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Best Campgrounds near Detroit, MI

480 Reviews

Campgrounds near Detroit, Michigan primarily feature developed facilities rather than dispersed sites, with options ranging from state recreation areas to RV parks and fairgrounds. Proud Lake Recreation Area, located in Commerce Township about 30 miles northwest of Detroit, provides a mix of tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin accommodations with lakefront views. Wayne County Fairgrounds RV Park in Belleville offers full hookup sites primarily for RVs with limited tent camping options. Most established campgrounds in the region include basic amenities such as fire rings, picnic tables, and access to restroom facilities, though the density and privacy between sites varies significantly by location.

Many campgrounds in the Detroit area operate seasonally, typically opening from April through October, though some like Proud Lake remain open year-round. Access roads are generally well-maintained with paved or graded surfaces suitable for most vehicles. "I had no clue what to expect when booking so close to a few major cities in Michigan. I love feeling secluded while camping and was nervous this would feel like parking lot camping. But, it was AMAZING," noted one visitor about Proud Lake Recreation Area. Electrical hookups are common at most developed sites, though water and sewer connections vary by location. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially during summer weekends and holidays when nearby metropolitan residents seek outdoor recreation opportunities.

Waterfront camping represents a significant draw for visitors to the area, with several campgrounds situated on lakes or rivers. Proud Lake offers views of the Huron River with hiking trails and boat access, while Sterling State Park provides Lake Erie frontage about 35 miles south of Detroit. Modern bathroom facilities feature prominently in positive reviews, with several campers noting the cleanliness and recent renovations at state-operated campgrounds. A visitor commented, "The bathhouse is new and very nice," while another mentioned, "The facilities here make you feel like you're at a Hilton." Proximity to urban amenities while maintaining a natural setting appears as a consistent theme in camper feedback, with multiple reviews highlighting the accessibility of nearby shopping centers when supplies are needed while still enjoying a woodland experience.

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Best Camping Sites Near Detroit, Michigan (54)

    1. Proud Lake Recreation Area

    17 Reviews
    Wolverine Lake, MI
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (248) 685-2433

    "First, I'd like to say that I was born and raised in Northern Michigan. That's where I'm used to camping and hiking. I moved to the metro Detroit area a few years ago."

    "We’re from the metro Detroit area so it was nice to have a quick trip 30 minutes away"

    2. Haas Lake Park RV Campground

    17 Reviews
    New Hudson, MI
    26 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."

    3. Hugs & Pam RV Park

    1 Review
    Warren, MI
    7 miles
    +1 (917) 755-2006

    $10 - $15 / night

    4. Wayne County Fairgrounds RV Park

    7 Reviews
    Belleville, MI
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (734) 697-7002

    "Friendly staff, clean park, close to supermarkets and other food locations. RV repair and sales nearby. I got lucky and woke up to a horse and dog competition at no extra cost to me."

    "Nice campgrounds easy to get around and my children loved it"

    5. Pontiac Lake Recreation Area

    18 Reviews
    White Lake, MI
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (248) 666-1020

    $22 / night

    "Only drawback is the distance from the lake. The lake is not within walking distance, you would need to drive."

    "Beach is a 1.8 mile hike from the East loop in the campground but is well worth the walk."

    6. Sterling State Park Campground

    25 Reviews
    Monroe, MI
    33 miles
    Website
    +1 (734) 289-2715

    $36 - $45 / night

    "You can get TV from Detroit or Toledo, and T-Mobile service was ok.

    Groceries and many dining options not far off.

    We're 50/50 on staying here ever again."

    "Everything was accurate and the Michigan parks website is a breeze to use.

    NOT ALL THE SITES UAVE FULL HOOKUPS. I did not realize this when booking. Nobody's fault but mine."

    7. Camp Dearborn

    16 Reviews
    Milford, MI
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (248) 684-6000

    $3 / night

    "Booked a two week stay at Pontiac Lake Rec. area in Whitelak, MI. Huge sites not stacked on top of one another. They have electric hookups, but only 30 amp."

    "Pull behind sites were easy to access. Staff are very helpful and responsive. There is a dump station on site."

    8. McGinnis Lake Modern Campground — Holly Recreation Area

    33 Reviews
    Ortonville, MI
    39 miles
    Website
    +1 (248) 634-8811

    $27 - $30 / night

    "Holly Recreation area is located in northern Oakland County, just north of Detroit. It is a very nice place to get away from the city without having to drive hours."

    "Group area is away from the main area. Kayak lakes are nice. Excellent hike/bike trails. Park is located just down the road from the Holly Oaks Off road park."

