Best Campgrounds near Eaton Rapids, MI

Camping options around Eaton Rapids include both basic and more developed sites within a short drive. Campers heading to Sleepy Hollow State Park will find clean restrooms with showers and a beach area that's good for swimming. The park has several miles of trails that wind through the woods and around the lake. At Pokagon State Park, the campsites sit under tall trees that keep things cool during hot summer days. The park runs a small nature center and rents boats to campers who want to get out on the water. You'll likely see deer and many types of birds while camping in these areas, so store your food carefully. Summer weekends fill up quickly at both parks, while September and October camping tends to be much quieter. Many of the better sites need to be booked ahead of time, especially from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Michigan weather changes quickly, so pack both warm clothes and rain gear even for summer trips. The town of Eaton Rapids has a few stores where you can pick up ice, firewood, and any camping supplies you forgot to bring along.

Best Camping Sites Near Eaton Rapids, Michigan (121)

    1. Lansing Cottonwood Campground

    11 Reviews
    Holt, MI
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (517) 393-3200

    $38 - $48 / night

    "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."

    "Beautiful location, great owners, very clean and well kept. Nice Pool and great view. Kayakers and Paddle Boats. Uneven sloped site so come prepared. We love it!"

    2. Eaton County Fairgrounds

    4 Reviews
    Charlotte, MI
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (517) 543-4510

    "Confidently located a mile outside of Charlotte, with all the conviences of restraunts, walmart, Meijer etc."

    3. Rockeys Campground

    1 Review
    Albion, MI
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (517) 857-2200

    "Rockey’s is on a chain of 5 lakes and has some of the best fishing! Rob and Vicki do so much for the kid campers too! We go every year for Memorial Day and they remember us every time."

    5. Travel Trailer Club of The Midwest

    3 Reviews
    Bellevue, MI
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 338-6124

    $12 - $30 / night

    "Close to small towns that have cars shows, parades, yardsales, and roadside vegetable stands. Rustic but full of nature. Monthly events at the park. Fun for all. Come visit us"

    "This is a secluded campground near Bellevue. Not a lot of trees or space between campsites. There is electric and water hookup available."

    6. Sleepy Hollow State Park Campground

    32 Reviews
    Ovid, MI
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 447-2757

    $25 - $101 / night

    "Quietly tucked into Clinton co Michigan. Sleepy is easily accessible. Its close to Lansing. There are shopping centers nearby. Country party store is closer!! Very large lake....Ovid is her name!"

    "Because we didn't get any shade from the nearby trees we had to run the ac which is unusual for us in Michigan. We were in the midst of a heat-wave though and it was much appreciated."

    7. Waterloo Portage Lake Modern — Waterloo Recreation Area

    12 Reviews
    Grass Lake, MI
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (734) 475-8307

    "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."

    "A few bathrooms are located around the campground. The spaces are generous and the majority have electricity only. The lake has a little beach with sands. Nice place."

    8. Camp Turkeyville RV Resort

    5 Reviews
    Ceresco, MI
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (269) 781-4293

    9. Wheel Inn Campground

    1 Review
    Pleasant Lake, MI
    16 miles
    +1 (517) 589-8097

    10. Fort Custer Recreation Area

    44 Reviews
    Augusta, MI
    37 miles
    Website
    +1 (269) 731-4200

    "Fort Custer is a hidden gem in Michigan. Nobody thinks to go camping near Battle Creek, but they really should reconsider!"

    "Another great camping experience, site 210 has an amazing trail that leads directly to the showers at one end and at the other path went directly to running water, plus only a couple of yards from a great"

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Recent Reviews near Eaton Rapids, MI

499 Reviews of 121 Eaton Rapids Campgrounds


  • Elizabeth M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Hidden Lakes RV Resort

    Fantastic RV Park!

    We stayed here last weekend. It was quiet and relaxing. Easy parking for the 33ft RV. Camp store is well stocked. Staff were fantastic. You need yo camp here!

  • v
    Sep. 10, 2025

    Markin Glen County Park

    Clean and near bike trails

    Great park. Well maintained. Very clean. Lots of bike trails, a beach area. Helpful staff!

  • Joel K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Fort Custer Recreation Area

    MTB camp and bike (again)

    We camped and rode (again) at Fort Custer.  We've been here 2x before (once in a cabin and once in tents) and this has now officially become a favorite. 

    We loved our site (so don't book this one) as it's close to the trails for riding.  The campground was almost to capacity, but still some open sites.

    All in all this was a great trip, and we even visited Belle's brewery on our way home.

  • Chris R.
    Aug. 16, 2025

    Tyler Creek

    Absolutely garbage

    Had a reservation for 6 months and the day we were to arrive, we were told we could not have the site we prepared for because someone else wanted to stay longer.  Management has the right to alter your reservation without your consent or the courtesy of a phone call.  When questioned, the owner treated us like garbage and was rude as hell.  Would never recommend this place to anyone, stay away!!!

  • Bob B.
    Aug. 12, 2025

    Fort Custer Recreation Area

    A return to my childhood

    I camped here countless times throughout my childhood. It was nice returning. I brought back great memories and it struck a balance of staying up with the times but still leaving most to nature.

    Since there are no water or sewer hook ups, lines at the dump/fill station can get long.

    Sites are easy to get in and out of with RV/TT.

    Don’t miss out on the great finishing and hiking. A great plus is still seeing kids rise actual bikes!

