Cabin and tent camping options near Burton, Michigan span across wooded state recreation areas and family-friendly county parks. Most local campgrounds operate seasonally between April and October, with peak summer weekends requiring advance reservations. Burton-area campgrounds typically receive 31 inches of rainfall annually, making waterproof gear essential during spring camping trips.
What to do
Hiking trails: McGinnis Lake Modern Campground at Holly Recreation Area features several well-marked paths through wooded terrain. "The campground has it all, electric, cabins, playgrounds, basketball courts, etc... The lakes are nice and there are tone of options of things to do and places to explore," notes Kate K.
Swimming beaches: Camp Dearborn provides multiple water recreation options near Burton. "Lots of beach area and water to fish or swim. Activities almost every night. Paddle boats, mini golf, golf, and more," reports Ryan S. The campground maintains two swimming beaches and a separate pool area.
Fishing spots: Otter Lake Park Campground offers accessible shoreline fishing opportunities with boat rentals available. "The campground is right in town and there are a few stores you can walk to. There is a boat launch, park and a beach. This is a modern campground and has updated bathrooms with showers," shares Nona A.
What campers like
Wooded sites: Addison Oaks County Park provides more secluded camping experiences than many area parks. "Tons of trails for hiking and biking. They have kids activities on the weekends, a lake for swimming, great playgrounds and everything is really clean," writes Wendy K. The park offers both cabins and tent sites with water and electric hookups.
Clean facilities: Covenant Hills Camp maintains well-kept bathrooms and common areas. "Clean and cautious due to Covid as necessary. Definitely recommend to families w kids that are on the conservative side and would like to keep their faith religiously on sundays with service," explains Tammy P. The camp includes an in-house auditorium for gatherings.
Evening activities: Groveland Oaks County Park schedules regular nighttime events for campers. "Great campground, so much to do, especially for families with smaller children," according to Anna H. The park remains open from late April through early October annually.
What you should know
Reservation timing: Most Burton-area campgrounds book up quickly for summer weekends. At Otter Lake Park, sites open approximately 6 months in advance, with waterfront locations filling first.
Varying privacy levels: Site layouts differ significantly across campgrounds and within the same parks. "Sites were spacious, we loved the national forest," notes David S. about Holly Recreation Area, while at other campgrounds, "Some camp sites are squished up to others. Other camp sites have plenty of room," according to Kristin T.
Weather considerations: Metamora-Hadley Recreation Area can become muddy after rain, particularly in back camping sections. "The park is extremely sandy so be prepared," warns Mandy B., who camped there during Labor Day weekend.
Tips for camping with families
Look for playgrounds: Several campgrounds near Burton feature dedicated children's areas. At Holly Recreation Area, "The campground has it all, electric, cabins, playgrounds, basketball courts, etc... Ideal for families and people who like to camp but aren't into the 'rustic' part," notes Kate K.
Check activity schedules: Pine Ridge RV Campground and similar sites post weekly activity calendars. "We enjoyed this very quiet campground. It is not a family 'resort' style campground. There is a playground, no pool," explains Mary S.
Consider glamping options: For families new to outdoor accommodation, canvas tent cabins provide convenient camping alternatives. "We stayed in one of the group sites and it was beautiful. Less tree cover than we would have liked, you're basically in a giant grassy field, but it was perfect for a large group," shares Jennifer O. about her Addison Oaks experience.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: RV campers report varying degrees of privacy at campgrounds near Burton. "Some are pretty secluded. Downside is that the campground and stuff to do, are far apart. Bring a bike or drive," advises Ethan R. about Holly Recreation Area.
Hookup availability: Water and electric connections are standard at most area campgrounds, but full hookups are limited. "Liked having full hook ups. But not many trees. We like the small swimming hole, the beach, the parks and putt putt," notes Tammy K. about Groveland Oaks County Park.
Access considerations: Large rigs should check site specifications before booking. "We travel in a 42 ft motorhome and suggest if you are traveling in a large rig, drive through the park to find an appropriate site," recommends Carol W., who found some sites inadequate for larger vehicles.
