Tent camping near Dryden, Michigan offers sites within a 30-mile radius with multiple campgrounds ranging from rustic to more developed options. The area features varied terrain between 800-1,000 feet elevation with mixed hardwood forests dominating the landscape. Summer temperatures typically range from 60-85°F, with higher humidity levels from June through August creating favorable conditions for primitive camping.
What to do
Paddling opportunities: Island Lake Recreation Area features boat-in only Huron River Canoe Camps accessible exclusively by kayak or canoe. As one camper explains, "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 site includes a floating dock for tying up boats at Canoe Camp #1.
Fishing access: Several campgrounds provide fishing opportunities for tent campers. At Camp Agawam, visitors report good catches: "We did a lil walk around the grounds and saw a few people fishing and they had some catches." The park also includes disc golf, an outdoor amphitheater with concerts, and playground equipment.
Trail exploration: Brighton's rustic camping areas offer hiking trails suitable for various skill levels. One camper at Island Lake Recreation Area notes, "There are great hiking trails that give novice and Intermediate hikers a chance to sharpen their skills. Signs are well marked throughout the park."
What campers like
Secluded sites: Appleton Lake Campground offers more privacy than typical developed campgrounds. A visitor mentioned, "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."
Affordable camping: P.L. Graham Park & Campground provides economical tent camping at $15 per night. A camper shared: "We showed up fresh off the road from AZ starting a new life here in the great state of Michigan. Two gentlemen met us right at the entrance they seemed to be doing work around the area. The Manager was on the tractor and greeted us right away."
Nearby recreation: Despite feeling remote, many tent camping options remain close to additional activities. One visitor to Island Lake Recreation Area stated, "Island lake really does feel like you're up north with the hours spent on I-75... Great location without having to drive too far."
What you should know
Wildlife encounters: Be prepared for possible wildlife interactions at some campgrounds. A camper at Appleton Lake Campground warned, "The camp site itself was nice, but once it got dark, we were fighting off about 10 raccoons all night." Another mentioned, "Watch out for ticks though."
Restroom conditions: Vault toilet quality varies significantly between campgrounds. At P.L. Graham Park, facilities are "very will lit and very bright with white paint and solar lights," while a visitor to Appleton Lake noted, "My only complaint is the vault toilets were not clean and very full."
Wood regulations: Some campgrounds have strict firewood policies. At P.L. Graham Park, "You can NOT bring your own wood in." However, the campground sells wood bundles: "He sold us a great bundle of wood for 10$!!!"
Tips for camping with families
Activity-rich options: Crystal Creek Christian Campground provides numerous family-friendly amenities. A visitor noted, "Amenities including but not limited to horse shoes, swimming (man dug pond) hiking, basketball, volleyball and etc. No alcohol allowed as this is a Christian campground but for all the amenities it is extremely affordable!"
Budget-friendly sites: Several campgrounds offer economical tent camping options for families. Crystal Creek provides tiered pricing: "$30 a night 30/50 amp full hook up ... don't need 30+ amp but want sewer as well only $25 a night 15 amp full hook up or as low as $20 for 15 amp water n electric only! Want the full camping ambiance $15 a night for rustic tent camping!"
Space considerations: P.L. Graham Park provides ample room for families. One camper reported, "There are 10 spots. This a first come, first served campground. There is ample space between campgrounds. A fire pit is located at each of the sites. It's not a constructed firepit, rather one in the dirt surrounded by rocks."
Tips from RVers
Seasonal camping options: Genesee Otter Lake Campground offers both temporary and seasonal camping. One RVer noted, "It was clear that all of the lakefront sites are seasonal site…in fact most of the campground were seasonal sites."
Campground amenities: For RVers seeking more developed facilities near Dryden, multiple options exist. At Crystal Creek Christian Campground, campers can find "Almost 150 sites including rustic, full hook up, cabins and even just over a handful of park model units to reserve for your family to come stay and enjoy all the amenities they offer."
Site selection advice: When reserving sites, research carefully. At Genesee Otter Lake Campground, a camper warned, "We rented for 120 a night a lake front campsite with a boat. We were given a rock and dirt pad that over looked a swamp area. Our campsite had goose poop everywhere and did not have a boat."
