Top Tent Camping near Carleton, MI
Searching for a tent campsite near Carleton? With The Dyrt, it's easy to find Carleton campgrounds for you and your tent. Search nearby tent campgrounds or find top-rated spots from other campers.
Best Tent Sites Near Carleton, MI (18)
1. White Oak Campground
10 Reviews•17 Photos•107 SavesWhite Oak Campground is a primitive campground. It has eight individual and two group campsites for tent camping. Only tent camping is permitted.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- Tents
$20 / night
2. Island Lake Recreation Area
4 Reviews•8 Photos•79 SavesIsland Lake Recreation Area is a 4,000-acre park in Livingston County that offers an "up north" experience without leaving southeast Michigan. The terrain is a mixture of open brush land to mature hardwood forest, with some pockets of open meadows mixed in. Island Lake is the only balloon port in the state park system. Balloons usually take off in the early morning or late evening, depending on the wind and weather.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- Tents
3. Appleton Lake Campground
6 Reviews•9 Photos•38 SavesMichigan Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into state parks and recreation areas, state boat launches, state forest campgrounds and state trail parking lots. The Michigan Recreation Passport does not cover local, county, municipal, or metropolitan parks or recreation areas. Learn more: https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-350-79134_79210---,00.html
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
4. Wiregrass Lake Metropark
3 Reviews•3 Photos•26 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- Tents
$25 / night
5. Crooked Lake Rustic Campground — Pinckney Recreation Area
2 Reviews•5 Photos•13 SavesPinckney Recreation Area is a paradise for backpackers, mountain bikers, anglers and other recreation enthusiasts. Pinckney is known for its extensive trail system and chain of excellent fishing lakes. Over forty miles of multi-use trail with remote campsites afford a backcountry experience. Pinckney is also a short drive from the Gerald E. Eddy Discovery Center in Waterloo Recreation Area.
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Trash
$20 - $28 / night
6. Camp Agawam
2 Reviews•4 Photos•52 SavesCamp Agawam is located in the heart of Orion Township, Michigan. The camp was previously owned and operated by the Boy Scouts of America, until 2014 at which point Orion Township took ownership. Camp Agawam offers a wide variety of opportunities for all ages. With roughly 140 acres, numerous campsites, rental facilities, walking trails, a chapel, and beautiful Tommy's Lake, this is truly a picturesque park in the middle of suburban life.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
$20 - $30 / night
7. PINCKNEY RAILS-TO-TRAIL CAMPGROUND
1 Review•14 Photos•1 SavePinckney 'Rails-to-Trails' Campground is located adjacent to the Mike Levine Lakelands Trail State Park in beautiful Pinckney, Michigan and in the heart of the Pinckney Recreation Area. We are also located adjacent to the World-Famous Hell Survivors Paintball & Airsoft Playfield.
If you are planning on playing at Hell Survivors or biking/walking the Lakeland Trail, there is no closer accommodations for camping out. We offer 62 Campsites, 18 RV Sites and Group Camping for up to 10 sites. All the sites are Rustic (no power or hookups). Perfect for Special Events & Outings or Parties!
We also have Parking and Event Space available for you Special Event.
Come Camp with us and Play Paintball, Hike or Bike the 'Lakeland Trail' or just Relax.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- Tents
$30 - $50 / night
8. Cannaley Treehouse Village
1 Review•4 Photos•31 SavesThe Cannaley Treehouse Village is the only public treehouse village in the country, creating an experience that is truly one-of-a-kind. Treehouse Village includes six-, four- and two-person treehouses plus three raised platforms attached to trees for tent and hammock camping. The treehouses have electricity with heat and air conditioning. There restrooms and shower facilities are nearby. A large common treehouse available for day uses, a group gathering place around a campfire, connecting boardwalks, a canopy bridge and a crow's nest complete the charming village in the trees. Treehouse Village Features A six-person treehouse A four-person treehouse (ADA accesible) Two, 2-person treehouses Three tent/hammock platforms for camping in the trees A common treehouse with seating for up to 20 people (day use only; ADA accessible) A crow’s nest A canopy walk linking the common treehouse to the crow's nest Restrooms with showers Common fire pit (wood provided)
- Pets
- Fires
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- Tents
- Group
9. Rockland Lake
Be the first to review!•6 Photos•20 SavesRockland Lake is a private ten acre property with a spring fed crystal clear quarry, and lots of free space on all waterfront property. We have activities from volleyball, tether-ball, to fishing, swimming, and paddle boarding and much much more! There are diving boards, grills, and tents available. Reserve the camping trip of a lifetime today.
