Camping options near River Rouge, Michigan range from state recreation areas to RV resorts within an easy drive of the Detroit suburb. The region sits on relatively flat terrain with elevations under 1,000 feet and is characterized by numerous small lakes and wetlands. Camping facilities typically operate with limited winter access, with many parks maintaining only a portion of sites for cold-weather camping from November through March.
What to do
Hiking and biking trails: Pontiac Lake Recreation Area offers extensive trail networks. "This campground is my FAVORITE in Oakland County. The sites aren't super far away from each other but there are trees between sites so from most of the sites you can't really see your neighbors. The camping loops also link to a one mile trail which will lead you to the beach if you like hiking!" notes camper Sarah P. about Pontiac Lake Recreation Area.
Fishing opportunities: Most lakes near River Rouge support multiple fish species. At Haas Lake Park RV Campground, the setup includes "4 lakes. There is plenty of nature. Lots of trees along a nature trail. Cranes and ducks in the water," according to Karen C.
Water recreation: Kayaking and paddling are popular activities. "Nice camp sites with views of the lake. Big bathrooms that are super clean! Great lake to kayak on. Trails to hike on! We will go again for sure!" shares Debra B. about her experience at Proud Lake Recreation Area.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Many campers cite bathroom cleanliness as a key factor. At Sterling State Park Campground, Nicole A. comments: "Sites are nice and large paved slabs, most trees are immature offering little shade. Beach is kept fairly clean and raked often. Bathrooms and showers are good."
Lake access: Waterfront camping spots rank highly among reviewers. "There is a boat launch which is extremely popular and the bass and walleye fishing can't be beat. No boat, no problem. The park has several fishing piers as well as a kayak launch into a small inlet which is navigatable all the way to the beach, approximately two miles," explains Frances V. about Sterling State Park.
Privacy between sites: Natural buffers between campsites receive positive mentions. "The sites in our loop did not [have concrete pads for picnic tables]. A wooden picnic table and fire ring complete each site," notes Lee D. at Maumee Bay State Park, adding that sites are "very generous in size and appear to be spaced with a decent amount of space apart with foliage providing varying levels of privacy."
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: May flies can affect camping experiences in early summer. "Everything great except may flies! First two nights were perfect but then the may flies hatched (in mid june) and covered everything. Good size sites, friendly staff, great beach and boat launch," reports Kourtney D. at Sterling State Park.
Road noise: Proximity to highways impacts some campgrounds. "The fairgrounds is located just off I-94 which makes for easy entrance and exit to the campground, but, means there is lots of road noise," warns Nancy W. about Wayne County Fairgrounds RV Park.
Terrain challenges: Some sites have drainage issues after rain. At Detroit/Ann Arbor KOA, Trent T. notes: "After only a few hours of moderate rainfall, we arrived to a completely flooded park. Got my site number, and an employee guided us to the site. It was completely underwater."
Tips for camping with families
Family-friendly activities: Several campgrounds offer special events. "We've been going to Camp Dearborn for five years now, and our friend's family has been going for nearly sixty! They have activities for both children and adults, two beautiful beaches, a pool, tennis courts, and now a zip line," shares Teresa B. about Camp Dearborn.
Halloween camping events: Many parks offer special fall programming. Michelle N. recommends Detroit/Ann Arbor KOA, saying "This place is by far one of the greatest campgrounds we've been to that is family oriented! We stay memorial day weekend and the last weekend of the season which is the harvest festival. My grandchildren always have a blast as well as grandma and Papa!"
Playground access: Several campgrounds maintain dedicated play areas. "Camp site was nice with blacktop pad and once parked felt very secluded and could barely see site past truck in parking spot. Great for getting away and seeing the night sky. Beach and water was a 5.3 mile drive and wasn't alot of things for kids to do but ride bikes and play in woods but mine still had fun," explains Daniel at Pontiac Lake Recreation Area.
Tips from RVers
Site sizes and access: Many area campgrounds accommodate larger rigs. "This park will accommodate any size travel trailer? Fifth wheel camper of any kind, the pull throughs are huge. The park is enormous with lots of fishing activities. Great water, the only downfall is there's no shade," advises Mano P. at Maumee Bay State Park Campground.
Hookup locations: Electrical connections can require planning. "If you are hoping to hook up to electrical, bring extension cords; some hook ups are exceptionally far away from the designated RV parking pad," warns Mary H. at Pontiac Lake Recreation Area.
Best RV spots: Some campers provide specific site recommendations. Bill B. recommends Harbortown RV Resort: "Although we only stayed one night, we will be back. All concrete roads and pads. Basketball court, sand volleyball, playground, dog run, batting cages and go karts within walking distance. Very friendly staff and knowledgeable of the area."
