Best Tent Camping near Freeland, MI

Tent campgrounds in Michigan's Freeland area offer diverse options for backcountry enthusiasts. Russell Canoe Livery & Campground provides tent sites near Omer, about 40 miles northeast of Freeland, while Deerfield Nature Park in Mount Pleasant offers primitive tent camping accessible by hiking or boat. House Lake State Campground near Gladwin provides a more secluded tent camping experience with basic amenities in a woodland setting.

Tent sites throughout the region feature varying access types and amenities. Deerfield Nature Park requires a one-mile hike to reach campsites, making it ideal for backpackers seeking seclusion. Drinking water is available at some locations like Sugar Springs Campground, but many tent camping areas have limited facilities. Fire rings are common at established sites, though fire restrictions may apply seasonally. Most tent campgrounds permit fires, but campers should verify current regulations before arrival. Vault toilets are available at locations like House Lake State Campground, while others may have no restroom facilities.

The tent camping experience near Freeland offers genuine outdoor immersion with natural surroundings. House Lake State Campground provides a secluded setting with no cell service within 20 minutes of the area, creating a true disconnect from urban life. The wooded sites offer good separation between campers with tree coverage providing shade and privacy. Areas with water access add versatility for tent campers interested in paddling activities. Deerfield Nature Park provides special appeal for tent campers who enjoy combining hiking with paddling, as landing areas near the campsites allow for convenient kayak trips. A visitor noted, "You can access by boat or it's a 1-mile hike. Very peaceful, there are only 10 sites and pit toilets."

Best Tent Sites Near Freeland, Michigan (11)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Freeland, MI

2 Photos of 11 Freeland Campgrounds


Tent Camping Reviews near Freeland, MI

247 Reviews of 11 Freeland Campgrounds


  • Tammy P.
    Oct. 18, 2020

    Crystal Creek Christian Campground

    Family oriented

    Quite the establishment! Almost 150 sites including rustic, full hook up, cabins and even just over a handful of park model units to reserve for your family to come stay and enjoy all the amenities they offer. Amenities including but not limited to horse shoes, swimming ( man dug pond) hiking, basketball, volleyball and etc. No alcohol allowed as this is a Christian campground but for all the amenities it is extremely affordable! $30 a night 30/50 amp full hook up ... don’t need 30+ amp but want sewer as well only $25 a night 15 amp full hook up or as low as $20 for 15 amp water n electric only! Want the full camping ambiance $15 a night for rustic tent camping! Great place to take the family even several times a season on a budget!

  • Jamie H.
    May. 12, 2019

    Holiday Shores RV Park

    Disclosure: This review is from a newbie RVer's perspective with a 32ft. Travel Trailer!

    Holiday Shores has a good website that gives great info, however there is no booking online so you have to call. Which was super easy! The lady on the phone was very nice and completely understanding of our total lack of experience. We planned to golf during our stay so she thoughtfully put us in lot 511 which is relatively close to the pro shop!

    This place is conveniently located off M13 in Durand. The roads are in good condition which made for smooth travel... this is Michigan! We arrived after the office was closed but our paperwork was waiting for us just as promised. The park itself has nice roads as well. Making for easy navigation and maneuvering. Our lot had a cement pad which required no leveling. The electrical, water and sewer connections were all easy to access and each lot had a picnic table and fire ring!

    Holiday Shores has several ponds both large and small, which might make for good fishing but we never gave it a try. There is a swim beach and it's available after Memorial Day! You will also find several nicely paved paths up to 3 miles long. These were walking only which was sort of disappointing because we brought our bikes, however they were very nice to walk or go for a run! The attached 9 hole golf course was well maintained and had some tricky holes. There were changes in elevation and multiple water hazards... we may have lost some balls. The only negative is they currently do not have their liquor license but the new owners are working on it. Overall it was a fun, mostly challenging round of golf that is worth checking out!

    Breaking camp and checkout were easy as pie! The bottom line we can't wait to go back it was great time, with better people. We made new friends the first night there that truly made our stay memorable. Thank you again for all the hospitality!!!

