Virginia C.
Scout
ScoutKamp 42 Degrees Campground
Not open
Was only aloud 5 people on entire camp ground. We had 4 in our group it looked run down and no bath house. We had to find another camp site last min.
Camping near Pinckney, MI
109 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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Camping near Pinckney, Michigan ranges from developed RV parks with full hookups to quiet rustic tent sites. Bishop Lake Campground, about six miles from town, has both tent and RV sites along with flush toilets and a swimming beach that families tend to like. If you want something more basic, Blind Lake Rustic Campground in the Pinckney Recreation Area has fewer amenities but much more quiet. RVers often head to Haas Lake Park RV Campground, 19 miles away, which comes with full hookups and a swimming pool. Wildlife is common throughout the Pinckney area, so you'll need to keep food stored properly. Spring and fall bring the most comfortable camping weather with mild temperatures. Summers can get hot, though the lakes help you cool off. Winter camping works if you bring the right gear for cold conditions. Getting to these campgrounds isn't difficult - the roads leading to them stay in good shape year-round.
Best Campgrounds near Pinckney (109)
1. Bishop Lake Campground — Brighton Recreation Area
"Campground Review: Bishop Lake is a great campground located in the middle of the Brighton Rec Area. The upper and lower campgrounds are both modern, with every site including electric."
"Great family place with paved and dirt biking/hiking trails. Very nice beach with grass and sand. There are 2 areas of inflatables, one of them is for the little kids 48 in. and under."
from $32 - $37 / night
Check Availability2. Blind Lake Rustic Campground — Pinckney Recreation Area
"Nice place to camp right on the lake. It's a 7 mile hike in(can also be accessed via boat), part of the Potowatomi loop trail(~18 miles) located in Waterloo-Pinckney recreation area."
"Camp ground is located along the Potawatomi Trail in Pinckney Recreation area. Bikers head the opposite direction from hikers. The route I followed was about 8 miles in to Blind Lake."
from $20 / night
Check Availability3. Bruin Lake Campground — Pinckney Recreation Area
"There is a new large playground structure and nice but short paved path for kids to bike or scooter around."
"This is a small rustic campground within the Pinckney Recreation Area."
from $30 - $100 / night
Check Availability4. Green Lake Rustic Campground — Waterloo Recreation Area
"The lack of cover between sites gave everyone a nice view of the lake from our tents on our inland sites, which was beautiful."
"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."
from $20 - $100 / night
Check Availability5. Hell Creek Ranch & Campground
"Direct connections to the Waterloo Pinckney trail system. Near Hell, Michigan and Chelsea, Michigan. Large pool in season. Priced reasonably."
"As an added plus a horse barn (Heavenly Horse Stables) right on property offering riding lessons, trail rides and meet and greets with their houses and other barn animals, my daughter wanted to move here"
from $20 - $35 / night
Check Availability6. Sugarloaf Campground — Waterloo Recreation Area
"It is usually easy to get multiple sites next to each other with reservations.
There is a decent sandy beach here with a playground and volleyball net.""There is an outside vault toilet behind the cabin. Lots of trails connecting the cabin to the rest of the park. Cheap too! Only $68 per night."
from $35 - $160 / night
Check Availability7. Murray Lake Campground — Brighton Recreation Area
"This was our first camping experience in Michigan, so we weren’t exactly prepared. My rating takes this into consideration."
"This often overlooked campground is part of Brighton Recreation area in lower Michigan. Only 25 sites, with no electricity and vault toilets. Pump water available."
from $20 / night
Check Availability8. Appleton Lake Campground — Brighton Recreation Area
"Close by but up north feel."
"Picnic table pit ring outside toilets best site was 24 17$ dollars a night 3 parks Brighton recreational is for Rv and electric sites indoor plumbing hot showers Murry is only for weekend visits Appleton"
from $20 / night
Check Availability9. Portage Lake Modern — Waterloo Recreation Area
"We purchased our new rPod 193 late in the fall and have been dying to give it a test camp and Michigan Winter Weather gave us a great opportunity the week after Christmas (2021)."
"It is a bit of a walk to get to but is handicap accessible.
There are two bathrooms throughout the loop and one at the beach."from $35 - $160 / night
Check Availability10. Camp Dearborn
"Booked a two week stay at Pontiac Lake Rec. area in Whitelak, MI. Huge sites not stacked on top of one another. They have electric hookups, but only 30 amp."
"You will either need a longer electrical cord or if you can back your RV up far enough to reach you will need something to put under your steps to make them touch the ground."
from $47 / night
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Drive Time
- 22 min from Ann Arbor, MI
- 42 min from Lansing, MI
- 43 min from Jackson, MI
- 48 min from Flint, MI
Recent Camping Photos near Pinckney, MI
149 Photos of 109 Pinckney Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
PINCKNEY RAILS-TO-TRAIL CAMPGROUNDD
Blind Lake Rustic Campground — Pinckney Recreation Area
Bruin Lake Campground — Pinckney Recreation Area
Bishop Lake Campground — Brighton Recreation Area
Appleton Lake Campground — Brighton Recreation Area
Murray Lake Campground — Brighton Recreation AreaA
Green Lake Rustic Campground — Waterloo Recreation Area
Sugarloaf Campground — Waterloo Recreation AreaK
Pines Rustic Campground — Waterloo Recreation Area
Portage Lake Modern — Waterloo Recreation Area
Camp Dearborn
Haas Lake Park RV Campground
Recent Reviews near Pinckney, MI
623 Reviews of 109 Pinckney Campgrounds
Diane R.
