J
John S.
Scout
ScoutProud Lake Recreation Area
Peaceful area.
The lake is very weedy. But silver lake or Bishop lakes are close.
Camping near Madison Heights, MI
66 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
Campgrounds surrounding Madison Heights, Michigan range from rustic tent sites to full-service RV facilities with cabin options. Several state recreation areas provide developed camping within 30 minutes of the city, including Proud Lake Recreation Area in Commerce Township and Pontiac Lake Recreation Area in Waterford. These established campgrounds support various accommodation styles including tent camping, RV hookups, and cabin rentals, with many sites featuring modern amenities like electricity, drinking water, and shower facilities.
Road access to most campgrounds near Madison Heights remains well-maintained throughout the camping season, with most sites open from spring through fall. Some recreation areas like Proud Lake and Pontiac Lake remain accessible year-round. "I had no clue what to expect when booking so close to a few major cities in Michigan. I love feeling secluded while camping and was nervous this would feel like parking lot camping. But, it was AMAZING," noted one camper about Proud Lake. Reservations are strongly recommended for weekend camping, particularly during summer months when waterfront sites fill quickly. Recreation passports or daily entrance fees typically apply at state-managed properties, while county parks like Addison Oaks maintain separate fee structures. Most campgrounds provide drinking water, picnic tables, fire rings, and sanitation facilities.
The camping areas within Oakland County parks receive positive reviews for their combination of natural settings and convenient amenities. Waterfront camping opportunities attract particular attention from visitors seeking shoreline views and water recreation access. A review of Addison Oaks County Park highlighted that it's "a great local campground" with "hiking and mountain biking trails, campground, cabins, disc golf course, and a lake for boating." The proximity of these camping options to urban areas creates a unique advantage, allowing campers to experience outdoor recreation without extensive travel. Campsites at most developed campgrounds typically include amenities such as picnic tables, fire rings, and access to bathrooms. Several parks also offer specialized facilities like cabin rentals, modern shower buildings, and watercraft rentals for visitors seeking additional comfort or recreational opportunities.
Best Campgrounds near Madison Heights (66)
1. Proud Lake Recreation Area
"I had no clue what to expect when booking so close to a few major cities in Michigan. I love feeling secluded while camping and was nervous this would feel like parking lot camping."
"First, I'd like to say that I was born and raised in Northern Michigan. That's where I'm used to camping and hiking. I moved to the metro Detroit area a few years ago."
from $32 - $286 / night
Check Availability2. Pontiac Lake Recreation Area
"Only drawback is the distance from the lake. The lake is not within walking distance, you would need to drive."
"Beach is a 1.8 mile hike from the East loop in the campground but is well worth the walk."
from $20 - $80 / night
Check Availability3. Addison Oaks County Park
"The park has a beautiful 2.5 mile trail around the lake that makes this campground great. We brought our own kayaks but they do rent boats. We saw deer and rabbit."
"Cell phone tower is close by. We especially enjoy the intermediate level mountain bike trails. Showers are hot. Lots of deer to see at dusk."
4. Haas Lake Park RV Campground
"Nice lake view across the road. This location has 4 lakes. There is plenty of nature. Lots of trees along a nature trail. Cranes and ducks in the water . The first night was super quiet!"
"I highly recommend Hass Lake campgrounds. It is a very clean, quite, Beautiful campgrounds."
5. McGinnis Lake Campground — Holly Recreation Area
"Group area is away from the main area. Kayak lakes are nice. Excellent hike/bike trails. Park is located just down the road from the Holly Oaks Off road park."
"I love to come here when I want a quick get away from home because it is only 30min away. The campsites are big,secluded, wooded, and clean."
from $27 - $80 / night
Check Availability6. Bald Mountain Recreation Area
"The trails are well maintained and well marked. There is also tons of clean, easy to access lakes within the park too. Perfect for kayaking, paddle boarding, or fishing."
"Great trails and kids friendly."
from $108 / night
Check Availability7. Camp Dearborn
"Booked a two week stay at Pontiac Lake Rec. area in Whitelak, MI. Huge sites not stacked on top of one another. They have electric hookups, but only 30 amp."
