Best Tent Camping near Canton, MI

Several tent campgrounds surround the Canton, Michigan area, with options ranging from rustic sites to more established facilities. Island Lake Recreation Area offers a unique tent camping experience with two Huron River Canoe Camps that are boat-in only, requiring campers to transport all gear via kayak or canoe. Appleton Lake Campground provides secluded tent sites with basic amenities, while Pinckney Recreation Area's Crooked Lake Rustic Campground offers lakeside tent camping within an hour's drive.

Most tent sites in the region feature fire rings and picnic tables, though amenities vary significantly between locations. At Island Lake's canoe camps, campers will find vault toilets, provided firewood, and recycling facilities. Appleton Lake Campground offers more primitive conditions with vault toilets that reviews note are sometimes poorly maintained. Walk-in tent sites are available at several locations, including Wiregrass Lake Metropark which has only three tent camping spots around the lake. Water access can be limited at rustic sites, so tent campers should plan to bring sufficient water supplies or check availability before arrival.

The tent camping experience near Canton provides opportunities for wildlife viewing and water recreation. Island Lake's canoe camps create a backcountry experience close to urban areas, with floating docks for securing boats at Camp #1. Tent sites at Appleton Lake are "fairly secluded from each other" with "ample space to park your vehicle and set up a tent," according to visitor reviews. Crooked Lake offers lake views that one camper described as "a great slice of wilderness in this part of the state." For those seeking quieter experiences, Wiregrass Lake Metropark provides a calm atmosphere where "you're not packed in like sardines," though some reviews mention security concerns. Each campground offers distinct advantages for tent campers looking to escape urban environments without traveling far from Canton.

Best Tent Sites Near Canton, Michigan (14)

    1. Island Lake Recreation Area

    4 Reviews
    Brighton, MI
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (810) 229-7067

    "Island Lake Recreation Area is home to two Huron River Canoe Camps. The sites are boat-in only (!) meaning you must haul any and all gear in a kayak or canoe for your stay."

    "Island lake really does feel like you’re up north with the hours spent on I-75. There are great hiking trails that give novice and Intermediate hikers a chance to sharpen their skills."

    2. Appleton Lake Campground

    8 Reviews
    Brighton, MI
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (810) 229-6566

    "Each site has a fire ring and ample space to park your vehicle and set up a tent or small trailer.

    My only complaint is the vault toilets were not clean and very full."

    "Picnic table pit ring outside toilets best site was 24 17$ dollars a night 3 parks Brighton recreational is for Rv and electric sites indoor plumbing hot showers Murry is only for weekend visits Appleton"

    3. Maumee Bay State Park Campground

    41 Reviews
    Oregon, OH
    44 miles
    Website
    +1 (419) 836-7758

    "This park is close to Toledo and within spitting distance of several refineries although you’d never know it! "

    "Within the CG, two loops share a central restroom/shower house. The shower house near the activities shelter also has a small laundry."

    4. Camp Agawam

    2 Reviews
    Auburn Hills, MI
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (248) 391-0304

    $20 - $30 / night

    "I come down to Detroit from Windsor every year to camp in Michigan with friends and this year we went to this very nice campsite in Orion Twp and I loved it."

    5. Crooked Lake Rustic Campground — Pinckney Recreation Area

    2 Reviews
    Pinckney, MI
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (734) 426-4913

    $20 - $28 / night

    "The views of the lake are awesome, it’s a great slice of wilderness in this part of the state. Wish there were better noise restrictions and the campgrounds were more separated."

    "We could see the lake and had an outhouse right nearby."

    6. PINCKNEY RAILS-TO-TRAIL CAMPGROUND

    1 Review
    Pinckney, MI
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (734) 878-1148

    $30 - $50 / night

    "Would prefer more shade but this is very nice place"

    7. Wiregrass Lake Metropark

    3 Reviews
    Holland, OH
    49 miles
    Website
    +1 (419) 407-9700

    $20 - $25 / night

    "Wiregrass lake was a very nice camping atmosphere. There are only 3 camping spots around the lake so you’re not packed in like sardines. The atmosphere is very calm, quiet, and relaxing."

    "3 camp sites available near fishable wiregrass lake in wiregrass metropark. Open year round. Firewood provide. Reservation required."

