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Best Tent Camping near Lansing, MI

459 Reviews

Recreation areas surrounding Lansing, Michigan offer several tent camping options within a short drive. Island Lake Recreation Area in Brighton provides tent-only sites with fire rings and picnic tables, including unique boat-in canoe camps along the Huron River. Appleton Lake Campground, also in Brighton, features rustic tent campsites with secluded sites set among mature trees. Crooked Lake Rustic Campground in Pinckney Recreation Area and Wheel Inn Campground in Leslie provide additional tent camping opportunities within an hour of Lansing.

Most tent campgrounds in the region feature basic amenities suited for primitive camping experiences. Sites typically include fire rings and picnic tables, with varying levels of additional facilities. Appleton Lake Campground offers rustic sites with vault toilets but no hookups, making it ideal for tent-only camping. Island Lake Recreation Area provides drinking water, firewood, and toilet facilities, though electric hookups are not available at tent sites. Campers should check seasonal availability, as some campgrounds like Wildwood Acres in Jonesville operate only from May through mid-September.

In early fall, many tent campsites offer fewer crowds and comfortable temperatures. According to reviews, Appleton Lake Campground provides sites "fairly secluded from each other" with "ample space to park your vehicle and set up a tent." One camper noted it has an "up north feel" despite being close to urban areas. Island Lake Recreation Area's canoe camps offer a unique experience where "you must haul any and all gear in a kayak or canoe for your stay," providing "a backcountry, boat-in camping experience very close to town." Tent campers at Crooked Lake appreciate the "great slice of wilderness" with lake views. Wildlife encounters are common, with raccoons frequently visiting Appleton Lake sites after dark. Hiking trails surround most campgrounds, offering opportunities for day hikes directly from walk-in tent sites.

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Best Tent Sites Near Lansing, Michigan (14)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Lansing, MI

10 Photos of 14 Lansing Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Lansing, MI

459 Reviews of 14 Lansing Campgrounds

  • Neil T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 31, 2021

    Seven Lakes State Park Campground

    Great waypoint when camping across the UP

    Vibe: Woodland getaway with no flash and really nice sites. 

    Cleanliness: Sites are above average. Vault toilets are…vault toilets. 

    Facilities: Nothing flashy. Wish there was a few additional water filling points and that the dumpsters were all located near the camp entrance/exit. But really nothing to complain about. 

    General spots: Large, very well treed, gravel, picnic table and fire ring. 

    Privacy: Can see neighbors through sites, but better privacy than most places. 

    Our site: 39. Could drive circles around inside it. Even has a tree in the middle of it with room to drive all the way around it(not with a trailer). Depending where you set up your rig, you may need an extra long extension cord. 

    Noise: Quiet. Occasionally hear wolves howling. Cell signal(Verizon): 1 bar. No internet loads. Text messages will send and receive. Sometimes immediately, sometimes hours later. Other: Wish we had a chance to explore the lakes. Sounds like the swimming and fishing is good. Saw several kids on bikes toting rods.

  • beth S.
    Aug. 13, 2022

    Lansing Cottonwood Campground

    Primitive Sites!

    We came to the Lansing area for a family function and stayed at one of the Primitive Sites at Cottonwood Campground. The front of the grounds did seem a bit congested and not many trees, but we had a primitive site and it was everything we wanted. 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. There are a lot of wildlife noises, owls, frogs, crickets, etc. and you can hear some of the highway traffic but the nature sounds kind of drown it out.

    Overall was a good experience and staff were friendly and the primitive sites were over half empty. We will definitely come again.

    Second night, it had rained pretty much all day. 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. The next night we made sure to house trash and food items in our truck.

  • Ryan F.
    Oct. 20, 2021

    Brighton Recreation Area

    Lake Murray Rustic Sites

    This was our first camping experience in Michigan, so we weren’t exactly prepared. My rating takes this into consideration.

    First of all, if it’s rainy or muddy, you might want to think twice about entering the rustic camping area. We have a 4Runner, so it was no problem but a few little cars did slide around and have trouble on the hill by our site.

    Our site wasn’t level, so we were rolling around a bit. If I went there again I’d try to find a spot towards the end of the loop by the exit. These sites were higher and some of them were private. I’d examine the map carefully because some of the sites were horrendously open and basically on the road. Maybe good for a vehicle with a rooftop tent or a trailer of some sort, but it would have been annoying for us. Site M22 was big and far enough away from other campers, but again not level. Probably a good location for a group of hammock campers.

