Tent camping near Garden City, Michigan offers several rustic options within an hour's drive. Most sites in this area sit at elevations between 800-1,000 feet and experience mild summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F. The camping season typically runs April through October with most rustic sites lacking electricity but providing vault toilets and designated tent pads.
What to do
Water activities at Island Lake Recreation Area: Located in Brighton, this recreation area offers kayaking and canoeing opportunities with lake access. As one camper notes, "There are great hiking trails that give novice and Intermediate hikers a chance to sharpen their skills. Signs are well marked throughout the park." This campground features swimming, hiking, and biking with trails for outdoor enthusiasts.
Disc golf at Camp Agawam: This park combines camping with recreational activities like disc golf and paintball. According to a camper, "It has campsites, a playground, swimming, fishing, an outdoor amphitheater (with concerts!), pavilion rentals, and disc golf! Not to mention Oakland Paintball is in the middle of it!"
Trail running at Appleton Lake: The mature forest setting makes this location perfect for trail enthusiasts. One visitor mentioned, "Great trails - perfect for trail running," while another noted the "Rustic and mature trees" that provide shade and natural scenery for runners and hikers alike.
What campers like
Secluded setting at Appleton Lake Campground: Campers appreciate the privacy between sites at this rustic campground. One visitor mentioned, "Appleton has a few sites, very rustic and perfect for tents." Another camper noted it as a "Great starter campground" that's particularly good for introducing children to camping.
Lake views at Crooked Lake Rustic Campground: Located in the Pinckney Recreation Area, this campground offers scenic water views. A visitor shared, "The views of the lake are awesome, it's a great slice of wilderness in this part of the state." Staff are also helpful in finding the best sites, as another camper noted: "The staff were so kind and helpful... and staff helped us choose a site that had good views and felt private."
Local accessibility at Island Lake: The convenience of wilderness camping close to urban areas stands out. A camper described it as feeling "like you're up north with the hours spent on I-75," adding that it offers "Great location without having to drive too far."
What you should know
Tent-only restrictions: Many sites around Garden City are specifically designed for tent camping and unsuitable for RVs. At Appleton Lake, a camper clarified: "Not for RVs and no hook ups."
Wildlife encounters: Be prepared for local wildlife at some campgrounds. One camper at Appleton Lake warned, "The camp site itself was nice, but once it got dark, we were fighting off about 10 raccoons all night. Definitely went somewhere else the next night."
Tick awareness: Several rustic campgrounds report tick presence. A visitor to PINCKNEY RAILS-TO-TRAIL CAMPGROUND warned, "Watch out for ticks though," after an otherwise positive camping experience.
Vault toilet conditions: Bathroom facilities at rustic sites can be hit or miss. One Appleton Lake visitor complained, "My only complaint is the vault toilets were not clean and very full."
Tips for camping with families
Starter campground selection: Choose campgrounds specifically noted as good for first-time campers. A visitor to Appleton Lake shared, "Great starter campground which is just what we wanted - my buddy and I took his 6 year old camping for the first time."
Fishing opportunities for children: Several lakes offer accessible fishing for young anglers. At Island Lake Recreation Area, a camper noted the "Good dock for the kids to fish."
Playground access: Some campgrounds feature play areas for children between outdoor adventures. Camp Agawam specifically offers "a playground" among its amenities, making it suitable for families needing structured recreation options.
Tips from RVers
Full hookup alternatives: For those requiring electrical hookups, consider Hilltop Campgrounds in Lapeer. A visitor noted, "All sites are 50 amp full hook ups" and praised its economical pricing: "For a full hook up campground this place is very economically friendly at only $40 a night!"
Convenience store access: Some campgrounds offer on-site stores for forgotten items. At Hilltop Campgrounds, a camper mentioned, "Forget something while packing? No worries! They have you covered at their conscience store specific to their campgrounds!"
Winter camping options: For year-round RVers, Hilltop Campgrounds offers extended season options. One full-timer reported, "We are full timers here for the winter into spring. The campground here is simple but the people are so friendly it will be difficult to leave when our season here is over."