    8. Wheel Inn Campground

    1 Review
    Pleasant Lake, MI
    45 miles
    +1 (517) 589-8097

    9. D-bar-A Scout Ranch (Boy Scout Use Only)

    1 Review
    Metamora, MI
    46 miles
    Website

    "This is another great scout ing campground with cabins, rustic camping, tent sites, lakes, horses to ride, this is one HUGE camp ground for scouts to enjoy and learn.."

    10. Hilltop Campgrounds

    2 Reviews
    Lapeer, MI
    50 miles
    Website
    +1 (810) 664-2782
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Tent Camping Reviews near Canton, MI

490 Reviews of 14 Canton Campgrounds


  • Neil T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 31, 2021

    Seven Lakes State Park Campground

    Great waypoint when camping across the UP

    Vibe: Woodland getaway with no flash and really nice sites. 

    Cleanliness: Sites are above average. Vault toilets are…vault toilets. 

    Facilities: Nothing flashy. Wish there was a few additional water filling points and that the dumpsters were all located near the camp entrance/exit. But really nothing to complain about. 

    General spots: Large, very well treed, gravel, picnic table and fire ring. 

    Privacy: Can see neighbors through sites, but better privacy than most places. 

    Our site: 39. Could drive circles around inside it. Even has a tree in the middle of it with room to drive all the way around it(not with a trailer). Depending where you set up your rig, you may need an extra long extension cord. 

    Noise: Quiet. Occasionally hear wolves howling. Cell signal(Verizon): 1 bar. No internet loads. Text messages will send and receive. Sometimes immediately, sometimes hours later. Other: Wish we had a chance to explore the lakes. Sounds like the swimming and fishing is good. Saw several kids on bikes toting rods.

  • Christopher P.
    Sep. 5, 2021

    McGinnis Lake Modern Campground — Holly Recreation Area

    Quiet, well kept state park

    Just a quick overnight tent camp with my son. Tent sites are relatively well spaced out and clean. Fire rings and picnic tables at each site.

    Modern bathrooms and shower rooms are available.

    Many playgrounds, horseshoe pits, and a basketball court available.

    Firewood and ice available at the front gate.

    RV spaces are well spaced out and give a sense of privacy. Electrical hook ups.

    Cabins available for rent as well.

  • Rodger M.
    Sep. 19, 2021

    Ridgewood Campground

    An Quick Camping Escape

    We were warmly greeted by the attendee and the camp host. Firewood, snacks, camp essentials, and ice available on site. Nice touch having firewood delivered to our site. The gentleman could not have been kinder and offered assistance with us setting up. The site was a larger site (#12) tucked nicely away in a corner.

    Picnic Table and Nice Fire Ring onsite. Port-a-potty, dumpster near site.

    Fair warning, the staff aren’t the only ones ready to greet you! Bugs, Mosquitoes, bees, and even raccoons (if food left out - which we did not). We have been to sites before that must have sprayed for pests because we have never experienced the amount of mosquitoes we did here. Thankfully we had Off Area Camp Spray, our Thermacell, and citronella burning and it helped dramatically reduce the pests.

    The noise level was very “citified.” Traffic could be heard throughout the evening and early morning. That’s what we get for camping so close to civilization. Also, beware of Poison Oak and Ivy! The entire site was bordered with it.

    Lastly, make sure that if you car camp or SUV Camp, you let them know. They have a policy of making you park your car/SUV in the lot after setting up your tent (if tent camping).

  • Don H.
    Jul. 9, 2019

    Island Lake Recreation Area

    Hidden Canoe Camps

    Island Lake Recreation Area is home to two Huron River Canoe Camps. The sites are boat-in only (!) meaning you must haul any and all gear in a kayak or canoe for your stay. The sites, Canoe Camp #1 and #2, can be only be reserved by calling or visiting the main office.

    This is an awesome place to stay, especially if you live in the area, as it provides a backcountry, boat-in camping experience very close to town. The sites each feature a fire ring and picnic table. Canoe #1 sports a floating dock to tie up boats. There is also a vault toilet, and firewood provided for both sites to share, as well recycling and trash cans.

    The sites and common area (toilet and garbage cans) are connected by short trails and you may, once in awhile, hear the folks at the site next to you. Thankfully, In my experience, people have always been friendly and respectful.

  • Ryan F.
    Oct. 20, 2021

    Brighton Recreation Area

    Lake Murray Rustic Sites

    This was our first camping experience in Michigan, so we weren’t exactly prepared. My rating takes this into consideration.

