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Best Tent Camping near Owosso, MI

512 Reviews

Recreation areas surrounding Owosso, Michigan offer several tent camping options within an hour's drive. Appleton Lake Campground in Brighton provides rustic tent-only sites with basic amenities, while Island Lake Recreation Area features both standard tent sites and unique boat-in tent camping along the Huron River. Crooked Lake Rustic Campground in Pinckney Recreation Area offers tent campsites with lake views, and Wheel Inn Campground in Leslie accommodates tent campers with walk-in sites. These established campgrounds provide varying levels of amenities while maintaining a natural setting.

Most tent campgrounds feature dirt or gravel pads with minimal grading. Appleton Lake Campground provides fire rings and picnic tables at each site, with vault toilets available but no hookups or showers. Island Lake Recreation Area's canoe camps require paddling in all gear but include fire rings, picnic tables, and vault toilets with firewood provided. Crooked Lake sites offer lake views with basic facilities. Campers should check seasonal availability as some campgrounds operate year-round while others close during winter months. Wildlife activity, particularly raccoons at Appleton Lake, may require proper food storage.

Tent campers frequently note the secluded nature of sites despite proximity to urban areas. According to reviews, Appleton Lake Campground offers "sites that are fairly secluded from each other" with "mature trees" and "great trails for trail running." One visitor described it as providing a "close by but up north feel." At Island Lake Recreation Area, the canoe-in tent sites provide what one camper called "a backcountry, boat-in camping experience very close to town." Crooked Lake Rustic Campground is praised for offering "a great slice of wilderness in this part of the state" with excellent lake views. Walk-in tent sites generally provide more privacy than drive-up locations, with primitive tent camping options offering the most seclusion for those willing to forgo amenities.

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Best Tent Sites Near Owosso, Michigan (13)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Owosso, MI

10 Photos of 13 Owosso Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Owosso, MI

512 Reviews of 13 Owosso 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.

  • beth S.
    Aug. 13, 2022

    Lansing Cottonwood Campground

    Primitive Sites!

    We came to the Lansing area for a family function and stayed at one of the Primitive Sites at Cottonwood Campground. The front of the grounds did seem a bit congested and not many trees, but we had a primitive site and it was everything we wanted. We camped in hammocks and had a pretty large site with great trees that could accommodate at least three to four hammocks (siteP5). Our site had a picnic table which was very helpful to have. There are a lot of wildlife noises, owls, frogs, crickets, etc. and you can hear some of the highway traffic but the nature sounds kind of drown it out.

    Overall was a good experience and staff were friendly and the primitive sites were over half empty. We will definitely come again.

    Second night, it had rained pretty much all day. Spiders came out at alarming numbers, mostly daddy long legs and the night before, raccoons had gotten into our food storage bins by undoing the side latches on them. The next night we made sure to house trash and food items in our truck.

  • 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 Owosso

Discover the charm of tent camping near Owosso, Michigan, where nature meets adventure in a variety of beautiful settings.

Tent campers should check out local attractions

  • Enjoy the serene environment at Appleton Lake Campground, perfect for kayaking and fishing, offering a rustic experience surrounded by mature trees.
  • Experience the unique boat-in camping at Island Lake Recreation Area, where you can paddle in and enjoy a backcountry feel without straying far from town.
  • Explore the scenic trails and family-friendly activities at Genesee Otter Lake Campground, which features a variety of amenities for a fun-filled camping experience.

Tent campers appreciate these amenities

  • Wheel Inn Campground offers well-maintained facilities, including drinking water, picnic tables, and electric hookups, making it a comfortable choice for tent campers.
  • At Hilltop Campgrounds, you’ll find full hookups, a market for essentials, and a friendly atmosphere that welcomes both seasonal and overnight guests.
  • Crooked Lake Rustic Campground provides a peaceful setting with basic amenities like toilets and picnic tables, ideal for those seeking a simple, nature-focused experience.

Activities for tent campers

  • Engage in outdoor fun at Island Lake Recreation Area, where hiking, biking, and swimming opportunities abound, perfect for families and adventure seekers alike.
  • Enjoy organized activities and family entertainment at Genesee Otter Lake Campground, which features putt-putt golf and arcade games to keep everyone entertained.
  • Experience the tranquility of nature while camping at Appleton Lake Campground, where you can unwind by the lake and explore nearby trails.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Owosso, MI is Moon Lake Campground with a 3-star rating from 2 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 13 tent camping locations near Owosso, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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