Best Tent Camping near Detroit, MI

Looking for the best tent campgrounds near Detroit? With The Dyrt, it's easy to find Detroit campgrounds for you and your tent. Would you prefer a quiet dispersed site or an established camgpround with amenities? Either way, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect place to pitch your tent.

Best Tent Sites Near Detroit, MI (8)

    Camper-submitted photo from Maumee Bay State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Maumee Bay State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Maumee Bay State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Maumee Bay State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Maumee Bay State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Maumee Bay State Park Campground

    1. Maumee Bay State Park Campground

    40 Reviews
    194 Photos
    255 Saves
    Oregon, Ohio

    Campground closed for renovations starting Nov 2019

    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Cabins
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Agawam
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Agawam
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Agawam
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Agawam

    2. Camp Agawam

    2 Reviews
    4 Photos
    52 Saves
    Auburn Hills, Michigan

    Camp Agawam is located in the heart of Orion Township, Michigan. The camp was previously owned and operated by the Boy Scouts of America, until 2014 at which point Orion Township took ownership. Camp Agawam offers a wide variety of opportunities for all ages. With roughly 140 acres, numerous campsites, rental facilities, walking trails, a chapel, and beautiful Tommy's Lake, this is truly a picturesque park in the middle of suburban life.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Group

    $20 - $30 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Island Lake Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Island Lake Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Island Lake Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Island Lake Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Island Lake Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Island Lake Recreation Area

    3. Island Lake Recreation Area

    4 Reviews
    8 Photos
    79 Saves
    Brighton, Michigan

    Island Lake Recreation Area is a 4,000-acre park in Livingston County that offers an "up north" experience without leaving southeast Michigan. The terrain is a mixture of open brush land to mature hardwood forest, with some pockets of open meadows mixed in. Island Lake is the only balloon port in the state park system. Balloons usually take off in the early morning or late evening, depending on the wind and weather.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Picnic Table
    Camper-submitted photo from Appleton Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Appleton Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Appleton Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Appleton Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Appleton Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Appleton Lake Campground

    4. Appleton Lake Campground

    6 Reviews
    9 Photos
    38 Saves
    Brighton, Michigan

    Michigan Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into state parks and recreation areas, state boat launches, state forest campgrounds and state trail parking lots. The Michigan Recreation Passport does not cover local, county, municipal, or metropolitan parks or recreation areas. Learn more: https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/buy-and-apply/rec-pp

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Group
    Camper-submitted photo from D-bar-A Scout Ranch (Boy Scout Use Only)
    Camper-submitted photo from D-bar-A Scout Ranch (Boy Scout Use Only)
    Camper-submitted photo from Crooked Lake Rustic Campground — Pinckney Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Crooked Lake Rustic Campground — Pinckney Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Crooked Lake Rustic Campground — Pinckney Recreation Area

    6. Crooked Lake Rustic Campground — Pinckney Recreation Area

    2 Reviews
    5 Photos
    13 Saves
    Pinckney, Michigan

    Pinckney Recreation Area is a paradise for backpackers, mountain bikers, anglers and other recreation enthusiasts. Pinckney is known for its extensive trail system and chain of excellent fishing lakes. Over forty miles of multi-use trail with remote campsites afford a backcountry experience. Pinckney is also a short drive from the Gerald E. Eddy Discovery Center in Waterloo Recreation Area.

    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Trash

    $20 - $28 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from PINCKNEY RAILS-TO-TRAIL CAMPGROUND
    Camper-submitted photo from PINCKNEY RAILS-TO-TRAIL CAMPGROUND
    Camper-submitted photo from PINCKNEY RAILS-TO-TRAIL CAMPGROUND
    Camper-submitted photo from PINCKNEY RAILS-TO-TRAIL CAMPGROUND
    Camper-submitted photo from PINCKNEY RAILS-TO-TRAIL CAMPGROUND
    Camper-submitted photo from PINCKNEY RAILS-TO-TRAIL CAMPGROUND

    7. PINCKNEY RAILS-TO-TRAIL CAMPGROUND

    1 Review
    14 Photos
    1 Save
    Pinckney, Michigan

    Pinckney 'Rails-to-Trails' Campground is located adjacent to the Mike Levine Lakelands Trail State Park in beautiful Pinckney, Michigan and in the heart of the Pinckney Recreation Area. We are also located adjacent to the World-Famous Hell Survivors Paintball & Airsoft Playfield.

