68 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
The Washington, Michigan area features a range of established campgrounds with diverse accommodation options. Addison Oaks County Park and Oakland County Addison Oaks in Leonard provide tent, RV, cabin, glamping, and yurt camping opportunities. Other nearby options include McGinnis Lake Modern Campground at Holly Recreation Area, Bald Mountain Recreation Area with cabin-only accommodations, and Pontiac Lake Recreation Area. Most campgrounds in this region are within a 30-mile radius of Washington and offer varying levels of amenities from rustic to modern facilities.
Seasonal availability varies significantly across the region's campgrounds. Many sites operate from late April through October, though some like Holly State Recreation Area, Bald Mountain Recreation Area, and Pontiac Lake Recreation Area remain open year-round. Reservations are typically required and should be secured well in advance, especially for summer weekends. Most developed campgrounds provide electric hookups, drinking water, and toilet facilities, while amenities like showers and dump stations are available at select locations. Campers should check specific campground regulations regarding pets, fires, and alcohol. As one visitor noted, "This campground has a beautiful 2.5 mile trail around the lake that makes this campground great. Our spot #18 I felt was spacious and not too close to the people next to us and trees behind us."
Waterfront access represents a significant draw for many campgrounds in the region. Several parks feature lakes with swimming beaches, boat rentals, and fishing opportunities. Groveland Oaks County Park receives positive reviews for its family-friendly amenities including "a lake for swimming, water slide, arcade, boat rentals, mini golf, biking trails and fishing." Proud Lake Recreation Area earns high marks for its hiking and biking trails, with one camper sharing, "I had no clue what to expect when booking so close to a few major cities in Michigan. I love feeling secluded while camping and was nervous this would feel like parking lot camping. But, it was AMAZING." Privacy levels vary between campgrounds, with some offering spacious, wooded sites and others featuring more open layouts. Campers seeking quieter experiences might prefer the less developed areas or weekday visits when campgrounds are less crowded.
"The park has a beautiful 2.5 mile trail around the lake that makes this campground great. We brought our own kayaks but they do rent boats. We saw deer and rabbit."
"Cell phone tower is close by. We especially enjoy the intermediate level mountain bike trails. Showers are hot. Lots of deer to see at dusk."
"Addison Oaks is a campground that features hiking and mountain biking trails, campground, cabins, disc golf course, and a lake for boating."
"The grounds are huge with bike/hike trails, a lake and a disc golf course. Mountain biking seems to be very popular there are dirt trails off the paved hiking loop."
"Group area is away from the main area. Kayak lakes are nice. Excellent hike/bike trails. Park is located just down the road from the Holly Oaks Off road park."
"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."
from $27 - $80 / night
Check Availability"The trails are well maintained and well marked. There is also tons of clean, easy to access lakes within the park too. Perfect for kayaking, paddle boarding, or fishing."
"Great trails and kids friendly."
from $108 / night
Check Availability"The site was a larger site (#12) tucked nicely away in a corner. Picnic Table and Nice Fire Ring onsite. Port-a-potty, dumpster near site."
from $25 - $50 / night
Check Availability"Only drawback is the distance from the lake. The lake is not within walking distance, you would need to drive."
"Beach is a 1.8 mile hike from the East loop in the campground but is well worth the walk."
from $20 - $80 / night
Check Availability"I've stayed all over michigan, and this is one of the best. Your right close to the water, so you can watch the ships. I was very comfortable here, and I had my dog."
"Great campground with access to the beautiful St. Clair River as it runs between Lake Huron and Lake St. Clair."
from $28 - $50 / night
Check Availability"This campground has a lake for swimming, water slide, arcade, boat rentals, mini golf, biking trails and fishing. Lots for kids to do... also skate park and 2 playgrounds."
"Large campground with lots of trails and activities (although we camped in early May so many activities were not open)."
from $28 - $48 / night
Check Availability"I had no clue what to expect when booking so close to a few major cities in Michigan. I love feeling secluded while camping and was nervous this would feel like parking lot camping."
