RV campgrounds near Carleton, Michigan offer a variety of landscapes from lakefront settings to rural countryside locations within driving distance. Most campgrounds in this region maintain operating seasons from April through October, though select facilities like Camp Lord Willing RV Park remain open year-round. Summer weekends typically experience higher occupancy rates, particularly during June when mayfly hatches can occur at waterfront locations.
What to do
Water activities at lakefront parks: Sterling State Park Campground provides direct Lake Erie access with a boat launch, fishing piers, and a sandy beach that's regularly maintained. "The park also has several public access areas and beaches. Hiking and biking trails are also present," notes camper Edward C.
Biking trails: Sterling State Park offers a bike path that connects to historic sites. "There is a bike path that will take you all the way to the Historic Rasin River Battlefield and then to downtown Monroe," explains a reviewer.
Family entertainment options: Harbortown RV Resort provides numerous recreation opportunities beyond camping. "This campground has everything! Go carts, playground, disc golf, pool, ext... Just a one night stay to visit a friend. If you have kids it is perfect!" writes Noel L.
Fishing spots: Multiple camping locations offer fishing access, with ponds and lake access. The region is known for bass and walleye fishing opportunities, particularly at lakefront campgrounds with designated fishing areas.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain well-kept bathrooms and amenities. At Harbortown RV Resort, visitors appreciate the upkeep: "The best, cleanest, well maintained, under control campground we've ever been to," reports Len B.
Pool facilities: Cedarlane RV Resort offers multiple swimming options for different age groups. "They have a great splash pad and wading pool for kids. There is a new Tiki Hut to get adult drinks," notes Jeffrey C.
Large sites: Wayne County Fairgrounds RV Park accommodates various RV sizes with spacious sites. "The roads are wide and a lack of trees makes this campground accessible for any size RV. The sites are level but some lack grassy making the patio pretty dusty or muddy," according to a visitor.
Concrete pads: Military Park Camp Perry Lodging and RV Park features well-designed sites. "RV site is paved with electric hookup and water hook up on site. Waste dump on RV site as well. Very clean and maintained," says Tim W.
What you should know
Weather considerations: Strong winds are common at lakefront locations. "Finally, I've never been to this park when it wasn't very windy," mentions Edward C. about Sterling State Park.
Seasonal insect activity: Mayfly hatches can impact camping experiences in early summer. "First two nights were perfect but then the may flies hatched (in mid june) and covered everything," warns Kourtney D. about Sterling State Park.
Site variations: Holiday RV Campground has a mix of established and newer sites. "Older sites have plenty of shade. Newer areas have no trees," explains Denise F.
Noise factors: Highway proximity can affect some camping experiences. "Another big issue is how close it is to the expressway which is noisy and there are trains that go by during the night," cautions Trent T. about Harbortown RV Resort.
Tips for camping with families
Multiple playgrounds: Holiday RV Campground offers extensive play areas. "Playgrounds everywhere for the kids. Giant dog park and ponds," notes Sean N.
Kids' activities: Cedarlane provides numerous child-friendly options. "My daughter had fun doing the gem mining and playing in the pool and splash pad," shares Ashley R.
Beach considerations: Haas Lake Park RV Campground offers multiple lakes for family enjoyment. "Haas Lake is quiet, clean and has friendly staff who are ready to help anytime," says Christian C., while another camper notes, "This location has 4 lakes. There is plenty of nature."
Site arrangements for groups: Some campgrounds offer community-oriented layouts. "The round area's with the sites on the outside and common area on the inside make for a great group type setup," explains Gary E. about Haas Lake Park.
Tips from RVers
Electrical connections: Some campgrounds require adapters for power hookups. At Detroit/Ann Arbor KOA, visitors recommend bringing appropriate electrical adapters for the available hookups.
Pull-through availability: Many locations offer easier access sites. "Very large pull thru sites, laundry, pool, firewood, lots of convenience," notes Gordon D. about Harbortown RV Resort.
Site selection strategy: At Detroit/Ann Arbor KOA, experienced campers recommend a walk-through before selecting a site. "I would suggest to come in the park and drive through and pick a spot that you like before making reservations," advises a reviewer.
Hookup quality: The region offers various hookup options across its RV campgrounds. "Sites are nice and large paved slabs, most trees are immature offering little shade," mentions Nicole A. about Sterling State Park.
