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.

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Best Tent Sites Near New Haven, Michigan (8)

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Tent Camping Reviews near New Haven, MI

303 Reviews of 8 New Haven 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.

  • 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.

  • Dan N.
    Aug. 31, 2016

    Algonac State Park Campground

    Escape from Detroit

    Lots of different landscapes to explore. Great wildlife and views of the river. We were only here in winter when it was empty, I imagine it’d be pretty busy in summer. No showers but vault toilets and some powered sites. There are two camp site areas here, and one section is just for tents (but that one’s not on the river, so you have some tradeoffs). We were disappointed by all the shooting noises from the range.


Guide to New Haven

Discover the best spots for tent camping near New Haven, Michigan, where nature meets adventure and relaxation. With a variety of campgrounds offering unique amenities and activities, you're sure to find the perfect place to pitch your tent.

Some prices for tent camping range from $15 to $120

  • At P.L. Graham Park & Campground, tent camping is available for just $15 a night, making it an affordable option for budget-conscious campers.
  • For a more luxurious experience, Port Huron KOA offers tent sites with a range of amenities, typically priced around $40 per night.
  • If you're looking for a family-friendly environment, Crystal Creek Christian Campground provides rustic tent camping starting at $15, perfect for a weekend getaway.

Tent campers like these nearby activities

  • Enjoy swimming, fishing, and hiking at Camp Agawam, which features a playground and outdoor amphitheater for concerts.
  • Experience the excitement of a bustling campground at Port Huron KOA, where you can rent bicycles, swim in pools, and enjoy organized activities for kids.
  • For a more serene experience, P.L. Graham Park & Campground offers fishing opportunities and a peaceful environment for relaxation.

Tips for tent camping near New Haven

  • Arrive early at P.L. Graham Park & Campground to secure a good spot, as it operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Be prepared for a lively atmosphere at Port Huron KOA, where kids often ride around on bikes and golf carts, adding to the fun.
  • Bring your own firewood to Crystal Creek Christian Campground, as outside wood is not allowed, but they do offer firewood for sale on-site.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near New Haven, MI?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near New Haven, MI is Port Huron KOA with a 4.2-star rating from 12 reviews.

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

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