"First, I'd like to say that I was born and raised in Northern Michigan. That's where I'm used to camping and hiking. I moved to the metro Detroit area a few years ago."
from $32 - $286 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $20 - $30 / night
Check Availability
TravelerVery nice people, Lake Huron is just a few steps away. Very clean bathrooms, Beautiful park, we ordered Jets pizza and they delivered it to our site, no wifi but thats okay with me
GuideAs 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.
ScoutMy 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.
TravelerPretty 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...
ScoutHusband and wife owners that are extremely rude Husband has the attitude of I own this here water wife is the mother of all Karen's. You usually pay to swim here but they ruined that and took that away cause they own that there water merica can't wait for the new owners!!!
TravelerWe 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!
GuideThis Fairgrounds Campground has several combinations of hookups. There were plenty of available sites when I booked Site 93.
This site is on neatly mowed grass and it has water and electric connections. There are no picnic tables or fire rings. There are no trees or other vegetation to separate sites
The bathrooms are modern with showers that have plenty of hot water. The bathrooms were very clean.
Bookings online are easy. We arrived after closing and my documents were taped to the office windows with directions to my site.
We used our Starlink Mini and it worked well on a nearly cloudless day with unobstructed access to the sky.
I would definitely stay here again.
GuideClean and well maintained, but no early check-ins before 3pm and no drones.
The beach is minimal and on the other side of a major road.
ScoutHeld down the tent as 3 coons aggressively attempted to jump us
Campgrounds near Washington, Michigan feature diverse camping experiences from rustic tent sites to full-hookup RV pads. Oakland County parks and state recreation areas surround Washington Township, providing access to lakes, forests, and trails in southeastern Michigan. Most campgrounds in this region sit at elevations between 900-1,100 feet with hardwood forests and small kettle lakes that formed after glacial retreat.
Hiking and biking trails: Several campgrounds maintain extensive trail networks for outdoor exploration. At Addison Oaks County Park, campers report "tons of trails for hiking and biking" with one visitor noting they "enjoyed the trails, disc golf and overall wonderful Park staff." The park offers 26 miles of bike trails, many paved within the park.
Water activities: Lake access varies significantly between campgrounds. Proud Lake Recreation Area provides kayaking opportunities with one camper stating it has a "great lake to kayak on" while another mentioned "it has a boat launch and a canoe/kayak livery on site." The Huron River runs through the recreation area, creating additional paddling routes.
Winter recreation: Unlike many seasonal sites, several campgrounds remain open year-round. When snow covers the ground, trails at Holly State Recreation Area transform for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. During warmer months, the park offers varied terrain for hiking with "several well marked trails" and "several playgrounds, bench swings, play fields and even a basketball court."
Privacy between sites: Site layout and natural screening vary between campgrounds. At Pontiac Lake Recreation Area, campers appreciate that "the sites aren't super far away from each other but there are trees between sites so from most of the sites you can't really see your neighbors." Another visitor noted their campsite "felt very secluded and could barely see site past truck in parking spot."
Modern facilities: Clean, updated bathhouses receive consistent praise. At McGinnis Lake Modern Campground, one reviewer highlighted that "the bathrooms were clean" and "there were several playgrounds." Similarly, at Oakland County Addison Oaks, visitors describe the grounds as "nice park, family friendly, very clean and maintained" with "sites have electricity and water and are well spaced out."
Natural surroundings: Despite proximity to suburban areas, many campgrounds maintain natural environments. Campers at Pontiac Lake Recreation Area describe it as having a "wooded and up north feel" with "great hiking and world class mountain bike trails." One visitor remarked, "I had no clue what to expect when booking so close to a few major cities in Michigan. I love feeling secluded while camping."
