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.
$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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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!)"
ScoutKayak/canoe, tubing, horseback riding, golf. They have plenty do do here but they just seem to float along. This is not a camp ground that uplifts there game to make it better and be a rising star. No full hook up site other than seasonal. Campstore is very limited, but good for the kids. Alway enjoy staying here but just think they could be more. They do put on a good fireworks on July 4th
TravelerGreat place to camp right outside of Flint, MI.
GuideWe spent 4 days in the sparsely-populated campground. Very quiet. Great for walking the dogs around Sand Lake and other park trails. Cool weather,vas expected. Clea restrooms, older showers with sulphurous hot water. Resident Sandhill crane family was an added bonus. It is our go-to local campground
GuideVery pretty park. Sites and facilities are well maintained.
Sites tend to slope towards Sand Lake so have leveling blocks if that's important to you.
TravelerPull 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.
TravelerEasy 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.
RangerSo, 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.
GuideWater 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.
ScoutThis 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.
Camping opportunities around Hamilton, Michigan include several rustic and developed options within a 30-mile radius. The campgrounds in this region often feature water recreation with access to rivers, small lakes, and man-made swimming areas. Most camping facilities operate seasonally from April through October, though some camping experiences may require advance planning for holiday weekends when local sites reach capacity.
Fishing at multiple locations: The Maple River offers good fishing opportunities at Maple River Campground, where sites are positioned along the water's edge. One camper noted, "We were able to park the camper with the door facing the river. It was great for fishing, and our dogs had a great time too."
Kayaking and canoeing: Several campgrounds provide river access for paddling adventures. River Ridge Campground offers kayak rentals and river access. As one visitor shared, "There are Sites right on the river, kayak rentals, pool and hot tub, and a separate swimming hole with sandy beach and inflatable toys!"
Hiking opportunities: The trail systems at some parks offer day hiking options. Sleepy Hollow State Park features "Fun backpacking trails best trails close to state capital, fishing, boating, disc golf, horse and bike trails, Geocaching available."
Beach and water features: Many campgrounds feature swimming areas with added attractions. At Campgrounds R Us, "The water was inviting and there were plenty of beach chairs and you could rent a paddle boat for the afternoon at the office. There is a giant jumping pillow for kids."
Private camping spaces: Some campsites offer separation from neighbors. At Sleepy Hollow State Park Campground, "Our site backed up to trees and I can't recall seeing our neighbors to the left or right. Because we didn't get any shade from the nearby trees we had to run the ac."
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms and showers are important to many campers. According to one review, "Bathrooms are clean, paved roads and grass sites." Another mentioned, "Bathrooms are nice and seem to be cleaned regularly."
Electrical access challenges: At some campgrounds, reaching power hookups can be difficult. One camper at Sleepy Hollow stated: "Most electrical posts are designed to accommodate at least 2 adjoining lots, and as many as 4. This in itself is not a concern until you realize the posts are way too far away to reach without an extension."
Seasonal pest considerations: Bugs can be problematic depending on when you camp. A camper reported in June 2022: "The silk worms were everywhere when we went."
Extra fees for services: Some campgrounds charge additional fees beyond the site rental. At Maple River Campground, "You do have to pay $5 for shower use and $5 to use the dump station."
Water recreation options: Lake of Dreams Campground features inflatable water attractions that children enjoy. A visitor mentioned, "The high lights are the large blow up toys in the lake! The kids love them! Be sure you bring extra money, there is a charge and it's not cheap!"
Scheduled activities: Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park offers regular programming for younger children. A camper noted it's "Great for families with younger children. Great staff, great events, always a fantastic time!!"
Playground access: Consider campgrounds with dedicated play areas. One visitor observed, "It has a great playground for kids, volleyball court, basketball court and camp store! The people that work there were absolutely a pleasure to interact with."
Site sizing and access: Some campgrounds have limited space for larger rigs. At Campgrounds R Us, a visitor noted, "We were surprised at how small the roadway was. It was very narrow and a bit difficult to maneuver. The sites were plenty wide but not terribly deep."
Assistance with parking: Some campgrounds provide help backing in larger RVs. According to one seasonal camper, "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."
Water quality concerns: Be prepared to filter water at some locations. A camper observed, "We drew water from the spigot and it was very discolored and one jug we put it in had red flakes in it. Make sure you use your water filter."
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.
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