Farmington Hills camping options feature a mix of county parks and state recreation areas within 30 miles of the city. The area sits at approximately 800-900 feet above sea level and experiences typical Midwest seasonal patterns with humid summers averaging 80°F and winters dropping below freezing. Local campgrounds remain accessible year-round, though water systems typically shut down from November through April.
What to do
Hiking trails connect multiple parks: The region offers extensive connected trail networks. At Holly State Recreation Area, "There are several well marked trails" with varying difficulty levels for hikers of all abilities. The park features "several playgrounds, bench swings, play fields and even a basketball court" for when you need a break from the trails.
Water activities on multiple lakes: Most parks feature swimming beaches with varied amenities. Bishop Lake Campground offers lake recreation plus the unique Jump Island water feature. As one camper notes, "It's connected but costs money. $15 for a 45 minute jump session. Follow on Facebook for coupons. You can also just swim at the lake."
Mountain biking opportunities: The trails near Farmington Hills accommodate cyclists of various skill levels. Proud Lake Recreation Area has trails that are "not the easiest but they are not so challenging that you won't have fun." Some parks like Addison Oaks feature both paved and dirt trail options with "many in park are paved" while dirt trails cater to mountain bikers.
What campers like
Rustic sites for privacy: For those seeking seclusion, Blind Lake Rustic Campground requires a 4-7 mile hike or paddle to access. According to visitors, "The paddle in works out to be about 2.5 miles from the Halfmoon boat launch" and "You can hike or paddle in, no car access." This creates a quieter experience compared to more accessible options.
Clean facilities across parks: Campers frequently mention facility maintenance in reviews. At McGinnis Lake Modern Campground, "The bathrooms were clean" and sites are "spacious, we loved the national forest." Similar comments appear across multiple parks, with one camper noting "The bathrooms and showers were clean. Our campsite had a view of the lake."
Proximity to urban amenities: Despite natural settings, most parks maintain convenient access to supplies. Wayne County Fairgrounds RV Park offers walking access to retail: "there is a gap in the fence that runs around the fairgrounds allowing you to walk to a Walmart, McDonalds, Dunkin Donuts, and more." This convenience creates practical options for forgotten supplies.
What you should know
Site privacy varies significantly: Camping areas range from secluded to closely packed. At Camp Dearborn, some visitors find it "extremely crowded and people were very rowdy late into the night and obviously intoxicated." Consider researching specific loops or site numbers when reserving.
Seasonal challenges exist: Bugs become problematic in warmer months, especially at rustic sites. One camper warns, "The biggest problem was mosquito activity. The camping area sits on an inaccessible lake with a marsh area... Everyone had screen houses set up." Pack appropriate repellent and shelter options.
Reservation windows fill quickly: Popular weekends book months in advance, particularly for electrical sites. Recreation areas like Brighton require planning as "It was very nice, we had so much fun. The bathrooms and showers were clean, there were a lot of activities for the whole family, and the camp site was nice and shaded."
Tips for camping with families
Multiple playground options: Most parks feature kid-friendly play structures. Groveland Oaks County Park stands out with "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 offer themed camping weekends in September-October. According to visitors, these events include "Lights is fun activities for the kids for halloween" and organized activities like "decorating your site and the kids get dressed up an go trick or treating in camp."
Water play features for children: Beyond natural swimming, several parks offer structured water attractions. Brighton Recreation Area includes "a splash zone for kids" while Jump Island at Bishop Lake provides "a 45 minute jump session" on floating inflatable structures for an additional fee.
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: RV sites vary in accessibility and amenities. At Proud Lake, some campers note "sites on an incline and that made it hard to get in and out of our fifth wheel." Research specific site dimensions and approach angles before booking.
Hookup availability varies: Electrical amperage differs between parks. While Wayne County Fairgrounds offers full hookups, many state parks provide only 20-30 amp service and limited water access. Brighton Recreation Area has "no water hookup- but you can fill up and dump at the front of the campground."
