Tent camping near Ortonville, Michigan offers access to the Huron River watershed with elevations ranging from 850 to 1,000 feet above sea level. The area's glacial topography features kettles, kames, and moraines that create varied camping terrain with both flat sites and hillier options. Most campgrounds remain open from April through October with July temperatures averaging 70-85°F during the day.
What to do
Hiking trails for all levels: Island Lake Recreation Area offers well-marked trails that "give novice and Intermediate hikers a chance to sharpen their skills," according to Rachael D. The trails connect throughout the park with clear signage for navigation.
Kayaking and canoeing: The Huron River provides paddling opportunities throughout the region. Visitors can bring their own boats or rent from local outfitters. Jordan D. notes that Crooked Lake Rustic Campground offers "awesome" lake views that provide "a great slice of wilderness in this part of the state."
Fishing from shore: Multiple lakes in the area support fishing without needing a boat. Mary O. mentions that Island Lake Recreation Area has a "good dock for the kids to fish" that's accessible from the camping areas.
Disc golf: Camp Agawam includes a disc golf course as part of its recreational offerings. James P. notes the park "has campsites, a playground, swimming, fishing, an outdoor amphitheater (with concerts!), pavilion rentals, and disc golf!"
What campers like
Proximity to nature without long drives: Campers consistently praise the area for providing wilderness experiences close to suburban areas. Peter mentions that Appleton Lake Campground offers a "close by but up north feel," making it ideal for weekend getaways without extensive travel time.
Private, secluded sites: Many campgrounds in the area offer sites with good separation. Mike B. appreciated that Appleton Lake "had sites that were fairly secluded from each other" with "ample space to park your vehicle and set up a tent or small trailer."
Mature forest cover: The established trees throughout the area provide natural shade and habitat. Peter described Appleton Lake as having "rustic and mature trees" that create a woodland camping environment. Similarly, Cathy E. at Crooked Lake Rustic Campground mentioned staff helped her "choose a site that had good views and felt private."
Trail access from campsites: Many campsites connect directly to trail systems. Erika N. notes that Appleton Lake Campground has "great trails" accessible from the camping area, making it easy to explore without driving.
What you should know
Vault toilets at rustic sites: Most rustic campgrounds in the area use vault toilets rather than flush facilities. Mike B. mentioned his "only complaint is the vault toilets were not clean and very full" at Appleton Lake Campground, suggesting campers should bring their own toilet paper and hand sanitizer.
Wildlife encounters: Raccoons can be persistent at some campgrounds. Angie H. warns that at Appleton Lake Campground, "once it got dark, we were fighting off about 10 raccoons all night," so proper food storage is essential.
Ticks present in warmer months: D G. notes campers should "watch out for ticks" at Appleton Lake Campground, particularly when hiking through grassy areas from spring through fall.
Limited water access: Not all lakefront sites actually provide good water access. At Genesee Otter Lake Campground, Tara W. reported booking "a lake front campsite with a boat" but received "a rock and dirt pad that over looked a swamp area," suggesting campers should clarify what "lakefront" means before booking.
Tips for camping with families
Budget-friendly options: Crystal Creek Christian Campground offers affordable camping with rates as low as "$15 a night for rustic tent camping," according to Tammy P., making it accessible for multiple family trips throughout the season.
Organized activities: Some campgrounds schedule regular events for children. Tammy P. notes that Crystal Creek includes amenities such as "horse shoes, swimming (man dug pond) hiking, basketball, volleyball" to keep children entertained.
Check noise restrictions: Campgrounds vary in their enforcement of quiet hours. Jordan D. mentioned wishing "there were better noise restrictions" at Crooked Lake Rustic Campground, suggesting families with young children might want to inquire about quiet hours policies.
Look for playgrounds: Several campgrounds include dedicated play areas. James P. highlights that Camp Agawam features "a playground, swimming, fishing" and other amenities that make it "a great little park in the middle of suburbia."
Tips from RVers
Limited RV options at rustic sites: Many of the rustic campgrounds explicitly limit RV access. Melissa M. cautions that Appleton Lake has "very rustic" sites that are "perfect for tents" but "not for RVs and no hook ups."
Book full-hookup sites well ahead: Port Huron KOA offers full-service RV camping but requires advance planning. Wendy K. advises campers to "reserve well in advance" especially for holiday weekends and summer stays.
Consider site privacy: Alex H. recommends specific sites at Port Huron KOA for RVers seeking more space: "If you're in a camper I'd recommend sites 54,179,180. Those sites have a bit of a backyard to them and more space."
Check site leveling: Cathy E. noted her site at Crooked Lake was "a little slanted," something that matters more for RVs than tents. Calling ahead to ask about site grading can save hassle upon arrival.