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
$75 - $200 / night
Showing results 1-10 of 18 campgrounds
Recent Tent Reviews In Carleton
515 Reviews of 18 Carleton Campgrounds
Wendy F.
Guide
Lake Hudson State Recreation Area
Spacious sites
What an absolute gem of a state park. Almost every site is private, with a few exceptions. Nice trails, well built picnic tables, and huge fire pits. Overall a fantastic experience.
Mano P.
Scout
Sterling State Park
Travel Trailers
This park will accommodate any size travel trailer? Fifth wheel camper of any kind, the pull throughs are huge. The park is enormous with lots of fishing activities. Great water, the only downfall is there's no shade. Showers and restrooms are updated and always clean.
- Mano P.Scout
W. J. Hayes State Park
Travel Trailers
If your longer than 40ft be aware most sites will not work for you here, they do have some but the wood line, privacy and nature is great. Lots of activities for the family by camp staff. Water sports and lots of trails
- D
Djakata S.Guide
Indian Creek Camp & Conference Center
Super friendly staff
I only stayed one night. I am a tent camper and where I was, it was only me in a fenced in area. I was right next to a cow field. The cows did not moo all night and there was no foul order. I needed no amenities so I can't vouch for that
Cathy E.
Traveler
Crooked Lake Rustic Campground — Pinckney Recreation Area
Rustic & Friendly
The staff were so kind and helpful. 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. We could see the lake and had an outhouse right nearby.
Wailym C.
Ranger
Kelleys Island State Park
Simply amazing camping
This state island campground is more than expected! worth the ferry travel, a paradise kept secret. We stumbled upon this island by accident along our travels after Labor Day and we totally fell in love. The water front camping, swimming, boating, kayaking, historic sites, attractions and facilities are superb. Everything you need and more than you expect. We traveled in with our 34’ trailer. The ferry cost was a bit high, around $200 round trip for us, truck and camper….but it was worth it!! The campground is immaculate, quiet during the week especially after Labor Day, the weekend brings a larger crowd. Walking trails, sites, boating and swimming all available from campground. Sandy shallow beach with beautiful view. Ice, firewood and a store conveniently located at campground. The campground is small and sites a bit tight but spaced accordingly and comfortable. Two waterfront cabins and two yurts available for rent as well. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and the island overall. The glacial grooves, limestone crusher, north loop trail, beach and boat launch all withing walking distance. We rented bikes downtown to explore rest of island, including winery, cantina and local bars. Counting the days to go back.
Gary G.GuideSterling State Park
Nothing seems enforced here
Stayed 5 days. Had a FHU site, of which there's a lot here. That all worked fine. Almost no trees here. None of the usual painted lines on the pavement to indicate your site boundaries, which sucks. You have to guess, and hope your neighbor doesn't spread out.
Nothing seems enforced here, and I mean nothing. Rarely saw anyone patrolling the park, never saw any staff checking sites before the next camper came in. My site had dog droppings and cigarette butts in the firepit. Neighbors had FOUR vehicles on site, two more than the rules. Witnessed endless speeding and people going the wrong way on the roads. Without exaggerating, 80% of the cars were going too fast, 75% going the wrong way. No one seems to care or enforces anything. I think the supervisor here should be fired or retrained. I camp in 4 to 8 MI state parks per summer, this is the only one where it felt like no one cares.
They need some "wrong way" signs and "speed limit 10" signs. (15 is too high, cause 15 means 20 to people, 10 means 15... ). Then they need to care.
At least the bathrooms were clean.
You can get TV from Detroit or Toledo, and T-Mobile service was ok.
Groceries and many dining options not far off.
We're 50/50 on staying here ever again.
