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Best Campgrounds near Charlotte, MI

498 Reviews

Charlotte, Michigan and the surrounding area provide camping options ranging from rustic sites to full-service RV parks. Established campgrounds like Eaton County Fairgrounds in Charlotte offer wooded sites with electric and water hookups, while primitive sites can be found at Lake Interstate State Game Area. For RV travelers, Camp Turkeyville RV Resort in Marshall features spacious concrete pads with full hookups. The region also includes Rockeys Campground and Lansing Cottonwood Campground within driving distance, both offering tent and RV accommodations.

Most campgrounds in the area operate seasonally from May through October, with a few locations remaining open year-round. Michigan's variable weather patterns influence camping conditions, particularly in spring when rainfall can create muddy sites. "This is a fairgrounds RV and tent park. Very peaceful when there are no ongoing events. Large bath house with showers. No office in park, so find a space and park. The manager will stop by to collect your $20," noted one camper about Eaton County Fairgrounds. Travelers should check reservation requirements, as some locations like Fort Custer Recreation Area require advance booking while others operate on a first-come basis.

Campers report varying experiences with site spacing and amenities throughout the Charlotte region. Locations like Lansing Cottonwood Campground provide amenities including swimming pools and camp stores but receive mixed reviews regarding site density. According to one visitor, "Very crowded. Amenities are ok. There is rustic camping, but still very congested." In contrast, Camp Turkeyville earns praise for its family-friendly atmosphere and concrete patio sites. Most established campgrounds provide fire rings, picnic tables, and access to restrooms with showers. Water features represent a significant draw for many campers in the region, with several campgrounds situated near lakes or ponds for fishing and recreational opportunities. Some primitive camping areas have limited facilities but offer greater solitude for those seeking a more natural experience.

Map showing campgrounds near Charlotte, MichiganExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near Charlotte, Michigan (131)

    1. Eaton County Fairgrounds

    4 Reviews
    Charlotte, MI
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (517) 543-4510

    "Confidently located a mile outside of Charlotte, with all the conviences of restraunts, walmart, Meijer etc."

    "much we called to ask for another night, without hesitation, and any disruption to our camping they came by later that evening, and collected for an additional night ( just as the website advised), Charlotte"

    2. Lansing Cottonwood Campground

    11 Reviews
    Holt, MI
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (517) 393-3200

    $38 - $48 / night

    "There are a lot of wildlife noises, owls, frogs, crickets, etc. and you can hear some of the highway traffic but the nature sounds kind of drown it out."

    "Beautiful location, great owners, very clean and well kept. Nice Pool and great view. Kayakers and Paddle Boats. Uneven sloped site so come prepared. We love it!"

    3. Travel Trailer Club of The Midwest

    3 Reviews
    Bellevue, MI
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 338-6124

    $12 - $30 / night

    "Close to small towns that have cars shows, parades, yardsales, and roadside vegetable stands. Rustic but full of nature. Monthly events at the park. Fun for all. Come visit us"

    "This is a secluded campground near Bellevue. Not a lot of trees or space between campsites. There is electric and water hookup available."

    4. Fort Custer Recreation Area

    44 Reviews
    Augusta, MI
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (269) 731-4200

    "Fort Custer is a hidden gem in Michigan. Nobody thinks to go camping near Battle Creek, but they really should reconsider!"

    "Another great camping experience, site 210 has an amazing trail that leads directly to the showers at one end and at the other path went directly to running water, plus only a couple of yards from a great"

    5. Camp Turkeyville RV Resort

    5 Reviews
    Ceresco, MI
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (269) 781-4293

    6. Lake Interstate State Game Area- Dispersed Camping

    2 Reviews
    Dimondale, MI
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (517) 641-4903

    7. Rockeys Campground

    1 Review
    Albion, MI
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (517) 857-2200

    "Rockey’s is on a chain of 5 lakes and has some of the best fishing! Rob and Vicki do so much for the kid campers too! We go every year for Memorial Day and they remember us every time."

