Best Tent Camping near New Hudson, MI
Tent campsites near New Hudson, Michigan range from rustic to established grounds with basic amenities. Island Lake Recreation Area offers unique boat-in tent camping experiences along the Huron River, while Appleton Lake Campground provides secluded tent sites with fire rings in a wooded setting. Both locations are within 20 miles of New Hudson and provide access to lakes and trail systems popular with weekend tent campers.
Most tent campgrounds in the area feature dirt or gravel pads with minimal grading. Appleton Lake Campground provides rustic accommodations specifically designed for tent camping, not suitable for RVs, with each site featuring a fire ring and picnic table. Island Lake Recreation Area's canoe camps require paddling in all gear and equipment, creating a backcountry experience close to urban areas. Vault toilets are available at most locations, though facilities at Appleton Lake have been noted as sometimes poorly maintained. Several campgrounds maintain seasonal operations, with full services available primarily from April through October.
Walk-in tent sites at Crooked Lake Rustic Campground in the Pinckney Recreation Area offer lake views and a wilderness experience uncommon in southeast Michigan. The area provides good separation between campsites at locations like Appleton Lake, where sites are "fairly secluded from each other" according to visitor reviews. Tent campers frequently use these areas as bases for hiking and paddling, with multiple trail networks connecting campgrounds to larger recreation areas. A camper described Island Lake's canoe camps as providing "a backcountry, boat-in camping experience very close to town," making them popular with local outdoor enthusiasts seeking weekend escapes without long drives.