Best Campgrounds near Hillsdale, MI

Surrounded by rolling hills, Hillsdale, Michigan has several good camping spots within a short drive. Chain O' Lakes State Park Campground sits next to multiple lakes where campers can fish or take boats out. Pokagon State Park Campground is known for its hiking trails that cut through dense woods. If you don't mind crossing into Ohio, Harrison Lake State Park Campground has well-kept sites not far from the state line. The campgrounds around Hillsdale include basic facilities like picnic tables and bathrooms. Most people camp here during summer, though spring and fall bring fewer crowds and nice weather. Winter camping is possible but cold—bring extra layers and good sleeping bags. You'll see plenty of wildlife in these parts, so hang food or keep it in sealed containers at night. The town of Hillsdale is close enough for quick runs to grab ice, food, or anything you forgot to pack. These camping areas range from busy lake spots to quieter forest settings. Call ahead about closures, especially during off-seasons when some facilities shut down.

Best Camping Sites Near Hillsdale, Michigan (129)

    1. Pokagon State Park Campground

    47 Reviews
    Angola, IN
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (260) 833-2012

    $12 - $480 / night

    "There's 2 dump stations located in loops 3 & 4. IN THE CAMPGROUND! NEXT TO CAMPSITES!!!!

     "

    "This site was fairly level but very close to other sites…wouldn’t recommend it."

    2. Gateway Park Campground

    3 Reviews
    Hillsdale, MI
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (517) 437-7005

    "Lake across the road is clean and nicely kept (boats docked, etc) A ride up the road was beautiful.. saw an Emu, goats, llamas, cows.. just beautiful!"

    3. Lake Hudson Recreation Area

    15 Reviews
    Clayton, MI
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (517) 445-2265

    $20 - $150 / night

    "This small campground (about 40 sites) is well off the beaten path, but still easy to access by road. This is the perfect campground to get back to nature."

    "My site has a path right out to the lake. My 2p tent could easily fit on this lakeside spot but it is sadly much too windy on the lake today."

    4. 6 Lakes Campground

    1 Review
    Hillsdale, MI
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (517) 439-5660

    "Has a boat access, with a beautiful lake. You can go through little canals to get to other parts of the lake. Sites have perfect amount of shade. Defiantly will be going back"

    5. Twin Pines Campground & Canoe Livery

    3 Reviews
    Concord, MI
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (517) 524-6298

    $35 - $40 / night

    6. Harrison Lake State Park Campground

    16 Reviews
    Fayette, OH
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (419) 237-2593

    "Tucked away in NW Ohio, close to the Michigan & Indiana border

    We were in the north campground. Sites are all level, many very spacious which is unusual for Ohio SPs."

    "The one thing that was bit unnerving was that throughout both campgrounds, there are sites on the outer edge that are next to a main road with nothing but a small, wooden split-rail fence dividing the"

    7. Quincy-Marble Lake Campground

    2 Reviews
    Coldwater, MI
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (517) 639-4414

    $40 / night

    "Helpful if you’re staying at one of the nearby state parks that don’t have a dump station."

    8. Moscow Maples RV Park

    1 Review
    Jerome, MI
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (517) 688-9853

    "We had lots of rain so we didn’t get outside as much as we wanted. The sites were grassy and mostly level. Trees added shade throughout."

    9. Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park™ at Barton Lake

    14 Reviews
    Fremont, IN
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (260) 833-1114

    "You might just step out of your camper and look straight at your neighbors. Starting to think all Jellystones are like this. 5 pools! water slides cost extra. Food prices are reasonable."

    "We brought down 2 30’ campers and we had 4 adults 3 children and two dogs and stay right next to the craft barn. It is a really nice camp ground with lots and lots for the kids to do."

    10. Loveberry's Funny Farm Campground

    2 Reviews
    Pioneer, OH
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (419) 737-2467

    "This is a gem in Ohio and Michigan (oh, did I forget to mention a past of the campground is in Michigan also) The sesonals are very friendly and was an honor to get to know them."

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Showing results 1-10 of 129 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Hillsdale, MI

433 Reviews of 129 Hillsdale Campgrounds



Guide to Hillsdale

Camping near Hillsdale, Michigan, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. From serene lakes to family-friendly activities, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful region.

What to do

  • Kayaking and Canoeing: Enjoy the 13 lakes at Chain O' Lakes State Park Campground. One visitor shared, "Kayaking the 13 lakes can easily last from morning to sundown."
  • Hiking Trails: Explore the scenic trails at Pokagon State Park Campground. A camper noted, "They have good hiking trails, nice refreshing waters, good food options at certain places."
  • Fishing: Cast a line at Lake Hudson Recreation Area. A reviewer mentioned, "We caught sunfish, large and small mouth bass."

What campers like

  • Family Activities: Many families enjoy the amenities at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Barton Lake. One parent said, "My son had a blast and said this was the best campground he has ever been to."
  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness at Harrison Lake State Park Campground. A visitor remarked, "The shower house was nice but no benches in the stall and only had curtains. They were very clean."
  • Secluded Sites: Campers at Lake Hudson Recreation Area enjoy the privacy. One camper noted, "Great grassy sites with vegetation between each site providing privacy."

What you should know

  • Busy Weekends: Expect crowds during peak times at Chain O' Lakes State Park Campground. A reviewer warned, "A very hard campsite to navigate and a busy weekend forget about dumping lol you're gonna be there a while."
  • Limited Cell Service: Be prepared for spotty cell service at Pokagon State Park Campground. One camper mentioned, "With T-Mobile, Internet service was practically non-existent."
  • Rustic Amenities: At Lake Hudson Recreation Area, amenities are basic. A visitor noted, "It's a rustic campground with no water or dump station, so make sure you bring water and have a plan for dumping."

Tips for camping with families

  • Plan for Activities: Choose campgrounds like Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Barton Lake that offer plenty of kid-friendly activities. A parent shared, "The kids loved the activities and amenities."
  • Safety First: Be cautious with young children around fire pits, especially at campgrounds with sloped sites like Harrison Lake State Park Campground. One camper said, "This was dangerous given the fact that the picnic table was sloped right by the fire ring."
  • Pack Essentials: Bring bug spray and plenty of water, especially at places like Lake Hudson Recreation Area. A visitor advised, "The mosquitoes and gnats were terrible so make sure you bring bug spray."

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure to verify site sizes at Pokagon State Park Campground to accommodate larger rigs. A reviewer cautioned, "Some sites are level, some aren't. Some can accommodate larger rigs, most can't."
  • Bring Extension Cords: At Lake Hudson Recreation Area, electrical hookups can be far from the sites. One camper noted, "Make sure you have extension cords!"
  • Avoid Peak Times: If possible, try to camp during weekdays to avoid the crowds at popular spots like Chain O' Lakes State Park Campground. A visitor mentioned, "This location has a huge parking lot for boat trailers, a very well stocked general store with fishing supplies."

Camping near Hillsdale, Michigan, offers a mix of adventure and relaxation. Whether you're with family or enjoying a solo trip, there's a campground that fits your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Hillsdale, MI?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Hillsdale, MI is Pokagon State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 47 reviews.

What parks are near Hillsdale, MI?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 parks near Hillsdale, MI that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.