J
Josue S.
Scout
ScoutSunny's Campground
Amazing camp
The staff is super friendly, helpful. I enjoyed staying at this camp. The only negative point is that there are not many lots with full hookup. Everything is 10 minutes away.
Camping near Manchester, MI
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
Manchester, Michigan and the surrounding Irish Hills area support a network of established campgrounds with diverse accommodation options. W.J. Hayes State Park Campground provides access to Wamplers Lake with a mix of wooded and open sites for tents, RVs, and cabins. Within 20 miles, campers can find multiple state recreation areas including Waterloo and Pinckney, which offer both modern campgrounds with full amenities and rustic camping areas with fewer services. Family-oriented private campgrounds like Ja Do Park and Apple Creek complement the public options, featuring planned activities and additional facilities like swimming pools.
Seasonal availability varies significantly across the Manchester area, with most campgrounds operating between April and October, though several state park campgrounds remain open year-round with limited services during winter months. Many campsites require advance reservations, particularly at popular waterfront locations during summer weekends. Water and electric hookups are common at developed sites, while rustic campgrounds typically offer vault toilets and drinking water only. The region experiences typical Midwest seasonal patterns with hot, humid summers and cold winters. According to a visitor at W.J. Hayes State Park: "There's a nice little mile nature trail through one of the loops. Most sites around the outside are decently wooded."
Waterfront camping near lakes represents the primary draw for many visitors to the Manchester area, with Wamplers Lake at W.J. Hayes State Park receiving consistently positive reviews for fishing access and beach facilities. The Manchester area offers excellent camping options with convenient access to numerous outdoor activities including hiking trails, fishing spots, and swimming areas. Family activities emerge as another regional strength, with multiple campgrounds offering organized events, especially on weekends. A camper noted: "Lots of fun activities for the kids, hayrides, slip and slide, playground and a whole rustic area to explore." Sites with shade and privacy are frequently mentioned as desirable features, particularly at state park campgrounds. For visitors attending events at Michigan International Speedway, campgrounds like Ted Ranch provide convenient alternatives to the more crowded track facilities, being located approximately 1.5 miles from the venue while offering a quieter camping experience.
Best Campgrounds near Manchester (115)
1. W. J. Hayes State Park Campground
"It has access to Wamplers Lake and there are several other lakes near by. The area is quiet and clean."
"Very nice, lots to do in surrounding area. Lake is pretty. Nearby MIS. Hidden Lake Gardens are absolutely beautiful to wander around."
from $35 - $160 / night
Check Availability2. Sugarloaf Campground — Waterloo Recreation Area
"It is usually easy to get multiple sites next to each other with reservations.
There is a decent sandy beach here with a playground and volleyball net.""There is an outside vault toilet behind the cabin. Lots of trails connecting the cabin to the rest of the park. Cheap too! Only $68 per night."
from $35 - $160 / night
Check Availability3. Green Lake Rustic Campground — Waterloo Recreation Area
"The lack of cover between sites gave everyone a nice view of the lake from our tents on our inland sites, which was beautiful."
"I stayed at #6 and had a beautiful view of the lake. There is muddy lake access on that site and I paddled from there in my kayak. There is an official boat launch nearby."
from $20 - $100 / night
Check Availability4. Blind Lake Rustic Campground — Pinckney Recreation Area
"Nice place to camp right on the lake. It's a 7 mile hike in(can also be accessed via boat), part of the Potowatomi loop trail(~18 miles) located in Waterloo-Pinckney recreation area."
"Camp ground is located along the Potawatomi Trail in Pinckney Recreation area. Bikers head the opposite direction from hikers. The route I followed was about 8 miles in to Blind Lake."
from $20 / night
Check Availability5. Portage Lake Modern — Waterloo Recreation Area
"We purchased our new rPod 193 late in the fall and have been dying to give it a test camp and Michigan Winter Weather gave us a great opportunity the week after Christmas (2021)."
"It is a bit of a walk to get to but is handicap accessible.
There are two bathrooms throughout the loop and one at the beach."from $35 - $160 / night
Check Availability6. Indian Creek Camp & Conference Center
"I was right next to a cow field. The cows did not moo all night and there was no foul order. I needed no amenities so I can't vouch for that"
"not close to any stores if your forgot something
- gravel roads
Pros:
- family owned and operated
- small campground kid friendly
- free kid activities
- everyone was very nice"
from $38 - $60 / night
Check Availability7. Bruin Lake Campground — Pinckney Recreation Area
"There is a new large playground structure and nice but short paved path for kids to bike or scooter around."
"On Crooked Lake, it has 25 sites, two of which are right on the water; #7 is full sun, larger, and 20 is sun/shade and tucked away in the back of the campground."
from $30 - $120 / night
Check Availability8. Ted Ranch Campground
"My husband and I visit Ted Ranch every year for the NASAR race at Michigan International Speedway. This year, my review is changing a little bit."
