Recreational opportunities abound within an hour's drive of Canton, Michigan, with the surrounding Oakland and Washtenaw counties offering a mix of woodland and lake-based camping experiences. The region features over 15 state recreation areas and county parks within 40 miles, most set at elevations between 850-1,100 feet above sea level. Winter camping is limited to only a few year-round facilities like Pontiac Lake Recreation Area, with most campgrounds closing between October and April.
What to do
Disc golf courses: Oakland County parks system maintains several courses, including a popular one at Addison Oaks County Park. "I enjoyed the trails, disc golf and overall wonderful Park staff! Extremely clean and well-kept," notes Joe S.
Paddling options: Multiple recreation areas feature no-wake lakes ideal for kayaking and canoeing. Seven Lakes State Park offers clear water conditions. "The water is clear and warm (perfect lake for swimming) and there is both sand and grassy areas on the fairly large beach," reports Kerri R.
Trail riding: Day-use equestrian options exist at Highland State Recreation Area and others, though overnight horse camping near Canton is limited. Brett B. describes Highland State Recreation Area as "obviously well-tended and has an almost magical feel to it. It's private, quiet, and full of wildlife."
What campers like
Well-maintained facilities: Many state parks in the region receive positive feedback for cleanliness. At Pontiac Lake Recreation Area, Sam H. notes: "The bathrooms and showers were nice and clean with hot water. Site 71 wasn't the most private but still nice. The spots are all pretty private due to trees and vegetation."
Jump Island water feature: The inflatable water obstacle course at Brighton Recreation Area draws families during summer months. "Such a cool place to enjoy with the kids, we had a blast at Jump Island!" says Jillian E.
Community gardening: Wayne County Fairgrounds RV Park offers a unique amenity for campers. William E. describes it as a "Great stay, great place to re-up" with "friendly staff, clean park, close to supermarkets and other food locations."
What you should know
Seasonal operation: Most campgrounds close during winter months. Mike M. discovered this at Wayne County Fairgrounds RV Park: "I arrived for a 2 week stay in the area on 11/12. I discovered this campground was closed for the season."
Site privacy varies significantly: Some campgrounds feature densely wooded sites while others are more exposed. Hell Creek Ranch & Campground receives mixed reviews on this front. Chad B. notes: "The location is terrific, beside a terrific state recreation area. That said, as a camper, it was almost impossible to see anything natural around us since we surrounded by RVs and pop-ups."
Bug preparation essential: Mosquitoes can be problematic, particularly at lakeside sites. Ryan F. cautions at Brighton Recreation Area: "When we rolled in the first thing we noticed was that everyone had screen houses set up... I've since purchased a thermacell backpacker and some bug net hats and stuff."
Tips for camping with families
Beach facilities: Several parks offer swimming beaches with amenities geared toward children. At Waterloo Sugarloaf Modern, Kim S. reports: "Spent 4 nights and 5 days camping with my husband and 2 kids. We had fun and the kids had a blast. They rode bikes around the loop and loved swimming and the the playground."
Bike-friendly loops: Many campgrounds feature paved roads for beginning cyclists. "The kids rode bikes around the loop and loved swimming and the playground," says a reviewer of Waterloo Recreation Area.
Nature observation: Highland Recreation Area provides wildlife viewing opportunities. Adrienne C. explains: "We ran up on a group of probably 70 wild turkeys on the trail!"
Tips from RVers
Extension cord needs: Some electrical hookups are positioned far from RV pads. Mary H. advises at Pontiac Lake Recreation Area: "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."
Site selection strategy: Buddy sites at fairgrounds campgrounds place RVs close together with facing patios. One reviewer of Wayne County Fairgrounds RV Park recommends: "A number of the campsites are 'buddy' sites meaning your patio opens to your neighbors so be careful which one you pick."
Level site availability: Oakland County parks typically offer level concrete pads. Ron E. describes Addison Oaks County Park as having "cement pads, water, and electric. Loop C is spacious with some trees."
