Tent camping in the Litchfield, Michigan area encompasses campgrounds spread across Hillsdale County and neighboring regions. The area features rolling agricultural landscapes with elevations between 1,000-1,200 feet and numerous small lakes and waterways. Winter temperatures frequently drop below freezing from November through March, making most campgrounds seasonal operations with peak availability during summer months.
What to do
Boating and fishing access: 6 Lakes Campground offers direct water access with interconnected lakes providing multiple fishing spots. The campground has a boat launch suitable for small watercraft, with the connected lake system allowing extended exploration.
Outdoor recreation: Visitors can access several state game areas within 20 miles of Litchfield for hiking and wildlife viewing. The Lost Nations State Game Area covers 2,100 acres with multiple trails through woodland and wetland habitats. During hunting seasons (September-December), campers should wear bright colors when hiking.
Local exploration: Circle B RV Park and Cabins offers proximity to regional attractions. As one camper noted, it's a "very well maintained" facility with "lots to do, great atmosphere," making it suitable as a base for exploring the broader region.
What campers like
Lake access: The connected lake system at 6 Lakes Campground allows campers to navigate between different water bodies. The multiple water access points provide fishing opportunities across different lake environments within a single camping trip.
Shaded sites: Several campgrounds in the area feature wooded sites that provide natural cooling during summer months when temperatures can reach the high 80s. Tree coverage varies significantly between campgrounds, with some offering full shade and others providing partial coverage.
Site privacy: Campers seeking more seclusion can find options at Wildwood Acres Campground, which operates from early May through mid-September. The campground features tent-specific sites with greater separation than typical RV-focused facilities in the region.
What you should know
Seasonal availability: Most campgrounds in the Litchfield area operate from May through September or October, with limited winter camping options. Call ahead before planning off-season visits as water systems are typically winterized after the first freeze.
Drinking water access: Water availability varies significantly between campgrounds. While some like Way Back In Campground advertise drinking water, facilities can be limited. One camper reported issues with management and maintenance, noting problems persisted "for 3 seasons" despite complaints.
Reservation requirements: Most established campgrounds require reservations during peak summer weekends (Memorial Day through Labor Day). Weekday availability tends to be better, particularly at larger facilities with more tent sites. Many campgrounds have minimum stay requirements of 2 nights during summer weekends.
Campground conditions: Verify current campground status before planning. Some listed facilities may have changed ownership or operations. One camper noted about a location listed as Green Acres: "I didn't stay here, but there is no 'Green Acres Campground'. There is another campground, 'En Gedi'."
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: When camping with children, select campgrounds with dedicated recreational facilities. Look for playgrounds, swimming areas with gradual entry points, and organized activities during summer weekends. Most family-oriented programming occurs between Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends.
Site selection: Choose sites away from water for families with young children. Request sites near bathhouses when possible, as some campgrounds have limited facilities spread across large properties. Most family-friendly campgrounds offer sites within 300 feet of restrooms.
Weather preparation: Funny Farm Campground and other facilities in the region experience rapid weather changes typical of the Midwest. Pack additional layers even during summer months when overnight temperatures can drop into the 50s. Spring camping often brings muddy conditions after rainfall.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Electric service is available at several campgrounds, though amperage varies by location. Some facilities offer water and electric only, while others provide full hookups with sewer connections.
Access considerations: Many local campgrounds have narrow access roads that can be challenging for larger rigs. Most tent-focused campgrounds can accommodate small to mid-sized RVs (under 30 feet) but have limited turning radius at individual sites.
Seasonal options: For longer stays, some campgrounds offer seasonal rates with monthly or summer-long packages that provide significant discounts compared to nightly rates. These arrangements typically require advance booking by March for the upcoming summer season.
