Tent camping options near Novi, Michigan extend beyond the popular locations at Island Lake and Appleton Lake. Located in southeastern Michigan about 30 miles northwest of Detroit, this area features gently rolling terrain with elevations ranging from 850-950 feet above sea level. The region contains numerous small lakes and forested parcels that provide habitat for white-tailed deer, raccoons, and various bird species common to campers throughout the spring to fall camping seasons.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Lake Nepessing at Hilltop Campgrounds offers bank fishing directly from many campsites. "We are full timers here for the winter into spring. The campground here is simple but the people are so friendly it will be difficult to leave when our season here is over," notes camper Alicia A.
Trail running: The mature forests at Appleton Lake Campground feature marked paths suitable for various fitness levels. According to one visitor, "Rustic and mature trees. Great trails - perfect for trail running."
Disc golf: Campers staying at Camp Agawam can access the on-site disc golf course without leaving the recreation area. As James P. describes, "This park is great! It has campsites, a playground, swimming, fishing, an outdoor amphitheater (with concerts!), pavilion rentals, and disc golf!"
What campers like
Urban wilderness proximity: The accessibility of natural areas close to metropolitan Detroit appeals to many tent campers. "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," explains Rachael D. about Island Lake Recreation Area.
Lake views: Waterfront camping provides scenic value even at rustic sites. Jordan D. says of Crooked Lake Rustic Campground, "The views of the lake are awesome, it's a great slice of wilderness in this part of the state."
Site privacy: Many tent campers appreciate the separation between sites at certain campgrounds. "A nice, small, rustic campground with a lake access," reports Eric H. about Appleton Lake Campground, while another visitor observed that sites are "fairly secluded from each other."
What you should know
Bathroom conditions: Vault toilet maintenance varies significantly between locations. At Appleton Lake, some campers report that "vault toilets were not clean and very full."
Wildlife encounters: Be prepared for wildlife activity after dark. "The camp site itself was nice, but once it got dark, we were fighting off about 10 raccoons all night," shares Angie H. about her experience at Appleton Lake Campground.
Tick awareness: The wooded areas common to the best tent camping near Novi, Michigan can harbor ticks during warmer months. One camper at Appleton Lake Campground warns, "Watch out for ticks though."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly fishing: Accessible docks provide safe fishing opportunities for children at Wheel Inn Campground. "Very clean and nice camp ground. The owners are very nice and don't bother you," notes Chris and Shy R.
Beach access: Some campgrounds offer swimming areas suitable for families with children. At Island Lake Recreation Area, Mary O. recommends the "Nice campground for family and activities. Good dock for the kids to fish."
Introductory camping: For families new to tent camping, choosing an accessible site eases first-time experiences. One visitor described Appleton Lake Campground as a "Great starter campground which is just what we wanted - my buddy and I took his 6 year old camping for the first time."
Tips from RVers
Seasonal options: Some campgrounds near Novi offer extended stay possibilities. At Hilltop Campgrounds, Tammy P. found "Mostly seasonal campers but still sites available for those nightly/weekender campers. All sites are 50 amp full hook ups."
Convenience store access: On-site stores can supplement forgotten supplies. "Forget something while packing? No worries! They have you covered at their conscience store specific to their campgrounds!" reports a camper about Hilltop's facilities.
Site selection caution: At some locations, website photos may not accurately represent actual site conditions. One RVer at Genesee Otter Lake Campground notes, "If you are looking to stay here, all of the decent waterfront sites have seasonal campers in them."
