Best Tent Camping near Haslett, MI

Tent campers visiting the Haslett, Michigan area can access several established campgrounds within a 30-minute drive. Crooked Lake Rustic Campground in the Pinckney Recreation Area offers tent-friendly sites with lake views, while Appleton Lake Campground provides more secluded forest sites. Island Lake Recreation Area features unique canoe-in tent camping accessed only via watercraft on the Huron River.

Most tent sites in the region feature basic amenities with natural surfaces. Crooked Lake provides picnic tables, fire rings, drinking water, and vault toilets but no showers. Appleton Lake Campground offers more rustic experiences with fire rings at each site and vault toilets that visitors note are sometimes poorly maintained. The region's tent campgrounds typically remain open from April through October, though some like Island Lake maintain year-round access with primitive winter camping available. Sites at Pinckney Recreation Area and Appleton Lake require reservations through Michigan's DNR portal.

The tent camping experience varies across locations near Haslett. Appleton Lake Campground provides sites "fairly secluded from each other" with ample space for vehicles and tents. The walk-in tent sites at Crooked Lake offer lake views with minimal site separation, though some visitors mention noise can be an issue on busy weekends. Island Lake's canoe camps provide a unique backcountry experience remarkably close to urban areas, with a visitor noting it "provides a backcountry, boat-in camping experience very close to town." Tent campers should be prepared for wildlife encounters, as reviewers mention active raccoons at Appleton Lake and recommend proper food storage. The wooded settings provide shade at most sites, with mature trees creating an "up north feel" despite proximity to more populated areas.

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Best Tent Sites Near Haslett, Michigan (14)

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 14 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Tent Camping Photos near Haslett, MI

9 Photos of 14 Haslett Campgrounds


Tent Camping Reviews near Haslett, MI

478 Reviews of 14 Haslett 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Kate K.
    Aug. 22, 2019

    Waterloo Sugarloaf Modern — Waterloo Recreation Area

    A Wonderful Winter Getaway

    We stayed in the Southfork Rustic Cabin at the end of Feb and it was lovely much needed get away. The cabin was semi modern (solar lighting) but only a wood stove for heat. Small kitchen unit with table for eating. You had to hike in about a quarter mile to get there, and it sleeps four people with two bunk beds. There is an outside vault toilet behind the cabin. Lots of trails connecting the cabin to the rest of the park. Cheap too! Only $68 per night.


Guide to Haslett

Tent camping near Haslett, Michigan offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts, with several campgrounds providing unique amenities and activities.

Tips for tent camping near Haslett

  • For a rustic experience, consider the Appleton Lake Campground, where you can enjoy a peaceful setting surrounded by mature trees and great trails for hiking.
  • If you're looking for a friendly atmosphere, PINCKNEY RAILS-TO-TRAIL CAMPGROUND is known for its welcoming campers and management, making it a great spot for socializing.
  • Be prepared for wildlife encounters at Appleton Lake Campground, where raccoons can be quite active at night, so keep your food secured.

Local attractions for outdoor enthusiasts

Tent campers appreciate these amenities

  • Wheel Inn Campground is well-reviewed for its clean facilities and friendly atmosphere, making it a comfortable choice for tent campers.
  • At Farmlane Campground, you can enjoy a more private camping experience, although details about its amenities are limited.
  • Moon Lake Campground offers a nostalgic feel, having been a popular spot in the past, though it may not have the same amenities as before.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Haslett, MI is Moon Lake Campground with a 3-star rating from 2 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 14 tent camping locations near Haslett, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.