Near Lapeer, Michigan, camping options range from primitive tent sites to full-service RV pads across several state and county parks. The region sits at approximately 850 feet above sea level with moderately humid summers averaging 80°F and cold winters that often drop below freezing. Many campgrounds around Lapeer maintain seasonal operations from April through October, with limited winter camping available at specific locations.
What to do
Hiking trails: McGinnis Lake Modern Campground at Holly Recreation Area offers extensive trail systems for day hiking. "This is a giant recreation area that features a campground, 3 lakes, tons of trails, and even a splash zone for kids," notes Kate K. The park maintains both paved and natural surface paths suitable for all skill levels.
Water activities: Covenant Hills Camp offers multiple water-based recreation options including kayaking and fishing. "Kayaking, fishing, the blob much more. Clean and friendly," explains Jenny A. The camp maintains a small lake with designated swimming areas and rental equipment available during summer months.
Mountain biking: Oakland County Addison Oaks features dedicated mountain biking trails popular with regional riders. "Addison Oaks is a campground that features hiking and mountain biking trails, campground, cabins, disc golf course, and a lake for boating," writes Kate K. The trail system includes both beginner and intermediate routes through wooded terrain.
Winter activities: McGinnis Lake Modern Campground remains open year-round for cold-weather recreation. "Pretty park with several well marked trails. We stayed in the Maple loop which had several semi-private sites screened from neighbors by trees," shares Jennifer H. Winter activities include cross-country skiing and snowshoeing on designated trails when conditions permit.
What campers like
Wooded sites: Campers consistently appreciate the natural settings at Holly Recreation Area. "Actually feels like camping with all the trees, not lined up in a farmer's field. Lots of trails and great beach with a dog friendly area," explains Zachary S. Sites in the Trillium loop offer more shade and privacy than other sections.
Yurt accommodations: Groveland Oaks County Park provides yurt camping near Lapeer with modern amenities. "Great campground, so much to do, especially for families with smaller children," notes Anna H. The park's yurts include electricity, beds, and basic furnishings for those seeking alternatives to traditional tent camping.
Family-friendly facilities: Metamora-Hadley Recreation Area maintains clean facilities even during peak usage periods. "We camped here over Labor Day Weekend. It was busy but everyone was respectful of one another. The community restrooms, dump station, and dumpsters were well maintained throughout the weekend," reports Mandy B.
Year-round access: Holts RV Sites and Mobile Home Court offers camping throughout all seasons. "Lovely tent and more," states a brief review from Malachi. The location provides consistent availability regardless of season, uncommon among many regional campgrounds that close during winter months.
What you should know
Site selection considerations: At Holly Recreation Area, site characteristics vary significantly by loop. "I stayed in the rustic Aspen loop and it was fine for early season but come peak season, the sites lack privacy and are kind of small," advises Ashleigh M. The Maple and Trillium loops generally offer more separation between campsites.
Shower facilities: Addison Oaks County Park maintains modern shower buildings with hot water. "The campground is RV and tent friendly and offers fire pits/picnic tables. The trails are well maintained and heavily trafficked," writes Kate K. The park operates bathroom facilities from April through October.
Beach conditions: Groveland Oaks County Park offers swimming access with some limitations. "Liked having full hook ups. But not many trees. We like the small swimming hole, the beach, the parks and putt putt," reports Tammy K. The swimming area includes a designated beach but remains relatively compact compared to larger state park facilities.
Off-season operation: While most yurt camping near Lapeer closes during winter, some facilities remain accessible. "We've state at this campground on and off for roughly 3 weeks staying mostly at the Cedar cabin but we also tent camped as well," shares Stephanie H. about Holly Recreation Area, noting its year-round operation.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: KOA Campground Emmett offers multiple play areas for children. "Playground for the kids, tons of activities on the weekend. Fishing is great! Beach is big and clean," reports Chelsea. The facility maintains dedicated recreational spaces specifically designed for younger campers.
Scheduled activities: Covenant Hills Camp operates structured programming for families. "Very family friendly..," notes Carol M. The campground runs organized events particularly during summer weekends and maintains Christian-oriented programming on Sundays.
Beach options: Otter Lake Park Campground provides sandy beach access suitable for families with children. "The lake is soooo beautiful and you can rent kayaks $7/hour or a 2 person small boat for $10/hour," explains Alyssa C. The beach includes shallow entry points appropriate for younger swimmers.
Cabin alternatives: For families seeking yurt camping near Lapeer, Michigan options include cabins at Metamora-Hadley Recreation Area. "The camping store was well stocked for all of the things we forgot to pack but was expensive. The park is extremely sandy so be prepared," advises Mandy B., highlighting the convenience for families who may forget essential items.
Tips from RVers
Site levelness: RV campers should note potential leveling challenges at Metamora-Hadley Recreation Area. "A good number of sites are not level," warns Cheryl K. Bringing additional leveling blocks proves useful at many campgrounds in the region.
Full hookup options: Groveland Oaks County Park offers complete utility connections for RVs. "Large campground with lots of trails and activities. We would think that different times of year provide different experiences," writes Carol W. Sites include water, electric, and sewer connections with pull-through availability for larger rigs.
Seasonal RV considerations: For yurt camping near Lapeer and RV options, note seasonal closures affect many campgrounds. "This is the second time staying in these campgrounds in two weeks. Both times stayed in the more wilderness area D with lots of trees and sites for tents or back-in trailers," reports Richard T. about Addison Oaks County Park, which operates from late April through October.