    All that aside, the biggest problem was mosquito activity. The camping area sits on an inaccessible lake with a marsh area.

    When we rolled in the first thing we noticed was that everyone had screen houses set up.

    We didn’t have anything but our tent and a hammock with a big net so everyone got bitten up while cooking and hanging out by the fire. It was pretty miserable. Yes, I realize this is mostly our fault.

    I’ve since purchased a thermacell backpacker and some bug net hats and stuff. I’m looking into constructing an ultralight screen house that can be suspended from trees.

    The last problem was drunk campers hooting and hollering all night but that isn’t the camping areas fault.

    This place is super close to where we are living so I’ll probably schedule it next spring and come prepared. There are lots of nearby lakes and recreational trails so it’s a fun place to be with family.

  • Don H.
    Jul. 9, 2019

    Island Lake Recreation Area

    Hidden Canoe Camps

    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. The sites, Canoe Camp #1 and #2, can be only be reserved by calling or visiting the main office.

    This is an awesome place to stay, especially if you live in the area, as it provides a backcountry, boat-in camping experience very close to town. The sites each feature a fire ring and picnic table. Canoe #1 sports a floating dock to tie up boats. There is also a vault toilet, and firewood provided for both sites to share, as well recycling and trash cans.

    The sites and common area (toilet and garbage cans) are connected by short trails and you may, once in awhile, hear the folks at the site next to you. Thankfully, In my experience, people have always been friendly and respectful.

  • Mike B.
    Sep. 3, 2018

    Appleton Lake Campground

    Quiet, private rustic campground

    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.

    My only complaint is the vault toilets were not clean and very full.

  • Christopher P.
    Jul. 25, 2021

    Deep Lake Rustic Campground — Yankee Springs Recreation Area - TEMPORARILY CLOSED IN 2024

    Nice rustic site

    Nice rustic campground with a beautiful lake view. Nice big fire rings. Vault toilet and water pump nearby. Some what level site but in the small side. Perfect for tent camping or a teardrop. Definitely nothing over 15'. Was able to park across from my site to maximize space.

    Gorgeous little lake town just 8 miles away has a full grocery store and restaurants.

    Campsites border the Deep Lake trail.

  • J
    Jun. 9, 2019

    Green Lake Rustic Campground — Waterloo Recreation Area

    Rustic campground near civilization

    This campground is part of the Waterloo State Recreation area, about 6 miles north of Chelsea MI. Sites are decent-sized, not much privacy between some sites. Only a couple of sites overlook the lake. Picnic table, fire ring, vault toilet and hand pump water. Quiet little campground.

  • Mike B.
    Sep. 5, 2018

    Green Lake Rustic Campground — Waterloo Recreation Area

    Rustic Campground Close to Town

    I stayed here with my kids because it was close to home and town. It makes for an easy getaway for a night or two.

    It is rustic with just vault toilets. Each site has a picnic table and a fire ring.

    The lake is not good for swimming as it is very mucky and covered in Lilly pads.

    It can fill up quick because it is close to town.

    There is a Yurt for rent here as well through the Waterloo Recreation web page.

Guide to Lansing

Explore the great outdoors with tent camping near Lansing, Michigan, where you can find a variety of campgrounds that offer unique experiences and amenities.

Tips for Tent Camping Near Lansing

Local Attractions for Campers

  • Enjoy the scenic beauty of the area by visiting Moon Lake Campground, which offers a peaceful setting, although it has limited camping options.
  • Explore the nearby trails and natural landscapes at Farmlane Campground, perfect for those who appreciate a more secluded camping experience.
  • Experience the vibrant community atmosphere at Wheel Inn Campground, where you can enjoy clean facilities and friendly neighbors.

Activities to Enjoy While Camping

  • Take advantage of the amenities at South Shore Campground, which offers electric hookups and picnic tables for a comfortable stay.
  • Engage in outdoor activities like fishing and kayaking at Red Pines Campground, where you can enjoy the tranquility of nature.
  • Experience the camaraderie of fellow campers at PINCKNEY RAILS-TO-TRAIL CAMPGROUND, known for its friendly atmosphere and well-maintained facilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Lansing, MI?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Lansing, MI is Moon Lake Campground with a 3-star rating from 2 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Lansing, MI?

TheDyrt.com has all 14 tent camping locations near Lansing, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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