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Best Tent Camping near Essexville, MI

266 Reviews

Tent campsites near Essexville, Michigan provide a mix of established campground options and primitive sites. Russell Canoe Livery & Campground in Omer offers tent sites with basic amenities, while Genesee Otter Lake Campground provides both lakefront and standard tent camping with more developed facilities. Crystal Creek Christian Campground, located approximately 40 miles from Essexville, features walk-in tent sites in a family-oriented setting.

Most tent campgrounds in the region offer fire rings and picnic tables, though amenities vary significantly between locations. Russell Canoe Livery provides electric hookups, showers, and toilets for tent campers, making it suitable for those who prefer some conveniences. Hilltop Campgrounds in Lapeer offers both drive-in and walk-in tent sites with drinking water and electric hookups available. Sites typically have grass or dirt surfaces with minimal grading. Crystal Creek Christian Campground provides walk-in tent sites for $15 per night with water and electric options, though alcohol is not permitted as it maintains a Christian-focused environment.

Tent camping experiences in this region often feature wooded settings with varying levels of privacy. According to one visitor, "Great place to pull off the river and camp. Everything you need for your river adventure." Many tent campsites serve as excellent bases for water recreation, particularly along the rivers where canoe and kayak opportunities abound. Sites at Browns Landing offer impressive Lake Huron sunrise views with access to a 9-mile bike path through wooded areas. Windy Hill Campground provides peaceful tent sites with family-friendly activities including movie nights and games in the evenings. Most tent campgrounds in the area operate seasonally, typically from May through October, with few options available during winter months. Campers seeking more seclusion should consider weekday visits, as several reviewers noted increased weekend activity.

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Best Tent Sites Near Essexville, Michigan (11)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Essexville, MI

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    Tent Camping Reviews near Essexville, MI

    266 Reviews of 11 Essexville Campgrounds

    • Nona A.
      Aug. 30, 2017

      Sleeper State Park Campground

      A nice campground for a weekend by the water

      Sleeper State Park Campground is located a few miles north of Caseville, MI. This is a modern campground, and has 226 camp sites, and 1 mini cabin. The campground sits right off of M25, so I recommend getting a site towards the back. We unfortunately were only able to get sites at the front and the road noise was obnoxious, 3 a.m. cars and trucks flying by. Campground, bathrooms, and showers were all kept very clean. Most sites are set up for trailers, and RV’s, and tents. There are a few sites that are tent only sites. Each site has a picnic table, fire pit and electric hook up. There is firewood available at the park office for $5 a bundle, they also rent kayaks $10 for 2 hours or $40 for the day. The campgrounds host site has coffee, tea, and hot chocolate available in the mornings. They also offer activities in the afternoon. Across M25 and part of Sleeper State Park is the beach, and picnic area. There is a walkway overpass that goes over M25 making for a safe walk from camp to the beach. The beach area has a bathroom and drinking water. There are charcoal grills, and picnic tables in the picnic area around the parking lot. The beach is a lovely stretch of shoreline along the Saginaw bay.

    • Tammy P.
      Oct. 18, 2020

      Crystal Creek Christian Campground

      Family oriented

      Quite the establishment! Almost 150 sites including rustic, full hook up, cabins and even just over a handful of park model units to reserve for your family to come stay and enjoy all the amenities they offer. Amenities including but not limited to horse shoes, swimming ( man dug pond) hiking, basketball, volleyball and etc. No alcohol allowed as this is a Christian campground but for all the amenities it is extremely affordable! $30 a night 30/50 amp full hook up ... don’t need 30+ amp but want sewer as well only $25 a night 15 amp full hook up or as low as $20 for 15 amp water n electric only! Want the full camping ambiance $15 a night for rustic tent camping! Great place to take the family even several times a season on a budget!

    • Jamie H.
      May. 12, 2019

      Holiday Shores RV Park

      Disclosure: This review is from a newbie RVer's perspective with a 32ft. Travel Trailer!

      Holiday Shores has a good website that gives great info, however there is no booking online so you have to call. Which was super easy! The lady on the phone was very nice and completely understanding of our total lack of experience. We planned to golf during our stay so she thoughtfully put us in lot 511 which is relatively close to the pro shop!

      This place is conveniently located off M13 in Durand. The roads are in good condition which made for smooth travel... this is Michigan! We arrived after the office was closed but our paperwork was waiting for us just as promised. The park itself has nice roads as well. Making for easy navigation and maneuvering. Our lot had a cement pad which required no leveling. The electrical, water and sewer connections were all easy to access and each lot had a picnic table and fire ring!

