Camping sites near Bloomfield Hills, Michigan provide rustic alternatives within a 30-40 mile radius of this metropolitan area. The elevation throughout the region averages between 850-950 feet above sea level, with terrain characterized by rolling hills, kettle lakes and mixed hardwood forests. Cell service can be spotty in some recreation areas, especially Highland Recreation Area where campers report limited coverage in the more remote campsites.
What to do
Mountain biking trails: Pontiac Lake Recreation Area features extensive mountain biking routes that attract enthusiasts from across the region. "The park offers lots of private sites! We stayed in site 118 and could not see neighboring sites! The site was very spacious and offered picnic table, fire ring, paved pad, and electrical hook up," notes Mary H., who adds that there are "extensive mountain biking trails and the lake is open to boating, kayaking, and other water sports."
Kayaking and paddling: Proud Lake Recreation Area offers excellent water recreation on a no-wake lake. "Great lake to kayak on. Trails to hike on! We will go again for sure!" reports Debra B. The recreation area also has "a boat launch and a canoe/kayak livery on site," according to John F.
Hiking to historic ruins: Highland Recreation Area contains remnants of a 1930s Ford family estate. "There's 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!" writes Adrienne C. The recreation area also offers "extensive trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding. Lovely little no wake lake perfect for swimming, fishing or paddling."
What campers like
Private, wooded sites: McGinnis Lake Modern Campground at Holly Recreation Area earns praise for its secluded feel. "Sites were spacious, we loved the national forest," notes David S. Another camper, Ashley F., describes her experience: "I love this place and so do my 3 dogs. We got a secluded campsite, and it's gorgeous- tucked into the woods and was easy to back into. You're far enough from people to where you don't really see a lot of them or hear them that often."
Clean, modern facilities: Campers consistently mention the quality of restroom facilities at several parks. At Proud Lake Recreation Area, Laura M. shares, "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."
Wildlife viewing: The natural settings provide opportunities to observe local fauna. "The natural scenery is STUNNING with fields of flowers and trees. We ran up on a group of probably 70 wild turkeys on the trail!" reports Adrienne C. about Highland Recreation Area. At Pontiac Lake, campers are advised that "all food and garbage is secure at night, the raccoons have no fear."
What you should know
Bug situation: Insect activity can be intense during summer months. At Pontiac Lake Recreation Area, Kristina J. warns, "There are tons of mosquitoes and ticks, so make sure you bring bug spray." Another review from the same camper notes, "Every night we had to triple check each other and our pets for ticks. We found at least 1 a night on us. Last trip I came home with over 30 mosquito bites."
Distance to water: At several campgrounds, the beach areas aren't adjacent to camping loops. "The lake is not within walking distance, you would need to drive," notes Renee R. about Pontiac Lake. Similarly, Christie V. mentions the "only drawback is you must drive to the lake or hike 1.8 miles through the woods on a trail to get there."
Recreation Passport requirement: Michigan State Parks require a Recreation Passport for entry, which costs $12 annually for Michigan residents or $34 for non-residents. County parks like Addison Oaks and Groveland Oaks have separate entrance and camping fees.
Tips for camping with families
Water recreation options: Groveland Oaks County Park specializes in kid-friendly activities. "This campground has a lake for swimming, water slide, arcade, boat rentals, mini golf, biking trails and fishing. Lots for kids to do... also skate park and 2 playgrounds," writes Debbie H. The park stays open from late April through early October.
Halloween camping events: Several area campgrounds offer special Halloween-themed weekends in September and October. Justin G. describes the experience at Proud Lake: "We've been going to halloween camping for the past 2 years, decorate your site and the kids get dressed up an go trick or treating in camp, theres a costume contest and hay rides, fun family atmosphere."
Primitive camping for unplugged family time: For families looking to disconnect, Highland Recreation Area provides opportunities away from digital distractions. Tammy P. recalls, "No cell/internet service but that was perfect!! Great time to unplug and just enjoy our surroundings and begin to learn our own creativity!"
Tips from RVers
Hookup locations: Check site diagrams or call ahead regarding the location of electrical hookups. Mary H. at Pontiac Lake warns, "If you are hoping to hook up to electrical, bring extension cords; some hook ups are exceptionally far away from the designated RV parking pad."
Small RV advantages: Camp Dearborn in Milford Township accommodates RVs but can be challenging for larger rigs. "Pull behind sites were easy to access. Staff are very helpful and responsive. There is a dump station on site," reports Ryan S. The campground provides a range of amenities including "lots of beach area and water to fish or swim."
Site selection for larger RVs: At Addison Oaks County Park, Ron E. notes, "Nice quick weekend retreat campground. Cement pads, water, and electric. Loop C is spacious with some trees." For bigger rigs, Debbie H. cautions about site accessibility at Groveland Oaks: "Our campsite was a little difficult to get into because it was on a curve and there was a seasonal camper with a Class A right across from our site which didn't allow for a lot of space to maneuver our 26 ft travel trailer."
