Detroit's surrounding area offers a range of glamping options within a 1-2 hour drive from the city center. Most sites sit at elevations between 580-1,100 feet above sea level, creating terrain that varies from lakeside flats to gently rolling woodland. Summer temperatures typically range from 70-85°F, while spring and fall camping experiences cooler 45-65°F conditions with occasional precipitation.
What to do
Hiking trails: At Holly Recreation Area, the extensive trail system provides multiple difficulty levels through diverse ecosystems. According to one visitor, "This is a giant recreation area that features a campground, 3 lakes, tons of trails, and even a splash zone for kids. The campground has it all, electric, cabins, playgrounds, basketball courts, etc..."
Paddling opportunities: Sterling State Park Campground offers both Lake Erie access and smaller inland waters. A camper notes, "This park also has several public access areas and beaches. Hiking and biking trails are also present and the bathroom facilities are clean and well maintained. Some time in June you can expect May Flies aka Fish Flies. Plan accordingly."
Seasonal events: Camp Dearborn hosts regular family-oriented activities throughout the camping season. "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," reports one reviewer.
Mini golf and recreation: Many campgrounds near Detroit feature additional recreational amenities beyond traditional camping. A visitor to Harbortown RV Resort shared, "Right next to camping is go karts, putt putt and arcade. We had a blast!"
What campers like
Nature immersion close to urban areas: Campers consistently mention the surprising amount of wildlife and natural settings just outside Detroit. A Camp Dearborn visitor noted, "We have been going to Camp Dearborn for five years now, and our friend's family has been going for nearly sixty! They have activities for both children and adults, two beautiful beaches, a pool, tennis courts, and now a zip line."
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain excellent restroom facilities. At Bishop Lake Campground, a reviewer wrote, "The campgrounds restrooms and showers were clean. Our campsite had a view of the lake, but no shade. The beach was nice but you have to walk a trail to get to it from the campground or drive."
Water recreation: Lakes and rivers provide popular recreation spots. A Sterling State Park visitor commented, "There are full hookups as well as power only sites. The park also has several public access areas and beaches. Hiking and biking trails are also present and the bathroom facilities are clean and well maintained."
Spacious sites: Many campgrounds provide adequately sized spaces. At Addison Oaks County Park, a camper observed, "Our spot #18 I felt was spacious and not too close to the people next to us and trees behind us. We had privacy and it was quiet."
What you should know
Seasonal insect activity: May flies emerge in June at lakefront properties. A Sterling State Park visitor advised, "First two nights were perfect but then the may flies hatched (in mid June) and covered everything. Good size sites, friendly staff, great beach and boat launch."
Busy holiday weekends: Campgrounds throughout the Detroit region fill quickly during holidays. "The sites are very close together and you can see all of your neighbors. It's what we like to call 'parking lot campgrounds.' There are plenty of activities for families and children like kayaking, bounce house, and disc golf," reported a visitor to Addison Oaks.
Train noise: At Harbortown RV Resort, some campers report noise disruptions. "Another big issue is how close it is to the expressway which is noisy and there are trains that go by during the night. There must be a few crossings near by because they blew the horn for 5+ minutes at 4:30am," noted one reviewer.
Shade variations: Sites at Bishop Lake Campground have limited shade. A visitor observed, "Our campsite had a view of the lake, but no shade. The beach was nice but you have to walk a trail to get to it from the campground or drive."
Tips for camping with families
Look for dedicated kid facilities: Groveland Oaks County Park provides extensive family amenities. As one visitor notes, "Great campground, so much to do, especially for families with smaller children."
Consider booking during weekdays: For a quieter experience with young children, mid-week stays offer less crowded conditions. A Harbortown RV Resort visitor mentioned, "Stayed here for two weeks in October. Halloween weekends this place is packed - but empties out Sunday Afternoons. Tons of activities for all ages during the weekends."
Check swimming options: Not all parks maintain swimming facilities year-round. An Addison Oaks visitor explained, "Would be nice to have a swimming option - I understand beach was permanently closed a few yrs ago."
Plan for walking distances: Some campgrounds have significant distances between amenities. One Groveland Oaks visitor pointed out, "Sites are nice and large paved slabs, most trees are immature offering little shade. Beach is kept fairly clean and raked often. Bathrooms and showers are good."
Tips from RVers
Concrete pad availability: Harbortown RV Resort offers solid concrete pads. "All concrete roads and pads. Basketball court, sand volleyball, playground, dog run, batting cages and go karts within walking distance. Very friendly staff and knowledgeable of the area," shares one RVer.
Site selection for larger rigs: At Camp Dearborn, site selection matters for larger vehicles. A camper advised, "We have been in their tent/cabins and our own RV. Great park, clean, nice swimming lakes, the teens love the canteen. Tough to get in but we love it."
Power options vary by park: While most parks offer electrical hookups, amperage varies. At Bishop Lake Campground, a visitor noted, "This is a larger state park with full size sites for RVs. There is electric on each site along with fire rings and picnic tables. Some good spots have some shade to stay out of the sun."
Dump station locations: Not all parks offer full hookups. At Sterling State Park, one RVer mentioned, "Additionally, all of the sites in this park have 30amp electric while also boasting quite a few sites with full hookup. Every site has a blacktop pad for parking or trailer setup, with many pull thru sites available."
