Best Tent Camping near Franklin, MI

Recent Tent Reviews in Franklin

442 Reviews of 10 Franklin Campgrounds

• 

  Christina M.

  Scout

  

  Oct. 13, 2024

  Walnut Hills Family Campground

  I’d give 0 if I could

  This campground used to be all about family and friends.  Camping friends that became family.  40+ years camping there, generation after generation.  So many wonderful people.  But the new owner has changed that camping experience for a lot of people.  Seasonals and reoccurring weekenders.  In fact over the last 2 years he has lost over 40+ seasonal families.  Many who have been there 10,20 even 30yrs.  He has done some much needed improvements but for what he is trying to charge people it’s ridiculous.  Believe all the bad reviews.  And the good reviews, well he pays for those by offering discounts for good reviews or free Wibit passes. The so called lake that he advertises is a nasty little pond that I’m sure is swimming with ecoli .  , the Wibit is small and priced outrageously at more than $35 on most days and is riddled with holes and barely filled with air in most days. Which also makes it dangerous.  The store does not have much to offer and what they do have is priced ridiculous.  There is one bathhouse and a couple nasty outhouses.  The owner also lies so much and thinks everyone else are fools.  He doesn’t live in MI so you won’t ever see him either.  Spend your money somewhere else.  For what he is charging it is not worth it.

• 

  Mano P.

  Scout

  

  Sep. 28, 2024

  Sterling State Park Campground

  Travel Trailers

  This park will accommodate any size travel trailer? Fifth wheel camper of any kind, the pull throughs are huge. The park is enormous with lots of fishing activities. Great water, the only downfall is there's no shade. Showers and restrooms are updated and always clean.

• D

  Djakata S.

  Guide

  

  Sep. 23, 2024

  Indian Creek Camp & Conference Center

  Super friendly staff

  I only stayed one night. I am a tent camper and where I was, it was only me in a fenced in area. I was right next to a cow field. The cows did not moo all night and there was no foul order. I needed no amenities so I can't vouch for that

• 

  Lynn T.

  Scout

  

  Sep. 21, 2024

  Walnut Hills Family Campground

  Expensive for the area. Expensive lots, wood, & parking

  Has gotten increasingly expensive over the past few years with nothing added in for the increases. No longer allowed to bring in local firewood. Must purchase from them. Many lots have flooding and you’re expected to camp in it. 

  Also beware if you have plans to buy a wristband for the water bounce attraction that it is not for a day that they have contracted to have bus loads of kids coming in to also use it.  Your kids will get knocked off and be afraid and you won’t get your $$ back. 

  They charge high for everything here. I’m actually surprised the showers are still free. But maybe next year they will charge for that too.

• 

  fred Y.

  Scout

  

  Sep. 20, 2024

  Wolverine Campground

  Wolverine campground

  Nice place some spots look small.

• 

  Cathy E.

  Traveler

  

  Sep. 17, 2024

  Crooked Lake Rustic Campground — Pinckney Recreation Area

  Rustic & Friendly

  The staff were so kind and helpful. I visited in my off-grid ready camper van, and staff helped us choose a site that had good views and felt private (SITE #22). It was a little slanted, but it didn't bother me. We could see the lake and had an outhouse right nearby.

• 

  Estella D.

  Scout

  

  Sep. 15, 2024

  The Holly Campground

  Such a disappointment

  We paid 500.00 for 5 days. At first our sights were so unleveled that we had to go In And request a site change. Looked to rent the bikes as pictured, NOPE they were toddle trikes.. very deceiving! First day kids were in the pool, looked a little dirty. 2nd day , 90 degree weather the

  Pool was green! We spoke with staff and they said they were working on it. They were putting little bags of shock in.. REALLY!  The pool ended up closing stating it was related to the weather!!! Rain 3 days prior! No refund offered, site dirty, grass not mowed, dirty unkept campers in the campground, no trash pick up! NEVER EVER AGAIN! Took a ride to other nearby sites… cost less, clean, offered more activities for kid.

• J

  Jeffrey

  Scout

  

  Sep. 15, 2024

  McGinnis Lake Modern Campground — Holly Recreation Area

  One of my favorite campsites!

  Been using this campground for at least 12 years. Bathrooms are always fairly clean and there is plenty of shade. Nice ponds to view as well.

• D

  Don B.

