Best Tent Camping near Columbiaville, MI

Public lands surrounding Columbiaville, Michigan offer several tent camping options for outdoor enthusiasts. Crystal Creek Christian Campground, located directly in Columbiaville, provides rustic tent sites with basic amenities. P.L. Graham Park & Campground, a former Boy Scout camp, offers primitive tent-only camping along the Black River with walk-in sites that provide a more secluded experience. Appleton Lake Campground in Brighton and Island Lake Recreation Area also feature tent campsites within reasonable driving distance from Columbiaville.

Most tent campgrounds in the region operate seasonally, typically from May through October. Sites at P.L. Graham Park feature simple dirt pads with fire rings, though not all sites include picnic tables. Crystal Creek offers more developed tent sites with access to drinking water and restroom facilities for $15 per night. Firewood is available for purchase at most locations, with restrictions on bringing outside wood due to invasive species concerns. Vault toilets are standard at the more primitive locations, while Crystal Creek provides shower facilities. Campers should check reservation requirements, as some locations like P.L. Graham operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

Tent campers frequently mention the peaceful atmosphere at these locations. According to reviews, P.L. Graham Park offers "ample space between campgrounds" with sites that provide water access along the Black River. The caretaker maintains the grounds and sells firewood to visitors. At Appleton Lake Campground, visitors note the "rustic and mature trees" that create a natural setting "perfect for tents" with "no hookups" needed. Island Lake Recreation Area provides a unique backcountry tent camping experience with boat-in only sites that require paddling in all camping gear. The combination of accessibility and seclusion makes these locations popular for weekend tent camping trips without traveling far from the Columbiaville area.

Best Tent Sites Near Columbiaville, Michigan (10)

    1. Genesee Otter Lake Campground

    3 Reviews
    Otisville, MI
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (810) 793-2725

    2. Hilltop Campgrounds

    2 Reviews
    Lapeer, MI
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (810) 664-2782

    3. Crystal Creek Christian Campground

    1 Review
    Columbiaville, MI
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (810) 691-4372

    4. D-bar-A Scout Ranch (Boy Scout Use Only)

    1 Review
    Metamora, MI
    16 miles
    Website

    "This is another great scout ing campground with cabins, rustic camping, tent sites, lakes, horses to ride, this is one HUGE camp ground for scouts to enjoy and learn.."

    5. P.L. Graham Park & Campground (Formerly known as Chicagami Boy Scout Camp)

    8 Reviews
    Sandusky, MI
    40 miles
    +1 (810) 712-2867

    $15 / night

    "You drive up the entrance of the park, and on your right there'll be a trailer with a sign that says parking. You will park your car there over night/during the day."

    "Tent sites with water acces. Very nice caretaker!!"

    6. Port Huron KOA

    12 Reviews
    Clyde, MI
    46 miles
    Website
    +1 (810) 987-4070

    "Got to watch out for kids buzzing around on banana bikes and golf carts cruising around.

    We stayed a couple times this summer."

    "This is probably the best campground in Michigan. Lots of activities to do. Swimming pools, bicycles for rent, playgrounds, pizza, children's train, etc."

    7. Camp Agawam

    2 Reviews
    Auburn Hills, MI
    34 miles
    Website
    +1 (248) 391-0304

    $20 - $30 / night

    "I come down to Detroit from Windsor every year to camp in Michigan with friends and this year we went to this very nice campsite in Orion Twp and I loved it."

    8. Appleton Lake Campground

    8 Reviews
    Brighton, MI
    50 miles
    Website
    +1 (810) 229-6566

    "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."

    "Picnic table pit ring outside toilets best site was 24 17$ dollars a night 3 parks Brighton recreational is for Rv and electric sites indoor plumbing hot showers Murry is only for weekend visits Appleton"

    9. Island Lake Recreation Area

    4 Reviews
    Brighton, MI
    48 miles
    Website
    +1 (810) 229-7067

    "Island Lake Recreation Area is home to two Huron River Canoe Camps. The sites are boat-in only (!) meaning you must haul any and all gear in a kayak or canoe for your stay."

    "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."

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Tent Camping Reviews near Columbiaville, MI

430 Reviews of 10 Columbiaville Campgrounds


  • Neil T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 31, 2021

    Seven Lakes State Park Campground

    Great waypoint when camping across the UP

    Vibe: Woodland getaway with no flash and really nice sites. 

    Cleanliness: Sites are above average. Vault toilets are…vault toilets. 

    Facilities: Nothing flashy. Wish there was a few additional water filling points and that the dumpsters were all located near the camp entrance/exit. But really nothing to complain about. 

    General spots: Large, very well treed, gravel, picnic table and fire ring. 

    Privacy: Can see neighbors through sites, but better privacy than most places. 

