Best Campgrounds near Clarklake, MI

Campgrounds near Clarklake, Michigan include several established facilities within a short drive, with options ranging from rustic tent sites to full-hookup RV camping and cabin rentals. W.J. Hayes State Park Campground in nearby Onsted provides lakefront access with modern amenities including electric hookups, showers, and sanitary facilities. The Waterloo Recreation Area, spanning 20,000 acres, offers multiple campgrounds with varying levels of development, from the more primitive Green Lake Rustic Campground to the modern facilities at Sugarloaf and Portage Lake campgrounds where cabins, yurts, and glamping options are available.

Reservations are recommended for most developed campgrounds in the region, particularly during summer weekends and holidays when sites fill quickly. The camping season varies by location, with some parks like W.J. Hayes State Park and Lake Hudson Recreation Area open year-round, while others such as Waterloo Sugarloaf Modern operate seasonally from May to October. Many campgrounds in the area feature water access for boating, fishing, and swimming, though amenities differ significantly between modern and rustic sites. A visitor noted, "Green Lake is a part of the Waterloo State Recreation Area with so much to do! Hiking, swimming, boating, equestrian, a nature center, and that's just scratching the surface!"

Private campgrounds supplement the state-operated facilities, providing additional options for RV travelers and those seeking more amenities. Apple Creek Campground and Holiday RV Campground offer seasonal camping from spring through fall with full hookup sites. Campers frequently mention the region's lakes as primary attractions, with several campgrounds providing direct water access. The terrain throughout the area is generally flat to gently rolling, characteristic of southern Michigan's landscape. One camper shared their experience at Lake Hudson Recreation Area: "My site is HUGE. It is private! My site has a path right out to the lake." Cell service is generally reliable throughout the region, though coverage may vary in more remote sections of the larger recreation areas. Trail systems connect many of the campgrounds, offering hiking and mountain biking opportunities that link to nearby towns like Chelsea.

Best Camping Sites Near Clarklake, Michigan (125)

    1. W. J. Hayes State Park Campground

    10 Reviews
    Tipton, MI
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (517) 467-7401

    "It has access to Wamplers Lake and there are several other lakes near by. The area is quiet and clean."

    "Very nice, lots to do in surrounding area. Lake is pretty. Nearby MIS. Hidden Lake Gardens are absolutely beautiful to wander around."

    2. Ted Ranch Campground

    6 Reviews
    Brooklyn, MI
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (517) 592-2434

    $25 / night

    "-My husband and I visit Ted Ranch every year for the NASAR race at Michigan International Speedway. This year, my review is changing a little bit."

    "This place is across the street from Michigan international speedway and sure beats fighting all the people/campers in the infield campgrounds!"

    3. Waterloo Portage Lake Modern — Waterloo Recreation Area

    12 Reviews
    Grass Lake, MI
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (734) 475-8307

    "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."

    "A few bathrooms are located around the campground. The spaces are generous and the majority have electricity only. The lake has a little beach with sands. Nice place."

    4. Waterloo Sugarloaf Modern — Waterloo Recreation Area

    14 Reviews
    Chelsea, MI
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (734) 475-8307

    "It is usually easy to get multiple sites next to each other with reservations.

    There is a decent sandy beach here with a playground and volleyball net."

    "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."

    5. Apple Creek Campground & RV Park

    3 Reviews
    Grass Lake, MI
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (517) 522-3467

    "There is also nice walking/hiking trails connected right to the property. Our visit was for 2 days/3 nights.  Over half the sites are seasonal, so despite a lot of RVs, we saw very few people."

    "The group area is circular and surrounded by trees which helped to keep it cool. Each site had electric hook-up and some had water."

    6. Greenwood Acres Family Campground

    5 Reviews
    Grass Lake, MI
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (517) 522-8600

    $35 - $75 / night

    "The campground offered a haunted trail, trick or treating and crafts for the kids."

    "Pool, lake, arcade, golf, ice cream parlor. Bathrooms are clean."

    7. Lake Hudson Recreation Area

    16 Reviews
    Clayton, MI
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (517) 445-2265

    $20 - $150 / night

    "This small campground (about 40 sites) is well off the beaten path, but still easy to access by road. This is the perfect campground to get back to nature."

    "My site has a path right out to the lake. My 2p tent could easily fit on this lakeside spot but it is sadly much too windy on the lake today."

    8. Hideaway RV Park

    4 Reviews
    Grass Lake, MI
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (517) 522-5858

    "Plenty to do around town, lakes everywhere just have to choose which one to go to."

    9. Holiday RV Campground

    5 Reviews
    Grass Lake, MI
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (517) 522-5846

    "Playground near pool is nice, and there are 2 other playgrounds. Pool is very new. Owners and other campers very friendly.
    There is a small camp store and a very nice pool."

    10. Green Lake Rustic Campground — Waterloo Recreation Area

    14 Reviews
    Chelsea, MI
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (734) 475-8307

    "The lack of cover between sites gave everyone a nice view of the lake from our tents on our inland sites, which was beautiful."

    "I stayed at #6 and had a beautiful view of the lake. There is muddy lake access on that site and I paddled from there in my kayak. There is an official boat launch nearby."

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Recent Reviews near Clarklake, MI

508 Reviews of 125 Clarklake Campgrounds



Guide to Clarklake

Camping near Clarklake, Michigan, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. From serene lakeside spots to family-friendly campgrounds, there's something for everyone.

What to do:

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A review for W. J. Hayes State Park Campground stated, "The showers were private with hot water, and there were activities and a beach/playground for kids."
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Many enjoy the peaceful environment. A visitor at Blind Lake Rustic Campground — Pinckney Recreation Area said, "This was a nice campground but the lake had a lot of boat activity and was a bit loud during the day."
  • Spacious Sites: Campers often mention the roomy sites. One review for Lake Hudson Recreation Area highlighted, "Great grassy sites with vegetation between each site providing privacy."

What you should know:

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and swimming areas. One review for W. J. Hayes State Park Campground mentioned, "There’s a nice little mile nature trail through one of those loops."
  • Plan for Noise: Some campgrounds can get noisy, especially during busy weekends. A visitor at Bishop Lake Campground shared, "Our neighbors across from us had 30 kids using one fire pit."
  • Bring Bug Spray: Protect your family from mosquitoes. A camper at Lake Hudson Recreation Area advised, "The mosquitoes and gnats were terrible so make sure you bring bug spray."

Tips from RVers:

Camping near Clarklake, Michigan, has its perks and quirks. Whether you're fishing, hiking, or just soaking in the scenery, there's plenty to enjoy in this beautiful area.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Clarklake, MI?

According to TheDyrt.com, Clarklake, MI offers a wide range of camping options, with 125 campgrounds and RV parks near Clarklake, MI and 1 free dispersed camping spot.

Which is the most popular campground near Clarklake, MI?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Clarklake, MI is W. J. Hayes State Park Campground with a 4.1-star rating from 10 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Clarklake, MI?

According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Clarklake, MI.