Camping near Mount Clemens, Michigan offers sites within a landscape defined by the convergence of the Clinton River and Lake St. Clair. The region has relatively flat terrain with elevations ranging from 580 to 620 feet above sea level, creating accessible camping with minimal hiking difficulty. Summer temperatures typically range from 75-85°F during peak camping months, while spring and fall camping requires preparation for overnight temperatures that can drop into the 40s.
What to do
Kayaking and river access: Proud Lake Recreation Area provides excellent water activities along the Huron River. "Nice lake to kayak on. Trails to hike on! We will go again for sure!" notes one camper at Proud Lake Recreation Area.
Freighter watching: Camp along the St. Clair River to observe massive freighters. A visitor mentioned, "Freighters come by at all times of the day. Most sites are sunny. Sites closer to the shower house are closer together and some trees."
Mountain biking trails: The region offers trails for various skill levels. "The trails available here are where I learned to mountain bike, they're not the easiest but they are not so challenging that you won't have fun," explains a regular at Proud Lake Recreation Area.
Disc golf courses: Several recreation areas maintain disc golf courses open to campers. One visitor to Camp Agawam noted, "This park is great! It has campsites, a playground, swimming, fishing, an outdoor amphitheater (with concerts!), pavilion rentals, and disc golf!"
What campers like
Modern bathroom facilities: Campers consistently praise newer facilities. "The bathhouse is new and very nice. There are a few sites on an incline and that made it hard to get in and out of our fifth wheel," reports a visitor to Proud Lake.
Waterfront camping options: Sites with water views are highly rated. A camper at Algonac State Park Campground shared, "The the campground is relatively flat, many spaces to choose from, very catering to RV and travel trailer. They do have a primitive area for tent campers."
Wooded, secluded sites: Many campgrounds maintain natural buffers between campsites. "Sites were spacious, we loved the national forest," according to a review of Holly State Recreation Area, while another camper mentioned, "Actually feels like camping with all the trees, not lined up in a farmer's field."
Year-round options: Some campgrounds remain open through winter. "This campground is my FAVORITE in Oakland County. The sites aren't super far away from each other but there are trees between sites so from most of the sites you can't really see your neighbors," explains a regular at Pontiac Lake Recreation Area.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds require advance booking. At Addison Oaks County Park, a camper noted, "Very convenient now also with online booking."
Insect preparation: Mosquitoes and ticks can be problematic, especially in wooded areas. "We go here every year with friends and the staff is so nice. The spots are big and well maintained. The biggest drawback is the enormous amounts of mosquitos and ticks in the sites," warns a visitor to Pontiac Lake Recreation Area.
Traffic noise variation: Some campgrounds have road noise despite feeling remote. A visitor to Algonac State Park recommended, "When booking I suggest looking at the site map and choosing a site well off the road, its a busy throughway and the noise can be distracting, especially in summer months."
Weather preparedness: Spring and fall camping requires layers for temperature fluctuations. One camper advised, "Since this is well beyond normal camping season here in Michigan we understand staffing levels are going to be low but they still charge the same price regardless of that."
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Recreation areas offer various programs for children. A camper at Holly State Recreation Area shared, "We've state 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."
Holiday events: Several parks organize special weekend events. "Proud lake is very nice, some other campers arnt so happy campers an complain, but other than that a nice place, we've been going to halloween camping for the past 2 years, decorate your site and the kids get dressed up an go trick or treating in camp," notes a regular visitor.
Playground access: Look for campgrounds with play areas near sites. A visitor to Pontiac Lake Recreation Area recommended, "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)."
Water safety considerations: Lakes vary in accessibility and amenities. "Nice camp sites with views of the lake. Big bathrooms that are super clean! Great lake to kayak on," reports a camper at Proud Lake Recreation Area.
Tips from RVers
Hookup locations: Electrical connections may require extension cords. A camper at Pontiac Lake advised, "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."
Site leveling challenges: Some campgrounds have uneven terrain. "The sites are very close together and you can see all of your neighbors. It's what we like to call 'parking lot campgrounds,'" notes a visitor to Addison Oaks County Park.
Road conditions: Internal campground roads vary in quality. One visitor to Algonac State Park warned, "Sooo many ruts that I was deeply concerned for the undercarriage of both my truck and camper."
Seasonal facility changes: Off-season campers should note reduced amenities. "The newer, cleaner, and nicer facilities were closed up for the season and they directed us to the old, out-dated, and less cared for facilities on the north end of the campground."