- JJulia H.Ranger
Toledo East-Stony Ridge KOA
Small basic campground near Toledo
Our site was $59.95 a night.
We were in Site# 504. We had Full hook- up with a gravel pull-through.
We travel towing a 14 foot trailer and were able to fit both in our pull through site along with my jeep. The site was easy to level. We were charged $25 additional for my jeep since we were towing the trailer. We also were charged $10 because we arrived at 1:25 PM and check-in is at 2 PM. The park was close to empty so arriving early was not an inconvenience. We drove ourselves to our spot (no escort).Our site was shaded with lots of trees. This was a smaller lot with our neighbors fairly close.
The lot comes with a concrete patio with picnic table and fire ring. They sell wood for $6 a bundle.
There is free WiFi, although not strong. They offer Cable TV and there are many channels.
There is not a community outdoor kitchen or community fire pit.
They pickup your garbage at your site daily before noon.
You are allowed to ride personal golf carts. They do not provide golf cart rentals. There is really not a need to have a Golf cart because it is a smaller campground.
They do have a Swimming pool but it is currently closed due to maintenance (although it just looked closed- no signs of maintenance being done).
There is a Playground. They also offer horseshoes, corn hole, giant jinga.
They have a basic general store. There are not scheduled activities for kids.
There is not a snack bar/restaurant on site.
The streets are gravel so not great for riding bikes. This is an RV park with tent camping and cabins to rent.
They have one shower house. The shower house has individual bathrooms with your own sink, shower, toilet. These are kept very clean.
There is a laundry facility. It is a cash only facility, but they have a change machine. There are approximately 4 washers and 4 dryers. It is approximately $2.50 to wash and $2.50 to dry a load.
They have a small fenced in dog park.
There isn’t tons to doin the actual city of Perryville. But Toledo is a 20 minute drive.
Ronald B.Scout
Hell Creek Ranch & Campground
Great Campground
Great out of the way campground. It was nice and quiet. Bathrooms were clean and well kept. The gentleman that checked us in moved things around so we could all be together not on different sites well away frome each other. Would definitely go there again.
- MMatthew L.Scout
Tall Timbers Campground
Loved Tall Timbers RV Park!
We loved staying at Tall Timbers RV Park in Tyler, Texas. We booked on their website https://www.ttrv.org and had a great time.
Randall K.Ranger
Blue Heron Ohio Turnpike RV Lot
Perfect overnighter
Simplicity at its finest. Highway stop is open 24 hrs so you have food and bathrooms all night. Everything is bright, nice and clean and feels very safe. Free overnight stay allowed and for extra $20 you can get electricity (rows of hookups in the back of the parking lot). There was at least 10 other campers there. And no need to travel far to get back on the highway. Can’t be beat.
Oh and Mario’s pizza in the plaza has an off the menu gluten free pizza and it was pretty tasty! I was happily surprised!
FYI - you need cash to pay for the electric at a machine and then you get a ticket to display in the dash. The machine didn’t take cards.
Miranda J.ScoutW. J. Hayes State Park
Hayes State Park
We stayed in a tent on site 32, this was a very nice campground, peaceful, with trails and ample shade. Campsites were decently sized, fire pits were big, $5 per bundle of dry wood, showers were private with hot water, and there were activities and a beach/playground for kids. Checkin/out was simple, and coffee/hot coco was provided by the campsite each morning. Will be returning to this campsite again. I suggest sites 93-96 for more private/shaded sites.
- Wendy F.Guide
Hideaway RV Park
Great 1st camping experience
This was our 1st ever camping trip and it was a delight. Pull thru spot, super easy to get to, full hookup. Spots had plenty of room, some had grass others had concrete. Quiet, very chill RV park, small beach on a pond for fishing playground for kids and plenty of room for our small dog. Linda (owner) was amazing, very helpful and easy to use venmo for payment and for firewood use. Overall a great experience , would definitely visit again. Plenty to do around town, lakes everywhere just have to choose which one to go to.
- Gary G.Guide
Bruin Lake - Pinckney SRA
Great staff, good hosts, not bad
Camped here thru the 4th of July weekend. The staff kept noise and other stupidity tamped down. They say quiet time is all the time, and I love that.
