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Best Tent Camping near Flint, MI

460 Reviews

Tent camping options near Flint, Michigan include several established campgrounds within a short drive of the city. Island Lake Recreation Area offers rustic tent sites with access to hiking trails and water activities, while Appleton Lake Campground provides more secluded tent camping experiences with sites tucked into wooded areas. Both locations maintain primitive tent sites that appeal to campers seeking a more natural experience away from RV hookups.

Most tent sites in the Flint area feature basic amenities including fire rings and picnic tables, though facilities vary significantly between locations. Appleton Lake Campground provides rustic tent-only sites with vault toilets but no hookups or showers, making it unsuitable for RVs. Island Lake Recreation Area offers more developed facilities while still maintaining a natural camping experience. Seasonal availability affects most locations, with many campgrounds operating from April through October or November. During peak summer months, reservations are strongly recommended for weekend camping.

Tent campers in the Flint region often appreciate the relative seclusion compared to more developed campgrounds. The walk-in tent sites at Island Lake Recreation Area's Huron River Canoe Camps provide a unique backcountry experience accessible only by water. According to one visitor, "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." At Appleton Lake, primitive tent camping offers what one camper described as a "quite campground tucked in the woods" with "rustic tent camping perfect for tents." Sites at both locations provide access to water activities, hiking trails, and wildlife viewing opportunities while maintaining the simplicity that tent campers often seek.

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Best Tent Sites Near Flint, Michigan (12)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Flint, MI

10 Photos of 12 Flint Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Flint, MI

460 Reviews of 12 Flint 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

Guide to Flint

Tent camping near Flint, Michigan offers a variety of scenic spots where nature lovers can unwind and enjoy the great outdoors. With options ranging from rustic sites to family-friendly amenities, there's something for every camper.

Tips for tent camping near Flint

  • D-bar-A Scout Ranch provides a unique experience with rustic camping, cabins, and opportunities for horseback riding, making it a great choice for adventurous families.
  • Appleton Lake Campground is perfect for those seeking a more rustic experience, featuring tent sites surrounded by mature trees and access to kayaking and fishing.
  • Crooked Lake Rustic Campground offers a peaceful retreat with stunning lake views and a friendly atmosphere, ideal for campers looking to escape the hustle and bustle.

Tent campers like these nearby activities

  • At Island Lake Recreation Area, you can enjoy hiking, biking, and swimming, all while soaking in the natural beauty of the area.
  • Genesee Otter Lake Campground features activities like fishing and boating, along with family-friendly amenities such as picnic tables and fire pits.
  • Hilltop Campgrounds hosts various planned activities, including bingo nights and putt-putt golf, ensuring there's never a dull moment for campers.

Campground amenities to enhance your stay

  • Crystal Creek Christian Campground offers a range of amenities including swimming, hiking, and sports facilities, making it a well-rounded destination for families.
  • Moon Lake Campground provides a tranquil setting with basic amenities, perfect for those looking to reconnect with nature without distractions.
  • PINCKNEY RAILS-TO-TRAIL CAMPGROUND features friendly management and a welcoming atmosphere, along with essential amenities like showers and picnic tables for a comfortable stay.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Flint, MI is Hilltop Campgrounds with a 4-star rating from 2 reviews.

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

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

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