Best Campgrounds near Clare, MI
Clare, Michigan and the surrounding area feature several established campgrounds with varying amenities and settings. Herrick Recreation Area provides spacious, wooded campsites with electric hookups, shared water access, and a lake for swimming and fishing. Countryside Campground & Cabins offers 74 sites with full hookups for RVs, while also accommodating tent campers and providing cabin rentals. Pettit Park Campground, located within Clare's city limits, offers water and electric hookups with convenient access to downtown amenities. Most campgrounds in the region support multiple accommodation types including tent camping, RV sites, and cabin rentals.
Camping season in the Clare area typically runs from May through October, with most facilities closing during winter months. The region experiences typical Michigan seasonal variations with warm summers and cold winters. Many campgrounds require reservations, especially during peak summer weekends and holidays. Facilities range from rustic state forest campgrounds with vault toilets and water pumps to more developed sites with full hookups, showers, and dump stations. Cell service is generally reliable near established campgrounds. As one camper noted, "This is a really good family campground in the middle of Michigan. Campsites are spacious and wooded. The small town of Clare is nearby with groceries, ice cream, restaurants and gas."
Waterfront access represents a significant draw for many campers in the region. Several campgrounds provide lake access for swimming, fishing, and boating opportunities. Herrick Recreation Area features a lake with swimming areas and places to launch kayaks. Wilson State Park Campground offers beach access and boat tie-ups. Campers frequently mention the peaceful settings and family-friendly environments as highlights. Reviews indicate that sites with shade and proximity to water tend to be most popular. A visitor described their experience at a nearby state forest campground as "a nice peaceful time but can still stay connected if you need to get some work done in between your forays into the woods or out onto the lake." The region balances natural settings with reasonable access to amenities, making it suitable for various camping styles and preferences.