Camping near Eaton Rapids, Michigan offers sites across a region of rolling hills and wetlands with elevation ranging from 850-950 feet above sea level. The camping season typically runs May through October with summer daytime temperatures averaging 75-85°F and nighttime temperatures dropping to 55-65°F. Most campgrounds close during winter months due to harsh Michigan conditions and frozen ground.
What to do
Fishing access: Rockeys Campground provides excellent fishing opportunities across their chain of five lakes. A visitor noted, "Rockey's is on a chain of 5 lakes and has some of the best fishing!" The campground serves as a prime location for catching largemouth bass and bluegill.
Mountain biking: Fort Custer Recreation Area features extensive trail systems for mountain biking enthusiasts. One camper mentioned, "Endless hiking trails and two lakes where you can fish, swim, and boat." Fort Custer has dedicated mountain bike trails on one side of the recreation area with horse trails circling the outside edge.
Disc golf: Waterloo Recreation Area maintains a disc golf course within the camping area. According to a reviewer, "Nice mix of camping & Disc golf. The course is mowed down and easy to navigate." The course offers a recreational option beyond water activities for campers of all skill levels.
What campers like
Secluded sites: Travel Trailer Club of the Midwest provides campers with a quiet retreat. A visitor shared, "Great place to recharge. Close to small towns that have cars shows, parades, yardsales, and roadside vegetable stands." The campground maintains a rustic atmosphere while still offering basic amenities.
Primitive camping options: Lansing Cottonwood Campground offers primitive sites set away from the main camping area. A camper explained, "We had a primitive site and it was everything we wanted. We camped in hammocks and had a pretty large site with great trees." Their primitive sites feature natural surroundings with wildlife sounds including owls, frogs, and crickets.
Clean facilities: Camp Turkeyville RV Resort maintains exceptionally clean facilities. A reviewer stated, "Family campground with restaurant, gift shop, camp store, ice cream parlor, and heated pool," adding that the campground has "showers and a camp store...everything looks updated recently." Many visitors note the daily trash pickup service at individual campsites.
What you should know
Seasonal limitations: Camping at Lake Interstate State Game Area comes with important restrictions. According to a reviewer, "Per michigan laws; STATE LAND RULE – GAME AREAS – EXCERPT(S) 926 On state game or wildlife areas it is unlawful to: • Camp between May 15 and September 10, except in areas specifically designated for camping." No designated camping spots appear on official maps.
Site spacing concerns: Some campgrounds offer more privacy than others. At Camp Turkeyville, a visitor noted, "The only negative is the campground is basically in a field with very little trees and the sites are close together." Similarly, at Sleepy Hollow State Park, electrical hookups can be challenging as "most electrical posts are designed to accommodate at least 2 adjoining lots, and as many as 4...the posts are way too far away to reach without an extension."
Affordable options: Eaton County Fairgrounds provides budget-friendly camping with basic amenities. A camper shared, "Only $20 nightly, full hookup, nice wooded sites. Very peaceful when there are no ongoing events." The fairgrounds offers a large bathhouse with showers without requiring reservations.
Tips for camping with families
Kids' activities: Wheel Inn Campground maintains clean facilities in a family-friendly environment. A visitor mentioned, "Very clean and nice camp ground. The owners are very nice and don't bother you." The campground offers electric and water hookups with a market on-site for family supplies.
Swimming options: Waterloo Recreation Area features a beach area for families. One camper noted, "The campground is great, but the beach area is very mucky and dirty. Seaweed just floats around and gets tangled around your legs and arms all the time." Despite this drawback, many families enjoy the dedicated swimming area and playground equipment.
Special events: Camp Turkeyville organizes regular activities for children. A reviewer stated, "Very laid back. Family oriented. Plenty of things for the kids to do." The campground includes volleyball pits, playgrounds, and horseshoe pits to keep children engaged throughout their stay.
Tips for RVers
Hookup availability: Eaton County Fairgrounds provides affordable sites with essential hookups. A camper shared, "My husband and I had a wonderful experience the website was well informed; pull in and pick your own site and the site manager will come by and collect your money for night stayed." The fairground offers water and electric hookups with a dump station on-site.
Site surface types: Fort Custer Recreation Area provides accessible sites for various RV sizes. A visitor noted, "Sites are easy to get in and out of with RV/TT." However, another mentioned that "Since there are no water or sewer hook ups, lines at the dump/fill station can get long," suggesting RVers arrive with full freshwater tanks and empty waste tanks.
Electrical considerations: Sleepy Hollow State Park requires additional planning for electrical connections. A camper reported, "We finally got set up with an extension cord from the camp office," adding that the park "needs to upgrade the electrical system as this was putting a strain on their electrical equipment" during hot weather when air conditioning units were running.
