different sites well away frome each other. Would definitely go there again.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Wilderness Campground
    July 27, 2024

    Wilderness Campground

    Amazing view & trails!

    Highly recommend Wilderness State Park Campground on the north western point of lower Michigan! It’s amazing to see the sunset and the sunrise from the same spot and the Mackinaw Bridge! there’s a small dog Beech because of the plover population, but it’s sufficient. trails are amazing. Make sure to have lots of bug spray. Recommend stain closer to the beach rather than the pines. The pines tend to have more mosquitoes in my opinion.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Harrison Lake State Park Campground
    July 22, 2024

    Harrison Lake State Park Campground

    Great Campground

    The sites in the tent-only section were well sized and shady. We were on the lake side and were able to get some nice views of Harrison Lake. There were families on either side of us with little kids who were well behaved, albeit a little noisy (i.e a really young child was screaming for about 2 minutes straight non-stop at 9 am until finally the parents said something). Bathroom facilities (single occupancy with shower) were about a 3 minute walk and were clean. Good stay!

  • Camper-submitted photo from Sleepy Hollow State Park Campground
    July 15, 2024

    Sleepy Hollow State Park Campground

    Decent

    We just got done with a 3 night stay at Sleepy Hallow. The campsite itself was great, nice a roomy while also being wooded. The bugs were pretty intense, but bug spray helped. They are working on the natural gas pipeline nearby, so there was lots of construction noise. Verizon service was basically non existent other than at the beach. The dog beach was small and full of algae.

  • Camper-submitted photo from W. J. Hayes State Park Campground
    July 15, 2024

    W. J. Hayes State Park Campground

    Hayes State Park

    We stayed in a tent on site 32, this was a very nice campground, peaceful, with trails and ample shade. Campsites were decently sized, fire pits were big, $5 per bundle of dry wood, showers were private with hot water, and there were activities and a beach/playground for kids. Checkin/out was simple, and coffee/hot coco was provided by the campsite each morning. Will be returning to this campsite again. I suggest sites 93-96 for more private/shaded sites.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Hideaway RV Park
    July 15, 2024

    Hideaway RV Park

    Great 1st camping experience

    This was our 1st ever camping trip and it was a delight. Pull thru spot, super easy to get to, full hookup. Spots had plenty of room, some had grass others had concrete. Quiet, very chill RV park, small beach on a pond for fishing playground for kids and plenty of room for our small dog. Linda (owner) was amazing, very helpful and easy to use venmo for payment and for firewood use. Overall a great experience , would definitely visit again. Plenty to do around town, lakes everywhere just have to choose which one to go to.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Hide Away Park Campground
    July 14, 2024

    Hide Away Park Campground

    THANK YOU FOR REVIEWING

    Thank you to EVERYONE who takes time to REVIEW! ….WHEW!! This year seems every place is FULL or Closed for repairs or High polluted numbers. many are struggling finding someplace to go, and People do READ REVIEWS, and this “ OLD HAG”

    Really needs a class in “ consumer relations “ I have been in retail for 30 plus years and THE CUSTOMER IS ALWAYS RIGHT, there is NO. “ what did you do to deserve to be treated THAT way? GOOD LUCK finding a NEW JOB when you don’t have one because THIS joint gets shut down do ton Bankruptcy….. hahahaha… you may think you’re smart NOW, but when you get served a dose of you’re OWN medicine out in the REAL WORLD.. well, I’d  give anything to see that…

    Making people’s lives miserable who just want to have a good time? How fucking miserable are YOU?

  • Camper-submitted photo from Bruin Lake Campground — Pinckney Recreation Area
    July 12, 2024

    Bruin Lake Campground — Pinckney Recreation Area

    Great staff, good hosts, not bad

    Camped here thru the 4th of July weekend. The staff kept noise and other stupidity tamped down. They say quiet time is all the time, and I love that.

    Typical MI state park, sites are electric (30a and/or 50a) only.

    No real beach, but there is a swimming area. Picked up Detroit TV stations easily, good for the rainy mornings we had.

    With T-Mobile, Internet service was practically non-existent. Phone calls & texts worked. The camper across from us said it was the same for Verizon.

    One section is mostly paved & ADA sites, the "upper" section is grassy and/or dirt. Both restroom/shower buildings were fine, I just wish they had posted times when they'll be closed for cleaning.

    All in all, we'd have no problem returning here.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Haas Lake Park RV Campground
    July 9, 2024

    Haas Lake Park RV Campground

    Use to love camping here when it was Haas now, they do not allow tents

    Use to love bringing the family to Haas, now that it is Sun Adventures they don't allow tents. It's really sad how many new parks want to cater to only the RVer's. Yes, we have a RV, but our young adult kids cannot afford a RV, so they tent it. Want be coming back anytime soon.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Hide Away Park Campground
    July 8, 2024

    Hide Away Park Campground

    Never come here!!

