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Best Campgrounds near Pinckney, MI

592 Reviews

Several camping spots sit within easy reach of Pinckney, Michigan. 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.

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Best Camping Sites Near Pinckney, Michigan (100)

    1. Bishop Lake Campground

    28 Reviews
    Brighton, MI
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (810) 229-6566

    $17 - $90 / night

    "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."

    2. Blind Lake Rustic Campground — Pinckney Recreation Area

    18 Reviews
    Gregory, MI
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (734) 426-4913

    $17 / night

    "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."

    3. Bruin Lake Campground — Pinckney Recreation Area

    19 Reviews
    Gregory, MI
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (734) 426-4913

    $27 - $46 / night

    "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."

    4. Green Lake Rustic Campground — Waterloo Recreation Area

    14 Reviews
    Chelsea, MI
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (734) 475-8307

    "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."

    5. Hell Creek Ranch & Campground

    10 Reviews
    Pinckney, MI
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (734) 878-3632

    $20 - $35 / night

    "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"

    6. Waterloo Sugarloaf Modern — Waterloo Recreation Area

    14 Reviews
    Chelsea, MI
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (734) 475-8307

    "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."

    7. Appleton Lake Campground

    8 Reviews
    Brighton, MI
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (810) 229-6566

    "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"

    8. Murray Lake Campground

    6 Reviews
    Brighton, MI
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (810) 229-6566

    "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."

    "Small fishing lake for paddling. Mountain bike and hiking trails run through the campground. Bishop lake beach and jump island are a 5 min drive away."

    9. Brighton Recreation Area

    5 Reviews
    Brighton, MI
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (810) 229-6566

    "This was our first camping experience in Michigan, so we weren’t exactly prepared. My rating takes this into consideration."

    "Large campsite with trees, lit path to the bathroom, and easy access to hiking trails and raft/boat launch."

    10. Haas Lake Park RV Campground

    17 Reviews
    New Hudson, MI
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (248) 437-0900

    "Nice lake view across the road. This location has 4 lakes. There is plenty of nature. Lots of trees along a nature trail. Cranes and ducks in the water . The first night was super quiet!"

    "I highly recommend Hass Lake campgrounds. It is a very clean, quite, Beautiful campgrounds."

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Recent Camping Photos near Pinckney, MI

147 Photos of 100 Pinckney Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Pinckney, MI

592 Reviews of 100 Pinckney Campgrounds

  • Elizabeth M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Hidden Lakes RV Resort

    Fantastic RV Park!

    We stayed here last weekend. It was quiet and relaxing. Easy parking for the 33ft RV. Camp store is well stocked. Staff were fantastic. You need yo camp here!

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Proud Lake Recreation Area

    Amazing

    You need to know that this place is so so clean! The grounds, the sites, the bathrooms and the showers are all impeccable. It is true we were there in the middle of the week, but I’ve stayed at plenty of places during the week where things have been less than desirable. Everyone was most pleasant and helpful and the view of the lake was beautiful. If the campground had been full we probably would not have been able to see the lake from our site.

  • Noel L.
    Aug. 21, 2025

    Harbortown RV Resort

    Great kid campground

    This campground has everything! Go carts, playground, disc golf, pool, ext... Just a one night stay to visit A friend. If you have kids it is perfect! Staff was nice and very helpful

  • Ethan R.
    Aug. 13, 2025

    McGinnis Lake Modern Campground — Holly Recreation Area

    In the woods

    Nice campground. Paved sites. Some are pretty secluded. Downside is that the campground and stuff to do, are far apart. Bring a bike or drive. Beach is nice. Has a water park on the lake.

  • Shelly The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 28, 2025

    Waterloo Portage Lake Modern — Waterloo Recreation Area

    Had a good time, a little crowded

    We stayed for the weekend tent camping, getting to the site was a little crowded (alot of kids on bikes) our site was pavement but had some space to set the tent on the grass. I seen alot of sites with trees for shade. The vista walkway was across from us, it led right to the beach concessions. The beach walkway is handicap accessible. The fishing pier is new, has two benches and tables for your stuff. 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. The park workers walk around and tell you about the activities they have that day. We enjoyed our stay there is alot to do

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 26, 2025

    Camp Dearborn

    Great for all ages!

