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Best Campgrounds near Genesee, MI

437 Reviews

Campgrounds near Genesee, Michigan provide a mix of established camping facilities within a one-hour drive radius. Outdoor Adventures Lake Shore Resort in Davison and Wolverine Campground in Columbiaville represent the diverse options available, with most sites offering tent camping, RV hookups, and cabin rentals. Covenant Hills Camp and Holly Recreation Area feature cabins and glamping accommodations for those seeking more comfort. The campground landscape includes both private resorts with extensive amenities and more rustic public recreation areas with lake access, creating options for different camping preferences and budgets.

Most campgrounds in the Genesee area operate seasonally from April through October, with a few locations like Outdoor Adventures and Holts RV Sites remaining open year-round. Reservations are typically required, especially during summer weekends and holidays when facilities reach capacity. Many campgrounds feature water-based recreation with swimming beaches, boat launches, and fishing opportunities on local lakes. Several sites impose restrictions on pets, alcohol, or specific types of vehicles. As noted in feedback on The Dyrt, "When I first met my husband he always camped here, but because we only live twenty minutes from there, I would go home at night... The beach is dirty and always crowded."

Family-friendly amenities distinguish many campgrounds in the area, with several facilities offering swimming pools, playgrounds, and organized activities. Outdoor Adventures Lake Shore Resort provides extensive recreation options including multiple pools, mini-golf, and paddleboard rentals, though site spacing can be limited. A visitor highlighted that "This campground goes above and beyond in amenities. This is a resort not a campground... but, it is very new fashioned. Everyone is packed in, hardly any trees." Covenant Hills Camp offers more nature-based activities with trails, kayaking, and fishing opportunities. Some visitors note concerns about overcrowding at certain facilities, particularly during peak season, while others appreciate the social atmosphere at the more developed resorts. Water quality and beach conditions vary significantly between locations, with some receiving criticism for maintenance issues.

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Best Camping Sites Near Genesee, Michigan (75)

    1. Outdoor Adventures Lake Shore Resort

    10 Reviews
    Davison, MI
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 871-9953

    "We’ve been going here for many years, we love access to the plenty of pools and kayaking amenities that are included in our stay!"

    "I've been a never of Outside Adventures for 4 years now. Well worth the expense. This place has plenty of camping options from tents up to 50 foot Class A."

    2. Wolverine Campground

    10 Reviews
    Columbiaville, MI
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (810) 793-6613

    $35 - $45 / night

    "Tis campground is located on the north shore of Holloway reservoir it is open from end of may to first of September. It has a beach boat launch ne the lake is great for walleye."

    "Lake is supposed to be great for walleye fishing, even if it a tad shallow. Campground is well maintained with picnic tables, and fire rings."

    3. McGinnis Lake Modern Campground — Holly Recreation Area

    33 Reviews
    Ortonville, MI
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (248) 634-8811

    $27 - $30 / night

    "Group area is away from the main area. Kayak lakes are nice. Excellent hike/bike trails. Park is located just down the road from the Holly Oaks Off road park."

    "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."

    4. Covenant Hills Camp

    8 Reviews
    Otisville, MI
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (810) 631-4531

    "Large play areas, dog run, basketball court, lots of walking trails, and family friendly."

    "The location is pretty great, off the beaten path but, within 30 minutes of major stores and conveniences. "

    5. Groveland Oaks County Park

    19 Reviews
    Holly, MI
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (248) 634-9811

    $28 - $48 / night

    "This campground has a lake for swimming, water slide, arcade, boat rentals, mini golf, biking trails and fishing. Lots for kids to do... also skate park and 2 playgrounds."

    "Large campground with lots of trails and activities (although we camped in early May so many activities were not open)."

    6. Otter Lake Park Campground

    5 Reviews
    Otisville, MI
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (810) 793-4258

    "I grew up in Otter lake spent lot's of summers running around the campground and beach area. I haven't stayed in the campground for years but I have visited friends staying in the campground."

    "Close to Munising and Pictured Rocks."

    7. Pine Ridge RV Campground

    5 Reviews
    Clio, MI
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (989) 624-9029

    "There’s private land on either side and a dirt bike track that the neighbor owns on the north end, so if you’ve got a light afternoon napper, stay away from that end."

