J
John S.
Scout
ScoutProud Lake Recreation Area
Peaceful area.
The lake is very weedy. But silver lake or Bishop lakes are close.
Camping near Dexter, MI
109 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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Camping areas surrounding Dexter, Michigan span from rustic backcountry sites to full-service campgrounds, primarily within the Pinckney and Waterloo Recreation Areas. The region includes notable options like Hell Creek Ranch Campground and Bishop Lake Campground, offering various accommodation types including tent sites, RV hookups, cabins, and yurts. Most campgrounds lie within a 20-minute drive of Dexter, providing a convenient wilderness escape for visitors from nearby Ann Arbor and Detroit metro areas.
Seasonal considerations significantly impact camping availability throughout the area, with most developed campgrounds operating between April and November. Several campgrounds including Brighton Recreation Area remain open year-round for winter camping opportunities. "The lake was amazing to swim at night," noted one visitor to Blind Lake Campground, highlighting the region's recreational water access. Reservations are strongly recommended for weekend camping during summer months when waterfront sites fill quickly. Pinckney Recreation Area features both drive-in campgrounds with modern amenities and more remote hike-in options like Blind Lake Rustic Campground, accessible via a 7-mile trail.
Waterfront camping represents a particular highlight across the Dexter camping landscape, with lakes offering swimming, fishing and boating opportunities. Campers report high satisfaction with lakeside sites, though they note varying levels of privacy between campgrounds. "Great out of the way campground. It was nice and quiet," remarked a visitor to Hell Creek Ranch, while others mentioned the excellent trail access at several campgrounds. The Potawatomi Trail system connects multiple camping areas, making the region popular with hikers and mountain bikers seeking multi-day adventures. Bathroom facilities range from modern shower houses at developed campgrounds to basic vault toilets at rustic sites. Cell service remains reliable at most campgrounds due to proximity to urban areas, though reception may be limited at more remote sites within the recreation areas.
Best Campgrounds near Dexter (109)
1. Bishop Lake Campground — Brighton Recreation Area
"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."
"Great family place with paved and dirt biking/hiking trails. Very nice beach with grass and sand. There are 2 areas of inflatables, one of them is for the little kids 48 in. and under."
from $32 - $37 / night
Check Availability2. Blind Lake Rustic Campground — Pinckney Recreation Area
"Nice place to camp right on the lake. It's a 7 mile hike in(can also be accessed via boat), part of the Potowatomi loop trail(~18 miles) located in Waterloo-Pinckney recreation area."
"Camp ground is located along the Potawatomi Trail in Pinckney Recreation area. Bikers head the opposite direction from hikers. The route I followed was about 8 miles in to Blind Lake."
from $20 / night
Check Availability3. Bruin Lake Campground — Pinckney Recreation Area
"There is a new large playground structure and nice but short paved path for kids to bike or scooter around."
"On Crooked Lake, it has 25 sites, two of which are right on the water; #7 is full sun, larger, and 20 is sun/shade and tucked away in the back of the campground."
from $30 - $120 / night
Check Availability4. Green Lake Rustic Campground — Waterloo Recreation Area
"The lack of cover between sites gave everyone a nice view of the lake from our tents on our inland sites, which was beautiful."
"I stayed at #6 and had a beautiful view of the lake. There is muddy lake access on that site and I paddled from there in my kayak. There is an official boat launch nearby."
from $20 - $100 / night
Check Availability5. Hell Creek Ranch & Campground
"Direct connections to the Waterloo Pinckney trail system. Near Hell, Michigan and Chelsea, Michigan. Large pool in season. Priced reasonably."
"Wow.. what a nice little getaway in Hell, Michigan area! Camp host, “Lightening” is a friendly and helpful guy who NEVER stopped working (except to chat with campers here and there)."
from $20 - $35 / night
Check Availability6. Sugarloaf Campground — Waterloo Recreation Area
"It is usually easy to get multiple sites next to each other with reservations.
There is a decent sandy beach here with a playground and volleyball net.""There is an outside vault toilet behind the cabin. Lots of trails connecting the cabin to the rest of the park. Cheap too! Only $68 per night."
from $35 - $160 / night
Check Availability7. Murray Lake Campground — Brighton Recreation Area
"This was our first camping experience in Michigan, so we weren’t exactly prepared. My rating takes this into consideration."
