93 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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.
"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."
from $32 - $286 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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."
from $20 - $80 / night
Check Availability"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."
"You will either need a longer electrical cord or if you can back your RV up far enough to reach you will need something to put under your steps to make them touch the ground."
from $3 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $32 - $37 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $27 - $80 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $20 - $186 / night
Check Availability"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."
"The lake has a small shallow swimming area and beach that gets very busy during the day but less traffic right before sunset."
from $28 - $48 / night
Check Availability"Friendly staff, clean park, close to supermarkets and other food locations. RV repair and sales nearby. I got lucky and woke up to a horse and dog competition at no extra cost to me."
"We used our Starlink Mini and it worked well on a nearly cloudless day with unobstructed access to the sky. I would definitely stay here again."
from $20 - $30 / night
Check Availability
ScoutPool, nice playground, small putt putt course, rec room and other activities available. We are retired and just needed overnight camping and the only site available was tiny and right on the curve of the road. Our firepit and picnic table were less than 10 feet from the road so not private at all. We felt it was overpriced for the site. Others were better but none very private(smallish and no trees).
GuideWhy the Dyrt has this place listed under "glamping" is beyond me. This is very far from that. A state park, some FHU sites, some pull thru, but it's almost like camping in a prairie. There's so very few trees here, so almost every site will be full sun. Full, blisteringly hot, sun.
It's an ok campground, but that's it. Host (each time we were there) did nothing that we could see. People tend to drive fast here, even staff.
It's right on Lake Erie, which can be good/bad, depending on if the toxic algae blooms are occuring.
City of Monroe is nearby for whatever you might need. (Aldi, etc)
Even though this park is close, it's just not one we like to choose because of the barren feel of the place. (We've been here three times)
GuideAs usual, there's only electric at sites, but the pedestals seem fairly new, and tight. South loop is nicely wooded & has a newer, larger restroom/shower building, not much lake view. The north loop is a little less wooded, with the NW end having a little better lake views, but a pretty ancient restroom/shower facility.
Across the lake is the day use area with a beach and concession stand. (There's a small camp store in the north loop.)
ADA Only sites are asphalt paved. Some of the regular sites could be a challenge to get level on, but the rangers told me they have wood blocks for loan if you don't have enough.
Our first night & a half, we had some terrible neighbors two sites over. Constant profanities, yelling at & threatening their kids... real dirtbags. Rangers booted them from the park! Good to see them taking such positive action. I have not run into a single staff member here that wasn't pleasant.
This was our first time here. A test run, since it's only an hour from home (but feels farther). We'll be back for sure. (Especially with gas prices so high anymore.)
T-Mobile was only slow LTE at our site, but our Starlink worked perfectly at our site. Might be harder to get a clear shot in the more wooded areas of the park.
ScoutMy husband and I actually took our first camping trip in our new camper to this location, but we are novice when it comes to campgrounds. It was nice because there was always an attendant at the office to help. They gave clear and concise directions. The grounds were impeccable. Everything looked fantastic. We have even considered being seasonal here because it is so beautiful.
TravelerPretty with trees, although you do have very open views if you like more growth... weekend activities... family park, you need to be able to walk a ways to enjoy all their games, activities and beach...
ScoutHusband and wife owners that are extremely rude Husband has the attitude of I own this here water wife is the mother of all Karen's. You usually pay to swim here but they ruined that and took that away cause they own that there water merica can't wait for the new owners!!!
TravelerWe booked this spot and stayed for 4 nights. Large and spacious. Our spot backed up on a hill and the electric hookup was at the back of the spot as opposed to the side like most other campgrounds. You will either need a longer electrical cord or if you can back your RV up far enough to reach you will need something to put under your steps to make them touch the ground. By no means a negative thing, just make sure you are prepared!
GuideThis Fairgrounds Campground has several combinations of hookups. There were plenty of available sites when I booked Site 93.
This site is on neatly mowed grass and it has water and electric connections. There are no picnic tables or fire rings. There are no trees or other vegetation to separate sites
The bathrooms are modern with showers that have plenty of hot water. The bathrooms were very clean.
Bookings online are easy. We arrived after closing and my documents were taped to the office windows with directions to my site.
We used our Starlink Mini and it worked well on a nearly cloudless day with unobstructed access to the sky.
I would definitely stay here again.
ScoutThis campground has direct access to the river and several apple trees on site. We have enjoyed our time here.
