Cabin camping near New Haven, Michigan offers multiple options across Oakland, Macomb, and St. Clair counties. Most sites are situated in mixed hardwood forests at elevations between 600-1,100 feet above sea level. Winter cabin rentals remain available at several locations when temperatures typically range from 20-35°F from December through February, though availability decreases significantly during these months.
What to do
Mountain biking trails: Bald Mountain Recreation Area provides extensive trail networks for bikers of all skill levels. "Amazing place to hike but campground not included. The trails are well maintained and well marked. There is also tons of clean, easy to access lakes within the park too. Perfect for kayaking, paddle boarding, or fishing," notes a visitor to Bald Mountain Recreation Area.
Disc golf courses: Several parks near New Haven feature disc golf facilities that remain open year-round. At Addison Oaks County Park, one camper mentions, "I enjoyed the trails, disc golf and overall wonderful Park staff! Extremely clean and well-kept."
Rock hunting: The shoreline of Lake Huron provides opportunities for collecting unique stones. According to a visitor at Lakeport State Park, "I have found the most beautiful Petoskey Stones at Lakeport. I have also found a large pudding stone. My husband brings his chair down to the water and I walk the short shore for hours and hours looking for rocks."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many cabins are situated to provide a sense of seclusion. At Pontiac Lake Recreation Area, "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."
Off-peak quiet: Some parks offer a completely different experience during non-summer months. A camper at Pontiac Lake Recreation Area noted, "Wooded and up north feel. Great hiking and world class mountain bike trails. Nice big lake. Only drawback is you must drive to the lake or hike 1.8 miles through the woods on a trail to get there."
Multiple accommodation options: Many parks offer various lodging types beyond standard cabins. At Holly State Recreation Area, one visitor shared, "We've stayed 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."
What you should know
Rustic vs. modern facilities: Cabin amenities vary significantly between parks. At KOA Campground Emmett, a visitor notes, "This is our favorite campground! On the smaller side but perfect for our small family. Playground for the kids, tons of activities on the weekend. Fishing is great! Beach is big and clean."
Management enforcement: Rules are strictly enforced at some locations. One camper reported about KOA Campground Emmett: "Horrible management here. You need to wear a wristband everywhere and at all times. Dumb gate that needs to be scanned to let you in. They guide you into your site which is extremely annoying and freak out if you go the wrong way on the one ways."
Seasonal operating schedules: Many cabin facilities close during winter months. "This was our first time camping. The park has a beautiful 2.5 mile trail around the lake that makes this campground great. We brought our own kayaks but they do rent boats," explains a Lakeport State Park visitor regarding summer offerings.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-focused activities: Many parks organize regular weekend events for children. At Groveland Oaks County Park, "We joined a group site and meet up every major holiday at Groveland. We feel like we went up North without the driving four hours. The park is well laid out and includes a ton of fun activities for young and old."
Swimming options: Water features vary significantly between parks. One camper at Groveland Oaks County Park describes, "This campground has a lake for swimming, water slide, arcade, boat rentals, mini golf, biking trails and fishing. Lots for kids to do... also skate park and 2 playgrounds."
Noise levels: Some campgrounds are quieter than others. A Holly State Recreation Area visitor shared, "The staff is amazing, the campground is well maintained and quiet. Bathrooms are clean and it has hot showers and a place to do your dishes as well. We love the trails and the wildlife and the kids loved the parks."
Tips for RVers
Site access: Many cabins are located in areas also suitable for RVs with varying degrees of hookups. At Port Huron KOA, "We stayed a couple times this summer. First time was site 74, it was a grassy site that wasn't bad but had no shade. Second time we stayed in site 54 which was great. If you're in a camper I'd recommend sites 54,179,180. Those sites have a bit of a backyard to them and more space."
Hookup variations: Electric options differ between parks. Oakland County Addison Oaks features "Nice quick weekend retreat campground. Cement pads, water, and electric. Loop C is spacious with some trees."
Extended stay options: Monthly cabin rental rates vary significantly. A Groveland Oaks County Park visitor 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. I think it is a little pricier than most monthly rentals in southeast Michigan."