    9. Detroit/Ann Arbor KOA

    9 Reviews
    Willis, MI
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (734) 482-7722

    "Very close to our house just a nice little getaway. We enjoyed the Halloween weekends. We decorate big and enjoyed other decorations as well!"

    "Site was across the small road from the lake. Plenty of trees all around. Good for shade and natural comforts of the day."

    10. Algonac State Park Campground

    23 Reviews
    Algonac, MI
    36 miles
    Website
    +1 (810) 765-5605

    "I've stayed all over michigan, and this is one of the best. Your right close to the water, so you can watch the ships. I was very comfortable here, and I had my dog."

    "Great campground with access to the beautiful St. Clair River as it runs between Lake Huron and Lake St. Clair."

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Recent Camping Photos near Detroit, MI

124 Photos of 54 Detroit Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Detroit, MI

480 Reviews of 54 Detroit Campgrounds

  • Vee H.
    Sep. 28, 2025

    KOA Campground Emmett

    Bed bugs in cabins

    Avoid this KOA at all costs– bed bugs and dishonest management. Our stay at the Emmett KOA was a nightmare. The cabin we rented was infested with bed bugs. When we brought it up, the owner flat-out lied and told us they hadn’t had bed bugs in“over 13 years.” That was absolutely false. There are multiple reviews on here already citing bed bug issues, and staff members themselves admitted to us that it has been an ongoing problem. Even the pest control company they claimed to use confirmed they’ve been battling bed bugs here. Instead of taking responsibility, management hid behind their ridiculous 14-day cancellation policy and refused to refund our second night(which we didn’t stay for obvious reasons). Their“solution” was insulting: a 20% discount for a future stay(as if anyone would want to come back!) and a handful of quarters so we could attempt to kill the bugs in our belongings using their dryer. The dishonesty from Toni and her father is appalling. Any business that knowingly lies to its customers about a health and cleanliness issue this serious has no integrity. Bed bugs are not a minor inconvenience– they spread, they infest, and they follow you home. We left disgusted and disappointed, and I strongly recommend avoiding this campground if you value your health, honesty, or basic respect as a paying customer.

  • Dan H.
    Sep. 28, 2025

    KOA Campground Emmett

    Avoid this KOA at all costs – bed bugs and dishonest management.

    Our stay at the Emmett KOA was a nightmare. The cabin we rented was infested with bed bugs. When we brought it up, the owner flat-out lied and told us they hadn’t had bed bugs in“over 13 years.” That was absolutely false. There are multiple reviews already citing bed bug issues, and staff members themselves admitted to us that it has been an ongoing problem. Even the pest control company they claimed to use confirmed they’ve been battling bed bugs here. Instead of taking responsibility, management hid behind their ridiculous 14-day cancellation policy and refused to refund our second night(which we didn’t stay for obvious reasons). Their“solution” was insulting: a 20% discount for a future stay(as if anyone would want to come back!) and a handful of quarters so we could attempt to kill the bugs in our belongings using their dryer. The dishonesty from Toni and her father is appalling. Any business that knowingly lies to its customers about a health and cleanliness issue this serious has no integrity. Bed bugs are not a minor inconvenience– they spread, they infest, and they follow you home. We left disgusted and disappointed, and I strongly recommend avoiding this campground if you value your health, honesty, or basic respect as a paying customer.

  • 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.

  • Trevor O.
    Sep. 22, 2025

    Thousand Trails St. Clair

    Cabin Stay

    We really enjoyed our cabin. The people were very nice. I like the putt putt course and the bouncing pillow

  • 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.

Guide to Detroit

Camping near Detroit offers a great escape into nature without straying too far from the city. With a variety of campgrounds to choose from, you can find the perfect spot for a weekend getaway or a longer stay.

What to do:

  • Explore the trails: Many campgrounds, like Maumee Bay State Park Campground, have extensive bike and walking paths. One visitor noted, "There are miles of paved bike paths throughout the campsite and a short ride to the lake."
  • Visit local attractions: Campgrounds like East Harbor State Park Campground are close to Cedar Point Amusement Park, making it easy to enjoy a day of thrills. A reviewer mentioned, "Park on the lake and close to many amenities including Cedar Point Amusement Park."
  • Enjoy water activities: Many sites, such as Kelleys Island State Park Campground, offer access to Lake Erie for swimming, kayaking, and fishing. One camper said, "The park is beautiful! Lake Erie is beautiful! Lots to explore on the island."

