Tent camping opportunities around Metamora, Michigan range across both rustic and established options within 30 miles of town. Campers can find sites nestled along waterways like the Black River and Appleton Lake, or tucked into wooded areas in the Brighton Recreation Area. The camping season typically runs April through October, with some primitive sites available year-round weather permitting.
What to do
Water recreation access: At P.L. Graham Park & Campground, campers have direct access to the Black River for kayaking and fishing. "I love the river and the caretaker 'walker' is very nice. You can fish and there is a lot of room for kids to run around," notes reviewer Braylynn G. The park offers a canoe launch with a "worn in dock area but still accessible" according to Valerie D.
Trail running and hiking: The natural terrain around Appleton Lake Campground provides excellent opportunities for outdoor exercise. "Great trails - perfect for trail running," mentions Peter in his review. The campground connects to wider trail networks in the Brighton Recreation Area, with "signs well marked throughout the park" as Rachael D. points out about the nearby trail system.
Family-friendly activities: Port Huron KOA offers extensive recreation options beyond standard camping. "Jumping pillow, tons of scheduled activities, equipment rentals, trails nearby. There is a movie theater, old one room schoolhouse, camp store, pools, paddle boats and putt putt," according to Melissa B. The campground also features "multiple pools including a zero entry" as noted by Lindsey S.
What campers like
Rustic solitude: Campers seeking the best tent camping near Metamora, Michigan often appreciate the more primitive settings. At Appleton Lake Campground, visitors enjoy that "this campground had sites that were fairly secluded from each other. Each site has a fire ring and ample space to park your vehicle and set up a tent or small trailer," according to Mike B. The campground offers a "rustic and mature trees" setting that provides an authentic outdoor experience.
Boat-in camping experiences: For adventurous campers, Island Lake Recreation Area offers a unique camping option. "The sites are boat-in only (!) meaning you must haul any and all gear in a kayak or canoe for your stay," explains Don H. These special sites feature "a fire ring and picnic table. Canoe #1 sports a floating dock to tie up boats."
Affordable options: Budget-conscious campers appreciate Crystal Creek Christian Campground, where rates start at just $15 per night for rustic tent camping. "Extremely affordable! $30 a night 30/50 amp full hook up... don't need 30+ amp but want sewer as well only $25 a night 15 amp full hook up or as low as $20 for 15 amp water n electric only," explains Tammy P. The campground provides good value with "amenities including but not limited to horse shoes, swimming (man dug pond) hiking, basketball, volleyball and etc."
What you should know
Campsite reservations: Many campgrounds near Metamora require advance booking, especially during peak summer months. At Camp Agawam, reservations are essential for securing spots in this "perfect little park in the middle of suburbia" with "campsites, a playground, swimming, fishing, an outdoor amphitheater, pavilion rentals, and disc golf," according to James P.
Limited facilities at rustic sites: Primitive tent sites often have minimal amenities. At Appleton Lake Campground, "vault toilets were not clean and very full" according to one reviewer, while another mentions "no real beach area at this lake but Brighton rec is minutes away." The campground is described as "not for RVs and no hook ups."
Wildlife encounters: Be prepared for local wildlife at tent sites. One Appleton Lake camper warns, "once it got dark, we were fighting off about 10 raccoons all night. Definitely went somewhere else the next night." Another visitor cautions to "watch out for ticks" when hiking the trails around the campground.
Tips for camping with families
Activity-focused campgrounds: Families seeking engaging options should consider Genesee Otter Lake Campground which offers "plenty of activities planned and structured thru the grounds to keep the whole family entertained including PUTT PUTT Golf, Arcade, Saturday Night Adult Bingo weekly, and tons more!" according to Tammy P. The campground also has a general store for "anywhere from a toothbrush, table cloth, soda, Lg homemade Pizzas, Subs and the best Ice Cream ever in their homemade waffle cones!"
Spacious play areas: For families needing room for children to burn energy, P.L. Graham Park offers wide open spaces. As one reviewer notes, "there is a lot of room for kids to run around" and the park includes "a pavilion and a small swing set for kids." The donation-based camping keeps costs low for family outings.
Noise considerations: Family campers should note that some campgrounds can be quite lively. Port Huron KOA receives mixed reviews about noise levels with one camper describing "hundreds of unsupervised rug-rats swarming like locust over all the roads" and "boom boxes blaring rap music in competition among sites." Another notes it "tends to get a little rowdy and is not a quiet campground by any means but there's something fun about that sometimes."
Tips from RVers
Seasonal sites: Many RV campers near Metamora opt for seasonal arrangements. At Hilltop Campgrounds, a reviewer notes it's "mostly seasonal campers but still sites available for those nightly/weekender campers. All sites are 50 amp full hook ups." Seasonal stays can provide better value for frequent visitors.
Winter camping options: Full-time RVers can find limited winter camping opportunities. Hilltop Campgrounds offers year-round accommodations according to one reviewer who states, "We are full timers here for the winter into spring. The campground here is simple but the people are so friendly it will be difficult to leave when our season here is over."
Verify waterfront sites: RVers interested in lakefront camping should confirm actual site conditions before booking. At Genesee Otter Lake Campground, customers reported mismatches between descriptions and reality: "We rented for 120 a night a lake front campsite with a boat. We were given a rock and dirt pad that over looked a swamp area."
