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Best Campgrounds near Detroit, MI

476 Reviews

Detroit and the surrounding area has several good camping options within driving distance of the city. Maumee Bay State Park Campground sits about 49 miles from Detroit with electric hookups at most sites, which works well if you're bringing an RV. Kelleys Island State Park Campground requires a ferry ride to reach but gives you the chance to camp on an island with nice Lake Erie views nearby. Both places have clean restrooms and shower buildings that most campers appreciate. You can hike trails, fish, boat, or swim when you're not at your campsite. You should make reservations ahead of time, especially in summer when these campgrounds fill up quickly. Be aware that fire rules change throughout the season, so check what's allowed before you go. Getting to Maumee Bay is simple with paved roads all the way there, while Kelleys Island requires taking a ferry. These campgrounds make good bases if you want to get out of Detroit for a few days or longer.

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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

476 Reviews of 54 Detroit Campgrounds

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • tThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 20, 2025

    Oakland County Addison Oaks

    County Campground

    Nice park, family friendly, very clean and maintained. Bike and boat rental, children’s playground and activities. Hiking and biking trails. RC airport. When in this area this its the place to stay. If I lived in this area it would be a destination. Price is right!

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 20, 2025

    Pontiac Lake Recreation Area

    Clean & convenient

    Had a nice stay here. The campground was full but quiet. The bathrooms and showers were nice and clean with hot water. Site 71 wasn’t the most private but still nice. The spots are all pretty private due to trees and vegetation. Nice fire pit. Water hookup and dump on site.

  • Toni B.
    Jul. 12, 2025

    Green Lake Rustic Campground — Waterloo Recreation Area

    Booking was horrible

    So when I booked this camp site, I was originally looking at the Rustic camping on the app The Dyrt. The app brought me to the state park site, campsites looked beautiful and absolutely gorgeous for the rustic, it’s showed a picture of the bath house etc. Booked the site for the weekend because I’m catching up with a friend after awhile. Upon arrival, it leads us to this absolutely packed campground with sites directly ontop of each other, kids in the road the entire way through, parents not paying attention, absolute nightmare. It was in fact, it was the RV park. Not what I booked. We ended up talking to the office attendant, and booked at Green Lake Campground for the weekend, having to switch between 2 campsites over the weekend due to bookings. Overall just a very frustrating thing to deal with trying to get away for the weekend. Not the attendants fault, partially my fault, but also the state website as it is VERY unclear of the difference in camp grounds. Recommend the Rustic, stay away from the RV campsite that looked like an absolute hell scape if I’ve ever seen on.

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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