  Guide

  

  Aug. 26, 2024

  McGinnis Lake Modern Campground — Holly Recreation Area

  Nice but wouldn't recommend 93

  It's a very nice campground with lots of trees and the sites are spaced out nicely in the Trillium loop. I've wouldn't pick site 93 however as the pavement is sloped and the whole site is sloped quite steeple. Also, it shares an electrical box with 95 and my camper cord was about 30 ft short.

• 

  Reservations L.

  Traveler

  

  Aug. 13, 2024

  Lake Chemung Outdoor Resort

  Great for year-round camping - Winter camping as well

  Love this campground for it's friendly people to it's great amenities. They have an indoor pool, sauna, putt putt, playground, lake  Great for Winter camping as well.

• 

  D G.

  Guide

  

  Aug. 12, 2024

  McGinnis Lake Modern Campground — Holly Recreation Area

  Far Away But Close To Home

  A short trip from home, this was a great weekend getaway! The camp site was spacious but tucked back in a bit (we tent camped on an RV site). The campground was quiet as well.

  We did a 7 mile loop hike and then went to Battle Alley Brewing in Holly (10 min away).

  No grate on the firepit so be aware of that.

  Would definitely come back - it’s like being up north but you’re under an hour from home.

• 

  Gary G.

  Guide

  

  Aug. 7, 2024

  Sterling State Park Campground

  Nothing seems enforced here

  Stayed 5 days. Had a FHU site, of which there's a lot here. That all worked fine. Almost no trees here. None of the usual painted lines on the pavement to indicate your site boundaries, which sucks. You have to guess, and hope your neighbor doesn't spread out.

  Nothing seems enforced here, and I mean nothing. Rarely saw anyone patrolling the park, never saw any staff checking sites before the next camper came in. My site had dog droppings and cigarette butts in the firepit. Neighbors had FOUR vehicles on site, two more than the rules. Witnessed endless speeding and people going the wrong way on the roads. Without exaggerating, 80% of the cars were going too fast, 75% going the wrong way. No one seems to care or enforces anything. I think the supervisor here should be fired or retrained. I camp in 4 to 8 MI state parks per summer, this is the only one where it felt like no one cares.

  They need some "wrong way" signs and "speed limit 10" signs. (15 is too high, cause 15 means 20 to people, 10 means 15... ). Then they need to care.

  At least the bathrooms were clean.

  You can get TV from Detroit or Toledo, and T-Mobile service was ok.

  Groceries and many dining options not far off.

  We're 50/50 on staying here ever again.

• N

  Nicole F.

  Traveler

  

  Jul. 31, 2024

  McGinnis Lake Modern Campground — Holly Recreation Area

  Love this place!

  I love to come here when I want a quick get away from home because it is only 30min away.

  The campsites are big,secluded, wooded, and clean. The people in the check in stand are nice, friendly, and helpful as well.

  I do wish there was more public bathrooms, it’s a long walk or a quick drive to the only flushable toilets in the campground.

  Raccoons run this place! Don’t leave any food or garbage out ever or you will be robbed by a gang of raccoons who are not afraid of people.

• 

  Ronald B.

  Scout

  

  Jul. 29, 2024

  Hell Creek Ranch & Campground

  Great Campground

  Great out of the way campground. It was nice and quiet. Bathrooms were clean and well kept. The gentleman that checked us in moved things around so we could all be together not on different sites well away frome each other. Would definitely go there again.

• 

  Kimberly W.

  Scout

  

  Jul. 14, 2024

  Hide Away Park Campground

  THANK YOU FOR REVIEWING

  Thank you to EVERYONE who takes time to REVIEW! ….WHEW!! This year seems every place is FULL or Closed for repairs or High polluted numbers. many are struggling finding someplace to go, and People do READ REVIEWS, and this “ OLD HAG”

  Really needs a class in “ consumer relations “ I have been in retail for 30 plus years and THE CUSTOMER IS ALWAYS RIGHT, there is NO. “ what did you do to deserve to be treated THAT way? GOOD LUCK finding a NEW JOB when you don’t have one because THIS joint gets shut down do ton Bankruptcy….. hahahaha… you may think you’re smart NOW, but when you get served a dose of you’re OWN medicine out in the REAL WORLD.. well, I’d  give anything to see that…

  Making people’s lives miserable who just want to have a good time? How fucking miserable are YOU?

• 

  Gary G.

  Guide

  

  Jul. 12, 2024

  Bruin Lake Campground — Pinckney Recreation Area

  Great staff, good hosts, not bad

  Camped here thru the 4th of July weekend. The staff kept noise and other stupidity tamped down. They say quiet time is all the time, and I love that.

