Best Tent Camping near Farmington Hills, MI

Tent camping options near Farmington Hills, Michigan include several established campgrounds offering both rustic and modern amenities. Island Lake Recreation Area provides tent sites with access to drinking water, fires, picnic tables, and toilets. Camp Agawam offers a suburban tent camping experience with basic amenities in a park setting surrounded by recreational facilities.

Most tent campgrounds in the Farmington Hills region require reservations and feature standard amenities like fire rings and picnic tables. Sites typically have dirt or grassy surfaces with varying degrees of shade. Island Lake Recreation Area maintains vault toilets and drinking water access for tent campers, while Appleton Lake Campground offers more rustic facilities with fewer amenities. Many campgrounds in the area prohibit alcohol, and campers should verify pet policies before arrival, as rules vary by location.

Tent campers seeking a more secluded experience should consider the canoe-in sites at Island Lake Recreation Area. A visitor commented that these sites "provide a backcountry, boat-in camping experience very close to town" with each site featuring a fire ring and picnic table. Appleton Lake Campground offers sites that are "fairly secluded from each other," making it suitable for tent campers seeking privacy. The Brighton area campgrounds provide access to hiking trails, fishing opportunities, and swimming areas. Primitive tent camping areas tend to be quieter than full-service campgrounds, though some campers report issues with wildlife, particularly raccoons at night. Most tent campgrounds in the region operate seasonally, with limited or no winter camping options.

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Best Tent Sites Near Farmington Hills, Michigan (12)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Farmington Hills, MI

10 Photos of 12 Farmington Hills Campgrounds


Tent Camping Reviews near Farmington Hills, MI

508 Reviews of 12 Farmington Hills Campgrounds


  • Neil T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 31, 2021

    Seven Lakes State Park Campground

    Great waypoint when camping across the UP

    Vibe: Woodland getaway with no flash and really nice sites. 

    Cleanliness: Sites are above average. Vault toilets are…vault toilets. 

    Facilities: Nothing flashy. Wish there was a few additional water filling points and that the dumpsters were all located near the camp entrance/exit. But really nothing to complain about. 

    General spots: Large, very well treed, gravel, picnic table and fire ring. 

    Privacy: Can see neighbors through sites, but better privacy than most places. 

    Our site: 39. Could drive circles around inside it. Even has a tree in the middle of it with room to drive all the way around it(not with a trailer). Depending where you set up your rig, you may need an extra long extension cord. 

    Noise: Quiet. Occasionally hear wolves howling. Cell signal(Verizon): 1 bar. No internet loads. Text messages will send and receive. Sometimes immediately, sometimes hours later. Other: Wish we had a chance to explore the lakes. Sounds like the swimming and fishing is good. Saw several kids on bikes toting rods.

  • Christopher P.
    Sep. 5, 2021

    McGinnis Lake Modern Campground — Holly Recreation Area

    Quiet, well kept state park

    Just a quick overnight tent camp with my son. Tent sites are relatively well spaced out and clean. Fire rings and picnic tables at each site.

    Modern bathrooms and shower rooms are available.

    Many playgrounds, horseshoe pits, and a basketball court available.

    Firewood and ice available at the front gate.

    RV spaces are well spaced out and give a sense of privacy. Electrical hook ups.

    Cabins available for rent as well.

  • Don H.
    Jul. 9, 2019

    Island Lake Recreation Area

    Hidden Canoe Camps

    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. The sites, Canoe Camp #1 and #2, can be only be reserved by calling or visiting the main office.

    This is an awesome place to stay, especially if you live in the area, as it provides a backcountry, boat-in camping experience very close to town. The sites each feature a fire ring and picnic table. Canoe #1 sports a floating dock to tie up boats. There is also a vault toilet, and firewood provided for both sites to share, as well recycling and trash cans.

    The sites and common area (toilet and garbage cans) are connected by short trails and you may, once in awhile, hear the folks at the site next to you. Thankfully, In my experience, people have always been friendly and respectful.

  • Rodger M.
    Sep. 19, 2021

    Ridgewood Campground

    An Quick Camping Escape

    We were warmly greeted by the attendee and the camp host. Firewood, snacks, camp essentials, and ice available on site. Nice touch having firewood delivered to our site. The gentleman could not have been kinder and offered assistance with us setting up. The site was a larger site (#12) tucked nicely away in a corner.

    Picnic Table and Nice Fire Ring onsite. Port-a-potty, dumpster near site.

    Fair warning, the staff aren’t the only ones ready to greet you! Bugs, Mosquitoes, bees, and even raccoons (if food left out - which we did not). We have been to sites before that must have sprayed for pests because we have never experienced the amount of mosquitoes we did here. Thankfully we had Off Area Camp Spray, our Thermacell, and citronella burning and it helped dramatically reduce the pests.

    The noise level was very “citified.” Traffic could be heard throughout the evening and early morning. That’s what we get for camping so close to civilization. Also, beware of Poison Oak and Ivy! The entire site was bordered with it.