    First off I can’t even give it a zero star!!! But was going here for 5 years and definitely will be the Last!! Seems office has new rules now you can’t roll your 12 by 15 carpet mats out NOMORE but a 3 by 5 mat!! Who wants that little shit if you have furbabies coming in and out of your camper? Just a lot more dirt on your inside space!!Abssolety NO SERVICE!! You gotta stand in one spot just to hold a conversation on you phone!! No WiFi to check your Home ring camera!! No WiFi even if you try and USE YOUR OWN HOT SPOT!! So not even a fire stick 😩Most off lady in the office very unprofessional!! Ask her for a discount and she got the nerve to say I DONT GOT TIME FIR THIS!!! Excuse me miss grouchy, costumers are always to be satisfied!!! You got time to take our $$$$ at least have a POSITIVE ADDITUDE !!!! This probably why your campground was so EMPTY This year but best luck to you in the future!!! NEVER AGAIN!!

  • Camper-submitted photo from Twin Pines Campground & Canoe Livery
    June 27, 2024

    Twin Pines Campground & Canoe Livery

    Quaint, pretty, and fun!

    I visited this campground last summer! It was a smaller campground, but very woodsy (just how I like it)! They have kayak/canoeing, a playground area for the kids, and good site sizes. The only thing that wasn’t pleasant was the beach area (too small and muddy), and the fact that my boyfriend’s mother had to pull off leeches various different times after being in the water!

  • Camper-submitted photo from Groveland Oaks County Park
    June 21, 2024

    Groveland Oaks County Park

    Tent camping at Groveland Oaks County Park

    This park and campgrounds are very manicured with tons of RV, trailer and tent sites. The lake has a small shallow swimming area and beach that gets very busy during the day but less traffic right before sunset. There are lots of family activities like mini golf, kids bike courses and playgrounds. It’s a very large open family camping area. The staff are very nice and very busy making sure the grounds are perfectly maintained. I camped in the area F on the outer perimeter just down way of the beach area. I had plenty of room for my tent, awning and to park my SUV. The was electrical and water (non potable) at the site. During the weekdays I only had a few neighbors further down in tents or travel trailers. On Thursday almost all sites filled up with travel trailers. A park employee told me they would be fully booked for the next two weeks. Very nice camping, quiet. Holly Oaks Offroad park is across the street and Holly Recreation area is adjacent. Lots of great towns nearby like Fenton.

  • Camper-submitted photo from The Holly Campground
    June 15, 2024

    The Holly Campground

    The Holly Campground in Holly, MI, Formerly KOA endorsed

    I rarely write reviews good or bad on any business ever, but this one is a BEWARE situation and I feel that fellow campers/RVer’s need to be aware of the campground!!!!

    It has been many years since we were last at this campground. I booked a sight online for a week, thankfully it was only a week! We arrived at the campground, setup our 5th wheel, attempted to set up the WiFi, only to find they have WiFi in the store but no WiFi was available for our site. I contacted the office, spoke with the owner, she said “I will send someone out there to check the “repeater” maybe something is wrong with it because we should have WiFi”, never sent anyone that we were aware of and never called me to confirm wether or not we had the WiFi working. I drove up to the store and this nice young man informed me that the further away from the store you will not get WiFi. I told him that I spoke with the owner yesterday and she said that she was sending someone out to check the repeater and we NEVER heard back from her. He proceeded to call the owner on his cell phone, of which I could hear her talking, he said bring your computer up to the store and login, then take it back to the campsite and you should be able to login”, so I went back to the campsite grabbed my ipad, then back to the store. I was able to login to the WiFi. Went back to our site, no WiFi. This is a problem for me, not having WiFi, not only for work purposes but also TV services. I called the store, same young man told me that you do not have WiFi, you will need to come up to the store for services. I said that was unexceptionable, we were told we would have WiFi, it is also advertised online and in your brochure. He said “I can’t help you, you do not have WiFi on your site”. I let it go until the next day. 

    The campground is NOT well kept. The grass/weeds was a foot long throughout the campground, it clearly had not been mowed in a few weeks. My husband took the dogs out on our site to go potty, he came back in only to find he had ticks on him and the dogs. Most likely because the grass hadn’t been mowed. After being lied to about the wifi and now the ticks, we decided that we would need to find another campground. We are 44’ long with an 8’ deck and being a Friday we knew we had some challenges ahead of us to find another campground, but we did, thank God!

    I drove up to the office and informed them of our displeasure and that we are checking out. I said we will pay for the 2 nights we have stayed here but we would like to be refunded the balance of what we prepaid (almost $400.00 dollars), and a refund for $20.00, $10.00 for each gate key we were charged. The young man called the owner on his cell phone, she said she will not refund the money. I said to the young man that was unexceptable, and I want my money back. He said he can’t refund our money. I told him I will get my money back one way or another, and that I will warn everyone about the “real” situation of this campground, his response was “ok, have a good day”, and I left. 

    If you are interested in staying at this campground, I highly suggest you take a ride and go see it for yourself. They are very expensive, overpriced for the campground conditions and amenities , and services that are stated online and in the brochure are not accurate! If you want to save yourself the headache, disappointment and loss of your hard earned money, STAY AWAY FROM THIS CAMPGROUND!!!