    If you are planning on playing at Hell Survivors or biking/walking the Lakeland Trail, there is no closer accommodations for camping out. We offer 62 Campsites, 18 RV Sites and Group Camping for up to 10 sites. All the sites are Rustic (no power or hookups). Perfect for Special Events & Outings or Parties!

    We also have Parking and Event Space available for you Special Event.

    Come Camp with us and Play Paintball, Hike or Bike the 'Lakeland Trail' or just Relax.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • Tents

    $30 - $50 / night

    • No image available

      8. Hilltop Campgrounds

      2 Reviews
      16 Saves
      Lapeer, Michigan
      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Electric Hookups
      • Phone Service
      • Reservable
      • ADA Access
    Show More
    Showing results 1-8 of 8 campgrounds

    Recent Tent Reviews in Detroit

    405 Reviews of 8 Detroit Campgrounds


    • Mano P.
      Camper-submitted photo from Sterling State Park Campground
      Sep. 28, 2024

      Sterling State Park Campground

      Travel Trailers

      This park will accommodate any size travel trailer? Fifth wheel camper of any kind, the pull throughs are huge. The park is enormous with lots of fishing activities. Great water, the only downfall is there's no shade. Showers and restrooms are updated and always clean.

    • DThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Indian Creek Camp & Conference Center
      Sep. 23, 2024

      Indian Creek Camp & Conference Center

      Super friendly staff

      I only stayed one night. I am a tent camper and where I was, it was only me in a fenced in area. I was right next to a cow field. The cows did not moo all night and there was no foul order. I needed no amenities so I can't vouch for that

    • Estella D.
      Camper-submitted photo from The Holly Campground
      Sep. 15, 2024

      The Holly Campground

      Such a disappointment

      We paid 500.00 for 5 days. At first our sights were so unleveled that we had to go In And request a site change. Looked to rent the bikes as pictured, NOPE they were toddle trikes.. very deceiving! First day kids were in the pool, looked a little dirty. 2nd day , 90 degree weather the

      Pool was green! We spoke with staff and they said they were working on it. They were putting little bags of shock in.. REALLY!  The pool ended up closing stating it was related to the weather!!! Rain 3 days prior! No refund offered, site dirty, grass not mowed, dirty unkept campers in the campground, no trash pick up! NEVER EVER AGAIN! Took a ride to other nearby sites… cost less, clean, offered more activities for kid.

    • D
      Camper-submitted photo from McGinnis Lake Modern Campground — Holly Recreation Area
      Aug. 26, 2024

      McGinnis Lake Modern Campground — Holly Recreation Area

      Nice but wouldn't recommend 93

      It's a very nice campground with lots of trees and the sites are spaced out nicely in the Trillium loop. I've wouldn't pick site 93 however as the pavement is sloped and the whole site is sloped quite steeple. Also, it shares an electrical box with 95 and my camper cord was about 30 ft short.

    • Reservations L.
      Camper-submitted photo from Lake Chemung Outdoor Resort
      Aug. 13, 2024

      Lake Chemung Outdoor Resort

      Great for year-round camping - Winter camping as well

      Love this campground for it's friendly people to it's great amenities. They have an indoor pool, sauna, putt putt, playground, lake  Great for Winter camping as well.

    • D G.
      Camper-submitted photo from McGinnis Lake Modern Campground — Holly Recreation Area
      Aug. 12, 2024

      McGinnis Lake Modern Campground — Holly Recreation Area

      Far Away But Close To Home

      A short trip from home, this was a great weekend getaway! The camp site was spacious but tucked back in a bit (we tent camped on an RV site). The campground was quiet as well.

      We did a 7 mile loop hike and then went to Battle Alley Brewing in Holly (10 min away).

      No grate on the firepit so be aware of that.

      Would definitely come back - it’s like being up north but you’re under an hour from home.

    • Gary G.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Sterling State Park Campground
      Aug. 7, 2024

      Sterling State Park Campground

      Nothing seems enforced here

      Stayed 5 days. Had a FHU site, of which there's a lot here. That all worked fine. Almost no trees here. None of the usual painted lines on the pavement to indicate your site boundaries, which sucks. You have to guess, and hope your neighbor doesn't spread out.