      Holiday Shores has several ponds both large and small, which might make for good fishing but we never gave it a try. There is a swim beach and it's available after Memorial Day! You will also find several nicely paved paths up to 3 miles long. These were walking only which was sort of disappointing because we brought our bikes, however they were very nice to walk or go for a run! The attached 9 hole golf course was well maintained and had some tricky holes. There were changes in elevation and multiple water hazards... we may have lost some balls. The only negative is they currently do not have their liquor license but the new owners are working on it. Overall it was a fun, mostly challenging round of golf that is worth checking out!

      Breaking camp and checkout were easy as pie! The bottom line we can't wait to go back it was great time, with better people. We made new friends the first night there that truly made our stay memorable. Thank you again for all the hospitality!!!

    • Rodger M.
      Oct. 19, 2021

      Port Crescent State Park Campground

      Batten Down the Hatches

      We loved this campground. The proximity to the beach was phenomenal. Our site, 95A was along the old river channel which made for nice views of water fowl. I will say though, the Canada Geese were extremely active…even at late hours of the night and early morning (expected). Lake Huron did not disappoint. We enjoyed some sunsets, weathered driftwood, more geese, sea gulls, and sand pipers.

      The weather started out decent and very fall like, but come late Friday night, sustained 20 mph winds and unrelenting downpours ensued. Did I mention we were in a tent?! Fortunately, I truly did “batten down the hatches” so to speak. This is not a tent review, but the Sam’s Club 9’ x 14’ tent never leaked, never ripped, and held its own!

      Flies out did mosquitoes, and bees were in full pollination mode. We did fog our site and used Thermacells which helped within Mosquitoes. Chipmunks ruled the campground. They were busy everywhere. Also a local woodpecker was going to town at a site next to us. We didn’t see any raccoons or deer…did I mention geese?!?

      Site had 120v and 30 amp service, a picnic table, and fire ring. It was directly across the street from the restrooms and showers.

      Site Size was approx 33’ x 50’

      Shower facilities were a bit dated but functional. Restrooms were clean with nice hot water and high powered hand driers.

      We’re planning another trip and hoping to make it to the sites closer to the lake.

    • Dave E.
      Aug. 16, 2017

      Port Crescent State Park Campground

      Great family campground

      This has been an annual destination for my family. We would camp here 2 weeks every summer with all of our relatives and basically turn this little place into home. There are nice clean sites, facilities, and easy access to town (Pt. Austin) if you want to go explore. I highly recommend Grindstone's Ice Cream place in Grindstone City. During summer months, it books up 6 months in advance. So learn their online reservation system and be quick at it if you have a specific site in mind. The sites on the front row by the water are the best in my opinion. Amazing sunset views and quick access to the beach. When storms come it, make sure you have everything put away and your tent staked down reeeeeal good, cause I've definitely seen 60mph+ winds and tents end up in the trees.

    • J
      Jul. 29, 2024

      Frankenmuth Jellystone Park

      Fun RV park and very close to downtown

      Our site was averaged out to $82.71 a night with the weekly rate discount.

      We were in Site# 306 (a deluxe plus RV site - be aware that some of these are back-ins and not clearly labeled on the site map - we had to change sites to a pull-thru). We had Full hook- up with a gravel pull-through.
      We travel towing a 14 foot trailer and were able to fit both in our pull through site along with my jeep.
      The site was easy to level.

      Our site was not shaded with zero trees. We weren’t able to sit outside because of the direct sun until after 8:30pm.
      This was a smaller lot with our neighbors fairly close.

      The deluxe plus lot comes without a concrete patio but with a picnic table and fire ring. They do sell firewood and will deliver to your site.

      There is free WiFi. They do not offer Cable TV but there are quite a few channel options.

      There is not a community outdoor kitchen or community fire pit.

      They do not provide garbage service at your site so you must walk to garbage dumpster.

      You are allowed to ride personal golf carts. They also allow you to rent pedal bikes. They do not provide golf cart rentals.

      They do have a heated indoor and heated outdoor Swimming pool and one hot tub.

      There is a Playground. They also offer Gaga ball, basketball sport court, and volleyball courts. There is a Game room for kids. They have a Putt putt course and Jumping pad.

      They have a great general store. There is a separate Activity Center for kids.
      There are tons of scheduled activities for kids like wagon rides, arts & crafts, scavenger hunts, obstacle courses, etc. Activities are scheduled all day from 9am to 8pm.

      There is a snack bar on site from 4pm-9:30pm where you can get hot dogs, brats, pretzels, nachos, ice cream, etc.

      The streets are mostly paved and good for riding bikes.