Typical MI state park, sites are electric (30a and/or 50a) only.
No real beach, but there is a swimming area. Picked up Detroit TV stations easily, good for the rainy mornings we had.
With T-Mobile, Internet service was practically non-existent. Phone calls & texts worked. The camper across from us said it was the same for Verizon.
One section is mostly paved & ADA sites, the "upper" section is grassy and/or dirt. Both restroom/shower buildings were fine, I just wish they had posted times when they'll be closed for cleaning.
All in all, we'd have no problem returning here.
Kelsey S.GuideSterling State Park
Great spot!
Wonderful views from site 117. We booked the last spot of the night. It was an easy pull through with water, electric, and sewer hookup. You are right across from some good walking trails and walking distance to the beach. Lots of electric scooters, dogs, and bikes around.
Edward C.Guide
Bishop Lake Campground
Great state campground.
Well maintained and up kept with some neat features and trails.
Avoid the vending machines.
- CChris A.Guide
Maumee Bay State Park Campground
Clean Facilities / Great Location
Sites are large, level, and grassy with vegetation barriers between sites with mowed buddy site access at back of each site. Shower houses are limited but modern and clean. Sunday morning’s line at the dump station can get very backed up!
- CChris A.Guide
East Harbor State Park
Very Cramped in Season
Park on the lake and close to many amenities including Cedar Point Amusement Park. Sites are very tightly packed. Park was mostly empty while we were there early in season. We camped at East Harbor State Park in a Motorhome. Sites in our section were back in and would be difficult to back a trailer into a site with a full campground.
Gary G.Scout
Waterloo State Recreation Area Portage Lake
Vicious dogs not on 6-foot leash as required
The 6-foot leash rules are very clearly stated. There are many campers whose dogs remain the exception and don't abide by the rules. My leashed dod has been threatened by vicious larger unleashed dogs as I walk my dog more than once this month. So the camp host or ranger should , after warning the offending campers once, call the county animal control. This situation is way out of control.
Howard M.Scout
Pontiac Lake State Recreation Area
A great getaway that's not too far
A very quiet campground. The sites are spread out and only 2 vehicles per site are allowed. The East campground is more open and had 3 small cabins that can be rented. The West camping is more wooded and isolated. An extensive horse back riding trail system and MTB trails are easily accessible.
- TTyler C.Scout
Camp Agawam
Great retreat for Canadians
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. This was the first year we started our trip in Toronto, thanks to a solar company at https://www.solarpowertoronto.com/ who installed solar panels on our RV. We were able to camp from Toronto to Orion Twp and had a great time. Will be doing the same next year.
Mike M.Scout
Wayne County Fairgrounds RV Park
Closed 11/1 thru 4/1
I arrived for a 2 week stay in the area on 11/12. I discovered this campground was closed for the season.
Emily T.RangerEast Harbor State Park
Has everything you need
Very popular campground, lots of people. Easy drive-up spots, fire pits, clean showers, bathrooms, and a camp shop. Really nice bike/walking bath out to the water.
- mmike L.Scout
PINCKNEY RAILS-TO-TRAIL CAMPGROUND
Very nice folks!
Campers are very friendly, management is beyond friendly. Would prefer more shade but this is very nice place
Zachary W.TravelerSterling State Park
Lots of driving
The campground was nice and the neighbors were quiet. The dump station is at the first buildings. So fill up before you head down to the campground.
Eilionora D.Traveler
Proud Lake State Recreation Area
⛺️ Proud Lake Campground Quick Trip
Stayed here for the DGLO Disc Golf tournament. Had a great time. Clean campground, and activities to do. Everyone was friendly as well. We’re from the metro Detroit area so it was nice to have a quick trip 30 minutes away
Rebekah J.Guide
Green Lake - Waterloo SRA
Great Site
We stayed the weekend at greenlake rustic, the access road into the Campground is a nice 1/2 ish mile in. We were on sites 5 and 3. Both sites seemed larger then most suburban house lots. Site 5 had a decent view of the lake, Site 3 had odd fire pit placement under 2 trees. Even though the sites were large they didn't have much for privacy in between sites.