    8. Sleepy Hollow State Park Campground

    32 Reviews
    Ovid, MI
    34 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 447-2757

    $25 - $101 / night

    "Quietly tucked into Clinton co Michigan. Sleepy is easily accessible. Its close to Lansing. There are shopping centers nearby. Country party store is closer!! Very large lake....Ovid is her name!"

    "Because we didn't get any shade from the nearby trees we had to run the ac which is unusual for us in Michigan. We were in the midst of a heat-wave though and it was much appreciated."

    9. Barry's Resort & Mobile Home Park

    7 Reviews
    Hastings, MI
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (269) 945-4762

    $1600 / night

    10. Deep Lake Rustic Campground — Yankee Springs Recreation Area - TEMPORARILY CLOSED IN 2024

    25 Reviews
    Cloverdale, MI
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (269) 795-9081

    "First time in central Michigan and it was absolutely beautiful. The campground has a great location and lots of mountain bike and hiking trails."

    "This is a campground in Yankee Spring Recreational Area in Mid-Michigan. This is a nice rustic campground near the NCT(North Country Trail)."

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Recent Camping Photos near Charlotte, MI

125 Photos of 131 Charlotte Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Charlotte, MI

498 Reviews of 131 Charlotte Campgrounds

  • Elizabeth M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Hidden Lakes RV Resort

    Fantastic RV Park!

    We stayed here last weekend. It was quiet and relaxing. Easy parking for the 33ft RV. Camp store is well stocked. Staff were fantastic. You need yo camp here!

  • v
    Sep. 10, 2025

    Markin Glen County Park

    Clean and near bike trails

    Great park. Well maintained. Very clean. Lots of bike trails, a beach area. Helpful staff!

  • Joel K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Fort Custer Recreation Area

    MTB camp and bike (again)

    We camped and rode (again) at Fort Custer.  We've been here 2x before (once in a cabin and once in tents) and this has now officially become a favorite. 

    We loved our site (so don't book this one) as it's close to the trails for riding.  The campground was almost to capacity, but still some open sites.

    All in all this was a great trip, and we even visited Belle's brewery on our way home.

  • Linda C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 21, 2025

    Brookside City Park

    More expensive now

    Tents sites are now $20 and RV hookups (water and 20/30 amp) are $30. When I got to the police station they were closed for the week but a phone # was provided to call dispatcher and an officer responded promptly to help me get registered. Cash or check only.

  • Chris R.
    Aug. 16, 2025

    Tyler Creek

    Absolutely garbage

    Had a reservation for 6 months and the day we were to arrive, we were told we could not have the site we prepared for because someone else wanted to stay longer.  Management has the right to alter your reservation without your consent or the courtesy of a phone call.  When questioned, the owner treated us like garbage and was rude as hell.  Would never recommend this place to anyone, stay away!!!

  • Bob B.
    Aug. 12, 2025

    Fort Custer Recreation Area

    A return to my childhood

    I camped here countless times throughout my childhood. It was nice returning. I brought back great memories and it struck a balance of staying up with the times but still leaving most to nature.

    Since there are no water or sewer hook ups, lines at the dump/fill station can get long.

    Sites are easy to get in and out of with RV/TT.

    Don’t miss out on the great finishing and hiking. A great plus is still seeing kids rise actual bikes!

  • H
    Aug. 9, 2025

    Fort Custer Recreation Area

    Beautiful Woodsy Campground

    We’ve stayed at both sites listed. 161 you do have neighbors pretty close, but we just stayed at 51 and it is extremely secluded! We had an amazing time tent camping it was so quiet! We love it here already with only being here twice!

  • Shelly The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 28, 2025

    Waterloo Portage Lake Modern — Waterloo Recreation Area

    Had a good time, a little crowded

    We stayed for the weekend tent camping, getting to the site was a little crowded (alot of kids on bikes) our site was pavement but had some space to set the tent on the grass. I seen alot of sites with trees for shade. The vista walkway was across from us, it led right to the beach concessions. The beach walkway is handicap accessible. The fishing pier is new, has two benches and tables for your stuff. It is a bit of a walk to get to but is handicap accessible.
    There are two bathrooms throughout the loop and one at the beach. The park workers walk around and tell you about the activities they have that day. We enjoyed our stay there is alot to do

Guide to Charlotte

Camping near Charlotte, MI, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. From serene lakes to family-friendly activities, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful region.

