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Camper submitted image from Lansing Cottonwood Campground

Lansing Cottonwood Campground

Highway noise from nearby roads mingles with the sounds of owls, frogs, and crickets at this established campground in Michigan's capital city. Lansing Cottonwood Campground operates seasonally from May through October, offering both full hookup RV sites and primitive tent camping areas spread across a property that feels more rural than urban despite its location.

The front section tends to be more congested with closer site spacing, while the primitive camping area in the back provides larger sites with better tree coverage. Beth S. found her primitive site "had great trees that could accommodate at least three to four hammocks" with enough space and a picnic table. Several reviewers mention the contrast between the more crowded main camping area and the quieter back section where primitive sites often remain half empty even during busy periods.

The campground features a pool, country store, and clean restroom facilities with showers. A softball diamond hosts weekend tournaments that start early, which can affect nearby full hookup sites. Fishing is available at a couple of ponds on the property, and the campground provides kayak and paddle boat access. Staff organize a fireworks display for July 4th celebrations. Full hookups include electric, water, and sewer connections, while tent sites range from primitive options with no utilities to sites with basic electric and water access.

Sites can be uneven and sloped, requiring leveling preparation for RVs. Raccoons actively raid food storage, so campers need to secure items in vehicles overnight. Rain brings out large numbers of daddy long legs spiders. The campground allows pets and offers reservation options for those planning ahead. For campers wanting alternatives, Wild Goose Inn sits northeast of the area.

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Location

RV Park

Lansing Cottonwood Campground is located in Michigan

Directions

From jct US 127 & I-96: Go 2 mi W on I-96 (Cedar St exit 104), then 1/4 mi N on exit Rd, then 1/4 mi N on Pennsylvania Ave, then 3/4 mi E on Miller Rd, then 3/4 mi N on Aurelius Rd.

Address

5339 Aurelius Rd
Lansing, MI 48911

Coordinates

42.67878161 N
84.52346475 W

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Connectivity

T-Mobile5G
Excellent Coverage
Verified by 2 users
Last on 4/25/26
Verizon5G
Excellent Coverage
Verified by 5 users
Last on 4/25/26
AT&T5G
Good Coverage

Connectivity

T-Mobile5G
Excellent Coverage
Verified by 2 users
Last on 4/25/26
Verizon5G
Excellent Coverage
Verified by 5 users
Last on 4/25/26
AT&T5G
Good Coverage

Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.
Boat-In
Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)
Group

Features

For Campers

Market
ADA Access
Trash
Picnic Table
Firewood Available
Phone Service
Reservable
WiFi
Showers
Drinking Water
Electric Hookups
Toilets
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

For Vehicles

Sanitary Dump
Sewer Hookups
Water Hookups
Pull-Through Sites
Big Rig Friendly

Contact

General Info

Reservations

Drive Time

6 min from Lansing, MI
33 min from Jackson, MI
46 min from Flint, MI
52 min from Battle Creek, MI

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5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

3.5

out of 5

11 Reviews

Many campers appreciated the clean facilities, friendly staff, and family activities at this urban campground. Crowded conditions and small sites were noted concerns, though primitive areas offer more space and tranquility.

Alfonso A.

Scout

Reviewed May. 29, 2023

Love this place

Very clean and a lot to do ! Great for family time

Site3a

Month of VisitMay

beth S.

Guide

Reviewed Aug. 13, 2022

Primitive Sites!

We came to the Lansing area for a family function and stayed at one of the Primitive Sites at Cottonwood Campground. The front of the grounds did seem a bit congested and not many trees, but we had a primitive site and it was everything we wanted. We camped in hammocks and had a pretty large site with great trees that could accommodate at least three to four hammocks (siteP5). Our site had a picnic table which was very helpful to have. There are a lot of wildlife noises, owls, frogs, crickets, etc. and you can hear some of the highway traffic but the nature sounds kind of drown it out.

Overall was a good experience and staff were friendly and the primitive sites were over half empty. We will definitely come again.

Second night, it had rained pretty much all day. Spiders came out at alarming numbers, mostly daddy long legs and the night before, raccoons had gotten into our food storage bins by undoing the side latches on them. The next night we made sure to house trash and food items in our truck.

SiteP5

Month of VisitAugust

(14) View All

Mary T.

