Virginia C.
Scout
ScoutKamp 42 Degrees Campground
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Was only aloud 5 people on entire camp ground. We had 4 in our group it looked run down and no bath house. We had to find another camp site last min.
Cabin Camping near Dexter, MI
7 campgrounds with availability this weekend
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Several cabin camping options exist near Dexter, Michigan within state recreation areas and private campgrounds. Bishop Lake Campground in Brighton Recreation Area and Bruin Lake Campground in Pinckney Recreation Area offer cabin accommodations with varying amenities. Most cabins include electricity, beds, and basic furnishings, while some feature heating for year-round use. Cabins are typically located near shower facilities and modern restrooms. One camper noted, "Bruin Lake is 30 min from home for us so a great quick weekend getaway."
Rustic and modern cabins are available depending on location. Detroit/Ann Arbor KOA provides cabin rentals with more amenities than state park options. Camp Dearborn and Waterloo Recreation Area also feature cabin accommodations. Most cabins require advance reservations, particularly during summer months when availability becomes limited. Pet policies vary by location, with many sites allowing pets for an additional fee. A recent review mentioned, "The sites were spaced and wooded for shade and privacy," which applies to many cabin areas in these recreation zones.
Most cabins include beds but require visitors to bring their own linens, towels, and toiletries. Kitchen facilities vary significantly between locations, with some offering only outdoor fire rings and picnic tables while others include small refrigerators or microwaves. Firewood is typically available for purchase at campground offices or nearby stores. Camp stores at Brighton Recreation Area and some other locations sell basic provisions and camping supplies. The proximity to towns like Dexter, Chelsea, and Pinckney means grocery stores are within reasonable driving distance for additional supplies.
Best Cabin Campgrounds near Dexter (48)
1. Bishop Lake Campground — Brighton Recreation Area
"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."
"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."
106 Sites AvailableAvailable this weekend
from $32 - $37 / night
2. Bruin Lake Campground — Pinckney Recreation Area
"This is a small rustic campground within the Pinckney Recreation Area."
"The lake was very warm and the swimming area had a nice depth gradient to satisfy good and not-so-good swimmers. The water was clean and the texture of the lake floor was comfortable for wading."
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $30 - $100 / night
3. Sugarloaf Campground — Waterloo Recreation Area
"We stayed in the Southfork Rustic Cabin at the end of Feb and it was lovely much needed get away. The cabin was semi modern (solar lighting) but only a wood stove for heat."
"This is a nice place to camp if you dont mind the bigger parks. There is electrical on each site and is mostly a place for campers and RVs. There are fire pits and picnic tables at each site."
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $35 - $160 / night
4. Portage Lake Modern — Waterloo Recreation Area
"Picnic tables,fire ring, primitive tent sites available!"
"We purchased our new rPod 193 late in the fall and have been dying to give it a test camp and Michigan Winter Weather gave us a great opportunity the week after Christmas (2021)."
97 Sites AvailableAvailable this weekend
from $35 - $160 / night
5. Camp Dearborn
"They offer campsites full hookups pet friendly They offer electric only no pets they offer campsites no pets.
They have a tent only section."
"We’ve 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."
Check Availabilityfrom $47 / night
6. Island Lake Recreation Area
"Island Lake Recreation Area is home to two Huron River Canoe Camps. The sites are boat-in only (!) meaning you must haul any and all gear in a kayak or canoe for your stay."
"Island lake really does feel like you’re up north with the hours spent on I-75. There are great hiking trails that give novice and Intermediate hikers a chance to sharpen their skills."
2 Sites AvailableAvailable this weekend
from $20 - $108 / night
7. Proud Lake Recreation Area
"First time out with the camper and we wanted to stay close to home so we found a campground right outside the city. You couldn't tell how close we were because there were so many trees in the area."
"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."
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $32 - $286 / night
8. Detroit/Ann Arbor KOA
"Lots of pull through sites lots of tree shaded lots gives you that rustic camping feel with all the amenities."
"And God was with me the entire journey from Virginia to this Blessed Ground in Michigan. Seems forever had I longed for so much Peace and Quiet. Forever grateful am I. 😇🥰"
9. W. J. Hayes State Park Campground
"Our site was the perfect spot for two tents and a hammock, and I loved the fire pit and table being next to the driveway. There’s electric at every site, and a paved driveway for RVs."
"We stayed in a tent on site 32, this was a very nice campground, peaceful, with trails and ample shade."
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $35 - $160 / night
10. Indian Creek Camp & Conference Center
"Pool, nice playground, small putt putt course, rec room and other activities available."
"The cons: sites are very small unless you book an "Eagle" site. There was 7 ft from our stairs to the neighbors camper.