      This is an RV park with cabins to rent also. Tent camping is also allowed.

      They have two shower houses. The shower house has the typical stalls. There is a great area to hang clothes and store your toiletries in the shower stall. These are kept very clean.

      There is a laundry facility. It is a cash only facility, but they have a change machine in the arcade room. There are approximately 4washers and 4 dryers. It is approximately $2.75 to wash and $0.75 to dry a load.

      They do not have a fenced in dog park. There are areas to walk dogs though.

      Flies were an issue and bug spray was needed.

      There were no trails to hike off of the campground.

      Some fun things to do outside of the campground are Frankenmuth FunShips (chocolate & wine tasting), the Golden Ticket Trolley, the Bavarian Belle (popcorn & sodas) River Place Shops, wineries, and Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland store. This RV park is less than a mile to downtown/River Place Shops where there is tons of shopping.

    • Erica K.
      Aug. 20, 2018

      Bay City State Park Campground

      Family Friendly

      I used to work at this state park for two years and really enjoyed my time there. I spent many nights there with family and coworkers. The staff is very friendly and they patrol all through the night to ensure safety and noise control. The sites vary from close together, to secluded. It is easy to camp in a group with sites all close to each other, or to be off on your own. the bathrooms on the campground side are very clean. They are newer and updated and are cleaned 2-3 times a day or more as needed. The visitor side has less updated bathrooms, making them appear more dirty, but they are cleaned 4-6 times a day at the least. These bathrooms are also close to the beach, so sand makes it seem dirty as well. Sites vary in size, allowing tents or large rvs to be in most spaces. This campground does get very full most weekends Memorial Day through Labor Day, especially around the 4th of July. Bay city has lots to do and the visitor side has plenty of interesting programs for kids to do. swimming is iffy, as the city closes the beach depending on bacteria in the water and which way the wind is blowing it on a given day. The water is not clean (not the parks fault). there is a splash pad for younger children to enjoy though. There are no water sites. you must cross a relatively busy road to get to the visitor side where the beach/splash pad/visitor center is.

    • J
      Jul. 11, 2021

      Black Creek State Forest Campground

      Rustic State Forest Campground

      Black Creek State Forest Campground has huge sites with shade and sun; clean vault toilets with hand sanitizer; creek views and is very quiet despite a little road noise.  Definitely recommend for someone looking for a mid-Michigan get-away.  

      The Chippewa Nature Center is about 10 miles away and has great trails; excellent visitor center and reconstructed 19th century homestead.

    • Nellianne S.
      Jul. 8, 2018

      Rifle River Campground

      Cramped but we would go back

      We camped in what was called a “rustic” site. Which really meant that it was a lawn in the middle of the campground with no hookups. We came in late and only stayed one night but I would love to go back and try the river tour, because they allow dogs to go with you! My sister in law set up the site and was unimpressed with the way the front desk staff treated her she felt they could have been more professional. And at $15 per person I felt that site was a bit overpriced.

    Guide to Essexville

    Tent camping near Essexville, Michigan offers a variety of scenic spots where nature lovers can unwind and enjoy the great outdoors. With options ranging from family-friendly parks to serene hideaways, there's something for every tent camper.

    Tent campers should check out Russell Canoe Livery & Campground

    • At Russell Canoe Livery & Campground, you can enjoy electric hookups and picnic tables, making your stay comfortable and convenient.
    • This campground allows fires, perfect for cozy evenings under the stars, although firewood is not provided.
    • Pets are welcome here, so you can bring your furry friends along for the adventure.

    Local attractions near Genesee Otter Lake Campground

    • Genesee Otter Lake Campground features a variety of activities, including putt-putt golf and arcade games, ensuring fun for the whole family.
    • The campground has a market on-site, so you can grab essentials or treats without venturing far.
    • With both tent and RV accommodations available, it caters to different camping styles and preferences.

    Some prices for tent camping range from $15 to $120

    • For a budget-friendly option, Crystal Creek Christian Campground offers rustic tent sites starting at just $15 a night.
    • If you're looking for a more upscale experience, expect to pay around $120 for a lakefront site at Genesee Otter Lake Campground, though be cautious of potential discrepancies in site quality.
    • Sugar Springs Campground provides spacious sites with electric hookups for around $30 a night, making it a solid choice for those seeking comfort.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Which is the most popular tent campsite near Essexville, MI?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Essexville, MI is Amongst The Maples with a 0-star rating from 0 reviews.

    What is the best site to find tent camping near Essexville, MI?

    TheDyrt.com has all 11 tent camping locations near Essexville, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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