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Best Campgrounds near Dexter, MI

586 Reviews

Camping areas surrounding Dexter, Michigan span from rustic backcountry sites to full-service campgrounds, primarily within the Pinckney and Waterloo Recreation Areas. The region includes notable options like Hell Creek Ranch Campground and Bishop Lake Campground, offering various accommodation types including tent sites, RV hookups, cabins, and yurts. Most campgrounds lie within a 20-minute drive of Dexter, providing a convenient wilderness escape for visitors from nearby Ann Arbor and Detroit metro areas.

Seasonal considerations significantly impact camping availability throughout the area, with most developed campgrounds operating between April and November. Several campgrounds including Brighton Recreation Area remain open year-round for winter camping opportunities. "The lake was amazing to swim at night," noted one visitor to Blind Lake Campground, highlighting the region's recreational water access. Reservations are strongly recommended for weekend camping during summer months when waterfront sites fill quickly. Pinckney Recreation Area features both drive-in campgrounds with modern amenities and more remote hike-in options like Blind Lake Rustic Campground, accessible via a 7-mile trail.

Waterfront camping represents a particular highlight across the Dexter camping landscape, with lakes offering swimming, fishing and boating opportunities. Campers report high satisfaction with lakeside sites, though they note varying levels of privacy between campgrounds. "Great out of the way campground. It was nice and quiet," remarked a visitor to Hell Creek Ranch, while others mentioned the excellent trail access at several campgrounds. The Potawatomi Trail system connects multiple camping areas, making the region popular with hikers and mountain bikers seeking multi-day adventures. Bathroom facilities range from modern shower houses at developed campgrounds to basic vault toilets at rustic sites. Cell service remains reliable at most campgrounds due to proximity to urban areas, though reception may be limited at more remote sites within the recreation areas.

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Best Camping Sites Near Dexter, Michigan (101)

    1. Bishop Lake Campground

    28 Reviews
    Brighton, MI
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (810) 229-6566

    $17 - $90 / night

    "Campground Review: Bishop Lake is a great campground located in the middle of the Brighton Rec Area. The upper and lower campgrounds are both modern, with every site including electric."

    "Great family place with paved and dirt biking/hiking trails. Very nice beach with grass and sand. There are 2 areas of inflatables, one of them is for the little kids 48 in. and under."

    2. Blind Lake Rustic Campground — Pinckney Recreation Area

    18 Reviews
    Gregory, MI
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (734) 426-4913

    $17 / night

    "Nice place to camp right on the lake. It's a 7 mile hike in(can also be accessed via boat), part of the Potowatomi loop trail(~18 miles) located in Waterloo-Pinckney recreation area."

    "Camp ground is located along the Potawatomi Trail in Pinckney Recreation area. Bikers head the opposite direction from hikers. The route I followed was about 8 miles in to Blind Lake."

    3. Bruin Lake Campground — Pinckney Recreation Area

    19 Reviews
    Gregory, MI
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (734) 426-4913

    $27 - $46 / night

    "There is a new large playground structure and nice but short paved path for kids to bike or scooter around."

    "On Crooked Lake, it has 25 sites, two of which are right on the water; #7 is full sun, larger, and 20 is sun/shade and tucked away in the back of the campground."

    4. Green Lake Rustic Campground — Waterloo Recreation Area

    14 Reviews
    Chelsea, MI
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (734) 475-8307

    "The lack of cover between sites gave everyone a nice view of the lake from our tents on our inland sites, which was beautiful."

    "I stayed at #6 and had a beautiful view of the lake. There is muddy lake access on that site and I paddled from there in my kayak. There is an official boat launch nearby."

    5. Hell Creek Ranch & Campground

    10 Reviews
    Pinckney, MI
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (734) 878-3632

    $20 - $35 / night

    "Direct connections to the Waterloo Pinckney trail system. Near Hell, Michigan and Chelsea, Michigan. Large pool in season. Priced reasonably."

    "Wow.. what a nice little getaway in Hell, Michigan area! Camp host, “Lightening” is a friendly and helpful guy who NEVER stopped working (except to chat with campers here and there)."