"This place is across the street from Michigan international speedway and sure beats fighting all the people/campers in the infield campgrounds!"
from $25 / night
Check Availability9. Ja Do Park Campground
"Very friendly and family oriented the do activities right down the street from the lake and they make you feel like one big family :)"
10. Apple Creek Campground & RV Park
"There is also nice walking/hiking trails connected right to the property. Our visit was for 2 days/3 nights. Over half the sites are seasonal, so despite a lot of RVs, we saw very few people."
"The group area is circular and surrounded by trees which helped to keep it cool. Each site had electric hook-up and some had water."
Drive Time
- 24 min from Ann Arbor, MI
- 27 min from Jackson, MI
- 56 min from Monroe, MI
- 56 min from Toledo, OH
Recent Camping Photos near Manchester, MI
145 Photos of 115 Manchester Campgrounds
carlton G.
Carlandia CannaCamp
Tom M.
W. J. Hayes State Park Campground
Mark M.
Pines Rustic Campground — Waterloo Recreation Area
Kim S.
Sugarloaf Campground — Waterloo Recreation Area
Denise F.
Holiday RV Campground
Rob
Green Lake Rustic Campground — Waterloo Recreation Area
Rachel K.
Portage Lake Modern — Waterloo Recreation Area
Corey O.
Blind Lake Rustic Campground — Pinckney Recreation Area
Jennifer H.
Bruin Lake Campground — Pinckney Recreation Area
Wander W.
Cabela’s Dundee
Dave M.
PINCKNEY RAILS-TO-TRAIL CAMPGROUND
Michelle N.
Detroit/Ann Arbor KOA
Recent Reviews near Manchester, MI
586 Reviews of 115 Manchester Campgrounds
- R
Robert S.ScoutEaton County Fairgrounds
Charlotte campground
Very convenient off highway with easy check-in and very quiet during the weekend when there are no events at the Fairgrounds
- ssusan V.Scout
Indian Creek Camp & Conference Center
Nice family campground
Pool, nice playground, small putt putt course, rec room and other activities available. We are retired and just needed overnight camping and the only site available was tiny and right on the curve of the road. Our firepit and picnic table were less than 10 feet from the road so not private at all. We felt it was overpriced for the site. Others were better but none very private(smallish and no trees).
Austin R.ScoutLansing Cottonwood Campground
Randos in your site late at night
This place is a weird one for sure, they’ll let you do whatever you want there, even wander into random tent sites asking minors for alcohol and drugs.
We planned on camping here longer but after an evening where a drunk camper pursued our coolers at 1 in the morning and then asked our teenagers who’d were sleeping in tents if they had any alcohol or weed.
We told management of the incident, they did nothing. We also told them of the Lansing homeless who were coming in the early morning hours to use the facilities… nothing.
So if you like randoms in your site late at night, this is the campsite for you.
- Carl D.Scout
Wiregrass Lake Metropark
Easy access
Clean,quiet, convenient and easy access
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)
- HHannah P.
TravelerIndian Meadow Ohio Turnpike RV Lot
Great spot for the night
Needed a last minute electrical hookup due to the heat, very pleased that OH turnpike offers a night for $20! Cash only at the self serve kiosk. Bathrooms at the rest stop are very clean. There are even a couple picnic tables next to a pretty marsh area. Our AC covered up any road noise easily.
- RRicky Z.Scout
Lake Interstate State Game Area- Dispersed Camping
Lake Interstate
Wasn’t really anywhere to park when it’s been raining all day so I parked on the side where the trail is but left enough room for whoever wants to go to the lake. My son was tired and cranky so I had to just park and set up the camper for my kids. Just a parking lot with a trial that leads to the lake. You can park anywhere there’s no sign saying you can’t park next to the trail so just thought I’d add that lol but it’s beautiful at night besides the traffic from the highway
- AAndy B.
RangerHarrison Lake State Park Campground
First time here
Nice playground for kids, public trees all over but our site didn’t have private trees for hammocks.
The lake was nice, had water snakes.
Guide to Manchester
The Manchester area sits within Michigan's Irish Hills region, characterized by rolling terrain dotted with numerous small lakes. Most campgrounds in the area operate at elevations between 900-1,100 feet, creating distinctive microclimates around each water body. Several camping sites near Manchester, Michigan provide direct access to the Border to Border bike trail, offering cyclists a convenient way to explore the region without driving.
What to Do
Kayaking and fishing access: Green Lake Rustic Campground at Waterloo Recreation Area offers direct water access for small craft. "The campsite was listed as 'full' when we arrived, so I was glad we took the extra step to make reservations. I paddled from my site in my kayak. There is an official boat launch nearby," notes Melissa B.
Mountain biking trails: The region contains several trail networks for riders of all abilities. "The trails for Mountain Bikes that are close to the campsite are super fun!" according to Maria G., who visited Bruin Lake Campground at Pinckney Recreation Area.