    Our site: 39. Could drive circles around inside it. Even has a tree in the middle of it with room to drive all the way around it(not with a trailer). Depending where you set up your rig, you may need an extra long extension cord. 

    Noise: Quiet. Occasionally hear wolves howling. Cell signal(Verizon): 1 bar. No internet loads. Text messages will send and receive. Sometimes immediately, sometimes hours later. Other: Wish we had a chance to explore the lakes. Sounds like the swimming and fishing is good. Saw several kids on bikes toting rods.

  • Christopher P.
    Sep. 5, 2021

    McGinnis Lake Modern Campground — Holly Recreation Area

    Quiet, well kept state park

    Just a quick overnight tent camp with my son. Tent sites are relatively well spaced out and clean. Fire rings and picnic tables at each site.

    Modern bathrooms and shower rooms are available.

    Many playgrounds, horseshoe pits, and a basketball court available.

    Firewood and ice available at the front gate.

    RV spaces are well spaced out and give a sense of privacy. Electrical hook ups.

    Cabins available for rent as well.

  • Rodger M.
    Sep. 19, 2021

    Ridgewood Campground

    An Quick Camping Escape

    We were warmly greeted by the attendee and the camp host. Firewood, snacks, camp essentials, and ice available on site. Nice touch having firewood delivered to our site. The gentleman could not have been kinder and offered assistance with us setting up. The site was a larger site (#12) tucked nicely away in a corner.

    Picnic Table and Nice Fire Ring onsite. Port-a-potty, dumpster near site.

    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). We have been to sites before that must have sprayed for pests because we have never experienced the amount of mosquitoes we did here. Thankfully we had Off Area Camp Spray, our Thermacell, and citronella burning and it helped dramatically reduce the pests.

    The noise level was very “citified.” Traffic could be heard throughout the evening and early morning. That’s what we get for camping so close to civilization. Also, beware of Poison Oak and Ivy! The entire site was bordered with it.

    Lastly, make sure that if you car camp or SUV Camp, you let them know. They have a policy of making you park your car/SUV in the lot after setting up your tent (if tent camping).

  • Don H.
    Jul. 9, 2019

    Island Lake Recreation Area

    Hidden Canoe Camps

    Island Lake Recreation Area is home to two Huron River Canoe Camps. 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.

    This is an awesome place to stay, especially if you live in the area, as it provides a backcountry, boat-in camping experience very close to town. The sites each feature a fire ring and picnic table. Canoe #1 sports a floating dock to tie up boats. There is also a vault toilet, and firewood provided for both sites to share, as well recycling and trash cans.

    The sites and common area (toilet and garbage cans) are connected by short trails and you may, once in awhile, hear the folks at the site next to you. Thankfully, In my experience, people have always been friendly and respectful.

  • 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.

  • Brad S.
    Jul. 13, 2019

    Camp Dearborn

    Lots of campground space. Too much as they can’t maintain it all

    I had fond memories of this place as I would come here as a child. Lots of lakes, beaches, play structures, and more open field space than you can imagine. Most of the campground is run down and in need of improvements. The tennis courts & basketball courts are nearly unusable. The pads are so weathered the lines are gone and vegetation has started growing in all the cracks. Tent camping is difficult as all the sites have large concrete pads in the middle of the site. So a tent has to be pitched next to the road or right on the line of your neighbors site. If you are in a RV this isn’t a problem. For tents, site 191 is the best. On top of a hill which overlooks the campground and lake. It’s an end site so you can spread out a bit into the adjacent field. The bath houses restrooms are in need of renovations or at least a severe cleaning. Very smelly. Showers are nearly pointless, warm water at best. For tent campers this campground is best for day use in my opinion. While the Village of Milford is a bike ride away and has lots to do, there are better places to spend a weekend.

  • Kate K.
    Aug. 24, 2019

    Ortonville Equestrian Campground — Ortonville Recreation Area

    2 Great Lakes & A Horse Camp

    The campground here is actually a quite popular equestrian campground. There is a campground and a staging area. Rustic vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings. The campground itself isn’t really much to write home about (unless you have horses that is). The lakes and launches are however very nice and there are some great trail systems through the area.

  • Mary H.
    Jul. 14, 2019

    Pontiac Lake Recreation Area

    Quick get away

    Wonderful place for a quick get away. Park is clean. Beach is a 1.8 mile hike from the East loop in the campground but is well worth the walk. (Trail is not stroller/wagon friendly) 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. Extensive mountain biking trails and the lake is open to boating, kayaking, and other water sports. 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. (hook up in this specific site was considerably far away.)

  • Maggie M.
    Aug. 4, 2018

    Seven Lakes State Park Campground

    A beautiful park!

