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Best Tent Camping near Clayton, MI

500 Reviews

State parks and public lands surrounding Clayton, Michigan offer several tent camping options within a 30-mile radius. White Oak Campground in Whitehouse, Ohio provides tent-only sites with walk-in access approximately 25 miles southwest of Clayton. Wiregrass Lake Metropark, also in Ohio, features three tent-only sites situated around a small lake. For tent campers seeking locations closer to Clayton, Irish Hills Resort Campgrounds and Paradise Campground in Cement City, Michigan (about 15 miles northeast) accommodate tent camping. 6 Lakes Campground in Hillsdale offers tent sites from May through November with standard amenities.

Most tent campgrounds in the region feature basic amenities with varying levels of development. White Oak Campground provides flat sand pads specifically designed for tent setup, with free firewood available at each site. Wiregrass Lake sites include raised gravel pads for tents, picnic tables, and fire rings. Flush toilets are available at White Oak, while other locations may only offer vault toilets or portable facilities. Reservations are required at most locations, with White Oak requiring online booking before 4 PM on the day of arrival. Primitive tent camping areas typically have limited or no potable water, so campers should bring their own supplies.

Tent campers frequently mention the privacy and quiet atmosphere at smaller campgrounds near Clayton. According to reviews, White Oak Campground offers "spacious, sandy sites well suited for both tent and hammock camping" with clean bathroom facilities. One visitor noted that Wiregrass Lake provides "a camping experience without being surrounded by a whole bunch of people" with only three tent sites around the lake. Campers should be aware of occasional road noise at some locations, particularly at White Oak where highway sounds and airport noise can be heard. Walk-in tent sites generally offer more seclusion than drive-up options, with vegetation providing natural barriers between campsites at locations like Wiregrass Lake where dense vegetation walls separate the three backcountry tent sites.

Map showing campgrounds near Clayton, MichiganExplore the Map

Detours Nearby

Crooked Creek Campground and Cabins

Crooked Creek Campground and Cabins

1 hr 20 min away

Myers Lake Camping & Cabins

Myers Lake Camping & Cabins

1 hr 42 min away

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Best Tent Sites Near Clayton, Michigan (22)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Clayton, MI

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Tent Camping Reviews near Clayton, MI

500 Reviews of 22 Clayton Campgrounds

  • Megan T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 11, 2019

    White Oak Campground

    Peaceful Greenery

    I had a friend's wedding at The Stables (which I didn't realize was 3 min away) and decided to camp here rather than get a hotel. I set up right at 3 at Site 7 - there's no check-in process or attendant. I hadn't printed my permit, so I wondered if I would get a visit from a ranger but all was quiet. The site was spacious, sandy, and well suited for both tent and hammock. The fire ring was in good condition and fire wood was already stacked. The property was well maintained and the bathrooms clean and cool - the women's did have some standing water from a leaky toilet it looked like. You can hear distant cars and some not so distant planes. Also, while all the sites are wooded the woods are not very thick so you can see and hear your neighbors pretty well. Site number three looks at the most secluded to me while site number four was pretty much in the open beside the bathrooms. Group sites were full sun it appeared. The stream behind my site was dry. Nice map and brochures at the parking area. Sturdy picnic tables.

  • L
    Oct. 15, 2018

    White Oak Campground

    BEAUTIFUL! 10/10 would camp here again!

    Campground is nicely kept, only 5 individual sites, has two group sites. Nice restroom facilities, FREE firewood available. Grey water sinks for dish cleaning. Picnic table and fire ring at each site. Parking is general, but close to each site. We were there on a Monday night, only had one other tent in the campground. Nice flat sand pads for tents to set up on!

    DOWNSIDE: MUST RESERVE ONLINE BEFORE 4PM. There is no walk-up service, and online site goes down after employees go home at night.

  • Ryan F.
    Oct. 20, 2021

    Brighton Recreation Area

    Lake Murray Rustic Sites

    This was our first camping experience in Michigan, so we weren’t exactly prepared. My rating takes this into consideration.

    First of all, if it’s rainy or muddy, you might want to think twice about entering the rustic camping area. We have a 4Runner, so it was no problem but a few little cars did slide around and have trouble on the hill by our site.

    Our site wasn’t level, so we were rolling around a bit. If I went there again I’d try to find a spot towards the end of the loop by the exit. These sites were higher and some of them were private. I’d examine the map carefully because some of the sites were horrendously open and basically on the road. Maybe good for a vehicle with a rooftop tent or a trailer of some sort, but it would have been annoying for us. Site M22 was big and far enough away from other campers, but again not level. Probably a good location for a group of hammock campers.