  • Nathan V.
    Sep. 9, 2018

    Sleepy Hollow State Park Campground

    Beautiful Park

    Rangers working the area are very friendly. Many options to choose from in terms of camping, from rustic, tent to fully functional cabin lodging. The park is very large, so it is always good to have a vehicle able to drive to the trails and beach. Campsites are decent sized, can fit probably 3 four person tents per site, which includes a concrete firepit and picnic table. In the north campsites there is a lot of tree covering, and there are a lot of walnut trees that were shedding a lot this time of the year. Bathrooms are well spaced between the campsites you, and have showers along with some vending machines outside of them. Spigots are scattered throughout and are very accessible. Be sure to bring at least 100 feet of extension chord if you want electricity, because the power ports are not as accessible from some areas. Overall very pleasant campground.

  • J
    Jul. 29, 2024

    Frankenmuth Jellystone Park

    Fun RV park and very close to downtown

    Our site was averaged out to $82.71 a night with the weekly rate discount.

    We were in Site# 306 (a deluxe plus RV site - be aware that some of these are back-ins and not clearly labeled on the site map - we had to change sites to a pull-thru). We had Full hook- up with a gravel pull-through.
    We travel towing a 14 foot trailer and were able to fit both in our pull through site along with my jeep.
    The site was easy to level.

    Our site was not shaded with zero trees. We weren’t able to sit outside because of the direct sun until after 8:30pm.
    This was a smaller lot with our neighbors fairly close.

    The deluxe plus lot comes without a concrete patio but with a picnic table and fire ring. They do sell firewood and will deliver to your site.

    There is free WiFi. They do not offer Cable TV but there are quite a few channel options.

    There is not a community outdoor kitchen or community fire pit.

    They do not provide garbage service at your site so you must walk to garbage dumpster.

    You are allowed to ride personal golf carts. They also allow you to rent pedal bikes. They do not provide golf cart rentals.

    They do have a heated indoor and heated outdoor Swimming pool and one hot tub.

    There is a Playground. They also offer Gaga ball, basketball sport court, and volleyball courts. There is a Game room for kids. They have a Putt putt course and Jumping pad.

    They have a great general store. There is a separate Activity Center for kids.
    There are tons of scheduled activities for kids like wagon rides, arts & crafts, scavenger hunts, obstacle courses, etc. Activities are scheduled all day from 9am to 8pm.

    There is a snack bar on site from 4pm-9:30pm where you can get hot dogs, brats, pretzels, nachos, ice cream, etc.

    The streets are mostly paved and good for riding bikes.

    This is an RV park with cabins to rent also. Tent camping is also allowed.

    They have two shower houses. The shower house has the typical stalls. There is a great area to hang clothes and store your toiletries in the shower stall. These are kept very clean.

    There is a laundry facility. It is a cash only facility, but they have a change machine in the arcade room. There are approximately 4washers and 4 dryers. It is approximately $2.75 to wash and $0.75 to dry a load.

    They do not have a fenced in dog park. There are areas to walk dogs though.

    Flies were an issue and bug spray was needed.

    There were no trails to hike off of the campground.

    Some fun things to do outside of the campground are Frankenmuth FunShips (chocolate & wine tasting), the Golden Ticket Trolley, the Bavarian Belle (popcorn & sodas) River Place Shops, wineries, and Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland store. This RV park is less than a mile to downtown/River Place Shops where there is tons of shopping.

  • Mary T.
    Jun. 26, 2019

    Sleepy Hollow State Park Campground

    I know another great Michigan State Park

    What can I say, I love the Michigan State Parks.  I find they are the best, Sleepy Hollow is not different and it has so many things to do.  I would advise if you want to camp there on a weekend to make reservations well in advance.  We stay here because there are only 2 campgrounds in the Lansing East Lansing Area this being one of them and the other does not have all full hook ups and charges more.  When we visit our daughter at Michigan State University this is the place we stay,  20 - 30 minutes into the University depending upon the traffic.

