Highland State Recreation Area, near White Lake, Michigan, is a fantastic spot for families and friends looking to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life. With spacious sites that allow for plenty of room to spread out, it’s perfect for those who want to enjoy some quality time together in nature.

This campground is all about the rustic experience, with no electric hookups or showers, making it a true getaway from modern distractions. Visitors have raved about the extensive trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, as well as a lovely no-wake lake ideal for swimming and fishing. One camper noted, “The natural scenery is STUNNING with fields of flowers and trees,” which really captures the beauty of the area.

If you’re into wildlife, keep your eyes peeled for the local fauna; one group even spotted a flock of wild turkeys on their hike! The campground also offers picnic tables and fire rings, so you can enjoy meals outdoors and gather around the fire at night. Just remember to bring some Lysol if you’re using the porta potties, as one camper humorously suggested.

Highland State Recreation Area is a great choice for those wanting to unplug and reconnect with nature. Whether you’re tent camping, bringing an RV, or staying in a cabin, you’ll find a welcoming atmosphere and plenty of opportunities for adventure right at your fingertips.

Michigan Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into state parks and recreation areas, state boat launches, state forest campgrounds and state trail parking lots. The Michigan Recreation Passport does not cover local, county, municipal, or metropolitan parks or recreation areas. Learn more: https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/buy-and-apply/rec-pp

Highland State Recreation Area — Highland Recreation Area

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near White Lake. White Lake is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Discover great camping spots near White Lake, reviewed by campers like you.

White Lake

The Best Camping Near White Lake, Michigan

This campground has a great close in SE Mi location but still feels secluded. The camp area itself is sparse and small, but clean. There is only one site with a tree so don't expect shade on a sunny day. It's a good park setting however, with nice beaches and great fishing.

Close to home and spacious land

The sites are very private and spacious in the primitive camping area.T he natural scenery is STUNNING with fields of flowers and trees. We ran up on a group of probably 70 wild turkeys on the trail! There's a quiet lake perfect for unwinding after a long day or to get a nice rinse off. There's also Haven Hill deep in the woods on a trail. It was the Ford family summer getaway spot back in the 1930's and was shockingly burned down by a fire! There's still many of the walls and a beautiful fireplace remains! Highly recommend Highland!

Private and gorgeous spot!

This is one of our family's favorite close to home sites. Extra large camp sites, lots of room for the kids to run around.  Extensive trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding.  Lovely little no wake lake perfect for swimming, fishing or paddling. 

Spacious rustic camping

Tenting at its finest... brother his wife and 5 kids my husband at the time and 4 kids reserved a group area and had a blast teaching and showing those who had never camped how fun it could be!! No cell/internet service but that was perfect!! Great time to unplug and just enjoy our surroundings and begin to learn our own creativity! Learned how to ensure food was safe and tucked away from coons along with the good ole fashion porta potties .... nothing Lysol can can’t fix there but with a total of 8 males (6 being under 18....) always have a can of Lysol when porta potties were in our future lol Definitely would go back when ready for a”rustic” camping event!

Omg great family / kids time to unplug!!

This rustic campground is obviously well-tended and has an almost magical feel to it. It's private, quiet, and full of wildlife. There are two paved sites for handicapped accessibility, running water, a dumpster, and two outhouses. The DNR staff here were also super friendly and helpful. Absolutely love this place!

Photos of Highland State Recreation Area — Highland Recreation Area

Real photos from real campers