Most Lansing-area RV parks operate seasonally from May through October, with Hideaway RV Park in Jackson offering rare year-round service. The capitol region spans the rural-urban divide, with campsites ranging from convenient city access at Lansing Cottonwood Campground to more pastoral settings in surrounding communities. Lansing experiences humid continental climate with hot summers and cold winters, making seasonal camping restrictions practical.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Several RV parks near Lansing include fishing ponds or lake access. Cottonwood Campground features multiple ponds for fishing according to one camper who noted, "A couple ponds for fishing. People are very friendly."
Paddling adventures: The waterways around Lansing connect multiple lakes for extended paddling trips. A visitor at Crooked Lake Campground shared, "This area is great for paddling. You can start at Crooked Lake and follow a little water trail to Pickerel to swim at a small beach."
Golf courses: Some campgrounds combine camping with golfing opportunities. A guest at Holiday Shores RV Park reported, "The attached 9 hole golf course was well maintained and had some tricky holes. There were changes in elevation and multiple water hazards."
Walking trails: Paved and unpaved trails provide exercise options without leaving the campground. One Holiday Shores visitor mentioned, "You will also find several nicely paved paths up to 3 miles long. These were walking only which was sort of disappointing because we brought our bikes."
What campers like
Primitive camping options: While most Lansing-area RV parks focus on hookup sites, some offer more rustic options. A Cottonwood camper explained, "We camped in hammocks and had a pretty large site with great trees that could accommodate at least three to four hammocks (siteP5). Our site had a picnic table which was very helpful to have."
Seasonal activities: RV parks offer special events during peak seasons. A Cottonwood visitor commented, "Great fireworks display for the 4th of July," while another mentioned softball tournaments held at the campground.
Swimming amenities: Several parks maintain pools or swimming areas for summer recreation. A visitor to Camp Turkeyville RV Resort described, "Family campground with restaurant, gift shop, camp store, ice cream parlor, and heated pool."
Concrete pads: Level, solid surfaces simplify setup for larger rigs. A Turkeyville camper noted, "Concrete patio at each site. Daily trash pickup at campsite," and another added, "There are 127 sites all of them have a firepit and electric hook up and cement pad."
What you should know
Site variations: Campground layouts vary significantly across the region. A Hideaway RV Park reviewer observed, "Spots had plenty of room, some had grass others had concrete."
Road noise: Some campgrounds experience traffic sound from nearby highways. A Hideaway RV Park visitor mentioned, "Biggest downfall is the never ending traffic noise from the expressway."
Cell service quality: Mobile coverage varies significantly between locations. A visitor to Heartland Woods Family Resort reported, "The internet was not very good and Verizon cell phone was not good at all."
Seasonal restrictions: Most RV parks around Lansing operate from May through October. Moscow Maples RV Park runs from May 1 to October 15, while Holiday RV Campground operates May 1 to October 31.
Tips for camping with families
Playground options: Multiple play areas keep children entertained. One Holiday RV Campground visitor noted, "Playgrounds everywhere for the kids. Giant dog park and ponds."
Pool conditions: Swimming facilities vary in quality and availability. A Camp Turkeyville guest mentioned, "There is a volleyball pit, playground, and horseshoes. The 'fishing pond' is very small."
Wildlife awareness: Natural settings bring wildlife encounters. A Cottonwood camper warned, "Spiders came out at alarming numbers, mostly daddy long legs and the night before, raccoons had gotten into our food storage bins by undoing the side latches on them."
Entertainment options: Some parks offer additional recreation. A Camp Turkeyville visitor described, "This is a nice place with pool, kids pad, laundry, family showers, individual showers, mini petting farm, train ride and an entire little small village dedicated to entertainment of camping."
Tips from RVers
Leveling requirements: Site conditions affect setup procedures. A Holiday Shores visitor commented on their convenient pad: "Our lot had a cement pad which required no leveling. The electrical, water and sewer connections were all easy to access."
Spacing considerations: Site proximity affects privacy and comfort. A Turkeyville RV Resort visitor cautioned, "The only negative is the campground is basically in a field with very little trees and the sites are close together."
Hookup availability: Water and electrical connections vary across parks. A visitor to Lighthouse Village RV Resort advised, "My only 'con' is that full hookups are scarce and don't have the perfect angle and view of the W/E sites. If you want the best sites, forego the 'full hookup', pay less for the best and closest view of Lake Huron."
Reservation policies: Booking practices differ between campgrounds. One Holiday RV Campground reviewer warned about "Antique reservation payment system," suggesting securing reservations through reliable channels.