What to do:

  • Hiking Trails: Explore the scenic trails at Pokagon State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, “They have good hiking trails, nice refreshing waters, good food options at certain places.”
  • Water Activities: Enjoy swimming and fishing at Fort Custer Recreation Area. A camper shared, “The lake was very warm and the swimming area had a nice depth gradient to satisfy good and not-so-good swimmers.”
  • Family Fun: Check out the activities at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Barton Lake. One family said, “It is a really nice campground with lots and lots for the kids to do.”

What campers like:

  • Secluded Sites: Campers appreciate the privacy at Sleepy Hollow State Park Campground. A visitor noted, “The campsite itself was great, nice and roomy while also being wooded.”
  • Clean Facilities: Many enjoy the well-maintained restrooms at Bishop Lake Campground. One reviewer stated, “The showers and restrooms were the bomb! Spotless ... and smelled so nice.”
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often mention the helpful staff at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Barton Lake. A guest remarked, “Nice staff, really great water park, camp store / snack bar is wonderful.”

What you should know:

  • Busy Highways: Some campsites, like those at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Barton Lake, are close to busy roads. One camper warned, “We heard blaring 16 wheelers for hours on end.”
  • Limited Amenities: At Deep Lake Rustic Campground, there are no showers or electric hookups. A visitor mentioned, “The vault toilets were surprisingly clean, but there were a few very loud children screaming non-stop.”
  • Construction Noise: Be aware of potential noise from nearby construction, especially at campgrounds like Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Barton Lake. One family expressed frustration, saying, “At 10:30 construction vehicles pulled up right next to the campsite and began their work.”

Tips for camping with families:

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure to verify the size of your RV site at places like Fort Custer Recreation Area. One RVer advised, “Some sites are very close together and it's hard to determine that from the map.”
  • Use Electric Hookups: Many campgrounds, including Bruin Lake Campground, offer electric hookups. A camper noted, “Typical MI state park, sites are electric (30a and/or 50a) only.”
  • Plan for Limited Connectivity: Be prepared for spotty cell service at campgrounds like Ionia State Recreation Area. One visitor shared, “With T-Mobile, Internet service was practically non-existent.”

Camping near Charlotte, MI, has its perks and quirks. Whether you're looking for family fun or a peaceful retreat, this area has something to offer everyone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any free camping sites near Charlotte, Michigan?

While there are no completely free camping options directly in Charlotte, the most affordable option nearby is the Eaton County Fairgrounds with sites for just $20 per night. The fairgrounds offers a peaceful setting when no events are taking place, with a large bathhouse with showers, and it's conveniently located only a mile outside of Charlotte. For those willing to drive a bit further, Green Lake Rustic Campground — Waterloo Recreation Area offers more rustic camping options at budget-friendly rates. Most camping in this region of Michigan requires at least a small fee for maintenance and basic facilities.

What are the best campgrounds near Charlotte, MI?

The best campgrounds near Charlotte offer varied experiences depending on what you're looking for. Sleepy Hollow State Park Campground is highly rated for its beautiful setting around a large lake (Lake Ovid) with excellent fishing opportunities and proximity to shopping in Lansing. For those who enjoy water activities, Pleasant Lake provides nice beach access within walking distance of campsites, though it's better suited for campers who bring all necessities with them as there are limited nearby stores. Both locations offer different experiences - Sleepy Hollow has more amenities and activities, while Pleasant Lake provides a smaller, more compact camping experience with good swimming opportunities.

How far is Sleepy Hollow State Park from Charlotte, MI?

Sleepy Hollow State Park Campground is approximately 25 miles northeast of Charlotte, Michigan, making it about a 35-40 minute drive. The park is located in Clinton County and is easily accessible from main roads. Sleepy Hollow is strategically positioned with Lansing nearby and several shopping centers within reasonable driving distance. For campers looking for alternatives at similar distances, Brighton Recreation Area is about 45 miles east and offers both modern and rustic camping options. When planning a trip from Charlotte to Sleepy Hollow, factor in potential traffic around Lansing, especially during rush hours or special events.

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