J
John S.
Scout
ScoutProud Lake Recreation Area
Peaceful area.
The lake is very weedy. But silver lake or Bishop lakes are close.
Camping near Howell, MI
103 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
Campgrounds near Howell, Michigan range from primitive tent-only sites to full-hookup RV campgrounds with electric, water, and sewer connections, spread across southeastern Michigan's lakes region. Brighton Recreation Area features multiple camping options including rustic sites at Murray Lake, modern accommodations at Bishop Lake Campground, and cabin rentals. Lake Chemung Outdoor Resort provides year-round camping with RV sites, tent areas, and direct waterfront access on the lake.
The camping season for most developed campgrounds extends from April through October, though several properties like Brighton Recreation Area and Lake Chemung remain open year-round. Modern campgrounds typically offer amenities including flush toilets, hot showers, and electric hookups, while rustic areas provide vault toilets and more primitive conditions. Many campgrounds in the region require advance reservations, particularly during summer weekends and holidays. Most sites accommodate both tents and RVs, though size restrictions may apply at certain campgrounds. As one visitor noted about Murray Lake in Brighton Recreation Area, "The site was large and had a picnic table and fire pit. There are TONS of mosquitos."
Waterfront camping represents a significant draw throughout the Howell area, with several campgrounds situated on or near lakes. Brighton Recreation Area's various camping zones provide access to multiple lakes for fishing, swimming, and boating. Visitors consistently mention water activities as highlights of their camping experiences. Sites at Bishop Lake Campground include both wooded areas with shade and sunnier open spots, offering options for different preferences. Family-friendly amenities appear frequently in camper reviews, with one visitor commenting that Brighton Recreation Area has "lots of kids on bikes" and "decently clean showers with hot water." Many campgrounds feature additional recreational facilities such as playgrounds, hiking trails, boat rentals, and swimming beaches, making them popular destinations for family camping trips.
Best Campgrounds near Howell (103)
1. Bishop Lake Campground — Brighton Recreation Area
"Campground Review: Bishop Lake is a great campground located in the middle of the Brighton Rec Area. The upper and lower campgrounds are both modern, with every site including electric."
"Great family place with paved and dirt biking/hiking trails. Very nice beach with grass and sand. There are 2 areas of inflatables, one of them is for the little kids 48 in. and under."
from $32 - $37 / night
Check Availability2. Blind Lake Rustic Campground — Pinckney Recreation Area
"Nice place to camp right on the lake. It's a 7 mile hike in(can also be accessed via boat), part of the Potowatomi loop trail(~18 miles) located in Waterloo-Pinckney recreation area."
"Camp ground is located along the Potawatomi Trail in Pinckney Recreation area. Bikers head the opposite direction from hikers. The route I followed was about 8 miles in to Blind Lake."
from $20 / night
Check Availability3. Bruin Lake Campground — Pinckney Recreation Area
"There is a new large playground structure and nice but short paved path for kids to bike or scooter around."
"On Crooked Lake, it has 25 sites, two of which are right on the water; #7 is full sun, larger, and 20 is sun/shade and tucked away in the back of the campground."
from $30 - $120 / night
Check Availability4. Murray Lake Campground — Brighton Recreation Area
"This was our first camping experience in Michigan, so we weren’t exactly prepared. My rating takes this into consideration."
"This often overlooked campground is part of Brighton Recreation area in lower Michigan. Only 25 sites, with no electricity and vault toilets. Pump water available."
from $20 / night
Check Availability5. Appleton Lake Campground — Brighton Recreation Area
"Close by but up north feel."
"Picnic table pit ring outside toilets best site was 24 17$ dollars a night 3 parks Brighton recreational is for Rv and electric sites indoor plumbing hot showers Murry is only for weekend visits Appleton"
from $20 / night
Check Availability6. Camp Dearborn
"Booked a two week stay at Pontiac Lake Rec. area in Whitelak, MI. Huge sites not stacked on top of one another. They have electric hookups, but only 30 amp."
