Best Tent Camping near Battle Creek, MI

Tent camping options near Battle Creek, Michigan include several established campgrounds that cater to tent campers seeking outdoor experiences in this region of southwest Michigan. East Lake Camping and Shady Point Campground offer tent sites within reasonable driving distance of Battle Creek, providing access to nearby lakes and outdoor recreation areas in the rolling Michigan countryside.

Most tent campgrounds in the Battle Creek area feature basic amenities with varying levels of services. East Lake Camping provides drinking water, electric hookups, fire rings, and picnic tables at their tent sites. Bathroom facilities with showers and flush toilets are available, making this location suitable for campers seeking a more developed camping experience. Sites at Shady Point Campground include electric hookups, with reviews indicating well-maintained grounds and clean facilities. Both campgrounds are seasonal operations, typically open from spring through early fall when Michigan weather is most conducive to tent camping.

The tent camping experience in this region centers around lake access and family-friendly environments. East Lake Camping sits among rolling farmland with tent sites featuring shade trees and a swimming beach on the property's lake. One camper noted that "sites have perfect amount of shade" at area campgrounds, making for comfortable summer camping. Shady Point offers both drive-in and boat-in access to tent sites, creating options for water-based recreation. The area campgrounds are primarily occupied by seasonal campers, with limited sites available for short-term tent campers. Reviews indicate most facilities are clean and well-maintained, though site sizes tend to be modest with limited privacy between camping neighbors.

Best Tent Sites Near Battle Creek, Michigan (22)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Battle Creek, MI

2 Photos of 22 Battle Creek Campgrounds


Tent Camping Reviews near Battle Creek, MI

471 Reviews of 22 Battle Creek Campgrounds


  • Bryce J.
    Jul. 10, 2019

    Fort Custer Recreation Area

    Surprisingly nice beach area.

    Fort Custer is a hidden gem in Michigan. Nobody thinks to go camping near Battle Creek, but they really should reconsider!

    Never over-crowded, tons of trails, and very nice paddle board, kayak, and canoe rentals! The lake at the state park is outlined by trails and features a small island to paddle around!

  • T
    Apr. 15, 2021

    Ely Lake Campground

    Keyword: RUSTIC

    This is our "home base" campground. It's familiar. We've been coming here for decades. Comfortable, and quiet(for the most part).

    Caveat: no electric, no running water, no sewer/septic, no dump, no fill... Can run your generator(inverter type is best). Solar is a negative due to tree cover.

    Vault toilets only, and pitcher pumps for water. There is a dumpster available in the busier parts of the season but this campground is open year round.

    No playground. Just the beach and the trails.

    Sites range from small tent sites to fairly large, but the "roads" inside the campground are tight so think twice before bringing the longer 5th wheels.

    In short, if you want a quiet getaway from your usual then this is a great place to go. If you're expecting a pool, arcade, and dining hall... Look elsewhere.

  • 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.

  • Olivia S.
    Jul. 20, 2020

    Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Camp Resort-South Haven, MI

    This is my top pick for South Haven

    Although this campground has great amenities, a pool, clean showers, and good sites/cabins, it is hard to book. If you know you are going to come to this area and camp, you need to book it a while in advance. I have used a pop-up and there was good space between campers. When I tent camped, we had a great spot near the cafe, the showers are amazing over there, they are more secluded. Our tent spot had electric, water, picnic table and fire ring. We camped on the grass and there is gravel to park your car. This campground is a perfect place to stay when visiting surrounding towns and going to the beach.

    Don’t forget to go to Sherman’s!!

    There was a forecast or rain, don’t mind the tarp

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Laura H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 23, 2020

    Twin Mills Camping Resort

    Beautiful Wooded Campground

    Twin Mills is a really beautiful and quiet RV Campground, with tall trees in Northern Indiana. We frequent this location when getting RV Repairs and visiting Elkhart, the birth place of most RVs.

    There are cabins and tent sites and a large lake access point with a beach area. The playgrounds seemed to be in good shape and the dumpsters were centrally located.

    The park has a gate entrance for security.

    There is a large pool area and basketball court.

    There are several sections in the park, some more wooded and narrow sites, some are more spread out.

    Cellular: T-Mobile had good signal strength and bandwidth, AT&T was not as good but still doable.

    Most of the sites are full hook up, some have 30amp and some have 50amp.

    Amenities: Pool Clubhouse Basketball Volleyball Picnic tables Fire rings Trash Playground Lake access Beach area Dock Cabins Tent sites


Guide to Battle Creek

Tent camping near Battle Creek, Michigan offers a variety of options for outdoor enthusiasts looking to enjoy nature and create lasting memories. From well-reviewed campgrounds to unique activities, there’s something for everyone.

Tent campers should check out Barry's Resort & Mobile Home Park

  • Barry's Resort & Mobile Home Park provides a unique camping experience, though it has received mixed reviews regarding safety and community atmosphere.
  • Located in MI, this campground offers tent camping, making it a potential spot for those seeking a rustic experience.
  • Despite its challenges, some campers appreciate the proximity to local attractions and the chance to connect with fellow outdoor lovers.

Tent campers like these nearby activities

  • At East Lake Camping, visitors can enjoy swimming at the beach and a playground, perfect for families looking to keep the kids entertained.
  • Way Back In Campground offers a range of family-friendly activities, although recent reviews suggest a shift in the community vibe.
  • For those who enjoy fishing, Green Acres Campground is a great choice, providing access to nearby lakes and rivers.

Some prices for tent camping range from $20 to $40

  • Tent camping at East Lake Camping typically falls within this price range, offering various amenities like showers and picnic tables.
  • Rates at Barry's Resort & Mobile Home Park can vary, but budget-conscious campers may find options that fit their needs.
  • Way Back In Campground also offers competitive pricing, making it an attractive option for those looking to camp without breaking the bank.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Battle Creek, MI?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Battle Creek, MI is Camper Village Campground with a 0-star rating from 0 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 22 tent camping locations near Battle Creek, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.