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Best Tent Camping near Dimondale, MI

446 Reviews

Tent camping options around Dimondale, Michigan include several rustic and established campgrounds within driving distance. Appleton Lake Campground in Brighton offers secluded tent sites with fire rings and picnic tables, while Crooked Lake Rustic Campground in the Pinckney Recreation Area provides lake views from tent-friendly sites. Island Lake Recreation Area also maintains primitive tent camping areas accessible for weekend getaways without traveling far from the Lansing area.

Most tent campgrounds near Dimondale feature basic amenities suitable for traditional camping experiences. Sites typically include fire rings and picnic tables, though amenities vary significantly between locations. At Appleton Lake, the rustic tent sites have vault toilets that campers note are sometimes poorly maintained. Crooked Lake offers drinking water and trash collection, important considerations for tent campers planning overnight stays. Several campgrounds maintain seasonal operations, with some closing between September and May, making advance planning essential for tent campers seeking fall or spring camping opportunities.

The tent camping experience around Dimondale provides varying levels of seclusion and natural settings. Appleton Lake Campground features sites "fairly secluded from each other" with "ample space to park your vehicle and set up a tent," according to visitor reviews. Island Lake Recreation Area even offers boat-in only canoe camps that provide "a backcountry camping experience very close to town." These sites require paddling in all camping gear but reward tent campers with increased privacy. At Crooked Lake, campers appreciate the "great slice of wilderness in this part of the state," though some mention wishing for "better noise restrictions and more separated campgrounds." Tent sites throughout the region offer access to hiking trails, fishing opportunities, and paddling routes.

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Best Tent Sites Near Dimondale, Michigan (15)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Dimondale, MI

10 Photos of 15 Dimondale Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Dimondale, MI

446 Reviews of 15 Dimondale Campgrounds

  • Don H.
    Jul. 9, 2019

    Island Lake Recreation Area

    Hidden Canoe Camps

    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. The sites, Canoe Camp #1 and #2, can be only be reserved by calling or visiting the main office.

    This is an awesome place to stay, especially if you live in the area, as it provides a backcountry, boat-in camping experience very close to town. The sites each feature a fire ring and picnic table. Canoe #1 sports a floating dock to tie up boats. There is also a vault toilet, and firewood provided for both sites to share, as well recycling and trash cans.

    The sites and common area (toilet and garbage cans) are connected by short trails and you may, once in awhile, hear the folks at the site next to you. Thankfully, In my experience, people have always been friendly and respectful.

  • beth S.
    Aug. 13, 2022

    Lansing Cottonwood Campground

    Primitive Sites!

    We came to the Lansing area for a family function and stayed at one of the Primitive Sites at Cottonwood Campground. The front of the grounds did seem a bit congested and not many trees, but we had a primitive site and it was everything we wanted. We camped in hammocks and had a pretty large site with great trees that could accommodate at least three to four hammocks (siteP5). Our site had a picnic table which was very helpful to have. There are a lot of wildlife noises, owls, frogs, crickets, etc. and you can hear some of the highway traffic but the nature sounds kind of drown it out.

    Overall was a good experience and staff were friendly and the primitive sites were over half empty. We will definitely come again.

    Second night, it had rained pretty much all day. Spiders came out at alarming numbers, mostly daddy long legs and the night before, raccoons had gotten into our food storage bins by undoing the side latches on them. The next night we made sure to house trash and food items in our truck.

  • Ryan F.
    Oct. 20, 2021

    Brighton Recreation Area

    Lake Murray Rustic Sites

    This was our first camping experience in Michigan, so we weren’t exactly prepared. My rating takes this into consideration.

    First of all, if it’s rainy or muddy, you might want to think twice about entering the rustic camping area. We have a 4Runner, so it was no problem but a few little cars did slide around and have trouble on the hill by our site.

    Our site wasn’t level, so we were rolling around a bit. If I went there again I’d try to find a spot towards the end of the loop by the exit. These sites were higher and some of them were private. 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, but it would have been annoying for us. Site M22 was big and far enough away from other campers, but again not level. Probably a good location for a group of hammock campers.

    All that aside, 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.

    We didn’t have anything but our tent and a hammock with a big net so everyone got bitten up while cooking and hanging out by the fire. It was pretty miserable. Yes, I realize this is mostly our fault.

    I’ve since purchased a thermacell backpacker and some bug net hats and stuff. I’m looking into constructing an ultralight screen house that can be suspended from trees.

    The last problem was drunk campers hooting and hollering all night but that isn’t the camping areas fault.

    This place is super close to where we are living so I’ll probably schedule it next spring and come prepared. There are lots of nearby lakes and recreational trails so it’s a fun place to be with family.

  • Mike B.
    Sep. 3, 2018

    Appleton Lake Campground

    Quiet, private rustic campground

    I liked that this campground had sites that were fairly secluded from each other. Each site has a fire ring and ample space to park your vehicle and set up a tent or small trailer.

    My only complaint is the vault toilets were not clean and very full.

  • Christopher P.
    Jul. 25, 2021

    Deep Lake Rustic Campground — Yankee Springs Recreation Area - TEMPORARILY CLOSED IN 2024

    Nice rustic site

    Nice rustic campground with a beautiful lake view. Nice big fire rings. Vault toilet and water pump nearby. Some what level site but in the small side. Perfect for tent camping or a teardrop. Definitely nothing over 15'. Was able to park across from my site to maximize space.

    Gorgeous little lake town just 8 miles away has a full grocery store and restaurants.

    Campsites border the Deep Lake trail.

  • J
    Jun. 9, 2019

    Green Lake Rustic Campground — Waterloo Recreation Area

    Rustic campground near civilization

    This campground is part of the Waterloo State Recreation area, about 6 miles north of Chelsea MI. Sites are decent-sized, not much privacy between some sites. Only a couple of sites overlook the lake. Picnic table, fire ring, vault toilet and hand pump water. Quiet little campground.

  • Mike B.
    Sep. 5, 2018

    Green Lake Rustic Campground — Waterloo Recreation Area

    Rustic Campground Close to Town

    I stayed here with my kids because it was close to home and town. It makes for an easy getaway for a night or two.

    It is rustic with just vault toilets. Each site has a picnic table and a fire ring.

    The lake is not good for swimming as it is very mucky and covered in Lilly pads.

    It can fill up quick because it is close to town.

    There is a Yurt for rent here as well through the Waterloo Recreation web page.

  • Kate K.
    Aug. 22, 2019

    Waterloo Sugarloaf Modern — Waterloo Recreation Area

    A Wonderful Winter Getaway

    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. Small kitchen unit with table for eating. You had to hike in about a quarter mile to get there, and it sleeps four people with two bunk beds. 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.

Guide to Dimondale

Tent camping near Dimondale, Michigan offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts, with several campgrounds providing unique amenities and activities.

Some prices for tent camping range from $17 to $30

  • At Appleton Lake Campground, tent sites are available for around $17 a night, making it an affordable option for families and solo campers alike.
  • Moon Lake Campground offers a nostalgic camping experience, though it's worth noting that the campground area has faced closures in the past.
  • For a more luxurious stay, Wheel Inn Campground provides well-maintained facilities, with prices reflecting its highly rated status.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Dimondale, MI?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Dimondale, MI is Wheel Inn Campground with a 5-star rating from 1 review.

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TheDyrt.com has all 15 tent camping locations near Dimondale, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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