Overall, it was a quiet stay. The freeway is on the other side of the lake, but it didn't bother us. At night it was like white noise.
The Campground has a small boat dock, no swimming area. We checked out half moon lake, wasn't really impressed, was told sugarloaf but its only for sugarloaf campers. We were then directed to Portage lake beach, which was a larger beach but it was really silty.
Green lakes vault toilets had nice motion sensor lights in them. The hand pump took a long time to get going.
We went on both east and west sides of the waterloo-pickney trail, located off the Campground access road. I believe it was the west trail after Cassidy road we experienced some steep inclines.
We also were able to see some awesome stars at night
FYI sugarloaf and portage both have firewood for sale $6.
Guide to Carleton
Camping near Carleton, Michigan, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. From beautiful lakeside views to family-friendly activities, there’s something for everyone in this area.
What to do:
- Explore the trails: Many campgrounds, like Maumee Bay State Park Campground, have great biking and walking paths. One visitor mentioned, "There are miles of paved bike paths throughout the campsite and a short ride to the lake."
- Visit Cedar Point: If you’re looking for some thrills, East Harbor State Park Campground is close to Cedar Point Amusement Park. A reviewer noted, "Park on the lake and close to many amenities including Cedar Point Amusement Park."
- Enjoy water activities: Kelleys Island State Park Campground offers beautiful views of Lake Erie. One camper shared, "The park is beautiful! Lake Erie is beautiful! Lots to explore on the island."
What campers like:
- Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. At Maumee Bay State Park Campground, a visitor said, "The park store was clean & efficient and the park itself offered coffee & donuts every morning for a dollar."
- Spacious sites: Many campgrounds provide ample space between sites. A reviewer at Kelleys Island State Park Campground mentioned, "You don't feel like you are close to anyone because most sites are surrounded by trees and shrubs."
- Family-friendly atmosphere: Campgrounds like East Harbor State Park Campground are popular with families. One camper noted, "Quiet hours were, however, quiet! Trails are wide, grassy, and mowed, great for families who want to walk with children."
What you should know:
- Busy seasons: Some campgrounds can get crowded during peak times. A visitor at East Harbor State Park Campground mentioned, "Sites are very tightly packed."
- Limited amenities: Not all campgrounds have full hookups. At Algonac State Park Campground, a camper pointed out, "This place has some amazing views along the St. Clair River... but the roads were inexcusable for a campground."
- Bug season: Be prepared for bugs, especially during warmer months. A reviewer at Sterling State Park Campground warned, "First two nights were perfect but then the mayflies hatched and covered everything."
Tips for camping with families:
- Choose the right site: Look for sites that are away from playgrounds if you want some peace. One camper at East Harbor State Park Campground said, "I stayed near the playground and the kids were there until late."
- Pack for activities: Bring bikes and outdoor games. A visitor at Maumee Bay State Park Campground mentioned, "There are plenty of things to do, though. My husband and I had a great time!"
- Plan for meals: Some campgrounds have stores, but it’s good to bring your own food. A camper at Kelleys Island State Park Campground suggested, "Make sure to stop by the local restaurants and get some unique drinks and food."
Tips from RVers:
- Check site dimensions: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Holly Recreation Area noted, "I've wouldn't pick site 93 however as the pavement is sloped and the whole site is sloped quite steep."
- Fill up before arrival: Some campgrounds only have electric hookups. A camper at Maumee Bay State Park Campground mentioned, "If you are looking to stay more than two nights keep in mind that there are only electric hookups."
- Watch for wildlife: Be cautious of raccoons and other critters. A visitor at Holly Recreation Area warned, "Raccoons run this place! Don’t leave any food or garbage out ever or you will be robbed by a gang of raccoons who are not afraid of people."
Camping near Carleton, Michigan, has its perks and quirks. Whether you're in an RV or tent, there's a spot for you to enjoy the great outdoors!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Carleton, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Carleton, MI is White Oak Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 10 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Carleton, MI?
TheDyrt.com has all 18 tent camping locations near Carleton, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.