"This often overlooked campground is part of Brighton Recreation area in lower Michigan. Only 25 sites, with no electricity and vault toilets. Pump water available."
from $20 / night
Check Availability8. Appleton Lake Campground — Brighton Recreation Area
"Close by but up north feel."
"Picnic table pit ring outside toilets best site was 24 17$ dollars a night 3 parks Brighton recreational is for Rv and electric sites indoor plumbing hot showers Murry is only for weekend visits Appleton"
from $20 / night
Check Availability9. Haas Lake Park RV Campground
"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."
10. Portage Lake Modern — Waterloo Recreation Area
"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)."
"It is a bit of a walk to get to but is handicap accessible.
There are two bathrooms throughout the loop and one at the beach."from $35 - $160 / night
Check Availability
Drive Time
- 9 min from Ann Arbor, MI
- 31 min from Jackson, MI
- 41 min from Detroit, MI
- 46 min from Monroe, MI
Recent Camping Photos near Dexter, MI
148 Photos of 109 Dexter Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Blind Lake Rustic Campground — Pinckney Recreation Area
PINCKNEY RAILS-TO-TRAIL CAMPGROUNDD
Green Lake Rustic Campground — Waterloo Recreation AreaA
Bruin Lake Campground — Pinckney Recreation Area
Bishop Lake Campground — Brighton Recreation Area
Appleton Lake Campground — Brighton Recreation AreaP
Murray Lake Campground — Brighton Recreation Area
Sugarloaf Campground — Waterloo Recreation AreaK
Pines Rustic Campground — Waterloo Recreation Area
Portage Lake Modern — Waterloo Recreation Area
Holiday RV Campground
Carlandia CannaCampc
Recent Reviews near Dexter, MI
612 Reviews of 109 Dexter Campgrounds
Alexis B.ScoutLake Interstate State Game Area- Dispersed Camping
Not bad for an overnight spot
No camping spots just a dirt parking lot.
Justin S.ScoutGreen Lake Rustic Campground — Waterloo Recreation Area
Awesome place
It's a nice Lil tucked back campground with a nice Lil fishing lake its quite and relaxing been here a few times this year so far plan on a few more
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).
Austin R.ScoutLansing Cottonwood Campground
Randos in your site late at night
This place is a weird one for sure, they’ll let you do whatever you want there, even wander into random tent sites asking minors for alcohol and drugs.
We planned on camping here longer but after an evening where a drunk camper pursued our coolers at 1 in the morning and then asked our teenagers who’d were sleeping in tents if they had any alcohol or weed.
We told management of the incident, they did nothing. We also told them of the Lansing homeless who were coming in the early morning hours to use the facilities… nothing.
So if you like randoms in your site late at night, this is the campsite for you.
- Carl D.Scout
Wiregrass Lake Metropark
Easy access
Clean,quiet, convenient and easy access
Guide to Dexter
Camping sites near Dexter, Michigan range from lakeside settings to rustic forest experiences across three primary recreation areas. The terrain consists mostly of glacial features with rolling hills, kettle lakes, and oak-hickory forests at elevations between 850-1000 feet. Winter camping options remain available at several campgrounds when temperatures typically range between 15-30°F from December through February.
What to do
Water activities on multiple lakes: At Bishop Lake Campground, visitors enjoy a unique water feature called Jump Island. "It's connected but costs money. $15 for a 45 minute jump session. Follow on Facebook for coupons," notes Beth G. The area includes "nice lake water" with "shade trees" around the swimming area.
Mountain biking on dedicated trails: The DTE mountain bike trail system connects with Green Lake Rustic Campground. "You can bike a few miles in to Chelsea, a very cute town with shops, restaurants, brewery and distillery," shares Melissa B., who described it as "a nice quick getaway from Ann Arbor."
Hiking various trail systems: The Waterloo-Pinckney Trail offers extended hiking opportunities. Michael S. from Blind Lake Campground reports: "Hiked the complete potawatomi trail (18 miles) great site for lakeview but #3 looked to be the best with swimming access... Great place to train and get your trail legs as well as test out new gear."
What campers like
Accessibility to multiple water bodies: Sugarloaf Modern Campground provides well-maintained water access. "Nice flat campsites near the beach area. 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," writes Debra B.
