The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Best Tent Camping near Montrose, MI

427 Reviews

Recreation areas surrounding Montrose, Michigan offer several tent camping options within an hour's drive. Appleton Lake Campground in Brighton provides rustic tent-only sites with secluded spots perfect for traditional tent camping. Island Lake Recreation Area, also near Brighton, features unique boat-in tent campsites along the Huron River that require paddling in with all gear. Crystal Creek Christian Campground in Columbiaville offers affordable rustic tent camping at $15 per night with basic amenities. Pinckney Rails-to-Trail Campground provides tent sites with 90 designated spots for primitive tent camping experiences.

Most tent campgrounds in the region operate seasonally, typically from April through October or November. Sites generally include fire rings and picnic tables, with varying levels of amenities. Appleton Lake provides dirt pads with minimal improvements, making it ideal for traditional tent setups but challenging for larger equipment. Island Lake's canoe-in sites feature vault toilets and provided firewood but require paddling all camping gear to your location. Crystal Creek offers more facilities including drinking water and showers, while maintaining rustic tent areas separate from RV sections. Vault toilets are standard at most locations, though cleanliness can vary according to visitor reports.

Tent campers frequently mention the mature tree coverage at Appleton Lake, providing natural shade and a sense of seclusion. According to reviews, the campground offers "an up north feel" despite being relatively close to urban areas. One camper noted that "sites were fairly secluded from each other" with ample space for vehicles and tent setups. Island Lake Recreation Area provides what one visitor described as "a backcountry, boat-in camping experience very close to town" through their Huron River Canoe Camps. Wildlife encounters are common, with raccoons particularly active at Appleton Lake after dark. Hiking trails connect many of the campgrounds, with Island Lake offering well-marked paths suitable for novice to intermediate hikers.

Map showing campgrounds near Montrose, MichiganExplore the Map

Best Tent Sites Near Montrose, Michigan (10)

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 10 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Montrose Contest

Enter to Win

Recent Tent Camping Photos near Montrose, MI

10 Photos of 10 Montrose Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Montrose, MI

427 Reviews of 10 Montrose Campgrounds

  • Neil T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 31, 2021

    Seven Lakes State Park Campground

    Great waypoint when camping across the UP

    Vibe: Woodland getaway with no flash and really nice sites. 

    Cleanliness: Sites are above average. Vault toilets are…vault toilets. 

    Facilities: Nothing flashy. Wish there was a few additional water filling points and that the dumpsters were all located near the camp entrance/exit. But really nothing to complain about. 

    General spots: Large, very well treed, gravel, picnic table and fire ring. 

    Privacy: Can see neighbors through sites, but better privacy than most places. 

    Our site: 39. Could drive circles around inside it. Even has a tree in the middle of it with room to drive all the way around it(not with a trailer). Depending where you set up your rig, you may need an extra long extension cord. 

    Noise: Quiet. Occasionally hear wolves howling. Cell signal(Verizon): 1 bar. No internet loads. Text messages will send and receive. Sometimes immediately, sometimes hours later. Other: Wish we had a chance to explore the lakes. Sounds like the swimming and fishing is good. Saw several kids on bikes toting rods.

  • Christopher P.
    Sep. 5, 2021

    McGinnis Lake Modern Campground — Holly Recreation Area

    Quiet, well kept state park

    Just a quick overnight tent camp with my son. Tent sites are relatively well spaced out and clean. Fire rings and picnic tables at each site.

    Modern bathrooms and shower rooms are available.

    Many playgrounds, horseshoe pits, and a basketball court available.

    Firewood and ice available at the front gate.

    RV spaces are well spaced out and give a sense of privacy. Electrical hook ups.

    Cabins available for rent as well.

  • Don H.
    Jul. 9, 2019

    Island Lake Recreation Area

    Hidden Canoe Camps

    Island Lake Recreation Area is home to two Huron River Canoe Camps. The sites are boat-in only (!) meaning you must haul any and all gear in a kayak or canoe for your stay. The sites, Canoe Camp #1 and #2, can be only be reserved by calling or visiting the main office.

    This is an awesome place to stay, especially if you live in the area, as it provides a backcountry, boat-in camping experience very close to town. The sites each feature a fire ring and picnic table. Canoe #1 sports a floating dock to tie up boats. There is also a vault toilet, and firewood provided for both sites to share, as well recycling and trash cans.

    The sites and common area (toilet and garbage cans) are connected by short trails and you may, once in awhile, hear the folks at the site next to you. Thankfully, In my experience, people have always been friendly and respectful.

  • beth S.
    Aug. 13, 2022

    Lansing Cottonwood Campground

    Primitive Sites!

    We came to the Lansing area for a family function and stayed at one of the Primitive Sites at Cottonwood Campground. The front of the grounds did seem a bit congested and not many trees, but we had a primitive site and it was everything we wanted. We camped in hammocks and had a pretty large site with great trees that could accommodate at least three to four hammocks (siteP5). Our site had a picnic table which was very helpful to have. There are a lot of wildlife noises, owls, frogs, crickets, etc. and you can hear some of the highway traffic but the nature sounds kind of drown it out.

    Overall was a good experience and staff were friendly and the primitive sites were over half empty. We will definitely come again.

    Second night, it had rained pretty much all day. Spiders came out at alarming numbers, mostly daddy long legs and the night before, raccoons had gotten into our food storage bins by undoing the side latches on them. The next night we made sure to house trash and food items in our truck.