- you have to pay extra for everything including putt putt."
Check Availabilityfrom $38 - $60 / night
Drive Time
- 9 min from Ann Arbor, MI
- 31 min from Jackson, MI
- 41 min from Detroit, MI
- 46 min from Monroe, MI
Recent Cabin Photos near Dexter, MI
6 Photos of 48 Dexter Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Cabin Reviews near Dexter, MI
414 Reviews of 48 Dexter Campgrounds
Diane R.
TravelerDetroit/Ann Arbor KOA
Home State Kudos
I came, desperate and exhausted...I saw, an opportunity for an extended stay...I conquered, my inexperience was met with warmth and accommodating camp attendants and camp neighbors. And God was with me the entire journey from Virginia to this Blessed Ground in Michigan. Seems forever had I longed for so much Peace and Quiet. Forever grateful am I. 😇🥰
- JJohn S.Scout
Proud Lake Recreation Area
Peaceful area.
The lake is very weedy. But silver lake or Bishop lakes are close.
Michael M.
GuideSterling State Park Campground
Nice stop
Sterling State Park, Quick Two-Night Stay
We stopped at Sterling State Park for two nights and had a really nice stay. We were on an electric-only site, but the view and the short walk to the beach were awesome.
If you can score one of the sites along the edge of the campground that overlooks the beach, or one that backs up to the woods, I’d definitely recommend it. Those sites have a much better setting. Most of the other sites are more out in the open, with very little shade and not much of a view.
The central part of the campground feels busy and crowded, but surprisingly, most of the sites are actually spaced out pretty well. We didn’t use the bathhouse, so we can’t comment on its cleanliness or condition.
The campground itself was neatly mowed, and the staff seemed to do a good job keeping up with the grounds and general maintenance. We didn’t notice much trash or anything else that would be a negative.
The beach right in front of the campground was probably our favorite part. It was clean, spacious, and never seemed particularly busy while we were there.
Overall, Sterling State Park was a great stop for a couple of nights. If you can get one of the better-located sites, especially along the beach or woods, it makes the stay even better.
Justin O.GuideLake Hudson Recreation Area
Pretty average
Had to buy this campsite because there’s damn near nothing for dispersed in Michigan. Lotta kids screaming into the night, campsites are in sight of each other, lots of mosquitoes, but yknow what can you really expect? I think upwards of $30 is a rip-off, I can’t even find an electrical hook-up if I wanted one. Granted, I got here at night and didn’t look very hard. It’d be 5 stars if it were 15 bucks, which is what I think its worth.
- JJosue S.Scout
Sunny's Campground
Amazing camp
The staff is super friendly, helpful. I enjoyed staying at this camp. The only negative point is that there are not many lots with full hookup. Everything is 10 minutes away.
- ssusan V.Scout
Indian Creek Camp & Conference Center
Nice family campground
Pool, nice playground, small putt putt course, rec room and other activities available. We are retired and just needed overnight camping and the only site available was tiny and right on the curve of the road. Our firepit and picnic table were less than 10 feet from the road so not private at all. We felt it was overpriced for the site. Others were better but none very private(smallish and no trees).
Gary G.GuideSterling State Park Campground
State Park, almost zero trees
Why the Dyrt has this place listed under "glamping" is beyond me. This is very far from that. A state park, some FHU sites, some pull thru, but it's almost like camping in a prairie. There's so very few trees here, so almost every site will be full sun. Full, blisteringly hot, sun.
It's an ok campground, but that's it. Host (each time we were there) did nothing that we could see. People tend to drive fast here, even staff.
It's right on Lake Erie, which can be good/bad, depending on if the toxic algae blooms are occuring.
City of Monroe is nearby for whatever you might need. (Aldi, etc)
Even though this park is close, it's just not one we like to choose because of the barren feel of the place. (We've been here three times)
- Gary G.Guide
Metamora-Hadley Recreation Area
Nice state park
As usual, there's only electric at sites, but the pedestals seem fairly new, and tight. South loop is nicely wooded & has a newer, larger restroom/shower building, not much lake view. The north loop is a little less wooded, with the NW end having a little better lake views, but a pretty ancient restroom/shower facility.
Across the lake is the day use area with a beach and concession stand. (There's a small camp store in the north loop.)
ADA Only sites are asphalt paved. Some of the regular sites could be a challenge to get level on, but the rangers told me they have wood blocks for loan if you don't have enough.
Our first night & a half, we had some terrible neighbors two sites over. Constant profanities, yelling at & threatening their kids... real dirtbags. Rangers booted them from the park! Good to see them taking such positive action. I have not run into a single staff member here that wasn't pleasant.