    Lots of beach area and water to fish or swim. Activities almost every night. Paddle boats, mini golf, golf, and more. Pull behind sites were easy to access. Staff are very helpful and responsive. There is a dump station on site.

  • tThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 20, 2025

    Oakland County Addison Oaks

    County Campground

    Nice park, family friendly, very clean and maintained. Bike and boat rental, children’s playground and activities. Hiking and biking trails. RC airport. When in this area this its the place to stay. If I lived in this area it would be a destination. Price is right!

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 20, 2025

    Pontiac Lake Recreation Area

    Clean & convenient

    Had a nice stay here. The campground was full but quiet. The bathrooms and showers were nice and clean with hot water. Site 71 wasn’t the most private but still nice. The spots are all pretty private due to trees and vegetation. Nice fire pit. Water hookup and dump on site.

Guide to Pinckney

Camping near Pinckney, Michigan, offers a great mix of outdoor fun and relaxation. With beautiful parks and campgrounds, it’s a perfect spot for families, RVers, and nature lovers alike.

What to do:

  • Biking and Hiking: There are miles of trails for biking and hiking. At Maumee Bay State Park Campground, one reviewer mentioned, "There was plenty of room for riding bikes around, including a paved path to the lake."
  • Fishing and Swimming: Many campgrounds are near lakes, making them ideal for fishing and swimming. A visitor at Harrison Lake State Park Campground noted, "Lake life is where it’s at, plenty to do on/in the water!"
  • Wildlife Watching: The area is home to various wildlife. One camper at McGinnis Lake Modern Campground — Holly Recreation Area shared, "Nice park very clean. Nice bike trails and large campsites."

What campers like:

  • Spacious Sites: Campers appreciate the roomy sites. A review for Sleepy Hollow State Park Campground mentioned, "The campsite itself was great, nice and roomy while also being wooded."
  • Clean Facilities: Clean restrooms and shower facilities are a big plus. A visitor at Bishop Lake Campground said, "The bathrooms are pretty far away as there is only one building. The lake and trails were great."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Many campgrounds cater to families. One reviewer at Groveland Oaks County Park noted, "There’s lots for kids to do."

What you should know:

  • Mosquitoes: Be prepared for bugs, especially in the summer. A camper at Harrison Lake State Park Campground mentioned, "Mosquitoes were crazy no matter the bug protectants used."
  • Limited Cell Service: Some areas have poor cell reception. A visitor at Pinckney State Recreation Area said, "With T-Mobile, Internet service was practically non-existent."
  • Crowded on Weekends: Expect busier campgrounds during weekends. A reviewer at Holly State Recreation Area shared, "The only downfall is the public bathroom. Camp sites are pretty big."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for campgrounds with activities for kids. One family at Groveland Oaks County Park said, "We go every year, 6 families in total... lots for kids to do."
  • Plan for Noise: Be ready for some noise from other campers. A visitor at Harrison Lake State Park Campground mentioned, "There were families on either side of us with little kids who were well behaved, albeit a little noisy."
  • Pack Games and Activities: Bring along games to keep the kids entertained. A camper at Bishop Lake Campground noted, "There is so much to do. Wonderful amenities."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Holly State Recreation Area advised, "Any site above 80ish is very hilly and may be difficult to level an RV."
  • Fill Up Before You Go: Some campgrounds have dump stations far from the sites. A visitor at Sterling State Park Campground mentioned, "The dump station is at the first buildings. So fill up before you head down to the campground."
  • Bring Extra Cords: If you need electricity, check the length of your cords. A camper at McGinnis Lake Modern Campground — Holly Recreation Area noted, "My camper cord was about 30 ft short."

Camping near Pinckney, Michigan, has something for everyone. Whether you're looking for a family getaway or a peaceful retreat, the area has plenty to offer.

Frequently Asked Questions

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?

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?

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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