    6. Waterloo Sugarloaf Modern — Waterloo Recreation Area

    14 Reviews
    Chelsea, MI
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (734) 475-8307

    "It is usually easy to get multiple sites next to each other with reservations.
    There is a decent sandy beach here with a playground and volleyball net."

    "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."

    7. Appleton Lake Campground

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

    "Close by but up north feel."

    "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"

    8. Haas Lake Park RV Campground

    17 Reviews
    New Hudson, MI
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (248) 437-0900

    "Nice lake view across the road. This location has 4 lakes. There is plenty of nature. Lots of trees along a nature trail. Cranes and ducks in the water . The first night was super quiet!"

    "I highly recommend Hass Lake campgrounds. It is a very clean, quite, Beautiful campgrounds."

    9. Murray Lake Campground

    6 Reviews
    Brighton, MI
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (810) 229-6566

    "This often overlooked campground is part of Brighton Recreation area in lower Michigan. Only 25 sites, with no electricity and vault toilets. Pump water available."

    "Small fishing lake for paddling. Mountain bike and hiking trails run through the campground. Bishop lake beach and jump island are a 5 min drive away."

    10. Brighton Recreation Area

    5 Reviews
    Brighton, MI
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (810) 229-6566

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

    "Large campsite with trees, lit path to the bathroom, and easy access to hiking trails and raft/boat launch."

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Recent Camping Photos near Dexter, MI

147 Photos of 101 Dexter Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Dexter, MI

586 Reviews of 101 Dexter Campgrounds

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 5, 2025

    Pontiac Lake Recreation Area

    Great Spot!

    Because it’s a state park, they have fresh drinking water, would for bonfires in private spots. This is one of the best areas for hiking and biking and kayaking and swimming.

  • Edward C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 22, 2025

    Seven Lakes State Park Campground

    Beautiful park

    Very pretty park. Sites and facilities are well maintained.

    Sites tend to slope towards Sand Lake so have leveling blocks if that's important to you.

  • Elizabeth M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Hidden Lakes RV Resort

    Fantastic RV Park!

    We stayed here last weekend. It was quiet and relaxing. Easy parking for the 33ft RV. Camp store is well stocked. Staff were fantastic. You need yo camp here!

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Proud Lake Recreation Area

    Amazing

    You need to know that this place is so so clean! The grounds, the sites, the bathrooms and the showers are all impeccable. It is true we were there in the middle of the week, but I’ve stayed at plenty of places during the week where things have been less than desirable. Everyone was most pleasant and helpful and the view of the lake was beautiful. If the campground had been full we probably would not have been able to see the lake from our site.

  • Noel L.
    Aug. 21, 2025

    Harbortown RV Resort

    Great kid campground

    This campground has everything! Go carts, playground, disc golf, pool, ext... Just a one night stay to visit A friend. If you have kids it is perfect! Staff was nice and very helpful

  • Ethan R.
    Aug. 13, 2025

    McGinnis Lake Modern Campground — Holly Recreation Area

    In the woods

    Nice campground. Paved sites. Some are pretty secluded. Downside is that the campground and stuff to do, are far apart. Bring a bike or drive. Beach is nice. Has a water park on the lake.

  • Shelly The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 28, 2025

    Waterloo Portage Lake Modern — Waterloo Recreation Area

    Had a good time, a little crowded

    We stayed for the weekend tent camping, getting to the site was a little crowded (alot of kids on bikes) our site was pavement but had some space to set the tent on the grass. I seen alot of sites with trees for shade. The vista walkway was across from us, it led right to the beach concessions. The beach walkway is handicap accessible. The fishing pier is new, has two benches and tables for your stuff. It is a bit of a walk to get to but is handicap accessible.
    There are two bathrooms throughout the loop and one at the beach. The park workers walk around and tell you about the activities they have that day. We enjoyed our stay there is alot to do

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 26, 2025

    Camp Dearborn

    Great for all ages!

    Lots of beach area and water to fish or swim. Activities almost every night. Paddle boats, mini golf, golf, and more. Pull behind sites were easy to access. Staff are very helpful and responsive. There is a dump station on site.

