The southeastern corner of Michigan near Flat Rock offers camping options with varied terrain ranging from Lake Erie shorelines to inland wooded settings. The region sits at an average elevation of 600 feet above sea level and experiences four distinct seasons. Many campgrounds in the area remain open from early April through late October, with seasonal water turn-on typically occurring by mid-April when overnight temperatures consistently stay above freezing.
What to do
Waterfront activities: East Harbor State Park Campground provides direct access to Lake Erie with multiple opportunities for recreation. "There are a few restaurants nearby. The campground is right on the shore of Lake Erie," notes Michi P. The park features both swimming and wildlife viewing options.
Fishing opportunities: Wilderness Campground offers a catch-and-release pond ideal for casual anglers. "We love camping here every year. They have a beautiful beach and camp sites right on the water," shares Kaitlyn from Wilderness Campground. This site provides both shore fishing and water access.
Cycling and trails: Sterling State Park Campground features extensive biking and walking paths. "There is a bike path that will take you all the way to the Historic Rasin River Battlefield and then to downtown Monroe," explains Frances V. The park's trail system connects natural areas with historic sites.
Go-karts and recreation: Harbortown RV Resort offers family-friendly activities beyond typical camping. "This campground has everything! Go carts, playground, disc golf, pool... Just a one night stay to visit a friend. If you have kids it is perfect!" according to Noel L. The adjacent recreation area provides additional entertainment options.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Wayne County Fairgrounds RV Park maintains well-kept shower facilities despite its basic setup. "The benefit of C is that there is a very nice newer shower house by the pull through lots, the facility is hard to beat in a state park!" reports Mark S. about nearby East Harbor State Park. Campers consistently mention bathroom cleanliness as a priority.
Private sites: Maumee Bay State Park Campground offers sites with natural screening. "One of my favorite things about this campground is that your spots are close together which is great for safety, however with the bushes and brush, it feels super private," explains Kayla H. The park's layout maximizes both security and privacy.
Convenience to urban areas: Camp Lord Willing RV Park & Campground provides easy access to regional attractions. "Great location for several places to visit in Michigan," notes Korinne K. This campground serves as a central base for exploring both natural and urban destinations within the region.
Wildlife viewing: Wilderness Campground creates opportunities for nature observation. "Lots to do, from swim, fish, bike the whole park, play at the park, watch movies at night in the community pavilion," says Daniel about the activities available at this campground. Bird watching is particularly popular in wetland areas near Lake Erie.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: River Raisin Canoe Livery & Campground has specific operational periods. "I am mostly a solo camper so finding cheap spots is getting MUCH too hard. @20$ a night flat for all spots (primitive with pit toilet) this place is not too bad," reports Phillip S. The campground locks gates at 7pm since it operates adjacent to the owners' residence.
Weather impacts: Sterling State Park Campground experiences insect hatches during summer months. "Everything great except may flies! First two nights were perfect but then the may flies hatched (in mid june) and covered everything," warns Kourtney D. These insects typically emerge for 2-3 weeks in June.
Site drainage: Monroe-Toledo North KOA can experience drainage issues during rainy periods. "Campsites were pretty clean. Kids loved the pond beach and the water slide. The only down side was they pack in the campers super tight," notes Isaac R. Some campground areas may require careful site selection during spring months.
Water conditions: East Harbor State Park Campground occasionally deals with algae issues. "I only gave this campground 3 stars due to not being able to swim (beach was closed due to algae/unsafe water)," explains Sheri S. Lake Erie water quality varies throughout the season with conditions typically best in early summer and early fall.
Tips for camping with families
Halloween events: Monroe-Toledo North KOA hosts special Halloween-themed weekends. "I've been going to this campground for years, but mainly for the Halloween camping. It's a fun time of the year to go and the kids always have a blast. Most sites decorate and some site go all out with haunted houses," shares Ryan M. These events typically run weekends in September and October.
Playground access: Harbortown RV Resort provides multiple play areas. "Nice campground - clean with many pull through sites. Nice size pool with enough lounge chairs. Sites feel a bit small but still very nice. Right next to camping is go karts, putt putt and arcade. We had a blast!" notes Beth G. The adjacent recreation center charges separate fees for activities.
Nature programs: East Harbor State Park Campground offers educational activities. "Great hiking, wonderful nature center on site with some planned activities to participate in. Camp store is also in close proximity to nature center," reports Sheri S. Programs typically run on summer weekends and include guided walks and wildlife presentations.
Swimming options: Wilderness Campground features a swimming lake separate from fishing areas. "Cute catch and release pond. Great staff very friendly and helpful," notes Shawn C. The swimming area includes a sandy beach section with gradually sloping entry suitable for younger children.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: East Harbor State Park Campground offers varied site types. "The key is site selection at East Harbor... we happened to be in section C which was a newer section of the park. Section C was nice, though in hot sunny days there is very little shade to protect you," advises Mark S. The older sections provide more shade but less privacy between sites.
Full hookups: Sterling State Park Campground provides full-service sites. "My family and I love this park. Quiet with large level sites. Everything from back ins with only electrical to pull throughs with full hook-ups," explains Matthew F. These sites typically require reservations several months in advance for summer weekends.
Park layout: Wayne County Fairgrounds RV Park has an open design suitable for larger vehicles. "They offer 50 amp full hook-up sites, 50 amp/water, and 30 amp/water sites with pull-thru and back-in options. There is a dump station located in the middle of the park which is easy to get to. The roads are wide and a lack of trees makes this campground accessible for any size RV," according to Nancy W.
