Camping options near Clinton Township, Michigan include several distinct recreation areas with varying terrain and water features. Within a 30-mile radius, campers will find a mix of oak-hickory forests, inland lakes, and river access points across primarily flat topography. Winter temperatures in the region can drop to single digits, with summer camping season experiencing average highs in the mid-80s and moderate humidity levels typical of southeast Michigan.
What to do
Water activities at Seven Lakes State Park: The park's seven connected lakes provide excellent fishing opportunities for bass, pike, and panfish with designated swimming areas. A former camper notes, "Tons of trails for hiking and biking. They have kids activities on the weekends, a lake for swimming, great playgrounds and everything is really clean."
Mountain biking at Pontiac Lake Recreation Area: This recreation area offers world-class mountain bike trails with varying difficulty levels across 10+ miles of dedicated paths. "The trails are well maintained and heavily trafficked. The campground is RV and tent friendly and offers fire pits/picnic tables," shares one visitor.
Shooting sports at Algonac State Park: The park features on-site shooting and archery ranges unusual for a campground setting. A visitor mentions, "They also have a range for archery, and firearms. The park was kept clean. A group of friends camped on Mother's Day weekend and we all had a great time even with the rain."
Wildlife viewing along St. Clair River: Algonac State Park offers exceptional freighter-watching opportunities along the St. Clair River corridor. "Freighters come by at all times of the day. Most sites are sunny. Sites closer to the shower house are closer together and some trees," explains a regular visitor.
What campers like
River views at waterfront sites: The St. Clair River provides unique camping experiences with international shipping traffic. "The the campground is relatively flat, many spaces to choose from, very catering to RV and travel trailer. They do have a primitive area for tent campers," notes one Algonac camper.
Modern bathhouse facilities: Proud Lake Recreation Area gets frequent praise for its recently renovated facilities. "The bathrooms are BEAUTIFUL. They must have been recently renovated because they are spacious, tiled, well maintained, and very modern feeling for a campground," reports one visitor.
Secluded wooded sites: Many campers appreciate the forested privacy at certain campgrounds. A Holly Recreation Area visitor shares, "I love this place and so do my 3 dogs. We got a secluded campsite, and it's gorgeous- tucked into the woods and was easy to back into. You're far enough from people to where you don't really see a lot of them."
Nearby urban conveniences: The region's proximity to suburban areas provides practical advantages. "While the campground feels like you are remote, if you need supplies, there is a small shopping center about a mile away," notes a camper at Proud Lake Recreation Area.
What you should know
Rustic options limited in wet conditions: Some primitive camping areas become problematic during rainy periods. At Ridgewood Campground, a visitor warns, "Fair warning, the staff aren't the only ones ready to greet you! Bugs, Mosquitoes, bees, and even raccoons (if food left out - which we did not)."
Parking policies vary by campground: Vehicle restrictions apply at certain locations. "They have a policy of making you park your car/SUV in the lot after setting up your tent (if tent camping)," explains a Ridgewood camper.
Road conditions at some parks: Infrastructure quality varies significantly between recreation areas. A camper notes, "Sooo many ruts that I was deeply concerned for the undercarriage of both my truck and camper. Again, they are charging the same state fees as some of the nicer campgrounds we've stayed at."
Off-season facility limitations: Services reduce considerably during shoulder seasons. One camper explains, "Since this is well beyond normal camping season here in Michigan we understand staffing levels are going to be low but they still charge the same price regardless of that."
Tips for camping with families
Child-friendly programming: Addison Oaks County Park offers structured activities specifically for younger campers. "It was a Boo Fest weekend. Lots of socially distanced activities for the kids and a scavenger hunt (finding clues on signs in park to solve a mystery)," reports one family.
Playground options: Multiple recreation areas feature play equipment for children. "The park offers lots of private sites! We stayed in site 118 and could not see neighboring sites! The site was very spacious and offered picnic table, fire ring, paved pad, and electrical hook up," shares a visitor at Pontiac Lake.
Halloween camping events: Several parks organize special fall weekend activities. A camper explains, "We've been going to halloween camping for the past 2 years, decorate your site and the kids get dressed up an go trick or treating in camp, theres a costume contest and hay rides, fun family atmosphere."
Splash zones for summer cooling: Water play areas provide relief during hot weather months. "Beach is nice. Has a water park on the lake," notes a recent visitor to Holly Recreation Area.
Tips from RVers
Electrical hookup distances: Holly Recreation Area provides reliable power connections, but location can be challenging. "If you are hoping to hook up to electrical, bring extension cords; some hook ups are exceptionally far away from the designated RV parking pad," advises an RVer.
Site selection for larger rigs: Maneuvering space varies significantly between campgrounds and specific sites. "Nice campground with views of the lake. Big bathrooms that are super clean! Great lake to kayak on," notes a camper at Proud Lake who appreciated the combination of amenities.
Seasonal availability: County parks typically have shorter operating seasons than state recreation areas. "The campground is RV and tent friendly and offers fire pits/picnic tables. The trails are well maintained and heavily trafficked," shares a visitor discussing year-round options.
Dump station access: Most developed campgrounds provide sanitation facilities, though quality varies. A camper points out, "Had a nice stay here. The campground was full but quiet. The bathrooms and showers were nice and clean with hot water. Water hookup and dump on site."