    It has large wooded sites only electric but you can fill up the water at the dump station.  Each site has a picnic table and Fire ring.  Each campsite has a asphalt pad. They sell fire wood at the campground office. Bring what you need or you can go into St. johns to the Kroger or Walmart.  they have 2 main camping loops with 2 loops in each of the main loops and a shower restroom in each main loop.  The restrooms are very clean and kept up.  I love the showers  hot water and for me that is hot and great pressure, I could shower all day.  Sure beats our shower in the RV.

    The State Park is on Ovid Lake and it is a beautiful lake, great for fishing, canoeing, paddle boards, kayak, and swimming. they have a shelter for you if you have a big party.

    They also have a group campsite and a picnic area for large groups. d You can also bring your horses go to the Equestrian area and unload and get on the trail.  

    You can rent canoes, kayaks, paddle boats and paddle boards.  They also have a great play ground for the kids and a fishing pier. Bring Bikes or just hike on the trails and head down to the beach.

  • Kitty B.
    Aug. 7, 2019

    House Lake State Campground

    Secluded Get-Away

    There is no cell service within 20 minutes of the campground, and the closest restaurants are 30 minutes away, but if you prepare it is an excellent location! The camp sites were somewhat far apart, the tree coverage was nice, and they are overrun with chipmunks which was adorably magical! They have vault toilets available, a water spigot, and a self serve firewood station as well as a picnic table and fire pit at every site. All in all a very nice campground!

  • Erica K.
    Aug. 20, 2018

    Bay City State Park Campground

    Family Friendly

    I used to work at this state park for two years and really enjoyed my time there. I spent many nights there with family and coworkers. The staff is very friendly and they patrol all through the night to ensure safety and noise control. The sites vary from close together, to secluded. It is easy to camp in a group with sites all close to each other, or to be off on your own. the bathrooms on the campground side are very clean. They are newer and updated and are cleaned 2-3 times a day or more as needed. The visitor side has less updated bathrooms, making them appear more dirty, but they are cleaned 4-6 times a day at the least. These bathrooms are also close to the beach, so sand makes it seem dirty as well. Sites vary in size, allowing tents or large rvs to be in most spaces. This campground does get very full most weekends Memorial Day through Labor Day, especially around the 4th of July. Bay city has lots to do and the visitor side has plenty of interesting programs for kids to do. swimming is iffy, as the city closes the beach depending on bacteria in the water and which way the wind is blowing it on a given day. The water is not clean (not the parks fault). there is a splash pad for younger children to enjoy though. There are no water sites. you must cross a relatively busy road to get to the visitor side where the beach/splash pad/visitor center is.

  • J
    Jul. 11, 2021

    Black Creek State Forest Campground

    Rustic State Forest Campground

    Black Creek State Forest Campground has huge sites with shade and sun; clean vault toilets with hand sanitizer; creek views and is very quiet despite a little road noise.  Definitely recommend for someone looking for a mid-Michigan get-away.  

    The Chippewa Nature Center is about 10 miles away and has great trails; excellent visitor center and reconstructed 19th century homestead.

  • Sarah B.
    Aug. 12, 2023

    Sleepy Hollow State Park Campground

    Absolutely great time!

    Walk-in site F was literally the perfect campsite. Fully secluded (except a few curious hikers who stopped in around lunchtime), easy 1 mile walk from parking lot, can kayak right up to it on the calm lake, hammock posts, picnic table, fire pit, gorgeous night sky views. A+ and 10/10


Guide to Freeland

Tent campsites near Freeland, Michigan provide access to the scenic Saginaw Bay watershed region with its mix of forest, river, and lake environments. Camping conditions vary seasonally with humid summers reaching highs in the 80s and cold winters that limit camping availability at many sites. Most tent camping in the region requires self-sufficiency as amenities are typically basic.

What to do

Canoe or kayak trips: Russell Canoe Livery & Campground offers both equipment rentals and riverside camping, making it ideal for water-based excursions on the Au Gres River. A camper shared, "Great place to pull off the river and camp. Everything you need for your river adventure. Rent or bring your own watercraft."

