Best Campgrounds near Farmington Hills, MI

State recreation areas and county parks surround Farmington Hills, Michigan, providing a range of camping experiences within a 30-minute drive of the suburban center. Proud Lake Recreation Area in Commerce Township offers year-round camping with spacious sites, lake views, and well-maintained hiking trails. Other nearby options include Pontiac Lake Recreation Area, Highland Recreation Area, and Groveland Oaks County Park, each featuring a mix of tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin rentals. Many campgrounds in this region are situated on or near lakes, creating opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and swimming during summer months. Camp Dearborn in Milford Township and Haas Lake Park RV Campground in New Hudson round out the selection with family-friendly amenities and water access.

Reservations are strongly recommended for weekend camping from May through September, as sites fill quickly despite the suburban setting. Michigan Recreation Passports are required for entry to state recreation areas, while county parks typically charge separate entrance and camping fees. Most campgrounds within 20 miles of Farmington Hills provide electrical hookups, modern restrooms, and shower facilities. As one camper noted about Proud Lake: "I had no clue what to expect when booking so close to a few major cities in Michigan. For a short drive, I got a huge campsite, a lake view, very clean bathrooms, well-kept hiking trails, and easy access to kayaking docks." Summer brings higher humidity and mosquito activity, particularly in wooded or lakeside sites, with campers often recommending bug protection.

Lakefront sites receive consistently positive reviews across multiple recreation areas, with visitors highlighting the balance between natural settings and proximity to urban conveniences. The heavily wooded sites at Holly Recreation Area provide shade and privacy, while Brighton Recreation Area offers both modern and rustic camping options. Families particularly appreciate Groveland Oaks County Park for its "lake for swimming, water slide, arcade, boat rentals, mini golf, biking trails and fishing." Highway noise can be noticeable at some locations, especially those closer to major roads. Cell service is generally reliable throughout the region, though some campers value Highland Recreation Area for its limited connectivity that creates "a great time to unplug and just enjoy our surroundings." Most campgrounds remain open from April through October, with a few offering year-round access.

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Best Camping Sites Near Farmington Hills, Michigan (86)

    1. Proud Lake Recreation Area

    17 Reviews
    Wolverine Lake, MI
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (248) 685-2433

    "I had no clue what to expect when booking so close to a few major cities in Michigan. I love feeling secluded while camping and was nervous this would feel like parking lot camping."

    "First, I'd like to say that I was born and raised in Northern Michigan. That's where I'm used to camping and hiking. I moved to the metro Detroit area a few years ago."

    2. Haas Lake Park RV Campground

    17 Reviews
    New Hudson, MI
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (248) 437-0900

    "Nice lake view across the road. This location has 4 lakes. There is plenty of nature. Lots of trees along a nature trail. Cranes and ducks in the water . The first night was super quiet!"

    "I highly recommend Hass Lake campgrounds. It is a very clean, quite, Beautiful campgrounds."

    3. Pontiac Lake Recreation Area

    18 Reviews
    White Lake, MI
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (248) 666-1020

    $22 / night

    "Only drawback is the distance from the lake. The lake is not within walking distance, you would need to drive."

    "Beach is a 1.8 mile hike from the East loop in the campground but is well worth the walk."

    4. Camp Dearborn

    16 Reviews
    Milford, MI
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (248) 684-6000

    $3 / night

    "Booked a two week stay at Pontiac Lake Rec. area in Whitelak, MI. Huge sites not stacked on top of one another. They have electric hookups, but only 30 amp."

    "Pull behind sites were easy to access. Staff are very helpful and responsive. There is a dump station on site."

    5. McGinnis Lake Modern Campground — Holly Recreation Area

    33 Reviews
    Ortonville, MI
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (248) 634-8811

    $27 - $30 / night

    "Group area is away from the main area. Kayak lakes are nice. Excellent hike/bike trails. Park is located just down the road from the Holly Oaks Off road park."

    "I love to come here when I want a quick get away from home because it is only 30min away.

    The campsites are big,secluded, wooded, and clean."

    6. Bishop Lake Campground

    28 Reviews
    Brighton, MI
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (810) 229-6566

    $17 - $90 / night

    "Campground Review:

    Bishop Lake is a great campground located in the middle of the Brighton Rec Area. The upper and lower campgrounds are both modern, with every site including electric."