    First of all, if it’s rainy or muddy, you might want to think twice about entering the rustic camping area. We have a 4Runner, so it was no problem but a few little cars did slide around and have trouble on the hill by our site.

    Our site wasn’t level, so we were rolling around a bit. If I went there again I’d try to find a spot towards the end of the loop by the exit. These sites were higher and some of them were private. I’d examine the map carefully because some of the sites were horrendously open and basically on the road. Maybe good for a vehicle with a rooftop tent or a trailer of some sort, but it would have been annoying for us. Site M22 was big and far enough away from other campers, but again not level. Probably a good location for a group of hammock campers.

    All that aside, the biggest problem was mosquito activity. The camping area sits on an inaccessible lake with a marsh area.

    When we rolled in the first thing we noticed was that everyone had screen houses set up.

    We didn’t have anything but our tent and a hammock with a big net so everyone got bitten up while cooking and hanging out by the fire. It was pretty miserable. Yes, I realize this is mostly our fault.

    I’ve since purchased a thermacell backpacker and some bug net hats and stuff. I’m looking into constructing an ultralight screen house that can be suspended from trees.

    The last problem was drunk campers hooting and hollering all night but that isn’t the camping areas fault.

    This place is super close to where we are living so I’ll probably schedule it next spring and come prepared. There are lots of nearby lakes and recreational trails so it’s a fun place to be with family.

  • Mike B.
    Sep. 3, 2018

    Appleton Lake Campground

    Quiet, private rustic campground

    I liked that this campground had sites that were fairly secluded from each other. Each site has a fire ring and ample space to park your vehicle and set up a tent or small trailer.

    My only complaint is the vault toilets were not clean and very full.

  • J
    Jun. 9, 2019

    Green Lake Rustic Campground — Waterloo Recreation Area

    Rustic campground near civilization

    This campground is part of the Waterloo State Recreation area, about 6 miles north of Chelsea MI. Sites are decent-sized, not much privacy between some sites. Only a couple of sites overlook the lake. Picnic table, fire ring, vault toilet and hand pump water. Quiet little campground.

  • Mike B.
    Sep. 5, 2018

    Green Lake Rustic Campground — Waterloo Recreation Area

    Rustic Campground Close to Town

    I stayed here with my kids because it was close to home and town. It makes for an easy getaway for a night or two.

    It is rustic with just vault toilets. Each site has a picnic table and a fire ring.

    The lake is not good for swimming as it is very mucky and covered in Lilly pads.

    It can fill up quick because it is close to town.

    There is a Yurt for rent here as well through the Waterloo Recreation web page.

  • Kate K.
    Aug. 22, 2019

    Waterloo Sugarloaf Modern — Waterloo Recreation Area

    A Wonderful Winter Getaway

    We stayed in the Southfork Rustic Cabin at the end of Feb and it was lovely much needed get away. The cabin was semi modern (solar lighting) but only a wood stove for heat. Small kitchen unit with table for eating. You had to hike in about a quarter mile to get there, and it sleeps four people with two bunk beds. There is an outside vault toilet behind the cabin. Lots of trails connecting the cabin to the rest of the park. Cheap too! Only $68 per night.


Guide to Canton

Tent camping opportunities around Canton, Michigan provide access to natural areas within an hour's drive of Detroit suburbs. The region sits at a modest elevation of 709 feet above sea level and features a mix of wetlands, small lakes, and wooded areas throughout the Huron River watershed. Summer temperatures typically range from 60-85°F with higher humidity levels during peak camping season.

What to do

Biking trails: The trails at Island Lake Recreation Area give novice and intermediate hikers and bikers a chance to practice their skills. "Island lake really does feel like you're up north without the hours spent on I-75. There are great hiking trails that give novice and Intermediate hikers a chance to sharpen their skills. Signs are well marked throughout the park," says one camper.

Trail running: Appleton Lake Campground offers excellent trails for runners seeking tent camping near Canton, Michigan. One visitor notes the campground has "Rustic and mature trees. Great trails - perfect for trail running."

Fishing opportunities: For anglers camping at Wiregrass Lake Metropark, the small lake offers good fishing access. "The lake offers great fishing opportunities and doubles as a nice spot to sit by the water, enjoy the local wildlife and relax," according to a reviewer who appreciated the quiet setting.