Seasonal variations significantly impact camping experiences near Farmington Hills, Michigan, with spring offering wildflowers but muddy conditions at many sites. Summer highs reach the mid-80s with evening temperatures dropping to the 60s. Most recreation areas require Michigan Recreation Passports, available for $13 for Michigan residents or $9 daily passes for out-of-state visitors.
Mountain biking at Proud Lake: The recreation area offers trails that accommodate various skill levels. "The trails available here are where I learned to mountain bike, they're not the easiest but they are not so challenging that you won't have fun," notes one visitor to Proud Lake Recreation Area.
Kayaking and canoeing: Huron River access points allow for water recreation at several parks. At Island Lake Recreation Area, "The sites are boat-in only (!) meaning you must haul any and all gear in a kayak or canoe for your stay. The sites, Canoe Camp #1 and #2, can be only be reserved by calling or visiting the main office."
Fishing opportunities: Many lakes in the area offer good fishing conditions year-round. "Lots of trails and great fishing," reports a camper about the recreation areas. Some parks like Camp Dearborn provide dedicated fishing areas suitable for beginners and experienced anglers alike.
Disc golf: Several parks feature disc golf courses. Camp Agawam includes "campsites, a playground, swimming, fishing, an outdoor amphitheater (with concerts!), pavilion rentals, and disc golf!" according to one visitor.
Clean facilities: The maintenance of bathhouses and shower facilities receives consistent praise. "The bathrooms and showers were clean, there were a lot of activities for the whole family, and the camp site was nice and shaded," says one visitor to Holly Recreation Area.
Secluded sites: Despite suburban proximity, many campgrounds offer private camping spots. "This rustic campground is obviously well-tended and has an almost magical feel to it. It's private, quiet, and full of wildlife," notes a camper at Highland State Recreation Area.
Water activities: Lakes and beaches provide summer recreation options. "Nice camp sites with views of the lake. Big bathrooms that are super clean! Great lake to kayak on. Trails to hike on!" writes one camper about their experience at Proud Lake.
Wildlife viewing: The natural settings attract various animal species. "The natural scenery is STUNNING with fields of flowers and trees. We ran up on a group of probably 70 wild turkeys on the trail!" shares a camper from Highland Recreation Area.
Reservation timing: For best campsite selection, book 6 months in advance for summer weekends. Most campgrounds open reservations on a rolling 6-month window through the Michigan DNR reservation system.
Electrical considerations: Some campsites have unusual electrical hookup placements. At Pontiac Lake Recreation Area, "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."
Beach access: Not all beaches are within walking distance of campgrounds. "Only drawback is the distance from the lake. The lake is not within walking distance, you would need to drive," notes a camper at Pontiac Lake Recreation Area.
Cell service: Coverage varies significantly between parks. Highland Recreation Area has limited connectivity that creates "a great time to unplug and just enjoy our surroundings" according to visitors.
Seasonal restrictions: Water facilities typically operate from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Bathroom facilities may have limited heating in early spring and late fall at some parks.
Water parks and activities: Some campgrounds include special water features for children. Groveland Oaks County Park "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."
Halloween camping events: Several parks organize special fall activities. At Proud Lake, "we've been going to halloween camping for the past 2 years, decorate your site and the kids get dressed up an go trick or treating in camp, theres a costume contest and hay rides, fun family atmosphere."
Equipment lending: Some parks offer activity equipment for campers. Proud Lake has "a host site with activities and a lending library for books and some sporting equipment," making it easier for families who don't want to transport extra recreation items.
Playground proximity: When booking, check site maps for proximity to play areas. "There were many playgrounds, bench swings, play fields and even a basketball court," notes a visitor to Holly Recreation Area.
Site selection: Choose carefully for larger RVs as not all sites accommodate bigger rigs. "At one point I was worried an improperly locked down camper would roll straight through our tents!" warns a camper about the terrain at some sites.
Full hookup availability: Only certain campgrounds offer complete RV services. At Haas Lake Park RV Campground, visitors appreciate "a pull thru that was very spacious with a long driveway. Nice lake view across the road."
Dump station locations: Plan ahead for waste disposal as not all parks have on-site facilities. Haas Lake offers "full hook ups, and a waste removal service at your camp site if needed."
Extension cords: Pack extra-long electrical cords due to hookup placements. "Some hook ups are exceptionally far away from the designated RV parking pad," notes a camper at Pontiac Lake.
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.
Keep Exploring