  Typical MI state park, sites are electric (30a and/or 50a) only.

  No real beach, but there is a swimming area. Picked up Detroit TV stations easily, good for the rainy mornings we had.

  With T-Mobile, Internet service was practically non-existent. Phone calls & texts worked. The camper across from us said it was the same for Verizon.

  One section is mostly paved & ADA sites, the "upper" section is grassy and/or dirt. Both restroom/shower buildings were fine, I just wish they had posted times when they'll be closed for cleaning.

  All in all, we'd have no problem returning here.

• C

  Charleen B.

  Scout

  

  Jul. 8, 2024

  Hide Away Park Campground

  Never come here!!

  First off I can’t even give it a zero star!!! But was going here for 5 years and definitely will be the Last!! Seems office has new rules now you can’t roll your 12 by 15 carpet mats out NOMORE but a 3 by 5 mat!! Who wants that little shit if you have furbabies coming in and out of your camper? Just a lot more dirt on your inside space!!Abssolety NO SERVICE!! You gotta stand in one spot just to hold a conversation on you phone!! No WiFi to check your Home ring camera!! No WiFi even if you try and USE YOUR OWN HOT SPOT!! So not even a fire stick 😩Most off lady in the office very unprofessional!! Ask her for a discount and she got the nerve to say I DONT GOT TIME FIR THIS!!! Excuse me miss grouchy, costumers are always to be satisfied!!! You got time to take our $$$$ at least have a POSITIVE ADDITUDE !!!! This probably why your campground was so EMPTY This year but best luck to you in the future!!! NEVER AGAIN!!

• 

  Lake George L.

  Scout

  

  Jun. 30, 2024

  Water Tower Travel Trailer Park

  Bang for your buck

  Sites are long but not wide. Level. Full hookups. Wifi you can stream on. LTE cell service. Clean showers. Walking path around pond, fishing dock. $28 site, No old beaters allowed. Old clean units welcome.

• E

  Eric C.

  Scout

  

  Jun. 25, 2024

  Outdoor Adventures Lake Shore Resort

  Crowded

  5 dollars per day, or if you are staying with family take your card to camp store to get a card that will last the time you will be. They don't tell this at the gate.

  5mph speed limit. Kidds are out of control on bicycles and walking they will dart right in front of you no desiplane. 

  Can take a long time getting in and getting to your campsite GOOD LUCK.

• R

  Richard T.

  Guide

  

  Jun. 21, 2024

  Oakland County Addison Oaks

  Excellent camping

  This is the second time staying in these campgrounds in two weeks. Both times stayed in the more wilderness area D with lots of trees and sites for tents or back-in trailers. The grounds are huge with bike/hike trails, a lake and a disc golf course. Mountain biking seems to be very popular there are dirt trails off the paved hiking loop. Sites have electricity and water and are well spaced out.

• R

  Richard T.

  Guide

  

  Jun. 21, 2024

  Groveland Oaks County Park

  Tent camping at Groveland Oaks County Park

  This park and campgrounds are very manicured with tons of RV, trailer and tent sites. The lake has a small shallow swimming area and beach that gets very busy during the day but less traffic right before sunset. There are lots of family activities like mini golf, kids bike courses and playgrounds. It’s a very large open family camping area. The staff are very nice and very busy making sure the grounds are perfectly maintained. I camped in the area F on the outer perimeter just down way of the beach area. I had plenty of room for my tent, awning and to park my SUV. The was electrical and water (non potable) at the site. During the weekdays I only had a few neighbors further down in tents or travel trailers. On Thursday almost all sites filled up with travel trailers. A park employee told me they would be fully booked for the next two weeks. Very nice camping, quiet. Holly Oaks Offroad park is across the street and Holly Recreation area is adjacent. Lots of great towns nearby like Fenton.

• 

  Chef T.

  Scout

  

  Jun. 15, 2024

  The Holly Campground

  The Holly Campground in Holly, MI, Formerly KOA endorsed

  I rarely write reviews good or bad on any business ever, but this one is a BEWARE situation and I feel that fellow campers/RVer’s need to be aware of the campground!!!!

