Best Campgrounds near Hamilton, MI

The camping landscape in the vicinity of Hamilton, Michigan features several established campgrounds within relatively close proximity. Sleepy Hollow State Park Campground provides accommodations for tent campers, RV users, and those seeking cabin or glamping experiences throughout the year. Campgrounds R Us and Just-In-Time Campground represent family-friendly options with water access and a variety of amenities. Most campgrounds in this region accommodate multiple camping styles including tent sites, RV hookups, and some offer cabins for those seeking more sheltered accommodations.

Camping facilities around Hamilton operate primarily from April through October, with a few locations like Sleepy Hollow State Park remaining accessible year-round. Reservations are strongly recommended during summer months, especially for weekends and holidays when facilities reach capacity. Many campgrounds provide electric hookups, water access, and sanitary facilities, though amenities vary considerably between locations. The region experiences typical Midwestern seasonal patterns with humid summers and cold winters that affect camping conditions. According to one visitor at Sleepy Hollow State Park, "The campsite itself was great, nice and roomy while also being wooded. The bugs were pretty intense, but bug spray helped."

Family-oriented activities represent a common thread across multiple campgrounds in the Hamilton area. Lake of Dreams Campground and Just-In-Time Campground both feature water recreation opportunities with beach access and inflatable water features that appeal to families with children. As described in feedback on The Dyrt, "I was so impressed with this campground and how many activities that they had for children. They delivered firewood right to our campsite." Several campgrounds maintain seasonal operations with specific opening dates, typically from May through mid-October. Bathhouse facilities, drinking water availability, and trash service are standard at most developed campgrounds, while fire rings and picnic tables appear at nearly all sites. Campers should note that cell service can be limited in some areas, particularly at more remote locations away from towns.

Best Camping Sites Near Hamilton, Michigan (88)

    1. Sleepy Hollow State Park Campground

    32 Reviews
    Ovid, MI
    21 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."

    2. Just-In-Time Campground

    2 Reviews
    Hamilton, MI
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (989) 875-2865

    "Beautiful view of the lake and functional facilities make this a pleasant stay for a small family."

    "I think the lake is fully private so no license required to fish. and it's stocked.

    They have some nice little cabins and pontoon boats you can rent."

    3. Lake of Dreams Campground

    3 Reviews
    Hamilton, MI
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (989) 643-0403

    4. Chesaning Showboat Camping

    2 Reviews
    St. Charles, MI
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (989) 845-7850

    $15 / night

    5. Leisure Lake Family Campground

    2 Reviews
    Alma, MI
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (989) 875-4689

    6. Reed Park

    Be the first to review!
    Ashley, MI
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (989) 875-5278

    7. River Ridge Campground

    1 Review
    Sanford, MI
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (989) 842-5184

    $30 - $600 / night

    8. Campgrounds R Us

    2 Reviews
    Owosso, MI
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (989) 721-9120

    "We were visiting family nearby and this was a convenient location. We found there to be a lot for kids to do."

    "If you drive a larger rig and have any concern about backing in, the owner is always willing to back your trailer in with the tractor. We have a 40’ fifth wheel and they have helped us every time."

    9. Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park

    2 Reviews
    St. Johns, MI
    20 miles
    +1 (231) 238-8259

    "This is a smaller camping space and wished we could have switched to a bigger one, but everything was booked even tho no one was in the empty lots around us."

    10. Maple River Campground

    3 Reviews
    Pewamo, MI
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (989) 981-6792

    "September 9th 2017 I hosted a Kayak/Canoe trip and we used this location for our landing and camping. It was a great little location that even had some river side cabins you could rent."

    "They do have ice and firewood for sale there, but there isn’t a little store so you have to leave the campground and drive a few miles for that (so just do your best to remember everything!)"

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Recent Reviews near Hamilton, MI

292 Reviews of 88 Hamilton Campgrounds


  • l
    Aug. 25, 2025

    Black Creek State Forest Campground

    Black Creek State Forest Campground

    Pull up, grab a registration envelope, look for a spot then part. Fill out the registration. Put one portion of it on the clip at the spot number market, keep another portion then return the completed envelope and $20 cash or check per night plus $19 for Michigan recreation passport (if you don’t already have one). They will mail you the passport, keep receipt for proof. Vault toilets available, some river spots, some secluded spots, clean. Saw DNR in the morning checking on everything.