"You will either need a longer electrical cord or if you can back your RV up far enough to reach you will need something to put under your steps to make them touch the ground."
from $47 / night
Check Availability8. Camp Agawam
from $20 - $30 / night
Check Availability9. Ridgewood Campground
"The site was a larger site (#12) tucked nicely away in a corner. Picnic Table and Nice Fire Ring onsite. Port-a-potty, dumpster near site."
from $25 - $50 / night
Check Availability10. Hugs & Pam RV Park
from $10 - $15 / night
Drive Time
- 12 min from Detroit, MI
- 38 min from Ann Arbor, MI
- 42 min from Monroe, MI
- 43 min from Flint, MI
Recent Camping Photos near Madison Heights, MI
108 Photos of 66 Madison Heights Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Proud Lake Recreation Area
Addison Oaks County Park
Pontiac Lake Recreation Area
Highland Recreation Area Campground
Haas Lake Park RV Campground
Camp Dearborn
Wayne County Fairgrounds RV ParkS
Clear Water Campgrounds
McGinnis Lake Campground — Holly Recreation Area
Groveland Oaks County Park
The Holly Campground
Algonac State Park Campground
Recent Reviews near Madison Heights, MI
476 Reviews of 66 Madison Heights Campgrounds
- HHarold N.
TravelerKOA Campground Emmett
Great Campground
We had a great stay! Didn’t enjoy any of the activities but heard they were a blast. We enjoyed the texted alerts on activities. This was our second trip with our new rv, just chilled and enjoyed. It was a bit noisy at night, it’s to be expected with children and the generation we live in today. Overall a great experience! Hope to return soon to enjoy the activities.
Kevin D.TravelerPort Huron KOA
KOA Port Huron is awesome!
Its huge! It has everything a family could want!
Michael M.
GuideSterling State Park Campground
Nice stop
Sterling State Park, Quick Two-Night Stay
We stopped at Sterling State Park for two nights and had a really nice stay. We were on an electric-only site, but the view and the short walk to the beach were awesome.
If you can score one of the sites along the edge of the campground that overlooks the beach, or one that backs up to the woods, I’d definitely recommend it. Those sites have a much better setting. Most of the other sites are more out in the open, with very little shade and not much of a view.
The central part of the campground feels busy and crowded, but surprisingly, most of the sites are actually spaced out pretty well. We didn’t use the bathhouse, so we can’t comment on its cleanliness or condition.
The campground itself was neatly mowed, and the staff seemed to do a good job keeping up with the grounds and general maintenance. We didn’t notice much trash or anything else that would be a negative.
The beach right in front of the campground was probably our favorite part. It was clean, spacious, and never seemed particularly busy while we were there.
Overall, Sterling State Park was a great stop for a couple of nights. If you can get one of the better-located sites, especially along the beach or woods, it makes the stay even better.
Gary G.GuideSterling State Park Campground
State Park, almost zero trees
Why the Dyrt has this place listed under "glamping" is beyond me. This is very far from that. A state park, some FHU sites, some pull thru, but it's almost like camping in a prairie. There's so very few trees here, so almost every site will be full sun. Full, blisteringly hot, sun.
It's an ok campground, but that's it. Host (each time we were there) did nothing that we could see. People tend to drive fast here, even staff.
It's right on Lake Erie, which can be good/bad, depending on if the toxic algae blooms are occuring.
City of Monroe is nearby for whatever you might need. (Aldi, etc)
Even though this park is close, it's just not one we like to choose because of the barren feel of the place. (We've been here three times)
- Gary G.Guide
Metamora-Hadley Recreation Area
Nice state park
As usual, there's only electric at sites, but the pedestals seem fairly new, and tight. South loop is nicely wooded & has a newer, larger restroom/shower building, not much lake view. The north loop is a little less wooded, with the NW end having a little better lake views, but a pretty ancient restroom/shower facility.
Across the lake is the day use area with a beach and concession stand. (There's a small camp store in the north loop.)
ADA Only sites are asphalt paved. Some of the regular sites could be a challenge to get level on, but the rangers told me they have wood blocks for loan if you don't have enough.
Our first night & a half, we had some terrible neighbors two sites over. Constant profanities, yelling at & threatening their kids... real dirtbags. Rangers booted them from the park! Good to see them taking such positive action. I have not run into a single staff member here that wasn't pleasant.
This was our first time here. A test run, since it's only an hour from home (but feels farther). We'll be back for sure. (Especially with gas prices so high anymore.)
T-Mobile was only slow LTE at our site, but our Starlink worked perfectly at our site. Might be harder to get a clear shot in the more wooded areas of the park.
Dana B.ScoutGroveland Oaks County Park
Absolutely beautiful
My husband and I actually took our first camping trip in our new camper to this location, but we are novice when it comes to campgrounds. It was nice because there was always an attendant at the office to help. They gave clear and concise directions. The grounds were impeccable. Everything looked fantastic. We have even considered being seasonal here because it is so beautiful.
GinnyTravelerGroveland Oaks County Park
Well kept park :)
Pretty with trees, although you do have very open views if you like more growth... weekend activities... family park, you need to be able to walk a ways to enjoy all their games, activities and beach...
Taylor G.ScoutThe New Kingslanding Kampground
Beautiful campground but.....
