Best Tent Camping near New Haven, MI
Tent camping near New Haven, Michigan provides access to several rustic and established campgrounds within an hour's drive. P.L. Graham Park & Campground, formerly known as Chicagami Boy Scout Camp, offers walk-in tent sites along the Black River about 30 miles northeast of New Haven. Island Lake Recreation Area, located approximately 50 miles west, features tent-only campsites including unique boat-in backcountry options. Both locations maintain primitive tent camping atmospheres while providing basic amenities for weekend getaways.
Most tent campgrounds in the region operate seasonally from April through October, with limited winter availability. P.L. Graham Park provides 12 tent sites with simple amenities including drinking water from a hydrant, basic outhouses with solar lighting, and fire rings surrounded by rocks rather than constructed fire pits. Firewood is available for purchase on-site for $10 per bundle, and outside firewood is prohibited to prevent the spread of invasive species. Island Lake Recreation Area offers both standard tent sites and specialized canoe-in backcountry tent camping with vault toilets and picnic tables. Both locations permit pets and provide trash receptacles.
The tent-only experience at these campgrounds varies significantly. According to reviews, P.L. Graham Park offers spacious sites with "ample space between campgrounds" and includes both wooded and open areas near the water. The park caretaker, Walker, receives consistent praise for hospitality and site maintenance. One camper noted, "There are only 2 campsites located nestled in the woods, the others are located in a rather flat, open area with trees around one side, and the lake on the other." For backcountry tent camping enthusiasts, Island Lake Recreation Area's canoe camps provide a unique experience where "you must haul any and all gear in a kayak or canoe for your stay," creating a remote camping feel despite proximity to urban areas. Cell service is limited at most primitive tent camping locations, allowing for a more disconnected outdoor experience.