Glamping options in Onsted, Michigan benefit from the area's inland lake ecosystem where over 20 natural bodies of water exist within a 10-mile radius. The terrain consists primarily of rolling hills with elevations between 900-1,100 feet above sea level, creating varied camping experiences between lakefront and wooded sites. Winter temperatures typically drop to 15-25°F, while summer averages 75-85°F with moderate humidity.
What to do
Kayaking chain lakes: At Green Lake Rustic Campground, visitors can paddle directly from their campsites. "I stayed at #6 and had a beautiful view of the lake. There is muddy lake access on that site and I paddled from there in my kayak. There is an official boat launch nearby," notes a camper.
Mountain biking trails: The DTE trail system connects to several campgrounds in the area. "We loved the trails for Mountain Bikes that are close to the Campsite! They are super fun!!" reports a visitor at Bruin Lake Campground.
Fall camping festival: Holiday events are popular among repeat visitors. "Annually we do the Harvest Festival," shares a regular guest at Waterloo Sugarloaf Modern, highlighting the seasonal programming beyond summer months.
Winter toboggan run: Cold-weather glamping options include heated accommodations near winter recreation. "There's an inn, restaurant, cabins, boat rentals, horseback riding, bike trails, beach, toboggan run, etc. Tons of picnic areas and pavilions; would be a great spot for a family reunion," mentions a visitor describing winter activities.
What campers like
Privacy despite proximity: Maumee Bay State Park Campground offers a unique balance. "One of my favorite things about this campground is that your spots are close together which is great for safety, however with the bushes and brush, it feels super private. My grandparents were in the site next to me in their camper and I had to walk a ways to see their spot."
Accessibility to urban amenities: Located between several small towns, the glamping sites offer both isolation and convenience. "You can bike a few miles in to Chelsea, a very cute town with shops, restaurants, brewery and distillery. This was a nice quick getaway from Ann Arbor," notes a Green Lake camper.
Night sky viewing: Clear skies provide excellent astronomy opportunities. "The stars at night were something special," notes a visitor, emphasizing the low light pollution despite proximity to larger towns.
Varied camping settings: Sites range from fully wooded to open lakefront. "Sites 1-11 and 21-29 have full hookups (water, sewer, electric). All sites are very generous in size and appear to be spaced with a decent amount of space apart with foliage providing varying levels of privacy. Some have beautiful trees that in peak fall color would be stunning."
What you should know
Campsite reservations essential: Most glamping options fill completely during peak season. "When I booked this camp site, I was originally looking at the Rustic camping on the app The Dyrt. The app brought me to the state park site, campsites looked beautiful and absolutely gorgeous for the rustic," shares a Waterloo Green Lake Rustic visitor who encountered booking confusion.
Noise considerations: Highway proximity affects some sites. "The freeway is on the other side of the lake, but it didn't bother us. At night it was like white noise," notes a Green Lake camper, providing perspective on the ambient sound.
Limited shower facilities: Plan accordingly for bathroom access. "Each bathhouse only has two shower stalls, which may necessitate a wait when the campground is full. A hook and a small bench but nowhere to put soap/shampoo in the shower," reports a camper from Maumee Bay.
Weather preparation: Temperature fluctuations require planning. "My only tip would be to bring plenty of bug spray in the summer, there are lots of bugs that come off the lake. Also make sure you bring jackets and blankets, even in the summer it can get pretty cool in the evening."
Tips for camping with families
Multiple playgrounds: Harrison Lake State Park Campground offers extensive children's activities. "Bike trail, hiking trails, store, beach, inn, nature center. It's a state park; not a lot of planned activities but a quiet place. Tents are welcome, as well as big campers."
Water play alternatives: Beyond swimming, water features keep children engaged. "We had a blast at Jump Island!" shares a visitor to Bishop Lake Campground, referring to the floating water park structure.
Bicycle-friendly camping loops: Flat, paved paths accommodate young riders. "It is also an amazing place to ride bikes, everything is flat and there are also plenty of bike paths. You are also close to the lake which I love," explains a family camper.
Children's programming: Scheduled activities occur at certain sites. "Spent 4 nights and 5 days camping with my husband and 2 kids. We had fun and the kids had a blast. They rode bikes around the loop and loved swimming and the playground," shares a visitor.
Tips for RVers
Site selection advice: Holiday RV Campground offers insights on best spots. "They have expanded sites recently, newer areas have no trees. Older sites have plenty of shade. Playground near pool is nice, and there are 2 other playgrounds. Pool is very new. Owners and other campers very friendly."
Full hookup availability: Limited full-service sites require planning. "Large spots to accommodate big rigs and kids. Full hook ups. Cell service great with Verizon hotspot (22u, 20d, 38ms) and AT&T cell (27d, 20u, 27ms). Playgrounds everywhere for the kids. Giant dog park and ponds."
Leveling requirements: Not all pads are perfectly flat. "Nice park for full timers. Just needs more grass. Our spot was really patchy and resulted in a lot of mud," notes an RV camper detailing practical considerations beyond standard amenities.
