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Best Campgrounds near Jackson, MI

595 Reviews

Jackson, Michigan and the surrounding area feature a variety of campgrounds with options for tent camping, RV sites, and cabin rentals. Waterloo Recreation Area, located about 15 miles east of Jackson, encompasses multiple campgrounds including Portage Lake, Sugarloaf Modern, and Green Lake Rustic. The region includes both developed facilities with full hookups and more primitive sites for those seeking a rustic experience. Several private campgrounds like Greenwood Acres Family Campground and Hideaway RV Park provide additional options within close proximity to the city, offering over 1,000 combined campsites.

Camping availability in the Jackson area varies significantly by season, with many campgrounds operating from April through October. Winter camping is limited to select locations such as Waterloo Portage Lake Modern. Most campgrounds require reservations, particularly during summer weekends and holidays. One camper noted, "The Irish hills in Michigan are very hilly so if you bring a bike to ride over to the track, be prepared for some hills." Access roads are generally well-maintained, though some rustic campgrounds may have narrower roads that can be challenging for larger RVs. Cell service is typically reliable throughout the region, though coverage may be spotty in more remote areas of the state recreation lands.

Waterfront camping represents a significant draw for visitors to the Jackson area. Green Lake Rustic Campground provides lake access that campers frequently mention in reviews. "I loved this quiet little campground! I stayed at #6 and had a beautiful view of the lake. There is muddy lake access on that site and I paddled from there in my kayak," shared one visitor. The Waterloo-Pinckney trail system connects many of the campgrounds, offering hiking and mountain biking opportunities. Proximity to urban amenities is another advantage, with several campgrounds situated within a short drive of stores and restaurants. Noise levels vary considerably between campgrounds, with some locations affected by nearby highways while others provide more secluded experiences.

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Best Camping Sites Near Jackson, Michigan (126)

    1. Waterloo Portage Lake Modern — Waterloo Recreation Area

    12 Reviews
    Grass Lake, MI
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (734) 475-8307

    "It is a bit of a walk to get to but is handicap accessible.
    There are two bathrooms throughout the loop and one at the beach."

    "A few bathrooms are located around the campground. The spaces are generous and the majority have electricity only. The lake has a little beach with sands. Nice place."

    2. Waterloo Sugarloaf Modern — Waterloo Recreation Area

    14 Reviews
    Chelsea, MI
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (734) 475-8307

    "It is usually easy to get multiple sites next to each other with reservations.

    There is a decent sandy beach here with a playground and volleyball net."

    "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."

    3. Greenwood Acres Family Campground

    5 Reviews
    Grass Lake, MI
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (517) 522-8600

    $35 - $75 / night

    "The campground offered a haunted trail, trick or treating and crafts for the kids."

    "Pool, lake, arcade, golf, ice cream parlor. Bathrooms are clean."

    4. Hideaway RV Park

    4 Reviews
    Grass Lake, MI
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (517) 522-5858

    "Plenty to do around town, lakes everywhere just have to choose which one to go to."

    5. Holiday RV Campground

    5 Reviews
    Grass Lake, MI
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (517) 522-5846

    "Playground near pool is nice, and there are 2 other playgrounds. Pool is very new. Owners and other campers very friendly.
    There is a small camp store and a very nice pool."

    6. Portage Lake Campground — Waterloo Recreation Area

    4 Reviews
    Grass Lake, MI
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (734) 475-8307

    "We purchased our new rPod 193 late in the fall and have been dying to give it a test camp and Michigan Winter Weather gave us a great opportunity the week after Christmas (2021)."

    "Enjoyed a nice paddle on the lake the morning before I left!"

    7. Green Lake Rustic Campground — Waterloo Recreation Area

    14 Reviews
    Chelsea, MI
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (734) 475-8307

    "The lack of cover between sites gave everyone a nice view of the lake from our tents on our inland sites, which was beautiful."

    "I stayed at #6 and had a beautiful view of the lake. There is muddy lake access on that site and I paddled from there in my kayak. There is an official boat launch nearby."

    8. Bruin Lake Campground — Pinckney Recreation Area

    19 Reviews
    Gregory, MI
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (734) 426-4913

    $27 - $46 / night

    "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."

    9. Apple Creek Campground & RV Park

    3 Reviews
    Grass Lake, MI
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (517) 522-3467

    "There is also nice walking/hiking trails connected right to the property. Our visit was for 2 days/3 nights.  Over half the sites are seasonal, so despite a lot of RVs, we saw very few people."

    "The group area is circular and surrounded by trees which helped to keep it cool. Each site had electric hook-up and some had water."

