Best Tent Camping near Mount Clemens, MI

Mount Clemens, Michigan offers tent camping options within a mix of established campgrounds in the surrounding area, though campers will need to travel some distance from the city center. Island Lake Recreation Area provides tent-specific sites with hiking trails and a natural setting. Camp Agawam offers tent camping with amenities including drinking water, picnic tables, and fire rings in a suburban park environment, making it suitable for those seeking convenience without a long drive.

Tent campsites at Port Huron KOA feature drinking water, toilets, and shower facilities, though the campground can become crowded during peak season. Most tent campgrounds near Mount Clemens require reservations, with availability typically best during weekdays. Fire rings and picnic tables are standard at established sites, with trash disposal available at most locations. Sites are generally set on grassy or partially wooded terrain with minimal privacy between campsites. Seasonal access varies, with Port Huron KOA operating from April 25 to October 26 and other sites open year-round.

Island Lake Recreation Area offers a unique option for tent campers with its Huron River Canoe Camps, accessible only by kayak or canoe. These boat-in tent sites provide a backcountry camping experience close to urban areas, each equipped with fire rings and picnic tables. The sites feature a shared vault toilet and provided firewood. According to one visitor on The Dyrt, "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." Tent campers seeking quieter experiences should consider Appleton Lake Campground, which offers more secluded sites, though visitors have noted wildlife encounters including raccoons after dark.

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Best Tent Sites Near Mount Clemens, Michigan (8)

    1. Camp Agawam

    2 Reviews
    Auburn Hills, MI
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (248) 391-0304

    $20 - $30 / night

    "I come down to Detroit from Windsor every year to camp in Michigan with friends and this year we went to this very nice campsite in Orion Twp and I loved it."

    2. Port Huron KOA

    12 Reviews
    Clyde, MI
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (810) 987-4070

    "Got to watch out for kids buzzing around on banana bikes and golf carts cruising around.

    We stayed a couple times this summer."

    "This is probably the best campground in Michigan. Lots of activities to do. Swimming pools, bicycles for rent, playgrounds, pizza, children's train, etc."

    3. D-bar-A Scout Ranch (Boy Scout Use Only)

    1 Review
    Metamora, MI
    31 miles
    Website

    "This is another great scout ing campground with cabins, rustic camping, tent sites, lakes, horses to ride, this is one HUGE camp ground for scouts to enjoy and learn.."

    4. P.L. Graham Park & Campground (Formerly known as Chicagami Boy Scout Camp)

    8 Reviews
    Sandusky, MI
    50 miles
    +1 (810) 712-2867

    $15 / night

    "You drive up the entrance of the park, and on your right there'll be a trailer with a sign that says parking. You will park your car there over night/during the day."

    "Tent sites with water acces. Very nice caretaker!!"

    5. Appleton Lake Campground

    8 Reviews
    Brighton, MI
    49 miles
    Website
    +1 (810) 229-6566

    "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."

    "Picnic table pit ring outside toilets best site was 24 17$ dollars a night 3 parks Brighton recreational is for Rv and electric sites indoor plumbing hot showers Murry is only for weekend visits Appleton"

    6. Island Lake Recreation Area

    4 Reviews
    Brighton, MI
    43 miles
    Website
    +1 (810) 229-7067

    "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."

    "Island lake really does feel like you’re up north with the hours spent on I-75. There are great hiking trails that give novice and Intermediate hikers a chance to sharpen their skills."

    7. Hilltop Campgrounds

    2 Reviews
    Lapeer, MI
    38 miles
    Website
    +1 (810) 664-2782

    8. Crystal Creek Christian Campground

    1 Review
    Columbiaville, MI
    46 miles
    Website
    +1 (810) 691-4372
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Tent Camping Reviews near Mount Clemens, MI

333 Reviews of 8 Mount Clemens 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.

  • Rodger M.
    Sep. 19, 2021

    Ridgewood Campground

    An Quick Camping Escape

    We were warmly greeted by the attendee and the camp host. Firewood, snacks, camp essentials, and ice available on site. Nice touch having firewood delivered to our site. The gentleman could not have been kinder and offered assistance with us setting up. The site was a larger site (#12) tucked nicely away in a corner.

    Picnic Table and Nice Fire Ring onsite. Port-a-potty, dumpster near site.

    Fair warning, the staff aren’t the only ones ready to greet you! Bugs, Mosquitoes, bees, and even raccoons (if food left out - which we did not). We have been to sites before that must have sprayed for pests because we have never experienced the amount of mosquitoes we did here. Thankfully we had Off Area Camp Spray, our Thermacell, and citronella burning and it helped dramatically reduce the pests.

    The noise level was very “citified.” Traffic could be heard throughout the evening and early morning. That’s what we get for camping so close to civilization. Also, beware of Poison Oak and Ivy! The entire site was bordered with it.

    Lastly, make sure that if you car camp or SUV Camp, you let them know. They have a policy of making you park your car/SUV in the lot after setting up your tent (if tent camping).

  • 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.

  • 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.)

  • Maggie M.
    Aug. 4, 2018

    Seven Lakes State Park Campground

    A beautiful park!

    Seven Lakes has a great hike that takes you all around the lake, as well as smaller loops. You can find challenging hikes or an easy path. The campsites are close ish together but the one we stayed in was set in the woods, so we really didn’t have a problem with it. Sunrise is stunning here. Do make sure you bring plenty of bug netting/spray/gear if you come in the summer, the bugs are brutal.


Guide to Mount Clemens

Tent camping near Mount Clemens, Michigan offers a variety of scenic spots where nature lovers can unwind and enjoy the great outdoors. With well-reviewed campgrounds nearby, you'll find plenty of amenities and activities to enhance your camping experience.

Tent campers appreciate these amenities

  • Enjoy the convenience of drinking water and toilets at Camp Agawam, making it a comfortable choice for families.
  • Island Lake Recreation Area provides picnic tables and firewood, perfect for evening gatherings around the campfire.
  • At P.L. Graham Park & Campground, you'll find a welcoming atmosphere with generous caretakers who provide firewood and assistance.

Tent campers like these nearby activities

  • Fishing and swimming are popular at Appleton Lake Campground, where you can enjoy a rustic experience surrounded by nature.
  • Explore hiking trails and enjoy outdoor fun at Island Lake Recreation Area, which offers a variety of activities for all skill levels.
  • D-bar-A Scout Ranch provides opportunities for horseback riding and other scout activities, making it a great spot for youth groups.

Tent campers should check out these features

  • Port Huron KOA is big rig friendly and offers a range of activities including swimming pools and playgrounds, ideal for families.
  • Experience a peaceful retreat at Hilltop Campgrounds, where you can enjoy the tranquility of nature while still having access to modern amenities.
  • Crystal Creek Christian Campground features a man-made pond for swimming and various sports facilities, perfect for family-friendly outings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Mount Clemens, MI?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Mount Clemens, MI is Camp Agawam with a 5-star rating from 2 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 8 tent camping locations near Mount Clemens, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.