  • Camper-submitted photo from Sterling State Park Campground
    June 15, 2024

    Sterling State Park Campground

    Great spot!

    Wonderful views from site 117. We booked the last spot of the night. It was an easy pull through with water, electric, and sewer hookup. You are right across from some good walking trails and walking distance to the beach. Lots of electric scooters, dogs, and bikes around.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Groveland Oaks County Park
    June 13, 2024

    Groveland Oaks County Park

    Park is nice but open to the public…

    The spaces are nice and open. The playgrounds are new. There’s and arcade and beach. The downfall is that ots open to the public. This is our 4th year coming here and its now a common occurrence for stranger danger. If you’re an adult with no kids, you’ll have a great time!

  • Camper-submitted photo from Marble Springs Campground
    June 4, 2024

    Marble Springs Campground

    More rules then posted refused to update rules.

    Fishing but is catch and release. It is not posted any where in the rules or at the fishing spots. Nore was I told this be fore being warned about it. Cancled season and went to where I could catch and eat.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Lake Interstate State Game Area- Dispersed Camping
    May 20, 2024

    Lake Interstate State Game Area- Dispersed Camping

    I don’t think you can camp here

    Per michigan laws;

    STATE LAND RULE – GAME AREAS – EXCERPT(S) 926 On state game or wildlife areas it is unlawful to: • Camp between May 15 and September 10, except in areas specifically designated for camping.

    I don’t see any camping spots specifically on the official map of this place.



Guide to Chelsea

Camping near Chelsea, Michigan, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and family-friendly activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are several campgrounds to explore.

What to do

  • Biking and Hiking: Many campgrounds have trails for biking and hiking. At Maumee Bay State Park Campground, one reviewer mentioned, "There are miles of paved bike paths throughout the campsite and a short ride to the lake." This makes it a great spot for outdoor enthusiasts.

  • Fishing and Swimming: Sleepy Hollow State Park Campground is perfect for those who enjoy fishing. A visitor shared, "The dog beach was small and full of algae," but it still offers a nice spot for a swim.

  • Wildlife Watching: Campgrounds like Harrison Lake State Park Campground provide opportunities to see local wildlife. One camper noted, "The grounds were well maintained but the potable water within camp was not," highlighting the natural beauty of the area.

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-kept restrooms and showers. A review for McGinnis Lake Modern Campground stated, "The bathrooms were clean," which is a big plus for many families.
  • Spacious Campsites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. At Bishop Lake Campground, a visitor mentioned, "The campsites are big, secluded, wooded, and clean," making it a comfortable choice for camping.
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds like Groveland Oaks County Park are known for their family activities. One camper said, "There are lots of family activities like mini golf, kids bike courses, and playgrounds."

What you should know

  • Bug Spray is Essential: Many campers have noted the presence of bugs, especially mosquitoes. A review for Harrison Lake State Park Campground mentioned, "Mosquitoes were crazy no matter the bug protectants used."
  • Limited Cell Service: If you're planning to stay connected, be aware that some campgrounds have poor cell service. A visitor at Sleepy Hollow State Park Campground noted, "Verizon service was basically non-existent other than at the beach."
  • Reservations Recommended: Many campgrounds fill up quickly, especially during weekends. A camper at Maumee Bay State Park Campground mentioned, "You don't feel like you are close to anyone because most sites are surrounded by trees and shrubs," but it's best to book ahead.

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose Campgrounds with Activities: Look for campgrounds that offer family-friendly activities. Groveland Oaks County Park has playgrounds and mini-golf, making it a hit with kids.
  • Pack Extra Supplies: Be prepared for anything. A camper at Holly Recreation Area advised, "Bring a big rake? Beautiful campground. Friendly, helpful staff."
  • Plan for Quiet Time: Many campgrounds enforce quiet hours. A review for Bruin Lake Campground mentioned, "They say quiet time is all the time, and I love that."

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Conditions: Some sites can be sloped or uneven. A visitor at Holly Recreation Area noted, "I wouldn't pick site 93 however as the pavement is sloped."
  • Fill Up Before You Go: Make sure to fill your fresh water tank before setting up. A camper at Sterling State Park Campground mentioned, "The dump station is at the first buildings."
  • Watch for Wildlife: Keep an eye out for raccoons and other animals. A camper at Holly Recreation Area warned, "Raccoons run this place! Don’t leave any food or garbage out ever or you will be robbed by a gang of raccoons."

Camping around Chelsea, Michigan, has something for everyone, from families to RVers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What camping is available near Chelsea, MI?

    According to TheDyrt.com, Chelsea, MI offers a wide range of camping options, with 102 campgrounds and RV parks near Chelsea, MI and 1 free dispersed camping spot.

  • Which is the most popular campground near Chelsea, MI?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Chelsea, MI is Bishop Lake Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 26 reviews.

  • Where can I find free dispersed camping near Chelsea, MI?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Chelsea, MI.

  • What parks are near Chelsea, MI?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 parks near Chelsea, MI that allow camping, notably Delaware Lake and Cuyahoga Valley National Park.