Fishing at multiple locations: Genesee Otter Lake Campground provides lake access for fishing, though campers note the waterfront sites are primarily occupied by seasonal campers. Visitors should check fishing regulations as they vary by water body throughout the region.

Wildlife observation: The wooded settings of many local campgrounds support diverse wildlife. At House Lake State Campground, a camper observed, "They are overrun with chipmunks which was adorably magical!" Many sites also offer opportunities for bird watching and seasonal mushroom hunting.

What campers like

Seclusion from technology: House Lake State Campground offers a true digital detox experience as noted by a visitor: "There is no cell service within 20 minutes of the campground, and the closest restaurants are 30 minutes away, but if you prepare it is an excellent location!"

Site spacing and privacy: Tent sites in the Freeland region generally offer good separation between campers. House Lake campers appreciate that "The camp sites were somewhat far apart, the tree coverage was nice," providing natural screening between neighbors.

Peaceful water access: Deerfield Nature Park provides both hiking and paddling opportunities with convenient boat landing areas. As one camper explained, "We did 2 kayak trips while we stayed and was great to have landing so near sites. I do recommend going by boat as the hike with gear will wear you out."

Natural discoveries: The region offers unique natural features beyond just camping. At Deerfield Nature Park, a camper reported finding bioluminescent fungus: "At night we seen some blue chips glowing, upon investigation it was from wood we had chopped. We found a log that was full of it."

What you should know

Leveling challenges: Many sites in the area require careful tent placement or equipment for leveling. A Sugar Springs Campground visitor warned about this specific issue: "The sites are spacious and clean... Downside: horrifically not leveled."

Water access logistics: Campers should prepare for varied water access situations. At Sugar Springs Campground, "Water is shared between 3-4 sites, so you better bring a hundred feet of hose to fill your tank."

Seasonal considerations: Most tent camping options near Freeland have limited seasons, typically May through October, with some extending into November. Crystal Creek Christian Campground operates from "May 1 to October," while Greenwood Campground remains open through December 1.

Reservation systems vary: Many campgrounds in the area operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Some campers report that arriving on weekdays significantly improves site selection opportunities compared to weekends.

Tips for camping with families

Budget-friendly options: Crystal Creek Christian Campground offers affordable camping with numerous activities. A visitor noted, "Great place to take the family even several times a season on a budget! $30 a night 30/50 amp full hook up... or as low as $20 for 15 amp water n electric only!"

Activity planning: Family-oriented campgrounds provide structured activities throughout the summer. Genesee Otter Lake Campground offers "Plenty of activities planned and structured thru the grounds to keep the whole family entertained including PUTT PUTT Golf, Arcade, Saturday Night Adult Bingo weekly, and tons more!!"

Pack all essentials: Due to the remote nature of many campgrounds, families should bring all needed supplies. Some locations like House Lake State Campground are "30 minutes away" from restaurants or stores, requiring thorough packing.

Campground policies vary: Rules regarding noise, pets, and alcohol differ between locations. Crystal Creek Christian Campground specifically notes "No alcohol allowed as this is a Christian campground," while maintaining family-friendly amenities including "horse shoes, swimming (man dug pond) hiking, basketball, volleyball and etc."

Tips from RVers

Hookup availability: Electric service varies significantly between campgrounds, with some offering only 15-amp service. At Crystal Creek Christian Campground, pricing reflects the power options: "Want sewer as well only $25 a night 15 amp full hook up or as low as $20 for 15 amp water n electric only!"

Site selection warnings: Multiple RVers caution about misleading waterfront site descriptions at some campgrounds. Verify exactly what "waterfront" means before booking premium sites, as some may not meet expectations.

Water and sewer connections: Bring extra-long hoses for water connections at Sugar Springs Campground, where "Water is shared between 3-4 sites." Most campgrounds offering full hookups have both 30-amp service and water/sewer connections, but availability is limited.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Freeland, MI is Amongst The Maples with a 0-star rating from 0 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 11 tent camping locations near Freeland, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.