    "Great family place with paved and dirt biking/hiking trails. Very nice beach with grass and sand. There are 2 areas of inflatables, one of them is for the little kids 48 in. and under."

    7. Highland State Recreation Area — Highland Recreation Area

    5 Reviews
    White Lake, MI
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (248) 889-3750

    "Great time to unplug and just enjoy our surroundings and begin to learn our own creativity!"

    "This is one of our family's favorite close to home sites. Extra large camp sites, lots of room for the kids to run around. Extensive trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding."

    8. Camp Agawam

    2 Reviews
    Auburn Hills, MI
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (248) 391-0304

    $20 - $30 / night

    "I come down to Detroit from Windsor every year to camp in Michigan with friends and this year we went to this very nice campsite in Orion Twp and I loved it."

    9. Groveland Oaks County Park

    19 Reviews
    Holly, MI
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (248) 634-9811

    $28 - $48 / night

    "This campground has a lake for swimming, water slide, arcade, boat rentals, mini golf, biking trails and fishing. Lots for kids to do... also skate park and 2 playgrounds."

    "Large campground with lots of trails and activities (although we camped in early May so many activities were not open)."

    10. Island Lake Recreation Area

    4 Reviews
    Brighton, MI
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (810) 229-7067

    "Island Lake Recreation Area is home to two Huron River Canoe Camps. The sites are boat-in only (!) meaning you must haul any and all gear in a kayak or canoe for your stay."

    "Island lake really does feel like you’re up north with the hours spent on I-75. There are great hiking trails that give novice and Intermediate hikers a chance to sharpen their skills."

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Recent Reviews near Farmington Hills, MI

566 Reviews of 86 Farmington Hills Campgrounds


  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Proud Lake Recreation Area

    Amazing

    You need to know that this place is so so clean! The grounds, the sites, the bathrooms and the showers are all impeccable. It is true we were there in the middle of the week, but I’ve stayed at plenty of places during the week where things have been less than desirable. Everyone was most pleasant and helpful and the view of the lake was beautiful. If the campground had been full we probably would not have been able to see the lake from our site.

  • Noel L.
    Aug. 21, 2025

    Harbortown RV Resort

    Great kid campground

    This campground has everything! Go carts, playground, disc golf, pool, ext... Just a one night stay to visit A friend. If you have kids it is perfect! Staff was nice and very helpful

  • Ethan R.
    Aug. 13, 2025

    McGinnis Lake Modern Campground — Holly Recreation Area

    In the woods

    Nice campground. Paved sites. Some are pretty secluded. Downside is that the campground and stuff to do, are far apart. Bring a bike or drive. Beach is nice. Has a water park on the lake.

  • 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

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 26, 2025

    Camp Dearborn

    Great for all ages!

    Lots of beach area and water to fish or swim. Activities almost every night. Paddle boats, mini golf, golf, and more. Pull behind sites were easy to access. Staff are very helpful and responsive. There is a dump station on site.

  • tThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 20, 2025

    Oakland County Addison Oaks

    County Campground

    Nice park, family friendly, very clean and maintained. Bike and boat rental, children’s playground and activities. Hiking and biking trails. RC airport. When in this area this its the place to stay. If I lived in this area it would be a destination. Price is right!

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 20, 2025

    Pontiac Lake Recreation Area

    Clean & convenient

    Had a nice stay here. The campground was full but quiet. The bathrooms and showers were nice and clean with hot water. Site 71 wasn’t the most private but still nice. The spots are all pretty private due to trees and vegetation. Nice fire pit. Water hookup and dump on site.

  • Toni B.
    Jul. 12, 2025

    Green Lake Rustic Campground — Waterloo Recreation Area

    Booking was horrible

    So when I booked this camp site, I was originally looking at the Rustic camping on the app The Dyrt. The app brought me to the state park site, campsites looked beautiful and absolutely gorgeous for the rustic, it’s showed a picture of the bath house etc. Booked the site for the weekend because I’m catching up with a friend after awhile. Upon arrival, it leads us to this absolutely packed campground with sites directly ontop of each other, kids in the road the entire way through, parents not paying attention, absolute nightmare. It was in fact, it was the RV park. Not what I booked. We ended up talking to the office attendant, and booked at Green Lake Campground for the weekend, having to switch between 2 campsites over the weekend due to bookings. Overall just a very frustrating thing to deal with trying to get away for the weekend. Not the attendants fault, partially my fault, but also the state website as it is VERY unclear of the difference in camp grounds. Recommend the Rustic, stay away from the RV campsite that looked like an absolute hell scape if I’ve ever seen on.


