Camping options near Cohoctah, Michigan center around a series of interconnected lakes and woodland areas across Livingston County. The terrain features gentle hills with elevations ranging from 850 to 950 feet above sea level, creating natural drainage toward the Shiawassee River watershed. Summer temperatures typically range from 75-85°F during peak camping season, with humidity levels that remain moderate compared to more southern Michigan regions.
What to do
Fishing in private lakes: Hide Away Park Campground offers fishing access to their private lake for a $10 launch fee. "We've used the lake well into the evening hours. Staying out as late as possible for those dusk bites on topwater baits," notes one visitor, though be aware of potential closing times that may not be clearly posted.
Golfing near campsites: Holiday Shores RV Park includes an attached 9-hole golf course with water hazards and elevation changes. "The attached 9 hole golf course was well maintained and had some tricky holes. There were changes in elevation and multiple water hazards," reports a camper who enjoyed the convenient course access.
Walking trails and ponds: Several campgrounds maintain walking paths around small lakes and through wooded areas. "You will also find several nicely paved paths up to 3 miles long. These were walking only which was sort of disappointing because we brought our bikes," notes a visitor about holiday-themed recreational opportunities.
What campers like
Secluded, wooded sites: McGinnis Lake Modern Campground at Holly Recreation Area provides a true forest camping experience. "We stayed on site 118 in the trillium loop. Actually feels like camping with all the trees, not lined up in a farmer's field," writes one camper. Another adds, "Sites were spacious, we loved the national forest."
Clean facilities: Campground maintenance varies significantly between rv parks near Cohoctah. "The bathrooms and showers were clean, there were a lot of activities for the whole family, and the camp site was nice and shaded," notes a visitor to Holly Recreation Area. Similarly, at Haas Lake Park RV Campground, "The entire campground was well kept; the bathrooms, the grounds, and the laundry facility were all in great condition."
Lakefront camping: Water access matters to many campers in the Cohoctah region. "Sites where huge and the campground was so clean and beautiful!" writes a visitor to Haas Lake Park. Another mentions, "Haas Lake is quiet, clean and has friendly staff who are ready to help anytime."
What you should know
Cell service quality: Mobile reception varies across camping areas near Cohoctah. At Holiday RV Campground, "Cell service great with Verizon hotspot (22u, 20d, 38ms and AT&T cell (27d, 20u, 27ms)." However, other campgrounds report poor connectivity: "Absolutely NO SERVICE!! You gotta stand in one spot just to hold a conversation on your phone!! No WiFi to check your Home ring camera!!"
Water quality concerns: Some lake areas experience seasonal algae issues. "The lakeshore is not swimable, or even wade-able. It's completely filled with thick algae. Even my dog wouldn't walk in it, let alone drink it," reports a camper at Hide Away Park, noting this might relate to "extreme heat over the last few weeks."
Site variability: Campsite quality differs significantly, even within the same campground. "Some camp sites are squished up to others. Other camp sites have plenty of room. So when you are stuck in a spot that is tight it kind of ruins the experience," writes a Pine Ridge visitor. Another notes, "Our lot had a cement pad which required no leveling."
Tips for camping with families
Playground availability: Detroit/Ann Arbor KOA offers family-friendly amenities, though reviews are mixed. "This place is by far one of the greatest campgrounds we've been to that is family oriented!" writes one visitor. The campground includes "a playground. A swimming area on the lake. There's a trail that goes around the lake."
Halloween events: Seasonal themed weekends are popular at some rv parks around Cohoctah. "We've been here a few times. Very close to our house just a nice little getaway. We enjoyed the Halloween weekends. We decorate big and enjoyed other decorations as well!" shares a Detroit/Ann Arbor KOA visitor.
Family campground atmosphere: Some campgrounds specifically cater to families with children. "Nice Park for full timers. Large spots to accommodate big rigs and kids. Full hook ups... Playgrounds everywhere for the kids. Giant dog park and ponds," notes a visitor to Holiday RV Campground, though they mentioned the pool was closed during their visit.
Tips from RVers
Site surface quality: Pine Ridge RV Campground offers varying site conditions. "Lots of tall pines and hardwoods providing good cover," notes one RVer. Another mentions, "Some are tight, but none are impossible." A different perspective: "Some of the extra facilities were closed due to covid, I'm not marking them down for it, merely mentioning. I guess forewarning, site 70 is super small."
Full hookup reliability: The power connections vary between campgrounds. "The electrical, water and sewer connections were all easy to access and each lot had a picnic table and fire ring!" notes a visitor to Holiday Shores RV Park. However, at Hide Away Park, one camper complained about "No changes to the crappy power hook ups. No alterations to the confusing water hook ups."
Muddy conditions: Seasonal rain can affect site quality. "Just needs more grass. Our spot was really patchy and resulted in a lot of mud," reports a Holiday RV Campground visitor. Another rv park notes "the chalky gravel campsites and roads are raked everyday," helping to mitigate similar issues.
