Tent camping options near Ithaca, Michigan extend beyond established campgrounds into wooded areas within a 60-mile radius. The region sits at approximately 770 feet above sea level in Michigan's Lower Peninsula, characterized by gently rolling hills, small lakes, and mixed hardwood forests. Winter camping is limited to select locations with temperatures frequently dropping below freezing from December through March.
What to do
Kayaking access points: Deerfield Nature Park provides direct water access from campsites, making it convenient for paddling trips. One camper noted they "did 2 kayak trips while we stayed and was great to have landing so near sites," highlighting the integration of water activities with camping at Deerfield Nature Park.
Wildlife observation: The natural areas around Ithaca support diverse wildlife viewing opportunities. Merrill-Gorrel Park combines camping with lakeside wildlife habitat, where campers can spot various birds and small mammals. A visitor mentioned the park is "great for the family" with "lots of shade" and "quiet at night," creating ideal conditions for nature watching at Merrill-Gorrel Park Campground.
Beach activities: Several camping areas feature swimming beaches for summer recreation. At Merrill-Gorrel, visitors appreciate the "easy access to lake, nice beach" which provides relief during hot summer months. The campground features "2 beaches" making it suitable for families with children of different swimming abilities.
What campers like
Rustic island experience: Tubbs Lake Island offers a unique peninsula camping setting accessible via a narrow dirt road. A camper described it as "more of a peninsula than an island but it's wonderfully cut off" with "about 20 rustic sites on the island" that fill up quickly due to their popularity at Tubbs Lake Island State Forest Campground.
Unexpected amenities: Some primitive sites offer surprising comforts. Camp Clear Sky provides an "outdoor kitchen with running water and flush toilet" which a camper called "unexpected amenities" at what otherwise appears to be a basic tent camping location. They also noted the "chickens keeping us company" as a unique feature at Camp Clear Sky.
Quiet atmosphere: Many campers value the peaceful environment at smaller campgrounds near Ithaca. Moon Lake Campground, though reportedly no longer operational since "the campground area was shut down in 2012-2015" according to a local resident, represents the type of small, quiet camping areas that once dominated this region.
What you should know
Advance planning: First-come, first-served sites fill quickly during peak seasons. At Tubbs Island, you should "plan to get there early because it fills up" according to experienced campers, especially on summer weekends and holidays.
Utility access: Some campsites have challenging hookup locations. At Merrill-Gorrel, campers should "bring extra hose and extension cord as the water and electric can be a ways away from some sites" according to a regular visitor at Merrill-Gorrel Park Campground.
Historical changes: Some campgrounds listed online no longer operate as camping facilities. One reviewer of Moon Lake noted, "I cant find this campground" while another explained it "USED to have camping sites near the lake" but has since closed, highlighting the importance of verifying current status before traveling.
Tips for camping with families
Child-friendly biking: Campgrounds with minimal traffic create safe cycling environments. One parent noted at Merrill-Gorrel that "Kids biked around all day and everyone drives slow" making it "great with kids" for families concerned about road safety.
Hike-in considerations: While backcountry sites offer seclusion, they present challenges with gear. A Deerfield Nature Park camper advised "going by boat as the hike with gear will wear you out" particularly when camping with children at Deerfield Nature Park.
Campground community: Some sites foster social interaction between camping groups. A Deerfield visitor noted "other campers mingled with us as a great time was had by all," indicating a friendly atmosphere conducive to family camping experiences.
Tips from RVers
Site limitations: Many tent-focused campgrounds near Ithaca have restricted vehicle access. Tent sites at Deerfield require either "boat or a 1 mile hike" to access, making them unsuitable for any RV camping.
Hookup variations: Available electric service varies significantly between campgrounds. For RVers requiring consistent power, Merrill-Gorrel offers sites with "electric-hookups" and "thirty-amp-hookups" along with other amenities including "showers" and "toilets," though site positioning requires preparation with extension cords.
