Best Tent Camping near Albion, MI

Tent campsites around Albion, Michigan provide rustic options for outdoor enthusiasts in southern Michigan. Primitive tent camping is available at several established campgrounds, including Crooked Lake Rustic Campground in Pinckney Recreation Area and 6 Lakes Campground in Hillsdale. These locations offer basic amenities while maintaining a natural setting for tent-focused camping experiences.

Most tent camping areas feature dirt or grass sites with varying levels of shade and modest facilities. Crooked Lake Rustic Campground provides drinking water, toilets, and designated fire rings but no electricity or showers, making it suitable for traditional tent setups. Walk-in access is available at some locations, including Way Back In Campground in Jonesville, though reviews suggest variable management quality. Wheel Inn Campground in Leslie offers both drive-in and walk-in tent sites with more amenities, including showers and toilets. Seasonal operations affect availability, with many sites closing between late September and early May.

The backcountry camping experience varies significantly across locations. At Crooked Lake, tent campers can enjoy lake views and natural surroundings. A visitor commented, "The views of the lake are awesome, it's a great slice of wilderness in this part of the state." Sites at 6 Lakes Campground provide access to boating opportunities with tent campsites featuring "perfect amount of shade." Most tent camping areas maintain some distance between sites, though noise can be an issue at busier locations, especially on summer weekends. Primitive tent setups at these locations typically require campers to bring their own water filtration systems or sufficient drinking water. While some areas permit fires in designated rings, campers should verify current fire regulations, particularly during dry periods when restrictions may be implemented.

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Best Tent Sites Near Albion, Michigan (19)

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 19 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Tent Camping Photos near Albion, MI

5 Photos of 19 Albion Campgrounds


Tent Camping Reviews near Albion, MI

478 Reviews of 19 Albion Campgrounds


  • Art S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 11, 2019

    Brookside City Park

    Beautiful super small camping in town

    The campsites are located past the playground and shelter. Just keep driving down the road that looks like an alley. There is a wonderful place set up for just a few campers. 

    A couple sites are for tents only and the others are standard sites. There are a few trees by the sites but it’s mostly open area. Portable toilets are at the end of the camping area and in the playground area. The playground is a day use area for town so expect to meet some locals. 

    Driving just down the street takes you to the police station. This is where you register for the site. Town is around you and ready to explore. There are a few train tracks and industrial businesses which provide a bit of noise along with traffic. For us, the noise just slid right into the background. 

    This is a great place for a low price.

  • beth S.
    Aug. 13, 2022

    Lansing Cottonwood Campground

    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.

  • Ryan F.
    Oct. 20, 2021

    Brighton Recreation Area

    Lake Murray Rustic Sites

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

    First of all, if it’s rainy or muddy, you might want to think twice about entering the rustic camping area. We have a 4Runner, so it was no problem but a few little cars did slide around and have trouble on the hill by our site.

    Our site wasn’t level, so we were rolling around a bit. If I went there again I’d try to find a spot towards the end of the loop by the exit. These sites were higher and some of them were private. I’d examine the map carefully because some of the sites were horrendously open and basically on the road. Maybe good for a vehicle with a rooftop tent or a trailer of some sort, but it would have been annoying for us. Site M22 was big and far enough away from other campers, but again not level. Probably a good location for a group of hammock campers.

    All that aside, the biggest problem was mosquito activity. The camping area sits on an inaccessible lake with a marsh area.

    When we rolled in the first thing we noticed was that everyone had screen houses set up.

    We didn’t have anything but our tent and a hammock with a big net so everyone got bitten up while cooking and hanging out by the fire. It was pretty miserable. Yes, I realize this is mostly our fault.

    I’ve since purchased a thermacell backpacker and some bug net hats and stuff. I’m looking into constructing an ultralight screen house that can be suspended from trees.

    The last problem was drunk campers hooting and hollering all night but that isn’t the camping areas fault.

    This place is super close to where we are living so I’ll probably schedule it next spring and come prepared. There are lots of nearby lakes and recreational trails so it’s a fun place to be with family.

  • Christopher P.
    Jul. 25, 2021

    Deep Lake Rustic Campground — Yankee Springs Recreation Area - TEMPORARILY CLOSED IN 2024

    Nice rustic site

    Nice rustic campground with a beautiful lake view. Nice big fire rings. Vault toilet and water pump nearby. Some what level site but in the small side. Perfect for tent camping or a teardrop. Definitely nothing over 15'. Was able to park across from my site to maximize space.

    Gorgeous little lake town just 8 miles away has a full grocery store and restaurants.

    Campsites border the Deep Lake trail.

  • J
    Jun. 9, 2019

    Green Lake Rustic Campground — Waterloo Recreation Area

    Rustic campground near civilization

    This campground is part of the Waterloo State Recreation area, about 6 miles north of Chelsea MI. Sites are decent-sized, not much privacy between some sites. Only a couple of sites overlook the lake. Picnic table, fire ring, vault toilet and hand pump water. Quiet little campground.

  • Mike B.
    Sep. 5, 2018

    Green Lake Rustic Campground — Waterloo Recreation Area

    Rustic Campground Close to Town

    I stayed here with my kids because it was close to home and town. It makes for an easy getaway for a night or two.

    It is rustic with just vault toilets. Each site has a picnic table and a fire ring.

    The lake is not good for swimming as it is very mucky and covered in Lilly pads.

    It can fill up quick because it is close to town.

    There is a Yurt for rent here as well through the Waterloo Recreation web page.

  • Kate K.
    Aug. 22, 2019

    Waterloo Sugarloaf Modern — Waterloo Recreation Area

    A Wonderful Winter Getaway

    We stayed in the Southfork Rustic Cabin at the end of Feb and it was lovely much needed get away. The cabin was semi modern (solar lighting) but only a wood stove for heat. Small kitchen unit with table for eating. You had to hike in about a quarter mile to get there, and it sleeps four people with two bunk beds. 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.


Guide to Albion

Tent camping near Albion, Michigan offers a variety of experiences, from serene natural settings to family-friendly activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a lively atmosphere, there are options to suit your needs.

Tent campers should check out local attractions

  • Enjoy the beautiful scenery and boat access at 6 Lakes Campground, where you can explore the surrounding lakes and canals.
  • Experience the charm of Way Back In Campground, which initially offered family-friendly activities like hayrides and crafts.
  • Visit Wildwood Acres Campground for a rustic camping experience, perfect for those who enjoy a more laid-back atmosphere.

Tent campers like these nearby activities

  • At 6 Lakes Campground, you can partake in fishing, kayaking, and exploring the beautiful lake views.
  • Way Back In Campground offers opportunities for family bonding and outdoor games, although the atmosphere has changed over the years.
  • For a more secluded experience, Wildwood Acres Campground provides a quiet setting ideal for relaxation and enjoying nature.

Tent camping features to consider

  • 6 Lakes Campground is well-equipped with amenities like electric hookups and picnic tables, making it convenient for families.
  • Way Back In Campground has features such as drinking water and firewood, although the overall experience may vary.
  • At Wildwood Acres Campground, you can find basic amenities like water hookups, perfect for a simple camping trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Albion, MI?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Albion, MI is Wildwood Acres Campground with a 0-star rating from 0 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Albion, MI?

TheDyrt.com has all 19 tent camping locations near Albion, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.