      Nothing seems enforced here, and I mean nothing. Rarely saw anyone patrolling the park, never saw any staff checking sites before the next camper came in. My site had dog droppings and cigarette butts in the firepit. Neighbors had FOUR vehicles on site, two more than the rules. Witnessed endless speeding and people going the wrong way on the roads. Without exaggerating, 80% of the cars were going too fast, 75% going the wrong way. No one seems to care or enforces anything. I think the supervisor here should be fired or retrained. I camp in 4 to 8 MI state parks per summer, this is the only one where it felt like no one cares.

      They need some "wrong way" signs and "speed limit 10" signs. (15 is too high, cause 15 means 20 to people, 10 means 15... ). Then they need to care.

      At least the bathrooms were clean.

      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.

    • N
      Camper-submitted photo from McGinnis Lake Modern Campground — Holly Recreation Area
      Jul. 31, 2024

      McGinnis Lake Modern Campground — Holly Recreation Area

      Love this place!

      I love to come here when I want a quick get away from home because it is only 30min away.

      The campsites are big,secluded, wooded, and clean. The people in the check in stand are nice, friendly, and helpful as well.

      I do wish there was more public bathrooms, it’s a long walk or a quick drive to the only flushable toilets in the campground.

      Raccoons run this place! Don’t leave any food or garbage out ever or you will be robbed by a gang of raccoons who are not afraid of people.

    • Ronald B.
      Camper-submitted photo from Hell Creek Ranch & Campground
      Jul. 29, 2024

      Hell Creek Ranch & Campground

      Great Campground

      Great out of the way campground. It was nice and quiet. Bathrooms were clean and well kept. The gentleman that checked us in moved things around so we could all be together not on different sites well away frome each other. Would definitely go there again.

    • Kimberly W.
      Camper-submitted photo from Hide Away Park Campground
      Jul. 14, 2024

      Hide Away Park Campground

      THANK YOU FOR REVIEWING

      Thank you to EVERYONE who takes time to REVIEW! ….WHEW!! This year seems every place is FULL or Closed for repairs or High polluted numbers. many are struggling finding someplace to go, and People do READ REVIEWS, and this “ OLD HAG”

      Really needs a class in “ consumer relations “ I have been in retail for 30 plus years and THE CUSTOMER IS ALWAYS RIGHT, there is NO. “ what did you do to deserve to be treated THAT way? GOOD LUCK finding a NEW JOB when you don’t have one because THIS joint gets shut down do ton Bankruptcy….. hahahaha… you may think you’re smart NOW, but when you get served a dose of you’re OWN medicine out in the REAL WORLD.. well, I’d  give anything to see that…

      Making people’s lives miserable who just want to have a good time? How fucking miserable are YOU?

    • Gary G.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Bruin Lake Campground — Pinckney Recreation Area
      Jul. 12, 2024

      Bruin Lake Campground — Pinckney Recreation Area

      Great staff, good hosts, not bad

      Camped here thru the 4th of July weekend. The staff kept noise and other stupidity tamped down. They say quiet time is all the time, and I love that.

      Typical MI state park, sites are electric (30a and/or 50a) only.

      No real beach, but there is a swimming area. Picked up Detroit TV stations easily, good for the rainy mornings we had.

      With T-Mobile, Internet service was practically non-existent. Phone calls & texts worked. The camper across from us said it was the same for Verizon.

      One section is mostly paved & ADA sites, the "upper" section is grassy and/or dirt. Both restroom/shower buildings were fine, I just wish they had posted times when they'll be closed for cleaning.

      All in all, we'd have no problem returning here.

    • C
      Camper-submitted photo from Hide Away Park Campground
      Jul. 8, 2024

      Hide Away Park Campground

      Never come here!!

      First off I can’t even give it a zero star!!! But was going here for 5 years and definitely will be the Last!! Seems office has new rules now you can’t roll your 12 by 15 carpet mats out NOMORE but a 3 by 5 mat!! Who wants that little shit if you have furbabies coming in and out of your camper? Just a lot more dirt on your inside space!!Abssolety NO SERVICE!! You gotta stand in one spot just to hold a conversation on you phone!! No WiFi to check your Home ring camera!! No WiFi even if you try and USE YOUR OWN HOT SPOT!! So not even a fire stick 😩Most off lady in the office very unprofessional!! Ask her for a discount and she got the nerve to say I DONT GOT TIME FIR THIS!!! Excuse me miss grouchy, costumers are always to be satisfied!!! You got time to take our $$$$ at least have a POSITIVE ADDITUDE !!!! This probably why your campground was so EMPTY This year but best luck to you in the future!!! NEVER AGAIN!!

    • RThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Oakland County Addison Oaks
      Jun. 21, 2024

      Oakland County Addison Oaks

      Excellent camping

      This is the second time staying in these campgrounds in two weeks. Both times stayed in the more wilderness area D with lots of trees and sites for tents or back-in trailers. The grounds are huge with bike/hike trails, a lake and a disc golf course. Mountain biking seems to be very popular there are dirt trails off the paved hiking loop. Sites have electricity and water and are well spaced out.

    • RThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Groveland Oaks County Park
      Jun. 21, 2024

      Groveland Oaks County Park

      Tent camping at Groveland Oaks County Park

      This park and campgrounds are very manicured with tons of RV, trailer and tent sites. The lake has a small shallow swimming area and beach that gets very busy during the day but less traffic right before sunset. There are lots of family activities like mini golf, kids bike courses and playgrounds. It’s a very large open family camping area. The staff are very nice and very busy making sure the grounds are perfectly maintained. I camped in the area F on the outer perimeter just down way of the beach area. I had plenty of room for my tent, awning and to park my SUV. The was electrical and water (non potable) at the site. During the weekdays I only had a few neighbors further down in tents or travel trailers. On Thursday almost all sites filled up with travel trailers. A park employee told me they would be fully booked for the next two weeks. Very nice camping, quiet. Holly Oaks Offroad park is across the street and Holly Recreation area is adjacent. Lots of great towns nearby like Fenton.

    • Chef T.
      Camper-submitted photo from The Holly Campground
      Jun. 15, 2024

      The Holly Campground

      The Holly Campground in Holly, MI, Formerly KOA endorsed

      I rarely write reviews good or bad on any business ever, but this one is a BEWARE situation and I feel that fellow campers/RVer’s need to be aware of the campground!!!!

      It has been many years since we were last at this campground. I booked a sight online for a week, thankfully it was only a week! We arrived at the campground, setup our 5th wheel, attempted to set up the WiFi, only to find they have WiFi in the store but no WiFi was available for our site. I contacted the office, spoke with the owner, she said “I will send someone out there to check the “repeater” maybe something is wrong with it because we should have WiFi”, never sent anyone that we were aware of and never called me to confirm wether or not we had the WiFi working. I drove up to the store and this nice young man informed me that the further away from the store you will not get WiFi. I told him that I spoke with the owner yesterday and she said that she was sending someone out to check the repeater and we NEVER heard back from her. He proceeded to call the owner on his cell phone, of which I could hear her talking, he said bring your computer up to the store and login, then take it back to the campsite and you should be able to login”, so I went back to the campsite grabbed my ipad, then back to the store. I was able to login to the WiFi. Went back to our site, no WiFi. This is a problem for me, not having WiFi, not only for work purposes but also TV services. I called the store, same young man told me that you do not have WiFi, you will need to come up to the store for services. I said that was unexceptionable, we were told we would have WiFi, it is also advertised online and in your brochure. He said “I can’t help you, you do not have WiFi on your site”. I let it go until the next day. 

      The campground is NOT well kept. The grass/weeds was a foot long throughout the campground, it clearly had not been mowed in a few weeks. My husband took the dogs out on our site to go potty, he came back in only to find he had ticks on him and the dogs. Most likely because the grass hadn’t been mowed. After being lied to about the wifi and now the ticks, we decided that we would need to find another campground. We are 44’ long with an 8’ deck and being a Friday we knew we had some challenges ahead of us to find another campground, but we did, thank God!

      I drove up to the office and informed them of our displeasure and that we are checking out. I said we will pay for the 2 nights we have stayed here but we would like to be refunded the balance of what we prepaid (almost $400.00 dollars), and a refund for $20.00, $10.00 for each gate key we were charged. The young man called the owner on his cell phone, she said she will not refund the money. I said to the young man that was unexceptable, and I want my money back. He said he can’t refund our money. I told him I will get my money back one way or another, and that I will warn everyone about the “real” situation of this campground, his response was “ok, have a good day”, and I left. 

      If you are interested in staying at this campground, I highly suggest you take a ride and go see it for yourself. They are very expensive, overpriced for the campground conditions and amenities , and services that are stated online and in the brochure are not accurate! If you want to save yourself the headache, disappointment and loss of your hard earned money, STAY AWAY FROM THIS CAMPGROUND!!!