    Lastly, make sure that if you car camp or SUV Camp, you let them know. They have a policy of making you park your car/SUV in the lot after setting up your tent (if tent camping).

  • Ryan F.
    Oct. 20, 2021

    Brighton Recreation Area

    Lake Murray Rustic Sites

    This was our first camping experience in Michigan, so we weren’t exactly prepared. My rating takes this into consideration.

    First of all, if it’s rainy or muddy, you might want to think twice about entering the rustic camping area. We have a 4Runner, so it was no problem but a few little cars did slide around and have trouble on the hill by our site.

    Our site wasn’t level, so we were rolling around a bit. If I went there again I’d try to find a spot towards the end of the loop by the exit. These sites were higher and some of them were private. I’d examine the map carefully because some of the sites were horrendously open and basically on the road. Maybe good for a vehicle with a rooftop tent or a trailer of some sort, but it would have been annoying for us. Site M22 was big and far enough away from other campers, but again not level. Probably a good location for a group of hammock campers.

    All that aside, the biggest problem was mosquito activity. The camping area sits on an inaccessible lake with a marsh area.

    When we rolled in the first thing we noticed was that everyone had screen houses set up.

    We didn’t have anything but our tent and a hammock with a big net so everyone got bitten up while cooking and hanging out by the fire. It was pretty miserable. Yes, I realize this is mostly our fault.

    I’ve since purchased a thermacell backpacker and some bug net hats and stuff. I’m looking into constructing an ultralight screen house that can be suspended from trees.

    The last problem was drunk campers hooting and hollering all night but that isn’t the camping areas fault.

    This place is super close to where we are living so I’ll probably schedule it next spring and come prepared. There are lots of nearby lakes and recreational trails so it’s a fun place to be with family.

  • Mike B.
    Sep. 3, 2018

    Appleton Lake Campground

    Quiet, private rustic campground

    I liked that this campground had sites that were fairly secluded from each other. Each site has a fire ring and ample space to park your vehicle and set up a tent or small trailer.

    My only complaint is the vault toilets were not clean and very full.

  • J
    Jun. 9, 2019

    Green Lake Rustic Campground — Waterloo Recreation Area

    Rustic campground near civilization

    This campground is part of the Waterloo State Recreation area, about 6 miles north of Chelsea MI. Sites are decent-sized, not much privacy between some sites. Only a couple of sites overlook the lake. Picnic table, fire ring, vault toilet and hand pump water. Quiet little campground.

  • Mike B.
    Sep. 5, 2018

    Green Lake Rustic Campground — Waterloo Recreation Area

    Rustic Campground Close to Town

    I stayed here with my kids because it was close to home and town. It makes for an easy getaway for a night or two.

    It is rustic with just vault toilets. Each site has a picnic table and a fire ring.

    The lake is not good for swimming as it is very mucky and covered in Lilly pads.

    It can fill up quick because it is close to town.

    There is a Yurt for rent here as well through the Waterloo Recreation web page.

  • Kate K.
    Aug. 22, 2019

    Waterloo Sugarloaf Modern — Waterloo Recreation Area

    A Wonderful Winter Getaway

    We stayed in the Southfork Rustic Cabin at the end of Feb and it was lovely much needed get away. The cabin was semi modern (solar lighting) but only a wood stove for heat. Small kitchen unit with table for eating. You had to hike in about a quarter mile to get there, and it sleeps four people with two bunk beds. There is an outside vault toilet behind the cabin. Lots of trails connecting the cabin to the rest of the park. Cheap too! Only $68 per night.


Guide to Farmington Hills

Farmington Hills, Michigan, offers a variety of tent camping options that cater to outdoor enthusiasts looking for a rustic experience close to nature. From serene lakeside spots to wooded retreats, there's something for everyone.

Some prices for tent camping range from $15 to $40

  • At Appleton Lake Campground, you can enjoy a rustic camping experience for just $17 a night, perfect for those who appreciate simplicity.
  • Island Lake Recreation Area offers tent sites year-round, with prices that reflect its well-reviewed amenities and activities.
  • For a more family-friendly atmosphere, Camp Agawam provides a great retreat with affordable rates, making it a popular choice among campers.

Local activities to enjoy while tent camping

  • Island Lake Recreation Area features great hiking trails and opportunities for swimming, making it ideal for active families.
  • At Crooked Lake Rustic Campground, you can enjoy stunning lake views and a peaceful atmosphere, perfect for fishing and relaxing.
  • D-bar-A Scout Ranch offers a unique experience with horseback riding and various outdoor activities tailored for scouts and families alike.

Tips for tent camping near Farmington Hills

  • Be prepared for wildlife encounters, especially at Appleton Lake Campground, where raccoons are known to visit at night.
  • Always check for available amenities like drinking water and toilets, as some sites like Crooked Lake Rustic Campground may have limited facilities.
  • Consider making reservations in advance at popular spots like Island Lake Recreation Area to secure your preferred site during peak camping seasons.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Farmington Hills, MI?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Farmington Hills, MI is Camp Agawam with a 5-star rating from 2 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 12 tent camping locations near Farmington Hills, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.