    8. Holts RV Sites and Mobile Home Court

    1 Review
    Genesee, MI
    4 miles
    +1 (810) 787-5289

    9. Frankenmuth Jellystone Park

    6 Reviews
    Clio, MI
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (989) 652-6668

    "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."

    10. Genesee Otter Lake Campground

    3 Reviews
    Otisville, MI
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (810) 793-2725
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Recent Camping Photos near Genesee, MI

111 Photos of 75 Genesee Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Genesee, MI

437 Reviews of 75 Genesee Campgrounds

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 5, 2025

    Pontiac Lake Recreation Area

    Great Spot!

    Because it’s a state park, they have fresh drinking water, would for bonfires in private spots. This is one of the best areas for hiking and biking and kayaking and swimming.

  • Vee H.
    Sep. 28, 2025

    KOA Campground Emmett

    Bed bugs in cabins

    Avoid this KOA at all costs– bed bugs and dishonest management. Our stay at the Emmett KOA was a nightmare. The cabin we rented was infested with bed bugs. When we brought it up, the owner flat-out lied and told us they hadn’t had bed bugs in“over 13 years.” That was absolutely false. There are multiple reviews on here already citing bed bug issues, and staff members themselves admitted to us that it has been an ongoing problem. Even the pest control company they claimed to use confirmed they’ve been battling bed bugs here. Instead of taking responsibility, management hid behind their ridiculous 14-day cancellation policy and refused to refund our second night(which we didn’t stay for obvious reasons). Their“solution” was insulting: a 20% discount for a future stay(as if anyone would want to come back!) and a handful of quarters so we could attempt to kill the bugs in our belongings using their dryer. The dishonesty from Toni and her father is appalling. Any business that knowingly lies to its customers about a health and cleanliness issue this serious has no integrity. Bed bugs are not a minor inconvenience– they spread, they infest, and they follow you home. We left disgusted and disappointed, and I strongly recommend avoiding this campground if you value your health, honesty, or basic respect as a paying customer.

  • Dan H.
    Sep. 28, 2025

    KOA Campground Emmett

    Avoid this KOA at all costs – bed bugs and dishonest management.

    Our stay at the Emmett KOA was a nightmare. The cabin we rented was infested with bed bugs. When we brought it up, the owner flat-out lied and told us they hadn’t had bed bugs in“over 13 years.” That was absolutely false. There are multiple reviews already citing bed bug issues, and staff members themselves admitted to us that it has been an ongoing problem. Even the pest control company they claimed to use confirmed they’ve been battling bed bugs here. Instead of taking responsibility, management hid behind their ridiculous 14-day cancellation policy and refused to refund our second night(which we didn’t stay for obvious reasons). Their“solution” was insulting: a 20% discount for a future stay(as if anyone would want to come back!) and a handful of quarters so we could attempt to kill the bugs in our belongings using their dryer. The dishonesty from Toni and her father is appalling. Any business that knowingly lies to its customers about a health and cleanliness issue this serious has no integrity. Bed bugs are not a minor inconvenience– they spread, they infest, and they follow you home. We left disgusted and disappointed, and I strongly recommend avoiding this campground if you value your health, honesty, or basic respect as a paying customer.

  • Edward C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 22, 2025

    Seven Lakes State Park Campground

    Beautiful park

    Very pretty park. Sites and facilities are well maintained.

    Sites tend to slope towards Sand Lake so have leveling blocks if that's important to you.

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Proud Lake Recreation Area

    Amazing

    You need to know that this place is so so clean! The grounds, the sites, the bathrooms and the showers are all impeccable. It is true we were there in the middle of the week, but I’ve stayed at plenty of places during the week where things have been less than desirable. Everyone was most pleasant and helpful and the view of the lake was beautiful. If the campground had been full we probably would not have been able to see the lake from our site.

  • Melissa H.
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Bay City State Park Campground

    Bustling, clean and friendly

    Easy friendly check-in. Firewood prices are cheaper than on roads in. Small and large bags of ice at a good price. Great for families. Clean facilities. They do spray for mosquitoes, so that wasn't too bad at all even in the heat of August. We stayed at 106, the description was on point, level and shaded. Campers were super friendly. We had no complaints about the campground itself but it would be nice if there was an RV lights out policy at night. It's really hard to sleep in a tent when your neighbors RV "porch" light is on literally all night shining in the tent while your neighbors are sound asleep in RV. We had to ask our neighbors politely to turn their outside LED light strips off the second night. They were great about it but, didn't seem to realize it would bother tent campers next to them.