    • Kelsey S.
      Camper-submitted photo from Sterling State Park Campground
      Jun. 15, 2024

      Sterling State Park Campground

      Great spot!

      Wonderful views from site 117. We booked the last spot of the night. It was an easy pull through with water, electric, and sewer hookup. You are right across from some good walking trails and walking distance to the beach. Lots of electric scooters, dogs, and bikes around.

    • JThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Groveland Oaks County Park
      Jun. 13, 2024

      Groveland Oaks County Park

      Park is nice but open to the public…

      The spaces are nice and open. The playgrounds are new. There’s and arcade and beach. The downfall is that ots open to the public. This is our 4th year coming here and its now a common occurrence for stranger danger. If you’re an adult with no kids, you’ll have a great time!

    • CThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Maumee Bay State Park Campground
      May. 16, 2024

      Maumee Bay State Park Campground

      Clean Facilities / Great Location

      Sites are large, level, and grassy with vegetation barriers between sites with mowed buddy site access at back of each site. Shower houses are limited but modern and clean. Sunday morning’s line at the dump station can get very backed up!

    • D P.
      Camper-submitted photo from Metamora-Hadley Recreation Area
      May. 13, 2024

      Metamora-Hadley Recreation Area

      OK for last minute trips.

      I have stayed here over 100 times in past thirty years. Front camp sites are better than back. Staff are friendly. The only rude person here is the camp store owner. Fishing is great, boat, kayaks, trails for everyone. If it rains everything is mud if your in the back camp section.

    • Howard M.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Pontiac Lake Recreation Area
      Apr. 29, 2024

      Pontiac Lake Recreation Area

      A great getaway that's not too far

      A very quiet campground. The sites are spread out and only 2 vehicles per site are allowed. The East campground is more open and had 3 small cabins that can be rented. The West camping is more wooded and isolated. An extensive horse back riding trail system and MTB trails are easily accessible.

    • Kevin C.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Maumee Bay State Park Campground
      Feb. 24, 2024

      Maumee Bay State Park Campground

      Big Modern But Nice

      My family only got to stay here for a night while traveling. But it was very nice, in a modern state campground kind of a way. The sites were spacious, flat, and fairly private. There was plenty of room for riding bikes around, including a paved path to the lake. One that I would go back to.

    • T
      Camper-submitted photo from Camp Agawam
      Nov. 13, 2023

      Camp Agawam

      Great retreat for Canadians

      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. This was the first year we started our trip in Toronto, thanks to a solar company at https://www.solarpowertoronto.com/ who installed solar panels on our RV. We were able to camp from Toronto to Orion Twp and had a great time. Will be doing the same next year.



    Guide to Detroit

    Tent camping near Detroit, Michigan offers a fantastic escape into nature, with a variety of campgrounds that cater to outdoor enthusiasts looking for a peaceful retreat.

    Tent campers appreciate these amenities

    • Camp Agawam provides essential amenities like drinking water, picnic tables, and toilets, making it a comfortable choice for tent campers.
    • At the Island Lake Recreation Area, you can enjoy features such as showers, firewood, and a sanitary dump station, ensuring a convenient camping experience.
    • The rustic charm of Appleton Lake Campground includes picnic tables and fire pits, perfect for cozy evenings under the stars.

    Tent campers like these nearby activities

    • Island Lake Recreation Area offers great hiking trails and opportunities for swimming and fishing, making it ideal for families and adventure seekers.
    • At Crooked Lake Rustic Campground, campers can enjoy stunning lake views and a slice of wilderness, perfect for relaxation and exploration.
    • The D-bar-A Scout Ranch provides a unique experience with horseback riding and various outdoor activities tailored for scouts and families alike.

    Tips for tent camping near Detroit

    • Arrive early at Camp Agawam to secure a good spot, especially during peak camping season when it can get busy.
    • Be prepared for wildlife encounters at Appleton Lake Campground, as raccoons and other critters may visit your campsite at night.
    • For a more secluded experience, consider the boat-in sites at Island Lake Recreation Area, which offer a backcountry feel without straying too far from the city.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Detroit, MI?

      According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Detroit, MI is Maumee Bay State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 40 reviews.

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

      TheDyrt.com has all 8 tent camping locations near Detroit, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.