Legend

Reviewed Jul. 10, 2022

Cottonwood Campground only campground in Lansing MI

A nice little campground. Great location if staying in the Lansing Area. Has full hook ups, and electric water, also tent sites with nnothing. Great pool area. Softball diamond that has tournaments on weekends a little early start for the full hook up sites. A couple ponds for fishing. People are very friendly.

Site43 b

Month of VisitJuly

(9) View All

scott

Scout

Reviewed Oct. 24, 2021

Am just joining

This is my first time.

Siteno one

Month of VisitOctober

James P.

Guide

Reviewed Jul. 26, 2021

Crowded RV park

Very crowded. Amenities are ok. There is rustic camping, but still very congested. Great fireworks display for the 4th of July.

Site12B

Month of VisitJuly

Jason D.

Scout

Reviewed Jun. 18, 2021

Nice quiet place

Very friendly staff, great place to relax and take the family.

SiteWe had a site where we could place a tent.

Month of VisitJune

Lydia T.

Legend

Reviewed Oct. 12, 2020

Lansing's only campground

This is the only campground in lansing. The property is nicely shaded. There is a large main building and large outdoor pool.

(7) View All

Joey H.

Traveler

Reviewed Jul. 5, 2020

Small Tight Sites

Our site was small and we were sitting very close to a not so nice set up, maybe a seasonal? No one was there. The staff were all very friendly and their fireworks show was great and their store had reasonable prices. Unfortunately, we were surrounded by unpleasant people. Spouses yelling and cussing on both sides of us. A couple sites were having disputes over explosives. I can officially say we are nothing like those we were surrounded by. I selected this campground based on good reviews. Disappointed due to the tiny sites.

Beth G.

Ranger

Reviewed Jun. 13, 2020

Great Campground!

Our daughters have softball tournaments right at the campground. Beautiful location, great owners, very clean and well kept. Nice Pool and great view. Kayakers and Paddle Boats. Uneven sloped site so come prepared. We love it!

Martin W.

Guide

Reviewed Jul. 5, 2019

Innercity Camping

Not a bad place to go camping without having to leave the city. Good for a close and convenient camping trip with friends and/or family.

Melanie P.

Scout

Reviewed Jun. 11, 2018

Country in the City

Cottonwood Ccampground is right in the capital of Lansing, Mi but you feel as though you are in the middle of the country. The primitive sites are set off in the back with plenty of shade and peace and quiet. The campground is very clean and well ran. There is a nice pool, little country store, and clean restrooms with showers.

SitePrimitive

Month of VisitJuly

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there photos available of Cottonwood Campground to view before visiting?

Photos of Cottonwood Campground can be viewed on The Dyrt website and other camping platforms before visiting. These images typically showcase the campground's shaded areas, primitive sites, full hookup areas, the outdoor pool, fishing ponds, and softball diamond. Photos help potential visitors see the difference between the more congested front section and the secluded primitive sites in the back that offer more space and shade. The campground's country store and surrounding natural setting are also featured in available imagery.

What are the prices for camping at Cottonwood Campground in Lansing, MI?

Cottonwood Campground offers various pricing options depending on your camping needs. They provide primitive tent sites, electric/water sites, and full hookup options at different price points. While specific rates aren't listed, they're considered reasonable for the amenities provided. For current pricing information, it's best to contact the campground directly as rates may vary by season and site type. The campground store also offers reasonably priced camping supplies and necessities.

What do reviews say about Cottonwood Campground in Lansing?

Cottonwood Campground receives mixed feedback, with many highlighting its unique position as the only campground within Lansing city limits that still provides a countryside feel. Visitors appreciate the friendly staff, cleanliness, well-maintained grounds, and amenities like the outdoor pool and fishing ponds. The primitive sites in the back area receive particular praise for privacy and shade. Some note the front section can feel congested with closely spaced sites. The campground hosts softball tournaments, offers great Fourth of July fireworks, and provides family-friendly activities. Site leveling may be necessary on some uneven spots.

How does Cottonwood Campground compare to other campgrounds near Lansing, MI?

Cottonwood Campground stands out as the only campground located directly within Lansing city limits, offering the unique advantage of countryside camping without leaving the city. Unlike more remote options in the region, Cottonwood provides convenient access to urban amenities while still offering natural surroundings. The campground features amenities not always found at more rustic area sites, including a swimming pool, country store, softball diamond, and fishing ponds. While some nearby state parks might offer more spacious sites or natural features, Cottonwood excels at combining accessibility with recreation, making it particularly suitable for families attending local events or visitors wanting a convenient camping experience without extensive travel.

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