Jack D.
Scout
ScoutWayne County Fairgrounds RV Park
Sites are modest but it's. A nicely maintained area. Sites are nice and flat and the people in the office are very nice.
Tent Camping near Holly, MI
2 campgrounds with availability this weekend
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Tent campers near Holly, Michigan have several options in the surrounding area, ranging from rustic sites to more developed campgrounds. Island Lake Recreation Area in Brighton provides tent-specific sites with picnic tables, fire rings, and toilet facilities. Nearby Appleton Lake Campground offers a more primitive experience with secluded sites that provide a remote feeling despite being relatively close to urban areas.
Most tent campgrounds in the region feature basic amenities including fire rings and picnic tables, though facilities vary considerably. Appleton Lake provides vault toilets that some visitors note can be poorly maintained. Sites are typically set on dirt or grassy surfaces with natural buffers between camping areas. Island Lake Recreation Area offers unique boat-in only canoe camps along the Huron River, requiring all gear to be transported by kayak or canoe. Water access can be limited at several campgrounds, so tent campers should plan to bring their own supply.
Tent sites throughout the Holly area provide varying levels of privacy and natural settings. The Crooked Lake Rustic Campground in Pinckney Recreation Area offers lake views and a wilderness feel uncommon in southeast Michigan. Sites feature natural spacing between neighbors with some offering direct lake visibility. Trail access is available at most locations, with hiking paths connecting campgrounds to broader recreation areas. According to one visitor, "Sites were not as secluded as I'd prefer but we made do. Nice hiking trails around the camp." Seasonal considerations include heavy mosquito activity in summer months and raccoon encounters at several campgrounds, particularly at Appleton Lake where campers report having to defend food supplies after dark.
Best Tent Campgrounds near Holly (13)
1. Appleton Lake Campground — Brighton Recreation Area
"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."
"Picnic table pit ring outside toilets best site was 24 17$ dollars a night 3 parks Brighton recreational is for Rv and electric sites indoor plumbing hot showers Murry is only for weekend visits Appleton"
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $20 / night
2. Island Lake Recreation Area
"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."
"Island lake really does feel like you’re up north with the hours spent on I-75. There are great hiking trails that give novice and Intermediate hikers a chance to sharpen their skills."
2 Sites AvailableAvailable this weekend
from $20 - $108 / night
3. Camp Agawam
Check Availabilityfrom $20 - $30 / night
4. Hilltop Campgrounds
5. D-bar-A Scout Ranch (Boy Scout Use Only)
"This is another great scout ing campground with cabins, rustic camping, tent sites, lakes, horses to ride, this is one HUGE camp ground for scouts to enjoy and learn.."
6. Genesee Otter Lake Campground
7. PINCKNEY RAILS-TO-TRAIL CAMPGROUND
"Would prefer more shade but this is very nice place"
Check Availabilityfrom $30 - $50 / night
8. Crooked Lake Rustic Campground — Pinckney Recreation Area
"The views of the lake are awesome, it’s a great slice of wilderness in this part of the state. Wish there were better noise restrictions and the campgrounds were more separated."
"We could see the lake and had an outhouse right nearby."
Check Availabilityfrom $20 / night
9. Crystal Creek Christian Campground
10. Moon Lake Campground
Drive Time
- 16 min from Flint, MI
- 39 min from Ann Arbor, MI
- 45 min from Saginaw, MI
- 48 min from Detroit, MI
Recent Tent Camping Photos near Holly, MI
10 Photos of 13 Holly Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Tent Camping Reviews near Holly, MI
512 Reviews of 13 Holly Campgrounds
Mike J.
TravelerWayne County Fairgrounds RV Park
Great stop over
This isn’t a remote getaway, it’s a great spot that’s close to everything you need. Some reviews commented on the highway noise, I had no issues. Staff was friendly and helpful, facilities were clean. There’s an illuminated walk path that connects to the Walmart which is super convenient.
Diane R.TravelerDetroit/Ann Arbor KOA
Home State Kudos
I came, desperate and exhausted...I saw, an opportunity for an extended stay...I conquered, my inexperience was met with warmth and accommodating camp attendants and camp neighbors. And God was with me the entire journey from Virginia to this Blessed Ground in Michigan. Seems forever had I longed for so much Peace and Quiet. Forever grateful am I. 😇🥰
- JJohn S.Scout
Proud Lake Recreation Area
Peaceful area.
The lake is very weedy. But silver lake or Bishop lakes are close.
- HHarold N.Traveler
KOA Campground Emmett
Great Campground
We had a great stay! Didn’t enjoy any of the activities but heard they were a blast. We enjoyed the texted alerts on activities. This was our second trip with our new rv, just chilled and enjoyed. It was a bit noisy at night, it’s to be expected with children and the generation we live in today. Overall a great experience! Hope to return soon to enjoy the activities.