Quiet rustic options: Rustic campgrounds offer more seclusion than full-service options. Murray Lake Campground receives praise for its "extremely spacious and private wooded sites and so peaceful. No amenities at Murray Lake, but campers have use of showers, dumpsters at the developed Brighton Lake campground just 6 mins away," explains Jackie C.
Year-round access to nature: Several campgrounds remain open through winter. Mike S. describes his experience at Waterloo's rustic cabin: "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 you should know
Varied levels of privacy between sites: Site layouts differ substantially between campgrounds. At Brighton Recreation Area, Ryan F. warns about Murray Lake's rustic area: "I'd examine the map carefully because some of the sites were horrendously open and basically on the road. Maybe good for a vehicle with a rooftop tent or a trailer of some sort."
Insect considerations: Mosquitoes can be intense at certain campgrounds. "The biggest problem was mosquito activity. The camping area sits on an inaccessible lake with a marsh area. When we rolled in the first thing we noticed was that everyone had screen houses set up," reports Ryan F. about Brighton Recreation Area.
Reservation requirements vary: Booking processes differ between campgrounds. At Green Lake Rustic Campground, Rob notes: "I would recommend getting a reservation before showing up. They have laminated signs posted on the campsites to let you know which ones are taken... In the morning I was told by the DNR that most weekends are booked solid."
Tips for camping with families
Look for sites with dedicated play areas: Haas Lake Park offers family-friendly amenities. According to Jennifer F., "Sites where huge and the campground was so clean and beautiful!" The campground includes multiple lakes and recreational facilities.
Consider campground layout for group camping: Some campgrounds accommodate larger family gatherings. Gary E. comments about Haas Lake Park: "The round area's with the sites on the outside and common area on the inside make for a great group type setup."
Find campgrounds with varied terrain options: Multiple recreational options keep families engaged. Brighton Recreation Area offers "Large campsite with trees, lit path to the bathroom, and easy access to hiking trails and raft/boat launch," according to Brianna S.
Tips from RVers
Check site dimensions carefully: RV sites vary considerably in size and layout. Beth G. notes about Sugarloaf Modern Campground: "Site was a little small for our 38foot - we had to go sideways which opened us up to other campers. Not my favorite. No WiFi or sprint service."
Look for campgrounds with full hookup options: Several campgrounds offer varied hookup levels. Martin W. rates Sugarloaf Modern 4 stars but notes the "only downfall is no water hookups on site," despite electrical being available.
Consider proximity to services: Many camping areas near Dexter provide access to urban amenities. Jason F. describes Hell Creek Ranch Campground: "Great private campground with rustic, elec, water/elec (30 amp), and concrete pad sites. Very clean campground with nice shower house. Near Hell, Michigan and Chelsea, Michigan."
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the campgrounds located in Dexter?
Where are the campgrounds located in Dexter?
While Dexter itself has limited camping options, several excellent campgrounds are located in the surrounding area. Waterloo Portage Lake Modern — Waterloo Recreation Area is situated approximately 15 miles west of Dexter, offering easy access for visitors wanting to explore Ann Arbor. For overnight parking options closer to Dexter, Cabela's Dundee provides a convenient stop about 30 minutes south, with a large parking lot that accommodates RVs and is conveniently located near the highway. Other nearby options include Brighton Recreation Area and Proud Lake Recreation Area, all within a reasonable driving distance from Dexter.
What amenities are available at Dexter campgrounds?
What amenities are available at Dexter campgrounds?
Campgrounds near Dexter offer a range of amenities to enhance your outdoor experience. Proud Lake Recreation Area provides spacious campsites with lake views and exceptionally clean bathrooms, all within a short drive from major Michigan cities. Brighton Recreation Area features both modern and rustic camping options with varied terrain. Other campgrounds in the region typically offer electrical hookups, modern restrooms and shower facilities, water access, and recreational opportunities like hiking trails, fishing, and swimming beaches. Some parks also provide boat rentals, playgrounds, and nature programs. Amenities vary by location, so check specific campground details before planning your trip.
What camping is available near Dexter, MI?
What camping is available near Dexter, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, Dexter, MI offers a wide range of camping options, with 109 campgrounds and RV parks near Dexter, MI and 1 free dispersed camping spot.
Which is the most popular campground near Dexter, MI?
Which is the most popular campground near Dexter, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Dexter, MI is Bishop Lake Campground — Brighton Recreation Area with a 4.3-star rating from 30 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Dexter, MI?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Dexter, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Dexter, MI.
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