Exploring nearby attractions: The Irish Hills area contains several points of interest within short driving distance. "Needed a quick weekend getaway, and found this place. Very nice, lots to do in surrounding area. Lake is pretty. Nearby MIS. Hidden Lake Gardens are absolutely beautiful to wander around," shares Dan D. about his stay at W.J. Hayes State Park.
What Campers Like
Secluded backcountry options: For those seeking a more remote experience, some campgrounds offer hike-in sites. According to Tee Jay M., Blind Lake Rustic Campground requires effort to reach but rewards with solitude: "Hiked in here after work on a Monday, 7 mile minimum if you start at silver lake and take the shortcut. The campground itself is nice, with an outhouse, water spigot, and a trash can so you won't need to pack out everything."
Lake swimming access: Many visitors appreciate the multiple beach options. "This campground had all the fun stuff my kids enjoy. The jumping pillow was popular as they spent most of their time there," reports Angela H. about Indian Creek Camp & Conference Center.
Convenient race weekend alternatives: Campers attending events at Michigan International Speedway appreciate nearby options. "This place is across the street from Michigan international speedway and sure beats fighting all the people/campers in the infield campgrounds!" explains Stephanie C. about Ted Ranch Campground.
What You Should Know
Reservation requirements: Many sites fill quickly during peak season. "While you technically don't need a reservation, we made our reservations through the DNR website about a month in advance. The campsite was listed as 'full' when we arrived, so I was glad we took the extra step," advises Alaine S. about Green Lake Rustic Campground.
Site privacy considerations: Site layouts vary significantly between campgrounds. At Sugarloaf Modern Campground, Jonah H. notes: "The property is very well maintained with a nice park and clean bathrooms. The campground has some nice full-grown trees, but isn't extremely wooded. The trees offer shade, but are spaced out enough that a group can pull their campers around for privacy."
Rustic vs. modern options: Facilities range from basic to full-service. "This is a rustic campground 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," explains Mike B. about Green Lake Rustic Campground.
Tips for Camping with Families
Scheduled activities: Many campgrounds organize events for children. William D. shares about Apple Creek Campground: "Great owners that care about the camping experience and provide activities on the weekend for the kids. Pretty spacious sites."
Swimming options: Beach quality varies between locations. "Nice flat campsites near the beach area. It has a very nice play area for the children and clean bathrooms. The boat launch was near our camp site which was nice not having to leave the campground," reports Debra B. about Waterloo Sugarloaf Modern Campground.
Site selection for groups: Some campgrounds offer specific areas designed for multiple families. Ryan M. explains: "Our group stayed at Apple Creek for Memorial Day weekend. We camped in the group area. The group area is circular and surrounded by trees which helped to keep it cool. Each site had electric hook-up and some had water."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling considerations: Terrain throughout the area requires preparation. "Most sites are large enough to pull a camper thru. No hookups but that wasn't an issue for me," notes Rob about Green Lake Rustic Campground.
Utility connections: Water and electric access vary widely. Miranda J. details her experience at W.J. Hayes: "We stayed in a tent on site 32, this was a very nice campground, peaceful, with trails and ample shade. Campsites were decently sized, fire pits were big, $5 per bundle of dry wood, showers were private with hot water."
Length restrictions: Larger RVs may not fit at all locations. "If you're longer than 40ft be aware most sites will not work for you here, they do have some but the wood line, privacy and nature is great," warns Mano P. about W.J. Hayes State Park Campground.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best campgrounds in Manchester, MI?
Where are the best campgrounds in Manchester, MI?
The Manchester area offers several excellent camping options within a short drive. Waterloo Recreation Area provides spacious sites with lake views and is conveniently located for those wanting to explore Ann Arbor. Lake Hudson Recreation Area is perfect for nature lovers seeking seclusion, with sites separated by young forest creating a private atmosphere. The small campground has about 40 sites and is accessible by road while maintaining a peaceful setting. Both offer a great base for exploring the Manchester region.
What amenities are available at Manchester, MI campgrounds?
What amenities are available at Manchester, MI campgrounds?
Campgrounds near Manchester offer varying levels of amenities. Green Lake Rustic Campground provides generously sized sites with room to stretch out, though it offers basic amenities consistent with its rustic designation. Pleasant Lake features beach access within walking distance of campsites, making it convenient for swimming and water activities. Most area campgrounds provide basic facilities like toilets and water access, but full hookups are less common. For convenience amenities, Cabela's Dundee offers overnight parking with nearby services and a pleasant walking trail along a pond.
Are there seasonal camping options in Manchester, Michigan?
Are there seasonal camping options in Manchester, Michigan?
Seasonal camping options are available near Manchester, with most campgrounds operating primarily from spring through fall. W. J. Hayes State Park Campground offers reservable sites during the main camping season, typically April through October. Brighton Recreation Area maintains seasonal operations with varying conditions based on weather - campers note that rain and mud can impact access to rustic camping areas, so spring and fall visits might require appropriate vehicles. The camping season in this region generally peaks in summer, with limited winter camping options. Always check with specific campgrounds for their seasonal opening dates and reservation requirements.
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