Justin S.ScoutGreen Lake Rustic Campground — Waterloo Recreation Area
Awesome place
It's a nice Lil tucked back campground with a nice Lil fishing lake its quite and relaxing been here a few times this year so far plan on a few more
Austin R.ScoutLansing Cottonwood Campground
Randos in your site late at night
This place is a weird one for sure, they’ll let you do whatever you want there, even wander into random tent sites asking minors for alcohol and drugs.
We planned on camping here longer but after an evening where a drunk camper pursued our coolers at 1 in the morning and then asked our teenagers who’d were sleeping in tents if they had any alcohol or weed.
We told management of the incident, they did nothing. We also told them of the Lansing homeless who were coming in the early morning hours to use the facilities… nothing.
So if you like randoms in your site late at night, this is the campsite for you.
Gary G.
GuideMetamora-Hadley Recreation Area
Nice state park
As usual, there's only electric at sites, but the pedestals seem fairly new, and tight. South loop is nicely wooded & has a newer, larger restroom/shower building, not much lake view. The north loop is a little less wooded, with the NW end having a little better lake views, but a pretty ancient restroom/shower facility.
Across the lake is the day use area with a beach and concession stand. (There's a small camp store in the north loop.)
ADA Only sites are asphalt paved. Some of the regular sites could be a challenge to get level on, but the rangers told me they have wood blocks for loan if you don't have enough.
Our first night & a half, we had some terrible neighbors two sites over. Constant profanities, yelling at & threatening their kids... real dirtbags. Rangers booted them from the park! Good to see them taking such positive action. I have not run into a single staff member here that wasn't pleasant.
This was our first time here. A test run, since it's only an hour from home (but feels farther). We'll be back for sure. (Especially with gas prices so high anymore.)
T-Mobile was only slow LTE at our site, but our Starlink worked perfectly at our site. Might be harder to get a clear shot in the more wooded areas of the park.
Dana B.ScoutGroveland Oaks County Park
Absolutely beautiful
My husband and I actually took our first camping trip in our new camper to this location, but we are novice when it comes to campgrounds. It was nice because there was always an attendant at the office to help. They gave clear and concise directions. The grounds were impeccable. Everything looked fantastic. We have even considered being seasonal here because it is so beautiful.
Guide to Holly
Tent camping in Holly, Michigan sits within Oakland County's mixed forest region at around 900 feet elevation. The area features glacial landforms and several small lakes formed during the Wisconsin glaciation period. Summer temperatures average 75-85°F with high humidity, while spring and fall camping offers milder temperatures in the 50-70°F range with increased chances of precipitation.
What to do
Hiking trails: Crystal Creek Christian Campground offers family-friendly hiking paths through wooded areas that connect to their other recreation areas. According to one visitor, this campground provides "amenities including but not limited to horse shoes, swimming (man dug pond) hiking, basketball, volleyball and etc."
Fishing spots: Camp Agawam provides fishing access that's particularly popular with families. One camper notes, "This park is great! It has campsites, a playground, swimming, fishing, an outdoor amphitheater (with concerts!), pavilion rentals, and disc golf!"
Kayaking opportunities: Island Lake Recreation Area offers unique paddling experiences on the Huron River. A camper explains, "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."
Trail running: Several campgrounds near Holly maintain trails suitable for running. One visitor at Appleton Lake Campground specifically mentioned, "Great trails - perfect for trail running."
What campers like
Lake views: Crooked Lake Rustic Campground offers sites with direct water views. A camper shares, "The views of the lake are awesome, it's a great slice of wilderness in this part of the state." Another visitor recommends "SITE #22" noting they "could see the lake and had an outhouse right nearby."
Local convenience: Campers appreciate that many Holly-area campgrounds provide a remote feel without long drives. As one visitor to Island Lake Recreation Area noted, "Island lake really does feel like you're up north with the hours spent on I-75. There are great hiking trails that give novice and Intermediate hikers a chance to sharpen their skills."
Affordable rates: The best tent camping near Holly includes budget-friendly options. Crystal Creek Christian Campground offers especially reasonable rates, with a camper noting, "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!"
Winter options: For cold-weather camping, Hilltop Campgrounds near Lapeer remains open seasonally. One full-time winter camper 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."
What you should know
Toilets vary widely: Vault toilets at many rustic campgrounds receive mixed reviews. At Appleton Lake Campground, one visitor complained, "My only complaint is the vault toilets were not clean and very full."
Seasonal campers dominate some parks: At certain campgrounds, permanent seasonal campers occupy the best sites. A visitor to Genesee Otter Lake Campground warned, "All of the lakefront sites are seasonal site…in fact most of the campground were seasonal sites. Don't be one of the poor suckers that fell for this false advertising."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent
campsite near Holly, MI?
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Holly, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Holly, MI is Appleton Lake Campground — Brighton Recreation Area with a 3.4-star rating from 9 reviews.
What is the best site to find
tent camping near
Holly, MI?
What is the best site to find tent camping near Holly, MI?
TheDyrt.com has all 13 tent camping locations near Holly, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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