  • Melissa H.
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Bay City State Park Campground

    Bustling, clean and friendly

    Easy friendly check-in. Firewood prices are cheaper than on roads in. Small and large bags of ice at a good price. Great for families. Clean facilities. They do spray for mosquitoes, so that wasn't too bad at all even in the heat of August. We stayed at 106, the description was on point, level and shaded. Campers were super friendly. We had no complaints about the campground itself but it would be nice if there was an RV lights out policy at night. It's really hard to sleep in a tent when your neighbors RV "porch" light is on literally all night shining in the tent while your neighbors are sound asleep in RV. We had to ask our neighbors politely to turn their outside LED light strips off the second night. They were great about it but, didn't seem to realize it would bother tent campers next to them.

  • Deb M.
    Aug. 16, 2025

    Bay City State Park Campground

    Crowded and inconvenient

    So, this campground looks nice at first, with lots of trees on the sites. However, once you really start looking at them, none have a camping pad, so it’s random parking on the grass. Lots of moving around to get your electric hooked up to the shared and oddly placed power poles. Make sure to come with an extension cord - one member of our party had their power halfway into their neighbor’s site through a bunch of bushes. The sites near the entrance are very crowded together and filled with large loud groups. (please don’t park any extra vehicles hanging out over the road…) And cleaning the bathrooms at 8:30 and 9:30 in the MORNING? Bummer for tenters. It’s ok for a quick stop, but wouldn’t want to stay here too long. I would expect better from a State Park.

  • tThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 20, 2025

    Pettit Park Campground

    City park

    Water and electric and a dump station. Near downtown Clare, nice park with pavilions, no reservations needed. Sites are within the city’s park so there’s local traffic.

  • linda F.
    Jul. 19, 2025

    Snow Lake Kampground

    There are to many rules to keep up with.

    This campground used to be great. I don't know what happened I believe they have so many seasonal that they have become the bread and butter. Don't seem to care bout weekender. Every time you turn around there's another rule and/ or fee. It has gotten to the point we no longer enjoy the place. We will never come back! I understand having rules but this is ridiculous. They advertise all these amenities but ya got to pay for it all as well as the site rental. They have gone downhill in customer service. The office staff is very rude as well as the campground seasonal that patrol and watch your every move.

  • AmcPhotography
    Jul. 13, 2025

    Chesaning Showboat Camping

    Camping

    it's a alright campground,quit,few things it could use,like another playground ,water hookups,and WiFi other than that it's good.

  • Holly S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 11, 2025

    Seven Lakes State Park Campground

    Family friendly

    The campground has a private lake that’s good for swimming and fishing. The sites are decently sized with most being easily gotten into with an RV. Plenty of hiking/biking trails easily accessed from the campground. Only 2 downsides to this campground are the showers (not very clean and very small), and it’s very busy.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 3, 2025

    Arthur Latham Park

    No campground

    Called the office and was told that there is no longer a campground here. Used to be but not anymore

  • A
    Jul. 2, 2025

    Otter Lake Park Campground

    Beautiful views & so much to do!

    We tent camped in site #56. I will say the sites are on the smaller side, but you can make do. The lake is soooo beautiful and you can rent kayaks $7/hour or a 2 person small boat for $10/hour. Laundry facility is nice and cheap, with a great sink to wash dishes. Bathrooms are poorly vented and gets so hot & humid, but I will say the showers are in-home quality for a campground! The owners are so nice and friendly. ORV trail butts up to the campground so bring your dirt bikes! We had a small trailer and they had no issue with us at all. Very good swimming beach with tons of places to take in the peaceful views. Playground is large and nice with a new basketball court and Gaga ball. Bring your bug spray and get ready to enjoy serene nature. Oh and I love how affordable it is :)


Guide to Hamilton

Camping near Hamilton, MI, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor lovers. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a family-friendly adventure, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.