  • Deb M.
    Aug. 16, 2025

    Bay City State Park Campground

    Crowded and inconvenient

    So, this campground looks nice at first, with lots of trees on the sites. However, once you really start looking at them, none have a camping pad, so it’s random parking on the grass. Lots of moving around to get your electric hooked up to the shared and oddly placed power poles. Make sure to come with an extension cord - one member of our party had their power halfway into their neighbor’s site through a bunch of bushes. The sites near the entrance are very crowded together and filled with large loud groups. (please don’t park any extra vehicles hanging out over the road…) And cleaning the bathrooms at 8:30 and 9:30 in the MORNING? Bummer for tenters. It’s ok for a quick stop, but wouldn’t want to stay here too long. I would expect better from a State Park.

  • Ethan R.
    Aug. 13, 2025

    McGinnis Lake Modern Campground — Holly Recreation Area

    In the woods

    Nice campground. Paved sites. Some are pretty secluded. Downside is that the campground and stuff to do, are far apart. Bring a bike or drive. Beach is nice. Has a water park on the lake.

Guide to Genesee

Camping near Genesee, Michigan, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat or a family-friendly adventure, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Biking: Explore the trails at Holly Recreation Area. One camper mentioned, "We did a 7-mile loop hike and then went to Battle Alley Brewing in Holly." This area is perfect for those who enjoy nature walks and biking.
  • Swimming and Fishing: At Seven Lakes State Park Campground, you can enjoy kayaking and fishing. A visitor noted, "The water was breathtaking...great for kayaking."
  • Family Activities: Groveland Oaks County Park has mini-golf and playgrounds. One family shared, "There are lots of family activities like mini-golf, kids bike courses, and playgrounds."

What campers like:

  • Spacious Campsites: Campers appreciate the roomy sites at McGinnis Lake Modern Campground. A reviewer said, "The sites are spaced out nicely in the Trillium loop."
  • Friendly Staff: Many visitors enjoy the helpful staff at Groveland Oaks County Park. One camper mentioned, "The staff are very nice and very busy making sure the grounds are perfectly maintained."
  • Clean Facilities: Clean restrooms and well-kept grounds are a big plus. A camper at Pontiac Lake Recreation Area noted, "The campground is nice and clean."

What you should know:

  • Sloped Sites: Some sites at McGinnis Lake Modern Campground can be sloped. A reviewer warned, "I wouldn't pick site 93...the whole site is sloped quite steeply."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have extensive amenities. A visitor at Camp Dearborn mentioned, "Bathrooms were dated," which might be a concern for some.
  • Crowded on Weekends: Popular spots like Groveland Oaks County Park can fill up quickly. One camper said, "It gets crowded, especially during weekends."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Plan Activities: Make sure to check out family-friendly activities at places like Walnut Hills Family Campground. A parent shared, "The kids really loved the dance party on Saturday and Sunday night."
  • Keep an Eye on Food: Raccoons can be a problem at McGinnis Lake Modern Campground. One camper warned, "Don’t leave any food or garbage out ever or you will be robbed by a gang of raccoons."
  • Bring Outdoor Games: Many campgrounds have open spaces for games. A family at Addison Oaks County Park enjoyed the "scavenger hunt" and other planned activities.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Levels: Some sites can be tricky for leveling RVs. A camper at Pontiac Lake Recreation Area advised, "Leveling would be more of a challenge."
  • Be Prepared for Limited Hookups: Not all campgrounds offer full hookups. A visitor at Wolverine Campground mentioned, "There is no internet or WiFi access."
  • Plan for Power Needs: Make sure to bring extension cords if needed. A camper at Seven Lakes State Park Campground noted, "Depending on where you set up your rig, you may need an extra long extension cord."

Camping near Genesee, Michigan, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Genesee, MI?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Genesee, MI is Outdoor Adventures Lake Shore Resort with a 3.7-star rating from 10 reviews.

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