Guide to Dexter

Camping near Dexter, Michigan, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a family-friendly adventure, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Biking and Hiking: Many campgrounds, like Maumee Bay State Park Campground, have extensive paved bike paths. One camper noted, "There are miles of paved bike paths throughout the campsite and a short ride to the lake."
  • Fishing and Swimming: At Harrison Lake State Park Campground, you can enjoy fishing and swimming. A visitor mentioned, "Lake life is where it’s at, plenty to do on/in the water!"
  • Wildlife Watching: Campgrounds like Sleepy Hollow State Park Campground are great for spotting wildlife. One reviewer said, "The park itself offered coffee & donuts every morning for a dollar. Very sweet!"

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and shower facilities. A visitor at McGinnis Lake Modern Campground remarked, "The bathrooms were clean and the camp hosts were friendly."
  • Spacious Campsites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. A camper at Bishop Lake Campground shared, "The campsites are big, secluded, wooded, and clean."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds like Groveland Oaks County Park are popular with families. One reviewer noted, "There’s lots for kids to do... always helpful and patrolled."

What you should know:

  • Bug Awareness: Be prepared for bugs, especially during warmer months. A camper at Sleepy Hollow State Park Campground mentioned, "The bugs were pretty intense, but bug spray helped."
  • Limited Cell Service: Some campgrounds have spotty cell service. A visitor at Pinckney State Recreation Area noted, "With T-Mobile, Internet service was practically non-existent."
  • Reservations Recommended: Many campgrounds fill up quickly, especially on weekends. A camper at Harrison Lake State Park Campground said, "Almost all shaded spots taken when we arrived."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Plan for Activities: Look for campgrounds with family-friendly amenities. A visitor at Groveland Oaks County Park mentioned, "There are lots of family activities like mini golf, kids bike courses, and playgrounds."
  • Choose Shady Spots: Opt for campsites that offer shade to keep kids cool. A camper at Harrison Lake State Park Campground noted, "The sites in the tent-only section were well sized and shady."
  • Bring Entertainment: Pack games or outdoor toys to keep kids engaged. One family at Bishop Lake Campground found, "There is so much to do. Wonderful amenities."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Conditions: Make sure to check the site conditions before booking. A camper at Holly Recreation Area advised, "Any site above 80ish is very hilly and may be difficult to level an RV."
  • Fill Up Before Heading In: Some campgrounds have dump stations far from the sites. A visitor at Sterling State Park Campground mentioned, "The dump station is at the first buildings. So fill up before you head down to the campground."
  • Watch for Wildlife: Be cautious of wildlife around your RV. A camper at Holly Recreation Area warned, "Raccoons run this place! Don’t leave any food or garbage out ever or you will be robbed by a gang of raccoons."

Camping near Dexter, Michigan, has something for everyone, whether you're in a tent or an RV. Enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the campgrounds located in Dexter?

While Dexter itself has limited camping options, several excellent campgrounds are located in the surrounding area. Waterloo Portage Lake Modern — Waterloo Recreation Area is situated approximately 15 miles west of Dexter, offering easy access for visitors wanting to explore Ann Arbor. For overnight parking options closer to Dexter, Cabela's Dundee provides a convenient stop about 30 minutes south, with a large parking lot that accommodates RVs and is conveniently located near the highway. Other nearby options include Brighton Recreation Area and Proud Lake Recreation Area, all within a reasonable driving distance from Dexter.

What amenities are available at Dexter campgrounds?

Campgrounds near Dexter offer a range of amenities to enhance your outdoor experience. Proud Lake Recreation Area provides spacious campsites with lake views and exceptionally clean bathrooms, all within a short drive from major Michigan cities. Brighton Recreation Area features both modern and rustic camping options with varied terrain. Other campgrounds in the region typically offer electrical hookups, modern restrooms and shower facilities, water access, and recreational opportunities like hiking trails, fishing, and swimming beaches. Some parks also provide boat rentals, playgrounds, and nature programs. Amenities vary by location, so check specific campground details before planning your trip.

What camping is available near Dexter, MI?

According to TheDyrt.com, Dexter, MI offers a wide range of camping options, with 101 campgrounds and RV parks near Dexter, MI and 1 free dispersed camping spot.

Which is the most popular campground near Dexter, MI?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Dexter, MI is Bishop Lake Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 28 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Dexter, MI?

According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Dexter, MI.

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