What to do:

  • Kayaking and Canoeing: Many campgrounds, like Sleepy Hollow State Park Campground, provide access to calm lakes perfect for kayaking. One camper mentioned, "You can kayak right up to it on the calm lake," making it a great spot for water activities.
  • Hiking: Trails are abundant in the area. A visitor at Ionia State Recreation Area noted, "There were beautiful walking trails all around," which is perfect for those who enjoy nature walks.
  • Fishing: Campgrounds like Walnut Hills Family Campground are near rivers where fishing is popular. One happy camper shared, "We also brought our kayaks and spent a couple of days on the river."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A reviewer at Bay City State Park Campground said, "Showers/restrooms are good, cleaned twice a day."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Many campgrounds cater to families. A visitor at Walnut Hills Family Campground mentioned, "Very family friendly and great atmosphere."
  • Secluded Spots: Campers enjoy finding private sites. One reviewer at Sleepy Hollow State Park Campground said, "Walk-in site F was literally the perfect campsite. Fully secluded."

What you should know:

  • Construction Noise: Some campgrounds, like Sleepy Hollow State Park Campground, may have nearby construction. A camper noted, "There was lots of construction noise."
  • Limited Cell Service: Expect spotty cell service in certain areas. A visitor at Sleepy Hollow State Park Campground mentioned, "Verizon service was basically non-existent other than at the beach."
  • Bug Spray is Essential: Bugs can be intense in the summer. One camper advised, "The bugs were pretty intense, but bug spray helped."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Plan Activities: Look for campgrounds with organized activities. A family at Outdoor Adventures Lake Shore Resort enjoyed, "Tons of activities, several outdoor pools, indoor pool with hot tub."
  • Choose Kid-Friendly Campgrounds: Sites like Walnut Hills Family Campground offer playgrounds and swimming areas. One parent said, "They have a few children's activities such as swimming, volleyball net, basketball court."
  • Bring Outdoor Games: Having games on hand can keep kids entertained. A camper at Covenant Hills Camp mentioned, "Lots to keep the kids busy."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Some sites can be cramped. A visitor at Pine Ridge RV Campground noted, "Some are tight, but none are impossible."
  • Bring Extension Cords: Power outlets can be far from some sites. A camper at Wolverine Campground advised, "Make sure you have an extension cord."
  • Book Early for Busy Weekends: Popular campgrounds fill up quickly. A reviewer at Lansing Cottonwood Campground suggested, "Call ahead before you go."

Camping near Hamilton, MI, has something for everyone, from serene lakes to family-friendly activities. Whether you're in an RV or tent, you'll find a spot that suits your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at Hamilton campgrounds?

Hamilton area campgrounds offer varied amenities to suit different camping preferences. Ionia State Recreation Area features a disc golf course, mountain bike trail, equestrian trails, hiking paths, and a no-wake lake perfect for swimming, kayaking, and fishing. The beach is especially good for young children. Holiday Shores RV Park provides easy booking by phone with helpful staff. Many state park campgrounds offer electrical hookups, shared water access, vault toilets, and water pumps. Private campgrounds like Pine Ridge RV Campground typically feature pull-through sites, clean facilities, and are located near local attractions.

Where are the campgrounds in Hamilton?

Hamilton and its surrounding areas offer several campground options. Sleepy Hollow State Park Campground is quietly tucked into Clinton County, Michigan and easily accessible from nearby Lansing. The park features a large lake (Lake Ovid) that's popular for fishing. Seven Lakes State Park Campground offers over 20 sites with approximately half located near the lakeside. Other options in the region include state forest campgrounds, recreation areas, and private RV parks distributed throughout the greater Hamilton area.

What camping is available near Hamilton, MI?

According to TheDyrt.com, Hamilton, MI offers a wide range of camping options, with 88 campgrounds and RV parks near Hamilton, MI and 1 free dispersed camping spot.

Which is the most popular campground near Hamilton, MI?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Hamilton, MI is Sleepy Hollow State Park Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 32 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Hamilton, MI?

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