Near Village of Clarkston, Michigan, tent camping opportunities span the undulating terrain of southeastern Michigan's moraines and kettle lakes, with most sites situated between 900-1,050 feet above sea level. The region's camping season typically runs from mid-April through October, with peak mosquito activity occurring in June and July. The area's glacial landscape creates numerous water features attractive to campers seeking lakeside accommodations.
What to do
Paddling and water sports: Island Lake Recreation Area offers kayaking and canoeing on the Huron River. One camper noted, "Island lake really does feel like you're up north with the hours spent on I-75. There are great hiking trails that give novice and Intermediate hikers a chance to sharpen their skills."
Fishing from designated areas: Kids can cast a line from accessible docks at several campgrounds. A visitor to Island Lake Recreation Area mentioned, "Nice campground for family and activities. Good dock for the kids to fish."
Hiking local trails: PINCKNEY RAILS-TO-TRAIL CAMPGROUND provides access to converted railway paths perfect for day hikes. While the campground itself has limited shade, its trail access compensates for this limitation.
Disc golf courses: Camp Agawam includes disc golf facilities among its recreational options, making it popular for weekend outings when seeking tent camping near Village of Clarkston.
Geocaching opportunities: Several parks in the area maintain geocache locations that change seasonally, providing a tech-enhanced scavenger hunt experience.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Appleton Lake Campground receives praise for site spacing. A camper shared, "Great starter campground which is just what we wanted - my buddy and I took his 6 year old camping for the first time. The sites were not as secluded as I'd prefer but we made do. Nice hiking trails around the camp."
Lake views from campsites: Crooked Lake Rustic Campground offers visual access to water. A visitor commented, "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)."
Boat-in camping experiences: Unique water access camping at Island Lake provides a different experience. A reviewer mentioned, "The sites are boat-in only (!) meaning you must haul any and all gear in a kayak or canoe for your stay. The sites, Canoe Camp #1 and #2, can be only be reserved by calling or visiting the main office."
Reasonable pricing: Most rustic tent sites in the area range from $15-25 per night, with Appleton Lake charging $17 per night.
Proximity to urban areas: Despite being close to populated areas, campgrounds provide natural settings. According to one camper at Appleton Lake, "Close by but up north feel."
What you should know
Site conditions vary seasonally: Spring camping often means dealing with mud, while summer brings higher insect activity. Watch for ticks particularly at Appleton Lake where one visitor warned, "Watch out for ticks though."
Vault toilet cleanliness: Maintenance of restroom facilities can be inconsistent. One camper at Appleton Lake noted, "My only complaint is the vault toilets were not clean and very full."
Wildlife encounters: Port Huron KOA and other area campgrounds have active wildlife, particularly in evening hours. A reviewer at Appleton Lake warned, "The camp site itself was nice, but once it got dark, we were fighting off about 10 raccoons all night."
Reservation requirements: Summer weekends often fill 2-3 weeks in advance, especially at popular waterfront sites. Holiday weekends require booking 1-2 months ahead.
Campfire regulations: Most campgrounds allow fires in designated rings only, with some implementing fire bans during drought conditions.
Tips for camping with families
Select sites away from water: For families with small children, choosing sites set back from lake edges provides safer play areas.
Consider campgrounds with planned activities: Crystal Creek Christian Campground offers structured recreation options. According to one visitor, it includes "Amenities including but not limited to horse shoes, swimming (man dug pond) hiking, basketball, volleyball and etc."
Pack for temperature fluctuations: Summer nights can drop below 60°F even when days reach 85°F. Layering options for children are essential.
Bring insect protection: The region's lakes and ponds create ideal mosquito breeding environments. Repellent with 25-30% DEET is recommended for evening hours.
Check noise policies: Different campgrounds enforce quiet hours differently. At Crooked Lake, one camper mentioned, "Wish there were better noise restrictions and the campgrounds were more separated."
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions apply: Most rustic campgrounds near Clarkston limit RV size, with 25-foot maximum length common at sites without hookups.
Limited hookup availability: For RVers requiring electric service, options are restricted. At Hilltop Campgrounds, a winter camper noted, "We are full timers here for the winter into spring. The campground here is simple but the people are so friendly it will be difficult to leave when our season is over."
Consider seasonal rates: For longer stays, inquire about monthly rates. One visitor to Hilltop shared, "All while allowing daily, weekly and monthly visitors at a very reasonable price! For a full hook up campground this place is very economically friendly at only $40 a night!"
Generator restrictions: Most tent-focused campgrounds prohibit generators or restrict operation hours to 8am-8pm to maintain natural ambiance.
Uneven parking surfaces: Be prepared with leveling blocks as many sites sit on natural terrain with slopes.