Guide to Farmington Hills

Camping near Farmington Hills, Michigan, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family adventure, there are several campgrounds to explore.

What to do:

  • Biking: Many campgrounds have paved bike paths. For instance, at Maumee Bay State Park Campground, one reviewer mentioned, "There was plenty of room for riding bikes around, including a paved path to the lake."
  • Fishing: If you enjoy fishing, Algonac State Park Campground is a great spot. A camper shared, "I was very happy with this campground! I've stayed all over Michigan, and this is one of the best."
  • Hiking: Explore the trails at Pinckney State Recreation Area. One visitor noted, "The beach was a very nice place to spend the day. The lake was very warm and the swimming area had a nice depth gradient."

What campers like:

What you should know:

  • Mayflies: If you're camping in the summer, be prepared for mayflies. A visitor at Sterling State Park Campground warned, "First two nights were perfect but then the mayflies hatched and covered everything."
  • Limited cell service: Some campgrounds have poor cell reception. A camper at Sleepy Hollow State Park Campground noted, "Verizon service was basically non-existent other than at the beach."
  • Crowded weekends: Many campgrounds fill up quickly on weekends. A reviewer at Groveland Oaks County Park mentioned, "During the weekdays, I only had a few neighbors... On Thursday almost all sites filled up with travel trailers."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Family activities: Look for campgrounds with activities for kids. At Groveland Oaks County Park, one camper said, "There are lots of family activities like mini golf, kids bike courses, and playgrounds."
  • Secluded sites: Choose sites that offer privacy. A visitor at Holly Recreation Area mentioned, "The campsites are big, secluded, wooded, and clean."
  • Plan for meals: Bring easy-to-cook meals. A camper at Haas Lake Park RV Campground suggested, "Plan on wearing shoes the entire time. And maybe bring a big rake?"

Tips from RVers:

  • Check site conditions: Some sites can be rocky or uneven. A reviewer at Haas Lake Park RV Campground noted, "Sites are super rocky, plan on wearing shoes the entire time."
  • Electric hookups: Ensure your site has the necessary hookups. A camper at Bishop Lake Campground mentioned, "You are right across from some good walking trails and walking distance to the beach."
  • Dump station access: Be aware of where the dump station is located. A visitor at Sterling State Park Campground said, "The dump station is at the first buildings. So fill up before you head down to the campground."

Camping around Farmington Hills, MI, has something for everyone, from families to RVers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I find camping with lake access near Farmington Hills?

Yes, several campgrounds with lake access are available within a short drive from Farmington Hills. Brighton Recreation Area offers camping near lakes with swimming and fishing opportunities. If you're looking for a particularly scenic lake camping experience, McGinnis Lake Modern Campground — Holly Recreation Area provides heavily wooded sites and excellent kayaking on multiple lakes. Both locations feature nice hiking trails and are within a 40-minute drive of Farmington Hills. These recreation areas provide a perfect weekend getaway with water activities while staying close to the metro Detroit area.

Where are the best campgrounds in Farmington Hills?

While Farmington Hills itself doesn't have campgrounds within city limits, several excellent options exist within a short drive. Proud Lake Recreation Area offers spacious campsites with lake views and clean facilities just 15 minutes away. For families seeking activities, Groveland Oaks County Park is a great option with water slides, mini golf, arcade games, boat rentals and playgrounds. Both provide a surprising escape from urban areas despite their proximity to Detroit's metropolitan area. For those making a longer trip through Michigan, several more camping options can be found within a 30-45 minute drive.

Are there any tent camping sites in Farmington Hills?

While Farmington Hills doesn't have dedicated tent camping within city limits, excellent tent camping options exist nearby. Waterloo Portage Lake Modern — Waterloo Recreation Area offers tent-friendly sites about 40 minutes away and serves as a budget-friendly base for exploring Ann Arbor. For a more rustic tent camping experience, Green Lake Rustic Campground — Waterloo Recreation Area provides a more primitive camping option in the same recreation area. Be prepared for potentially muddy conditions after rain at rustic sites. Most campgrounds in the region require reservations through Michigan's DNR website, especially during peak summer months.