  • Ryan F.
    Oct. 20, 2021

    Brighton Recreation Area

    Lake Murray Rustic Sites

    This was our first camping experience in Michigan, so we weren’t exactly prepared. My rating takes this into consideration.

    First of all, if it’s rainy or muddy, you might want to think twice about entering the rustic camping area. We have a 4Runner, so it was no problem but a few little cars did slide around and have trouble on the hill by our site.

    Our site wasn’t level, so we were rolling around a bit. If I went there again I’d try to find a spot towards the end of the loop by the exit. These sites were higher and some of them were private. I’d examine the map carefully because some of the sites were horrendously open and basically on the road. Maybe good for a vehicle with a rooftop tent or a trailer of some sort, but it would have been annoying for us. Site M22 was big and far enough away from other campers, but again not level. Probably a good location for a group of hammock campers.

    All that aside, the biggest problem was mosquito activity. The camping area sits on an inaccessible lake with a marsh area.

    When we rolled in the first thing we noticed was that everyone had screen houses set up.

    We didn’t have anything but our tent and a hammock with a big net so everyone got bitten up while cooking and hanging out by the fire. It was pretty miserable. Yes, I realize this is mostly our fault.

    I’ve since purchased a thermacell backpacker and some bug net hats and stuff. I’m looking into constructing an ultralight screen house that can be suspended from trees.

    The last problem was drunk campers hooting and hollering all night but that isn’t the camping areas fault.

    This place is super close to where we are living so I’ll probably schedule it next spring and come prepared. There are lots of nearby lakes and recreational trails so it’s a fun place to be with family.

  • Mike B.
    Sep. 3, 2018

    Appleton Lake Campground

    Quiet, private rustic campground

    I liked 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.

    My only complaint is the vault toilets were not clean and very full.

  • Brad S.
    Jul. 13, 2019

    Camp Dearborn

    Lots of campground space. Too much as they can’t maintain it all

    I had fond memories of this place as I would come here as a child. Lots of lakes, beaches, play structures, and more open field space than you can imagine. Most of the campground is run down and in need of improvements. The tennis courts & basketball courts are nearly unusable. The pads are so weathered the lines are gone and vegetation has started growing in all the cracks. Tent camping is difficult as all the sites have large concrete pads in the middle of the site. So a tent has to be pitched next to the road or right on the line of your neighbors site. If you are in a RV this isn’t a problem. For tents, site 191 is the best. On top of a hill which overlooks the campground and lake. It’s an end site so you can spread out a bit into the adjacent field. The bath houses restrooms are in need of renovations or at least a severe cleaning. Very smelly. Showers are nearly pointless, warm water at best. For tent campers this campground is best for day use in my opinion. While the Village of Milford is a bike ride away and has lots to do, there are better places to spend a weekend.

  • Kate K.
    Aug. 24, 2019

    Ortonville Equestrian Campground — Ortonville Recreation Area

    2 Great Lakes & A Horse Camp

    The campground here is actually a quite popular equestrian campground. There is a campground and a staging area. Rustic vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings. The campground itself isn’t really much to write home about (unless you have horses that is). The lakes and launches are however very nice and there are some great trail systems through the area.

  • Mary H.
    Jul. 14, 2019

    Pontiac Lake Recreation Area

    Quick get away

    Wonderful place for a quick get away. Park is clean. Beach is a 1.8 mile hike from the East loop in the campground but is well worth the walk. (Trail is not stroller/wagon friendly) 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. Extensive mountain biking trails and the lake is open to boating, kayaking, and other water sports. 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. (hook up in this specific site was considerably far away.)

Guide to Montrose

Tent camping near Montrose, Michigan offers a variety of experiences, from serene lakeside sites to family-friendly activities, making it a great choice for outdoor enthusiasts.

Tent campers should check out family-friendly activities

  • At Genesee Otter Lake Campground, families can enjoy organized activities like bingo and putt-putt golf, ensuring everyone stays entertained.
  • Hilltop Campgrounds features a welcoming atmosphere with friendly locals, perfect for families looking to connect and enjoy the outdoors together.
  • Crystal Creek Christian Campground offers amenities like swimming and hiking, making it an ideal spot for family bonding in nature.

Tent camping near beautiful local attractions

  • Appleton Lake Campground provides access to a picturesque lake, perfect for kayaking and fishing, surrounded by mature trees for a rustic feel.
  • Island Lake Recreation Area boasts great hiking trails and a family-friendly environment, making it a fantastic spot for outdoor adventures without a long drive.
  • Moon Lake Campground is a hidden gem, although it has faced challenges, it offers a nostalgic camping experience for those who remember its former glory.

Tent campers will appreciate the amenities

  • D-bar-A Scout Ranch provides essential amenities like drinking water and picnic tables, making it a comfortable choice for scout groups and families alike.
  • Camp Agawam features a playground and outdoor amphitheater, perfect for those looking to combine camping with recreational activities.
  • PINCKNEY RAILS-TO-TRAIL CAMPGROUND offers friendly management and a welcoming atmosphere, ideal for campers seeking a community vibe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Montrose, MI?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Montrose, MI is Genesee Otter Lake Campground with a 2.3-star rating from 3 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Montrose, MI?

TheDyrt.com has all 10 tent camping locations near Montrose, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.

Keep Exploring