"You will either need a longer electrical cord or if you can back your RV up far enough to reach you will need something to put under your steps to make them touch the ground."
from $47 / night
Check Availability7. Lake Chemung Outdoor Resort
"Lovely area and beautiful lake"
"We stayed here during a softball tournament- we didn’t get to enjoy the lake or pool but both looked great! The staff was incredibly nice."
from $65 / night
Check Availability8. Hell Creek Ranch & Campground
"Direct connections to the Waterloo Pinckney trail system. Near Hell, Michigan and Chelsea, Michigan. Large pool in season. Priced reasonably."
"Wow.. what a nice little getaway in Hell, Michigan area! Camp host, “Lightening” is a friendly and helpful guy who NEVER stopped working (except to chat with campers here and there)."
from $20 - $35 / night
Check Availability9. Walnut Hills Family Campground by GatherGrounds
"We were told to pick a place relatively close by for our first RV trip. We are so glad we picked Walnut Hills Family Campground in MI."
"We were backed up to the pond with ducks always coming around. Very peaceful and beautiful."
from $31 / night
Check Availability10. Taylor's Beach Campground
"All the amenities of home but feels like you are away from it all"
Drive Time
- 23 min from Ann Arbor, MI
- 28 min from Lansing, MI
- 38 min from Flint, MI
- 52 min from Jackson, MI
Recent Camping Photos near Howell, MI
149 Photos of 103 Howell Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Bishop Lake Campground — Brighton Recreation Area
Appleton Lake Campground — Brighton Recreation Area
Murray Lake Campground — Brighton Recreation Area
PINCKNEY RAILS-TO-TRAIL CAMPGROUNDD
Bruin Lake Campground — Pinckney Recreation Area
Blind Lake Rustic Campground — Pinckney Recreation Area
Camp Dearborn
Walnut Hills Family Campground by GatherGrounds
Green Lake Rustic Campground — Waterloo Recreation Area
Haas Lake Park RV Campground
Seven Lakes State Park CampgroundG
Highland Recreation Area Campground
Recent Reviews near Howell, MI
574 Reviews of 103 Howell Campgrounds
Alexis B.ScoutLake Interstate State Game Area- Dispersed Camping
Not bad for an overnight spot
No camping spots just a dirt parking lot.
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
- RRobert S.Scout
Eaton County Fairgrounds
Charlotte campground
Very convenient off highway with easy check-in and very quiet during the weekend when there are no events at the Fairgrounds
- ssusan V.Scout
Indian Creek Camp & Conference Center
Nice family campground
Pool, nice playground, small putt putt course, rec room and other activities available. We are retired and just needed overnight camping and the only site available was tiny and right on the curve of the road. Our firepit and picnic table were less than 10 feet from the road so not private at all. We felt it was overpriced for the site. Others were better but none very private(smallish and no trees).
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.
Ginny
TravelerGroveland Oaks County Park
Well kept park :)
Pretty with trees, although you do have very open views if you like more growth... weekend activities... family park, you need to be able to walk a ways to enjoy all their games, activities and beach...
Guide to Howell
Camping spots near Howell, Michigan range from rustic sites nestled in wooded areas to modern facilities on lake shores. The region features dozens of interconnected lakes within a 15-mile radius, creating a water-rich environment for paddling and fishing. Winter camping options remain available at select locations where temperatures typically drop to the mid-20s°F from December through February.
What to do
Water activities at Jump Island: Located at Bishop Lake Campground, this inflatable water park offers 45-minute jump sessions for $15. "It's connected but costs money. $15 for a 45 minute jump session. Follow on Facebook for coupons. You can also just swim at the lake- nice area with shade trees beach and nice lake water," notes Beth G. about this Bishop Lake Campground attraction.