What campers like:

  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Maumee Bay State Park Campground remarked, "The bathrooms were clean, they have showers and a pin code to get into the park."
  • Spacious sites: Many campgrounds provide ample space between sites. A reviewer at Bishop Lake Campground noted, "The campsites are big, secluded, wooded, and clean."
  • Family-friendly atmosphere: Campgrounds like Lakeport State Park Campground are great for families. One camper shared, "There are trails to ride your bike around and two playgrounds to keep the kids busy."

What you should know:

  • Busy seasons: Some campgrounds can get crowded during peak times. A visitor at East Harbor State Park Campground mentioned, "Sites are very tightly packed."
  • Wildlife encounters: Be prepared for raccoons and other wildlife. 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."
  • Limited amenities: Some campgrounds may not have all the amenities you expect. A reviewer at Algonac State Park Campground noted, "The site was sizable... but the roads were inexcusable for a campground."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose the right site: Look for campgrounds with family-friendly amenities. A camper at South Bass Island State Park Campground said, "The cliffside sites are absolutely beautiful... Bathrooms and shower house were good!"
  • Plan activities: Bring bikes and outdoor games to keep kids entertained. A visitor at Pinckney State Recreation Area mentioned, "The beach was a very nice place to spend the day."
  • Pack snacks: Having snacks on hand can help keep the little ones happy. A reviewer at Bishop Lake Campground suggested, "Avoid the vending machines."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check site conditions: Some sites can be sloped or uneven. A camper at Holly Recreation Area advised, "I wouldn’t pick site 93... the pavement is sloped and the whole site is sloped quite steep."
  • Be mindful of space: Make sure your RV fits comfortably in the designated area. A reviewer at Sterling State Park Campground noted, "You have to guess, and hope your neighbor doesn't spread out."
  • Plan for dump stations: Know where the nearest dump station is located. A visitor at Lakeport State Park Campground mentioned, "The dump station is at the first buildings."

Camping around Detroit offers a mix of nature, fun, and family-friendly activities. Whether you're in an RV or tent, there's a spot for everyone to enjoy the great outdoors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there free camping available near Detroit?

Free camping options near Detroit are limited, but you can find budget-friendly alternatives. Cabela's Dundee permits overnight parking in their large lot behind the store, which includes a pond and walking trail. This makes for a convenient stopover, especially when traveling through Michigan, though facilities are limited with no bathrooms on site. Some Walmart locations may also permit overnight parking, but always check with management first as policies vary by location. For those willing to drive a bit further, Waterloo Recreation Area offers more rustic camping options at lower rates than full-service campgrounds. While not free, state recreation areas often provide the most economical official camping near Detroit.

What tent camping sites are available near Detroit?

The Detroit area offers several excellent tent camping options within a short drive. Camp Agawam in Orion Township provides spacious tent sites in a natural setting that feels removed from the city. For a more upscale experience, Harbortown RV Resort offers level paved sites with decent WiFi, though it primarily caters to RVs. Camp Dearborn near Milford Township features tent camping areas with water access for a refreshing swim. Maumee Bay State Park, though slightly further away, offers generous tent sites surrounded by trees and shrubs for added privacy. Most sites in the region provide basic amenities like picnic tables and fire rings, with access to restrooms and shower facilities. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially during summer weekends when these accessible campgrounds fill quickly.

Are there walk-up camping sites available in the Detroit area?

Yes, several campgrounds near Detroit offer walk-up camping sites, though availability varies by season. Sterling State Park Campground maintains some sites for walk-up campers, but during peak summer months, especially weekends, these fill quickly. Pontiac Lake Recreation Area also offers walk-up sites on a first-come, first-served basis. For the best chance at securing a walk-up site, arrive early on weekdays and have a backup plan during holiday weekends. Most Michigan state parks reserve a portion of their sites for walk-up campers, but this percentage varies by park. If you're flexible with your camping dates, mid-week or shoulder season visits will significantly increase your chances of finding available walk-up sites.

Where are the best campgrounds near Detroit, Michigan?

Within a short drive from Detroit, you'll find several excellent campgrounds. Proud Lake Recreation Area is just 30 minutes from the metro area and offers surprisingly secluded sites with lake views, clean facilities, and well-maintained hiking trails. Another top option is Holly Recreation Area, located in northern Oakland County, featuring multiple lakes for fishing and swimming, plus separate day-use and camping areas. For families seeking activities, Groveland Oaks County Park provides a lake for swimming, water slides, arcade, boat rentals, and mini-golf. Sterling State Park Campground offers numerous full hookup sites, though be aware there's limited shade. All these options provide a convenient escape from the city without requiring a long drive.

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