Husband and wife owners that are extremely rude Husband has the attitude of I own this here water wife is the mother of all Karen's. You usually pay to swim here but they ruined that and took that away cause they own that there water merica can't wait for the new owners!!!
Guide to Madison Heights
Camping near Madison Heights, Michigan offers several options within a 30-minute drive for outdoor recreation in Oakland County. The southeastern Michigan area features rolling terrain with elevation changes between 600-1,100 feet across various recreation areas, creating diverse landscapes for camping. Winter temperatures average 24-34°F, while summer temperatures reach 70-83°F with moderate humidity levels throughout the camping season.
What to do
Hiking and biking trails: At Pontiac Lake Recreation Area, campers can access extensive networks of trails. "There are tons of mosquitoes and ticks, so make sure you bring bug spray. Also make sure that all food and garbage is secure at night, the raccoons have no fear," notes Kristina J. The recreation area offers "extensive mountain biking trails and the lake is open to boating, kayaking, and other water sports."
Water activities: Many campgrounds feature lake access within the recreation areas. Christie V. mentions that Pontiac Lake has a "nice big lake. Only drawback is you must drive to the lake or hike 1.8 miles through the woods on a trail to get there." For paddling enthusiasts, the Huron River at Proud Lake Recreation Area provides kayak rentals and river access. John F. notes it "has a boat launch and a canoe/kayak livery on site."
Disc golf courses: Several parks near Madison Heights feature disc golf as a recreational option. At Addison Oaks County Park, Joe S. found the "disc golf and overall wonderful Park staff" made for a "truly a beautiful vacation spot." The 18-hole course winds through wooded areas with varying terrain challenges.
What campers like
Private, wooded sites: Many campers appreciate the seclusion offered at campsites despite proximity to urban areas. At Pontiac Lake Recreation Area, Mary H. found that the "park offers lots of private sites! We stayed in site 118 and could not see neighboring sites! The site was very spacious and offered picnic table, fire ring, paved pad, and electrical hook up."
Clean facilities: Modern amenities receive positive mentions from campers at several parks. Sam H. found Pontiac Lake campground "was full but quiet. The bathrooms and showers were nice and clean with hot water. Site 71 wasn't the most private but still nice. The spots are all pretty private due to trees and vegetation."
Year-round accessibility: Unlike some seasonal parks, Holly Recreation Area remains open throughout all seasons. "We 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," shares Ashleigh M. Winter camping is available with cabins providing shelter during colder months.
What you should know
Lake access varies: Not all campgrounds offer direct water access from campsites. At Pontiac Lake, Renee R. points out the "only drawback is the distance from the lake. The lake is not within walking distance, you would need to drive."
Reservation requirements: Booking in advance is essential, especially for weekend camping during peak season (May-September). Most sites can be reserved up to six months in advance through the Michigan DNR reservation system or county park websites.
Diverse camping styles: From rustic tent sites to modern RV pads, options vary across parks. At Haas Lake Park RV Campground, Karen C. found "a pull thru that was very spacious with a long driveway. Nice lake view across the road. This location has 4 lakes."
Tips for camping with families
Look for dedicated activity areas: Several parks offer specific children's programming. Teresa B. shares that Camp Dearborn "has activities for both children and adults, two beautiful beaches, a pool, tennis courts, and now a zip line. Options for camping range from tent sites to luxury cabins."
Consider cabin options: For families new to camping, cabins provide comfort with outdoor access. At Holly Recreation Area, Stephanie H. reports, "We've stayed at this campground on and off for roughly 3 weeks staying mostly at the Cedar cabin but we also tent camped as well. The staff is amazing, the campground is well maintained and quiet."
Check for playground access: Parks with playground equipment offer entertainment for children. BrianaLynn R. found Holly Recreation Area had "a lot of activities for the whole family, and the camp site was nice and shaded."
Tips from RVers
Extension cord requirements: Some electrical hookups require additional planning. At Pontiac Lake, Mary H. advises, "If you are hoping to hook up to electrical, bring extension cords; some hook ups are exceptionally far away from the designated RV parking pad."
Pad surface considerations: Paved pads offer stability but vary in quality across parks. Daniel from Pontiac Lake mentions the "camp site was nice with blacktop pad and once parked felt very secluded and could barely see site past truck in parking spot."
Full hookup availability: Water and electric availability varies by campground. At Haas Lake Park RV Campground, John C. appreciated the "lakefront full hookup" and noted "the fire rings are double insulated with sand, which made for a safer experience."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Madison Heights, MI?
Which is the most popular campground near Madison Heights, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Madison Heights, MI is Proud Lake Recreation Area with a 4.4-star rating from 18 reviews.
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