    Seven Lakes has a great hike that takes you all around the lake, as well as smaller loops. You can find challenging hikes or an easy path. The campsites are close ish together but the one we stayed in was set in the woods, so we really didn’t have a problem with it. Sunrise is stunning here. Do make sure you bring plenty of bug netting/spray/gear if you come in the summer, the bugs are brutal.


Guide to Columbiaville

Tent campsites near Columbiaville, Michigan often operate in a seasonal pattern from spring through fall, with most sites closing by October due to Michigan's harsh winter conditions. The area sits within the Thumb region of Michigan, characterized by gentle rolling terrain, mixed hardwood forests, and numerous small lakes and rivers. Summer temperatures typically range from 70-85°F, making the May-September window optimal for comfortable camping experiences.

What to do

Fishing access points: Several campgrounds offer dedicated fishing areas along lakes and rivers. At Port Huron KOA, families report good fishing from the shoreline areas, with one camper noting that "kids keep busy all day long" with activities including fishing. The sites are well-positioned for easy water access.

Hiking nearby trails: Camp Agawam features walking paths through wooded areas perfect for day hikes. According to a visitor, the park "has campsites, a playground, swimming, fishing, an outdoor amphitheater (with concerts!), pavilion rentals, and disc golf!" This makes it versatile for campers wanting both nature and structured activities.

Kayaking opportunities: Island Lake Recreation Area provides unique boat-in only camping experiences. As one camper describes, "you must haul any and all gear in a kayak or canoe for your stay" to reach the designated canoe camps, providing "a backcountry, boat-in camping experience very close to town."

What campers like

Privacy between sites: Tent campers appreciate campgrounds with adequate spacing between sites. At Appleton Lake Campground, visitors mention that "this campground had sites that were fairly secluded from each other" and praise the "rustic and mature trees" that create natural buffers between camping areas.

Natural settings: Many campgrounds preserve woodland environments that tent campers seek. One reviewer described Appleton Lake as having "mature trees" and "great trails - perfect for trail running," offering a more natural camping experience without extensive development.

Local accessibility: The proximity to urban areas makes these campgrounds convenient weekend getaways. A camper at Camp Agawam called it a "perfect little park in the middle of suburbia," while another at Island Lake noted it "really does feel like you're up north without the hours spent on I-75."

What you should know

Reservation systems vary: Some campgrounds require advance planning while others operate first-come, first-served. At P.L. Graham Park & Campground, a former Boy Scout camp, campers report a straightforward process: "We showed up fresh off the road... The Manager was on the tractor and greeted us right away... He explained it would cost $15.00 dollars a night."

Bathroom facilities differ: Facility quality ranges significantly between campgrounds. One camper at P.L. Graham Park noted "bathrooms need major cleaning/updates" while another mentioned "updated out house type restrooms, that are very will lit and very bright with white paint and solar lights."

Wildlife awareness: Be prepared for local wildlife encounters at certain sites. At Appleton Lake, one camper warned that "once it got dark, we were fighting off about 10 raccoons all night," suggesting proper food storage is essential at this location.

Tips for camping with families

Look for structured activities: Campgrounds with organized events keep children engaged. At Genesee Otter Lake Campground, they offer "plenty of activities planned and structured thru the grounds to keep the whole family entertained including PUTT PUTT Golf, Arcade, Saturday Night Adult Bingo weekly, and tons more!!"

Consider budget-friendly options: Family camping can be economical at certain sites. Crystal Creek Christian Campground offers rates "as low as $20 for 15 amp water n electric only" and "only $15 a night for rustic tent camping," making it "a great place to take the family even several times a season on a budget!"

Scout for play areas: Some campgrounds include dedicated recreation spaces for children. A visitor to P.L. Graham Park mentions "there is a pavilion and a small swing set for kids" along with open areas where "kids can run around."

Tips from RVers

Check site specifications: Many campgrounds near Columbiaville have limited hookup options for RVs. At Hilltop Campgrounds, RVers appreciate that "all sites are 50 amp full hook ups" which makes it suitable for those needing complete services, though the campground is described as "simple."

Consider seasonal options: Some RV campers opt for longer stays in the area. One full-time RVer at Hilltop Campgrounds shared they were "here for the winter into spring" and found "the people are so friendly it will be difficult to leave when our season here is over."

Verify lake access claims: RVers seeking waterfront sites should confirm actual conditions. At Genesee Otter Lake, a camper warned about "false advertising," explaining they "paid for a lakefront site for $120 per night that came with a dock and boat" but "got a swamp front site with no dock and no boat," suggesting careful research before booking premium sites.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Columbiaville, MI is Genesee Otter Lake Campground with a 2.3-star rating from 3 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 10 tent camping locations near Columbiaville, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.