  • H
    Aug. 9, 2025

    Fort Custer Recreation Area

    Beautiful Woodsy Campground

    We’ve stayed at both sites listed. 161 you do have neighbors pretty close, but we just stayed at 51 and it is extremely secluded! We had an amazing time tent camping it was so quiet! We love it here already with only being here twice!

  • Shelly The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 28, 2025

    Waterloo Portage Lake Modern — Waterloo Recreation Area

    Had a good time, a little crowded

    We stayed for the weekend tent camping, getting to the site was a little crowded (alot of kids on bikes) our site was pavement but had some space to set the tent on the grass. I seen alot of sites with trees for shade. The vista walkway was across from us, it led right to the beach concessions. The beach walkway is handicap accessible. The fishing pier is new, has two benches and tables for your stuff. 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. The park workers walk around and tell you about the activities they have that day. We enjoyed our stay there is alot to do


Guide to Eaton Rapids

Camping near Eaton Rapids, Michigan, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor lovers. From serene lakes to wooded trails, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails at Pokagon State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, “They have good hiking trails, nice refreshing waters, good food options at certain places.”
  • Fishing: Head to Fort Custer Recreation Area for some great fishing spots. A camper shared, “The lake was very warm and the swimming area had a nice depth gradient to satisfy good and not-so-good swimmers.”
  • Swimming: Enjoy a beach day at Sleepy Hollow State Park Campground. One reviewer said, “The dog beach was small and full of algae,” but many still found it a fun spot to cool off.

What campers like:

  • Secluded sites: Campers appreciate the privacy at Fort Custer Recreation Area. One visitor noted, “Lots of privacy,” making it a great choice for those looking to escape the crowds.
  • Well-maintained facilities: Many enjoy the cleanliness of the campgrounds. A reviewer at Holly Recreation Area mentioned, “Friendly, helpful staff. Clean bathrooms.”
  • Family-friendly activities: Families love the amenities at Groveland Oaks County Park. One camper said, “There are lots of family activities like mini golf, kids bike courses, and playgrounds.”

What you should know:

  • Bugs can be a nuisance: Be prepared for insects, especially at Sleepy Hollow State Park Campground. A visitor mentioned, “The bugs were pretty intense, but bug spray helped.”
  • Limited cell service: If you rely on your phone, be aware that service can be spotty. One camper at Bruin Lake Campground noted, “With T-Mobile, Internet service was practically non-existent.”
  • Check site specifics: Some campgrounds have unique layouts. A reviewer at Pokagon State Park Campground advised, “Check the site descriptions carefully & to be doubly sure, call the office & ask.”

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose spacious sites: Look for campgrounds with roomy sites like Holly Recreation Area. One camper said, “The campsites are big, secluded, wooded, and clean.”
  • Plan for activities: Make sure to have a list of family-friendly activities. A visitor at Groveland Oaks County Park mentioned, “It’s a very large open family camping area.”
  • Bring bug spray: Protect your family from bugs, especially if you’re camping in the summer. A camper at Sleepy Hollow State Park Campground reminded others, “Bug spray helped.”

Tips from RVers:

  • Check site accessibility: Some sites may not be suitable for larger RVs. A reviewer at Fort Custer Recreation Area noted, “Some of the campsites are very close together and it's hard to determine that from the map.”
  • Be prepared for slopes: If you’re parking an RV, be aware of the terrain. A camper at Holly Recreation Area mentioned, “Any site above 80ish is very hilly and may be difficult to level an RV.”
  • Bring extra cords: If you’re using electric hookups, ensure your cords are long enough. A visitor at Haas Lake Park RV Campground said, “My camper cord was about 30 ft short.”

Camping near Eaton Rapids, Michigan, has something for everyone, whether you're looking for a family getaway or a peaceful retreat in nature.

Frequently Asked Questions

What campgrounds are available in Eaton Rapids, Michigan?

While Eaton Rapids itself has limited camping options, there are several excellent campgrounds within a short drive. Lansing Cottonwood Campground is conveniently located nearby with drive-in access, reservable sites, water hookups, and facilities that accommodate big rigs. For a county fairground camping experience, Eaton County Fairgrounds in Charlotte offers basic amenities in a convenient location. Within a reasonable driving distance, you'll also find state recreation areas like Sleepy Hollow, Ionia, and Waterloo, which offer more extensive facilities and recreational opportunities including hiking trails, fishing, and swimming beaches.

Are there trailer parks in Eaton Rapids for seasonal camping?

For seasonal trailer camping near Eaton Rapids, Travel Trailer Club of The Midwest offers dedicated facilities for extended stays. Another option in the vicinity is Wheel Inn Campground near Leslie, which accommodates seasonal campers with water hookups and facilities suitable for RVs and trailers. Most seasonal options in this area require reservations well in advance, particularly for prime summer months. These facilities typically provide water and electrical hookups, along with standard amenities like restrooms and shower facilities. Contact campgrounds directly for seasonal rates, reservation requirements, and specific amenity details.

What camping is available near Eaton Rapids, MI?

According to TheDyrt.com, Eaton Rapids, MI offers a wide range of camping options, with 121 campgrounds and RV parks near Eaton Rapids, MI and 1 free dispersed camping spot.

Which is the most popular campground near Eaton Rapids, MI?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Eaton Rapids, MI is Lansing Cottonwood Campground with a 3.6-star rating from 11 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Eaton Rapids, MI?

According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Eaton Rapids, MI.