Best Campgrounds near Brooklyn, MI
Brooklyn, Michigan features a variety of campgrounds with both tent and RV sites throughout the Irish Hills region. Waterloo Recreation Area offers multiple camping options including cabins, yurts, and glamping sites within a 30-minute drive from Brooklyn. Closer to town, Ted Ranch Campground provides electric hookups and waterfront camping on a small lake, while W.J. Hayes State Park Campground on Wamplers Lake offers well-established sites with modern amenities. Michigan International Speedway (MIS) serves as a geographical anchor, with several campgrounds catering to race attendees.
Most campgrounds in the area operate seasonally, with peak availability from May through October. Campground roads are generally accessible for vehicles of all types, though larger RVs may encounter challenges at some locations. "W.J. Hayes has some nice sites but if you're longer than 40ft be aware most sites will not work for you," noted one visitor. Advance reservations are strongly recommended during NASCAR race weekends and summer holidays, when campgrounds throughout the region reach capacity. Ted Ranch Campground, located across from MIS, fills quickly during race events but offers a quieter alternative to the track's infield camping.
Lakefront camping represents a significant draw in the region, with access to Wamplers Lake, Round Lake, and several smaller bodies of water. "Two lakes with good fishing, some sites are full sun. Many have great shade," shared one camper about W.J. Hayes State Park. Family-oriented campgrounds predominate, with amenities ranging from basic (portable toilets and primitive sites at Ted Ranch) to full-service facilities with electric hookups, modern bathhouses, and recreational features. Campers frequently mention swimming beaches, fishing opportunities, and boat launches as highlights. Wooded sites provide welcome shade during summer months, though some campgrounds feature more open, field-like settings with limited privacy between sites. Most established campgrounds in the region accommodate both tent and RV camping, with water and electric hookups available at select locations.