    All that aside, the biggest problem was mosquito activity. The camping area sits on an inaccessible lake with a marsh area.

    When we rolled in the first thing we noticed was that everyone had screen houses set up.

    We didn’t have anything but our tent and a hammock with a big net so everyone got bitten up while cooking and hanging out by the fire. It was pretty miserable. Yes, I realize this is mostly our fault.

    I’ve since purchased a thermacell backpacker and some bug net hats and stuff. I’m looking into constructing an ultralight screen house that can be suspended from trees.

    The last problem was drunk campers hooting and hollering all night but that isn’t the camping areas fault.

    This place is super close to where we are living so I’ll probably schedule it next spring and come prepared. There are lots of nearby lakes and recreational trails so it’s a fun place to be with family.

  • Mike B.
    Sep. 3, 2018

    Appleton Lake Campground

    Quiet, private rustic campground

    I liked that this campground had sites that were fairly secluded from each other. Each site has a fire ring and ample space to park your vehicle and set up a tent or small trailer.

    My only complaint is the vault toilets were not clean and very full.

  • J
    Jun. 9, 2019

    Green Lake Rustic Campground — Waterloo Recreation Area

    Rustic campground near civilization

    This campground is part of the Waterloo State Recreation area, about 6 miles north of Chelsea MI. Sites are decent-sized, not much privacy between some sites. Only a couple of sites overlook the lake. Picnic table, fire ring, vault toilet and hand pump water. Quiet little campground.

  • Mike B.
    Sep. 5, 2018

    Green Lake Rustic Campground — Waterloo Recreation Area

    Rustic Campground Close to Town

    I stayed here with my kids because it was close to home and town. It makes for an easy getaway for a night or two.

    It is rustic with just vault toilets. Each site has a picnic table and a fire ring.

    The lake is not good for swimming as it is very mucky and covered in Lilly pads.

    It can fill up quick because it is close to town.

    There is a Yurt for rent here as well through the Waterloo Recreation web page.

  • Kate K.
    Aug. 22, 2019

    Waterloo Sugarloaf Modern — Waterloo Recreation Area

    A Wonderful Winter Getaway

    We stayed in the Southfork Rustic Cabin at the end of Feb and it was lovely much needed get away. The cabin was semi modern (solar lighting) but only a wood stove for heat. Small kitchen unit with table for eating. You had to hike in about a quarter mile to get there, and it sleeps four people with two bunk beds. 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.

  • Jordan B.
    Sep. 3, 2020

    Green Lake Rustic Campground — Waterloo Recreation Area

    Simple rustic camping with great access

    Greenlake rustic campground offers 3 pit toilets a hand pump and small garbage site. Sites are generally first come first serve though reservations are now taken since the Covid-19. Most sited are shaded and all have a fire ring. Not always 100% level ground but nothing un-tentable. 2 sites probably won't take a trailer but most are fine for small rigs. A major roadway passes along the other side of the lake making lake front sites noise until about 12am and rear sites sit near a wetland aka the boarder of the mosquito kingdom; neither of these problems are terrible if you plan accordingly.

    Please note this is a quiter campground filled with mtn bikers, day hikers, tent campers, anglers, small craft boaters, and thru hikers.

Guide to Clayton

Tent camping near Clayton, Michigan offers a variety of scenic spots and amenities for outdoor enthusiasts looking to immerse themselves in nature.

Tent campers like these nearby activities

  • Enjoy the serene beauty of the lake at 6 Lakes Campground, where you can explore canals and enjoy shaded sites.
  • Experience the peaceful atmosphere at Wiregrass Lake Metropark, perfect for fishing and relaxing by the water.
  • Discover hiking and biking trails at Cannaley Treehouse Village, which also features a coffee shop and brewery nearby.

Tips for tent camping near Clayton

Local attractions to explore while camping

  • Visit the charming town of Hillsdale, just a short drive from 6 Lakes Campground, where you can find local shops and eateries.
  • Explore the nearby hiking trails and natural beauty at Wiregrass Lake Metropark, which offers a tranquil setting for nature lovers.
  • Check out the unique treehouse accommodations at Cannaley Treehouse Village for a different camping experience that combines adventure with comfort.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Clayton, MI?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Clayton, MI is 6 Lakes Campground with a 4-star rating from 1 review.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Clayton, MI?

TheDyrt.com has all 22 tent camping locations near Clayton, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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