    10. Ted Ranch Campground

    6 Reviews
    Brooklyn, MI
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (517) 592-2434

    $25 / night

    "-My husband and I visit Ted Ranch every year for the NASAR race at Michigan International Speedway. This year, my review is changing a little bit."

    "This place is across the street from Michigan international speedway and sure beats fighting all the people/campers in the infield campgrounds!"

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145 Photos of 126 Jackson Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Jackson, MI

595 Reviews of 126 Jackson Campgrounds

Guide to Jackson

Camping near Jackson, Michigan, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Trails: Explore the scenic trails at Pokagon State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "They have good hiking trails, nice refreshing waters, good food options at certain places."
  • Fishing and Swimming: Enjoy fishing or a swim at Fort Custer Recreation Area. A camper shared, "The lake was very warm and the swimming area had a nice depth gradient to satisfy good and not-so-good swimmers."
  • Horseback Riding: At Sleepy Hollow State Park Campground, horseback riding is a popular activity. One reviewer noted, "Horseback riding, swimming at the beach, fishing on the dock."

What campers like:

  • Secluded Sites: Campers appreciate the privacy at Fort Custer Recreation Area. A visitor said, "Huge beautiful campground. Lots of privacy."
  • Clean Facilities: Many enjoy the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers at Holly Recreation Area. One camper remarked, "The bathrooms were clean."
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Families love the amenities at Groveland Oaks County Park. A reviewer mentioned, "There are lots of family activities like mini golf, kids bike courses, and playgrounds."

What you should know:

  • Bug Spray is Essential: Be prepared for bugs, especially at Sleepy Hollow State Park Campground. One camper noted, "The bugs were pretty intense, but bug spray helped."
  • Limited Cell Service: If you rely on your phone, keep in mind that service can be spotty. A visitor at Bruin Lake Campground mentioned, "With T-Mobile, Internet service was practically non-existent."
  • Check Site Sizes: Some campgrounds have sites that may not fit larger RVs. A camper at Pokagon State Park Campground advised, "Check the site descriptions carefully."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Plan for Activities: Choose a campground with plenty of activities for kids, like Groveland Oaks County Park. A family reviewer said, "There’s so much for kids to do."
  • Bring Extra Supplies: One camper at Holly Recreation Area suggested, "Bring plenty of water as posted 'mile' hikes quickly turn into 5-mile hikes."
  • Choose a Quiet Loop: For a more peaceful experience, look for quieter loops at campgrounds like Fort Custer Recreation Area. A visitor mentioned, "They were quiet at night and it was not a problem."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Hookup Availability: Make sure your chosen site has the right hookups for your RV. A camper at Holly Recreation Area noted, "Any site above 80ish is very hilly and may be difficult to level an RV."
  • Avoid Busy Weekends: If possible, try to camp during the week to avoid crowds. A visitor at Bishop Lake Campground shared, "Gets crowded, especially during weekends."
  • Bring a Long Power Cord: If you're staying at sites with shared electrical boxes, like at Holly Recreation Area, make sure your power cord is long enough. One camper mentioned, "My camper cord was about 30 ft short."

Camping around Jackson, Michigan, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What RV and trailer accommodations are available in Jackson, Michigan?

Jackson offers several quality options for RV campers. Hideaway RV Park provides dedicated RV sites with essential hookups and is conveniently located for exploring the Jackson area. Holiday RV Campground near Grass Lake offers water access and facilities specifically designed for larger rigs. For those passing through, Cabela's Dundee provides free overnight parking in their spacious lot behind the store, complete with a pond and walking trail. While not a full-service campground, it's a convenient stopover with nearby amenities and good highway access.

What are the best campgrounds in Jackson, Michigan for families?

For families camping near Jackson, Greenwood Acres Family Campground offers dedicated family-friendly amenities and activities. Another excellent option is Swain's Lake, which features lake access for fishing, playgrounds for children, and a nice pavilion for family gatherings. The shower facilities at Swain's Lake are particularly well-maintained, making it comfortable for families with children. While sites can be close together and weekends get crowded during summer, it's perfect for weekday family stays when it's quieter. Both locations provide convenient access to water activities that children especially enjoy.

Are there affordable tent camping sites near Jackson, MI?

Yes, several affordable tent camping options exist near Jackson. Waterloo Portage Lake Modern — Waterloo Recreation Area offers reasonably priced tent sites and makes an excellent base for visiting nearby Ann Arbor without spending much on accommodations. Pleasant Lake provides budget-friendly tent camping with beach access within walking distance of campsites. While the campground is compact and simple, it's ideal for tent campers looking for affordable lakeside camping. Both locations offer basic amenities needed for a comfortable tent camping experience without breaking the bank.

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