Best Tent Camping near Dryden, MI
Tent campsites near Dryden, Michigan include several rustic options within a 30-mile radius. Appleton Lake Campground offers secluded tent sites with fire rings and ample space for primitive tent setups, while P.L. Graham Park & Campground (formerly Chicagami Boy Scout Camp) provides affordable tent camping along the Black River with sites priced at $15 per night. Island Lake Recreation Area, though farther away, features unique boat-in tent camping accessible only by canoe or kayak.
Most primitive tent campgrounds in the region feature basic amenities suited for self-sufficient campers. Sites typically include fire rings, though picnic tables are not guaranteed at all locations. P.L. Graham Park offers vault toilets described as "very well lit and very bright with white paint and solar lights," plus access to drinking water from a hydrant. Appleton Lake provides rustic tent camping with vault toilets, though reviews mention these facilities can be inconsistently maintained. Firewood is available for purchase at several locations, with P.L. Graham Park prohibiting outside wood. A camper noted that the caretaker at P.L. Graham "brought us wood for our fire and it was well worth the fee for the amount he gave us."
Tent camping experiences vary across these primitive areas, with each offering distinct advantages. Appleton Lake Campground features sites "that were fairly secluded from each other" according to visitor feedback, providing privacy not commonly found at developed campgrounds. The wooded sites create an "up north feel" despite being relatively close to urban areas. P.L. Graham Park offers both wooded tent sites and open areas near the water, with a caretaker on-site who receives consistently positive mentions in reviews. For those seeking a more adventurous tent camping experience, Island Lake Recreation Area's canoe camps provide a backcountry feel with the convenience of being near town, featuring a floating dock for boats and shared amenities between sites. Campers should be aware that ticks have been reported at some locations, particularly at Appleton Lake.