This was our first time here. A test run, since it's only an hour from home (but feels farther). We'll be back for sure. (Especially with gas prices so high anymore.)
T-Mobile was only slow LTE at our site, but our Starlink worked perfectly at our site. Might be harder to get a clear shot in the more wooded areas of the park.
Guide to Dexter
Cabin accommodations near Dexter, Michigan range from simple rustic structures to modern facilities with electricity and heating systems. Located in the rolling hills of southeastern Michigan, cabins in this region provide access to over 25,000 acres of protected recreation land with elevations ranging from 850-1,050 feet above sea level. Winter temperatures can drop below 10°F while summer averages 80-85°F during peak camping months.
What to do
Kayaking on Proud Lake: Access boat rentals directly through Proud Lake Recreation Area for exploring the Huron River connection. "We had a blast paddling the lake. The kayak livery is right on site with reasonable rates," notes a visitor to Proud Lake Recreation Area.
Mountain biking on dedicated trails: Pinckney Recreation Area offers interconnected trail systems for mountain bikers of various skill levels. A visitor mentioned, "We loved the trails for Mountain Bikes that are close to the Campsite! They are super fun!!" according to a review from Bruin Lake Campground.
Winter camping in heated cabins: Several parks maintain year-round cabins with wood stoves for cold-weather adventures. One winter camper at Waterloo Recreation Area shared, "Had the pleasure of visiting first weekend in February, on the coldest weekend of the year! Nice little cabin set in about 800' from where you park. It has a table, wood stove, and 4 sets of bunks in a back room."
What campers like
Private wooded cabin sites: Some cabins offer separation from neighboring sites with natural barriers. A reviewer at Brighton Recreation Area noted, "Our site was large and had trees, lit path to the bathroom, and easy access to hiking trails and raft/boat launch."
Family-oriented activities: Camp Dearborn provides structured recreation programs throughout the summer season. According to a visitor, "They have activities for both children and adults, two beautiful beaches, a pool, tennis courts, and now a zip line. Options for camping range from tent sites to luxury cabins."
Winter scenery from cabin windows: Some cabins provide excellent views even during off-season months. A winter visitor to Portage Lake Campground described, "We had a great view of Portage Lake from our rPod window. And we captured a sunset, some snowfall, and saw more stars than we've seen in a long time."
What you should know
Mosquito preparation essential: Due to proximity to lakes and marshes, insect activity can be intense at certain cabins. One camper at Brighton Recreation Area explained, "When we rolled in the first thing we noticed was that everyone had screen houses set up... everyone got bitten up while cooking and hanging out by the fire. It was pretty miserable."
Cabin spacing varies significantly: Some cabin areas have limited privacy between units. At Waterloo Sugarloaf Modern, a camper observed, "The trees offer shade, but are spaced out enough that a group can pull their campers around for privacy."
Off-season facility limitations: During winter months, some amenities close while others remain accessible. A winter visitor noted, "It was quiet, due in large part to being nearly vacant this time of year. We did have one neighbor for one of our 4 nights and were surprised at how close the spots were."
Tips for camping with families
Beach access for children: Multiple cabin locations include swimming areas with designated child-friendly zones. A visitor to W.J. Hayes State Park mentioned, "The day use area has a nice big grass picnic area. The beach is pretty small but it's still a beach."
Supervised recreation programs: Several parks offer ranger-led activities during peak season. One camper noted, "There is a host site with activities and a lending library for books and some sporting equipment."
Playgrounds near cabin areas: Many cabin locations include playground equipment within walking distance. A visitor observed, "It has a very nice play area for the children and clean bathrooms. The boat launch was near our camp site which was nice not having to leave the campground."
Tips for RVers
Paved sites for easy setup: Some cabin areas also offer improved RV sites with hard surfaces. According to a winter visitor, "The best part of this campsite was the fact that it was paved! It was so easy setting up and tearing down. No mud, muck, or dirt."
Advance measurement verification: Cabin areas with RV sites often have length limitations. An RVer cautioned, "If your longer than 40ft be aware most sites will not work for you here, they do have some but the wood line, privacy and nature is great."
Electric hookup variations: Power options range from basic 15-amp to full 50-amp service. A camper mentioned, "There is electrical on each site and is mostly a place for campers and RVs. There are fire pits and picnic tables at each site."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular cabin
campsite near Dexter, MI?
Which is the most popular cabin campsite near Dexter, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular cabin campground near Dexter, MI is Bishop Lake Campground — Brighton Recreation Area with a 4.3-star rating from 30 reviews.
What is the best site to find
cabin camping near
Dexter, MI?
What is the best site to find cabin camping near Dexter, MI?
TheDyrt.com has all 48 cabin camping locations near Dexter, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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