Glamping near Metamora, Michigan offers convenient access to outdoor recreation within Oakland County's diverse terrain. The rolling hills of eastern Michigan provide numerous shaded camping options, with most locations sitting at elevations between 900-1,100 feet. Most campgrounds in the region remain open from late spring through mid-October, with several locations offering modern amenities alongside natural settings.
What to Do
Hiking and biking trails: Over 26 miles of trails wind through Addison Oaks County Park, with many sections paved and accessible directly from camping areas. "Tons of trails for hiking and biking. They have kids activities on the weekends, a lake for swimming, great playgrounds and everything is really clean," notes one visitor.
Disc golf: Several parks in the region maintain well-designed courses that accommodate various skill levels. "I enjoyed the trails, disc golf and overall wonderful Park staff! Extremely clean and well-kept," reports a camper at Addison Oaks.
Water recreation: Multiple small lakes provide swimming, fishing, and boating opportunities. At Holly Recreation Area, visitors appreciate the "giant recreation area that features a campground, 3 lakes, tons of trails, and even a splash zone for kids."
Seasonal activities: Many campgrounds organize weekend events throughout the camping season. At Camp Dearborn, "They have activities for both children and adults, two beautiful beaches, a pool, tennis courts, and now a zip line."
What Campers Like
Shaded sites: Tree cover provides natural cooling during summer months. A Holly Recreation Area camper mentions, "We stayed on site 118 in the trillium loop. Actually feels like camping with all the trees, not lined up in a farmer's field."
Clean facilities: Many parks invest in maintaining modern bathroom buildings and shower facilities. At Proud Lake Recreation Area, campers note "the bathrooms are BEAUTIFUL. They must have been recently renovated because they are spacious, tiled, well maintained, and very modern feeling for a campground."
Proximity to urban areas: Despite feeling remote, most campgrounds provide quick access to supplies. One Proud Lake visitor appreciated that "while the campground feels like you are remote, if you need supplies, there is a small shopping center about a mile away."
Wildlife viewing: The wooded settings attract diverse animal populations. A camper at Metamora-Hadley Recreation Area noted they "love the trails and the wildlife."
What You Should Know
Site differences: Campgrounds often feature varying loops with distinct characteristics. At Holly Recreation Area, one camper advised, "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."
Reservation windows: Most popular sites book quickly, especially for summer weekends and holidays. One visitor at Camp Dearborn mentioned it's "tough to get in but we love it."
Weather considerations: The region experiences typical Midwest seasonal patterns. "If it rains everything is mud if you're in the back camp section," warns a camper about certain areas at Covenant Hills Camp.
Alcohol policies: Rules vary between parks. While most state recreation areas allow alcohol, some private campgrounds have restrictions. A visitor to Covenant Hills noted it's "ok for those who care not enjoy alcohol beverages while vacationing."
Tips for Camping with Families
Activity planning: Many campgrounds schedule organized events on weekends. At Groveland Oaks, a visitor mentioned, "We joined a group site and meet up every major holiday. We feel like we went up North without the driving four hours."
Beach access: Swimming areas provide summer recreation opportunities. "The beach is nice, a little small, but clean and fun," notes one camper about the facilities at Addison Oaks.
Playground facilities: Multiple campgrounds feature updated play structures. A Holly Recreation Area visitor observed the campground "has it all, electric, cabins, playgrounds, basketball courts, etc..."
Weekend programming: Special events occur regularly during peak season. A visitor to Covenant Hills appreciated that there are "lots of things to do: kayaking, fishing, the blob, much more. Clean and friendly."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Many campgrounds offer varying hookup options. At Groveland Oaks, one RVer noted, "Full hookup area is away from most of the weekend traffic with a short cut to get to where all the kids stuff is located."
Leveling needs: Some campgrounds have uneven terrain. "A good number of sites are not level," warns one visitor about Metamora-Hadley Recreation Area.
Pad types: Surface materials vary between campgrounds. At Addison Oaks, a camper mentioned, "Cement pads, water, and electric. Loop C is spacious with some trees."
Campground navigation: Interior roads may present challenges for larger units. One RVer at Otter Lake Park Campground observed that "sites do not have grass so it is a bit messy—may be tough for larger units to navigate around."