Paddle sports on Blind Lake: This small lake offers peaceful paddling opportunities with less boat traffic than larger lakes in the area. "The lake was amazing to swim at night..must to it," shares Teresa K. about the Blind Lake Rustic Campground. The lake remains calm enough for beginning paddlers most days.
Mountain biking trails: Extensive trail networks connect through several recreation areas. "Great place to train and get your trail legs as well as test out new gear. Overall great place near home," explains Michael S. about the trails near Blind Lake. Most trails follow intermediate difficulty ratings with some technical sections.
What campers like
Private rustic sites: Appleton Lake Campground offers secluded tent camping options. "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," reports Mike B. about Appleton Lake Campground.
Lakefront camping: Several sites directly access water for swimming and fishing. "Our campsite had a view of the lake, but no shade. The beach was nice but you have to walk a trail to get to it from the campground or drive. Nice walking trails. Our favorite was the lake for kayaking," explains Debra B. about her experience at Bishop Lake Campground.
Year-round options: Some campgrounds offer extended season camping, including winter options. "Love this campground for it's friendly people to it's great amenities. They have an indoor pool, sauna, putt putt, playground, lake. Great for Winter camping as well," shares a reviewer from Lake Chemung Outdoor Resort.
What you should know
Site selection matters: Campsite positioning can significantly impact your experience. "Sites 4, 5, 6 and 7 are right along the trail. Avoid 1 and 2 which are narrow, gravelly and at the top of the hill," advises Pat W. about Blind Lake Campground's layout. Similar considerations apply at most area campgrounds.
Bug preparedness: Mosquitoes can be intense, especially near marshland. "The site was large and had a picnic table and fire pit. There are TONS of mosquitos," warns Rebecca M. about Brighton Recreation Area. Thermacells and screen houses are recommended equipment during summer months.
Noise levels vary: Some campgrounds experience higher noise levels, especially on weekends. "The campground is nice with good access to bikes, trails, water, beach. Unfortunately the sites are on top of each other and very loud. Not for me," shares John K. about Bishop Lake Campground. Weekday visits tend to be quieter.
Tips for camping with families
Multiple recreation options: Look for campgrounds with diverse activities for different age groups. "Such a cool place to enjoy with the kids, we had a blast at Jump Island!" notes Jillian E. about Bishop Lake. Many sites offer both water and land-based activities.
Screen-free entertainment: Natural play areas keep children engaged. "Nice lakes for swimming and can take your pet as well! Big playground and nice bathrooms," reports Mary O. about Murray Lake Campground.
Kid-friendly amenities: Some campgrounds offer specific family-oriented facilities. "We have been going to Camp Dearborn for five years now, and our friend's family has been going for nearly sixty! They have activities for both children and adults, two beautiful beaches, a pool, tennis courts, and now a zip line," shares Teresa B.
Tips from RVers
Access considerations: Some campgrounds have challenging entry points for larger rigs. "Site was difficult to back into - small tree clipped our mirror," cautions Beth G. about Walnut Hills Family Campground. Most campgrounds limit RV size to 40 feet or less.
Hookup availability: Electric options vary widely across campgrounds. "We stayed in the fall and it was quiet and most everything was closed. I didn't like being next to so many park models. It's more of a trailer park than a campground," notes Karen C. about Lake Chemung Outdoor Resort, which offers full hookups.
Seasonal considerations: RV services change seasonally at most parks. "Staff is super helpful, we stayed long term (several months) for work in the area. Winter rates. I understand summer rates are much higher," explains Lisa B. about Lake Chemung's extended-stay options.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Howell, MI?
What camping is available near Howell, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, Howell, MI offers a wide range of camping options, with 103 campgrounds and RV parks near Howell, MI and 1 free dispersed camping spot.
Which is the most popular campground near Howell, MI?
Which is the most popular campground near Howell, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Howell, MI is Bishop Lake Campground — Brighton Recreation Area with a 4.3-star rating from 30 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Howell, MI?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Howell, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Howell, MI.
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