Winter camping options: Unlike many seasonal facilities, some campgrounds near Canton remain open year-round. Wheel Inn Campground operates throughout winter, making it suitable for cold-weather tent camping enthusiasts who want to camp regardless of season.

What campers like

Privacy between sites: At Appleton Lake Campground, many campers appreciate the separation between camping areas. "A nice, small, rustic campground with a lake access," mentions one visitor. Another notes it's "a great starter campground which is just what we wanted - my buddy and I took his 6 year old camping for the first time."

Uncrowded camping experience: Small campgrounds with limited sites create a more peaceful experience. Wiregrass Lake has only three camping spots, which one camper describes as advantageous because "you're not packed in like sardines. The atmosphere is very calm, quiet, and relaxing."

Convenient location: Maumee Bay State Park Campground offers quality tent camping within easy driving distance. "We've stayed at Maumee Bay state campground a few times now and continue to go back because of how easy the stay is. Last minute plans are easy here! The sites are well maintained and a camp store is available for anything you might have forgot."

Wildlife viewing: Many campgrounds feature abundant wildlife observation opportunities. "This on a bay on the very western side of Lake Erie among a wildlife refuge and wilderness area. I came for the birding and wasn't disappointed," reports one visitor to Maumee Bay.

What you should know

Tick awareness: When tent camping near Canton, be alert for ticks in wooded areas. A camper at Appleton Lake warns, "Watch out for ticks though," after visiting this otherwise pleasant starter campground.

Limited water access: Some rustic sites have minimal water facilities. Plan accordingly by bringing sufficient water for your stay, especially at campgrounds without drinking water access.

Seasonal pest issues: Mosquitoes can be problematic, particularly in areas with standing water. A Wiregrass Lake camper advises to "bring the deep woods Bug juice as standing water seemed pretty much the landscape at any point that dipped 3 feet or more."

Wildlife encounters: Some campgrounds report frequent wildlife interactions. One Appleton camper shared: "The camp site itself was nice, but once it got dark, we were fighting off about 10 raccoons all night. Definitely went somewhere else the next night."

Bathroom facilities: Quality of restrooms varies significantly among the best tent camping near Canton. While some parks maintain clean facilities, others have more basic options. A camper at Crooked Lake Rustic Campground noted they "could see the lake and had an outhouse right nearby."

Tips for camping with families

Easy first-time experience: Appleton Lake provides a good introduction for children new to camping. A visitor confirms it's a "Great starter campground which is just what we wanted - my buddy and I took his 6 year old camping for the first time."

Recreational variety: Camp Agawam offers multiple family-friendly activities in one location. "This park is great! It has campsites, a playground, swimming, fishing, an outdoor amphitheater (with concerts!), pavilion rentals, and disc golf!" reports an enthusiastic visitor.

Educational opportunities: Several campgrounds feature nature centers or environmental programs. Island Lake Recreation Area provides educational activities that children enjoy while learning about local ecology.

Weather preparation: Michigan weather can change quickly, so pack appropriate clothing layers. A Maumee Bay camper advises: "My only tip would be to bring plenty of bug spray in the summer, there are lots of bugs that come off the lake. Also make sure you bring jackets and blankets, even in the summer it can get pretty cool in the evening."

Tips from RVers

Site selection for slope: At Crooked Lake, choosing the right site matters for comfort. "I visited in my off-grid ready camper van, and staff helped us choose a site that had good views and felt private (SITE #22). It was a little slanted, but it didn't bother me," notes one camper.

Seasonal options: For full-timers, some campgrounds offer extended stay possibilities. A visitor to Hilltop Campgrounds shares: "We are full timers here for the winter into spring. The campground here is simple but the people are so friendly it will be difficult to leave when our season here is over."

Off-grid capabilities: Many tent-focused campgrounds near Canton have limited hookups. RVers should prepare for self-sufficient camping with solar or battery power at places like Appleton Lake or Crooked Lake.

Supply access: Plan for limited on-site resources at rustic campgrounds. Maumee Bay offers advantages for less-prepared campers, as one reviewer notes: "The sites are well maintained and a camp store is available for anything you might have forgot. Bundles of wood and bikes to rent as well."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Canton, MI?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Canton, MI is Island Lake Recreation Area with a 4.5-star rating from 4 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 14 tent camping locations near Canton, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.