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds require advance booking, especially for summer weekends and holidays. Sites at popular parks fill quickly, particularly those with water views or electrical hookups. Oakland County parks now offer online booking systems which campers find "very convenient."
Insect preparation: Bug activity can be intense, particularly in wooded areas. At Algonac State Park, campers should prepare for seasonal insects. Similarly, at Pontiac Lake Recreation Area, visitors warn of "enormous amounts of mosquitos and ticks in the sites. Every night we had to triple check each other and our pets for ticks."
Weather considerations: Spring camping often means muddy conditions, while summer brings humidity and occasional thunderstorms. Fall offers cooler temperatures and changing foliage. Winter camping is available at several parks but requires proper cold-weather gear and preparation for potentially icy roads.
Kid-friendly amenities: Family-oriented campgrounds offer specific facilities for children. Groveland Oaks County Park stands out with "a lake for swimming, water slide, arcade, boat rentals, mini golf, biking trails and fishing" plus "skate park and 2 playgrounds." Another camper noted it's "great for families with young children, lots of activities for children."
Activity scheduling: Many campgrounds host seasonal events specifically for families. At Groveland Oaks, visitors mention they "feel like we went up North without the driving four hours" and that the "park is well laid out and includes a ton of fun activities for young and old."
Safety considerations: Choose sites away from water for young children unless directly supervised. Some campgrounds offer playground equipment but parents should check age-appropriateness. During peak season, designated swimming areas often have lifeguards on duty.
Site selection: RV campers should research specific site dimensions before booking. At Ridgewood Campground, visitors advise to "book the right type of lot, and prepare for the parking fees!" Some sites have challenging angles for larger rigs.
Hookup availability: Electrical service varies between campgrounds, with some offering 30-amp, 50-amp, or both. At Addison Oaks County Park, campers note "cement pads, water, and electric" but warn that "some hook ups are exceptionally far away from the designated RV parking pad."
Road conditions: Several campgrounds have reports of rough interior roads. Campers with larger rigs should drive cautiously and consider calling ahead about current conditions, especially after heavy rain or during spring thaw when roads may be softer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there outdoor fireplaces at Washington state campsites?
Most Washington state campsites do provide fire rings or outdoor fireplaces for campers. At Groveland Oaks County Park, campsites come equipped with fire rings where visitors can enjoy campfires while staying near recreational amenities. McGinnis Lake Modern Campground in Holly Recreation Area also offers fire rings at its heavily wooded sites. However, fire restrictions may apply seasonally, especially during dry conditions or high fire danger periods. Always check current fire regulations before your trip, as complete fire bans may be implemented during wildfire season. Remember to only use designated fire rings and completely extinguish fires before leaving your campsite or going to sleep.
What are the camping regulations in Washington state parks?
Washington state parks have specific camping regulations visitors must follow. At Algonac State Park Campground, like most state parks, quiet hours are enforced (typically 10 PM to 8 AM), and campers must register upon arrival. Brighton Recreation Area demonstrates common regulations including maximum occupancy limits per site and vehicle restrictions. Most parks require advance reservations, especially during peak season. Additional regulations include: leashed pets only, maximum stay limits (usually 14 consecutive days), check-in/check-out times (typically 3 PM/1 PM), and prohibitions against collecting firewood on-site. Alcohol policies vary by park, and all parks enforce proper food storage to prevent wildlife interactions. Always check the specific park's website before your trip as regulations may change seasonally.
Where are the best campgrounds in Washington state?
Washington offers exceptional camping experiences across diverse landscapes. Proud Lake Recreation Area stands out for those seeking seclusion while still being near urban areas, with spacious campsites, lake views, and clean facilities. For families, Seven Lakes State Park Campground provides a fabulous experience with lakeside sites and plenty of water recreation opportunities. Washington's best campgrounds typically feature a combination of natural beauty, recreational activities, and well-maintained facilities. When choosing a campground, consider your preferences for amenities, proximity to attractions, and whether you prefer more developed or rustic experiences.
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