  It has been many years since we were last at this campground. I booked a sight online for a week, thankfully it was only a week! We arrived at the campground, setup our 5th wheel, attempted to set up the WiFi, only to find they have WiFi in the store but no WiFi was available for our site. I contacted the office, spoke with the owner, she said “I will send someone out there to check the “repeater” maybe something is wrong with it because we should have WiFi”, never sent anyone that we were aware of and never called me to confirm wether or not we had the WiFi working. I drove up to the store and this nice young man informed me that the further away from the store you will not get WiFi. I told him that I spoke with the owner yesterday and she said that she was sending someone out to check the repeater and we NEVER heard back from her. He proceeded to call the owner on his cell phone, of which I could hear her talking, he said bring your computer up to the store and login, then take it back to the campsite and you should be able to login”, so I went back to the campsite grabbed my ipad, then back to the store. I was able to login to the WiFi. Went back to our site, no WiFi. This is a problem for me, not having WiFi, not only for work purposes but also TV services. I called the store, same young man told me that you do not have WiFi, you will need to come up to the store for services. I said that was unexceptionable, we were told we would have WiFi, it is also advertised online and in your brochure. He said “I can’t help you, you do not have WiFi on your site”. I let it go until the next day. 

  The campground is NOT well kept. The grass/weeds was a foot long throughout the campground, it clearly had not been mowed in a few weeks. My husband took the dogs out on our site to go potty, he came back in only to find he had ticks on him and the dogs. Most likely because the grass hadn’t been mowed. After being lied to about the wifi and now the ticks, we decided that we would need to find another campground. We are 44’ long with an 8’ deck and being a Friday we knew we had some challenges ahead of us to find another campground, but we did, thank God!

  I drove up to the office and informed them of our displeasure and that we are checking out. I said we will pay for the 2 nights we have stayed here but we would like to be refunded the balance of what we prepaid (almost $400.00 dollars), and a refund for $20.00, $10.00 for each gate key we were charged. The young man called the owner on his cell phone, she said she will not refund the money. I said to the young man that was unexceptable, and I want my money back. He said he can’t refund our money. I told him I will get my money back one way or another, and that I will warn everyone about the “real” situation of this campground, his response was “ok, have a good day”, and I left. 

  If you are interested in staying at this campground, I highly suggest you take a ride and go see it for yourself. They are very expensive, overpriced for the campground conditions and amenities , and services that are stated online and in the brochure are not accurate! If you want to save yourself the headache, disappointment and loss of your hard earned money, STAY AWAY FROM THIS CAMPGROUND!!!

• 

  Kelsey S.

  Guide

  

  Jun. 15, 2024

  Sterling State Park Campground

  Great spot!

  Wonderful views from site 117. We booked the last spot of the night. It was an easy pull through with water, electric, and sewer hookup. You are right across from some good walking trails and walking distance to the beach. Lots of electric scooters, dogs, and bikes around.

• J

  J L.

  Guide

  

  Jun. 13, 2024

  Groveland Oaks County Park

  Park is nice but open to the public…

  The spaces are nice and open. The playgrounds are new. There’s and arcade and beach. The downfall is that ots open to the public. This is our 4th year coming here and its now a common occurrence for stranger danger. If you’re an adult with no kids, you’ll have a great time!

• H

  Heather M.

  Guide

  

  Jun. 5, 2024

  Covenant Hills Camp

  Group camping for Sukkot

  We had a large group of families with varying ages and abilities.  We used multiple different styles of cabins and a few RV sites, as well as various buildings for activities.  All in all, it was an incredible time and I highly recommend it.  Staff was helpful with activities such as archery but, seldom seen if not directly helping with things.  It was nice to feel like we had the run of the place but, still know that help was available if we needed it.  The location is pretty great, off the beaten path but, within 30 minutes of major stores and conveniences. 
  Laundry facilities would have been awesome since we were staying a full week but, there was a laundromat only about 15 minutes away. 
  The food selection was about what you'd expect in a public school cafeteria and resulted in health-minded guests needing to make their own meals in the cabins and meals were VERY rushed, only allowing 30 minutes for our large group to get their food, eat and be out of the building. 
  The grounds were well maintained for a rustic campground but, bathrooms and meeting buildings were adequately upgraded and offered pleasant amenities, such as a game room, large gym and decent air conditioning.  

  We had a great time here and look forward to returning one day!

• 

  Edward C.

  Guide

  

  Jun. 1, 2024

  Bishop Lake Campground

  Great state campground.

  Well maintained and up kept with some neat features and trails.

  Avoid the vending machines.

• 

  D P.

  Guide

  

  May. 13, 2024

  Metamora-Hadley Recreation Area

  OK for last minute trips.

  I have stayed here over 100 times in past thirty years. Front camp sites are better than back. Staff are friendly. The only rude person here is the camp store owner. Fishing is great, boat, kayaks, trails for everyone. If it rains everything is mud if your in the back camp section.