TravelerDetroit/Ann Arbor KOA
Home State Kudos
I came, desperate and exhausted...I saw, an opportunity for an extended stay...I conquered, my inexperience was met with warmth and accommodating camp attendants and camp neighbors. And God was with me the entire journey from Virginia to this Blessed Ground in Michigan. Seems forever had I longed for so much Peace and Quiet. Forever grateful am I. 😇🥰
- JJohn S.Scout
Proud Lake Recreation Area
Peaceful area.
The lake is very weedy. But silver lake or Bishop lakes are close.
Alexis B.ScoutLake Interstate State Game Area- Dispersed Camping
Not bad for an overnight spot
No camping spots just a dirt parking lot.
Justin S.ScoutGreen Lake Rustic Campground — Waterloo Recreation Area
Awesome place
It's a nice Lil tucked back campground with a nice Lil fishing lake its quite and relaxing been here a few times this year so far plan on a few more
Michael M.
GuideSterling State Park Campground
Nice stop
Sterling State Park, Quick Two-Night Stay
We stopped at Sterling State Park for two nights and had a really nice stay. We were on an electric-only site, but the view and the short walk to the beach were awesome.
If you can score one of the sites along the edge of the campground that overlooks the beach, or one that backs up to the woods, I’d definitely recommend it. Those sites have a much better setting. Most of the other sites are more out in the open, with very little shade and not much of a view.
The central part of the campground feels busy and crowded, but surprisingly, most of the sites are actually spaced out pretty well. We didn’t use the bathhouse, so we can’t comment on its cleanliness or condition.
The campground itself was neatly mowed, and the staff seemed to do a good job keeping up with the grounds and general maintenance. We didn’t notice much trash or anything else that would be a negative.
The beach right in front of the campground was probably our favorite part. It was clean, spacious, and never seemed particularly busy while we were there.
Overall, Sterling State Park was a great stop for a couple of nights. If you can get one of the better-located sites, especially along the beach or woods, it makes the stay even better.
Justin O.GuideLake Hudson Recreation Area
Pretty average
Had to buy this campsite because there’s damn near nothing for dispersed in Michigan. Lotta kids screaming into the night, campsites are in sight of each other, lots of mosquitoes, but yknow what can you really expect? I think upwards of $30 is a rip-off, I can’t even find an electrical hook-up if I wanted one. Granted, I got here at night and didn’t look very hard. It’d be 5 stars if it were 15 bucks, which is what I think its worth.
- RRobert S.Scout
Eaton County Fairgrounds
Charlotte campground
Very convenient off highway with easy check-in and very quiet during the weekend when there are no events at the Fairgrounds
- ssusan V.Scout
Indian Creek Camp & Conference Center
Nice family campground
Pool, nice playground, small putt putt course, rec room and other activities available. We are retired and just needed overnight camping and the only site available was tiny and right on the curve of the road. Our firepit and picnic table were less than 10 feet from the road so not private at all. We felt it was overpriced for the site. Others were better but none very private(smallish and no trees).
Guide to Pinckney
Pinckney sits at the edge of southeastern Michigan's Waterloo-Pinckney Recreation Area, one of the largest state recreation areas in the Lower Peninsula with over 25,000 acres of protected land. The terrain features numerous kettle lakes formed by receding glaciers that left depressions filled with water. This creates multiple camping options ranging from well-developed facilities to rustic sites without amenities, all within a one-hour drive of Detroit.
What to do
Mountain biking trails: Pinckney Recreation Area connects to extensive trail systems popular among mountain bikers. "The trail was in great condition and is well marked with numbered posts. Reservations can be made ahead for 1 of the 10 sites at Blind Lake Rustic Campground," reports Pat W., who appreciated the navigation system.
Kayaking on Green Lake: The small lakes around Pinckney offer protected waters for paddlers. "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," writes Melissa B. about Green Lake Rustic Campground. She notes you can bike a few miles into Chelsea for restaurants and shopping.
Jump Island water park: Kids enjoy this floating water obstacle course at Bishop Lake during summer. "Such a cool place to enjoy with the kids, we had a blast at Jump Island!" explains Jillian E. Beth G. adds, "It's connected but costs money. $15 for a 45 minute jump session. Follow on Facebook for coupons."
What campers like
Secluded lakefront sites: Some campsites offer direct lake access away from crowds. "This is a rustic campground right on beautiful blind lake. It is only accessible by foot/bike/or boat. The hike/bike is about 7 miles or 4 (depending on where you park). The paddle in works out to be about 2.5 miles from the Halfmoon boat launch," notes Kate K. about Blind Lake Rustic Campground.
Clean facilities: Haas Lake Park RV Campground maintains well-kept restrooms. "The entire campground was well kept; the bathrooms, the grounds, and the laundry facility were all in great condition," writes John C., who also mentions, "The fire rings are double insulated with sand, which made for a safer experience."
Spacious sites: Some campgrounds provide larger-than-average sites. Jennifer H. appreciates Murray Lake Campground: "We love the large sites with walls of greenery separating the campsites. This is rustic camping at its best. Small fishing lake for paddling. Mountain bike and hiking trails run through the campground."
What you should know
Mosquitos at some campgrounds: Low-lying areas near marshes can have significant insect activity. "The biggest problem was mosquito activity. The camping area sits on an inaccessible lake with a marsh area," warns Ryan F. about Brighton Recreation Area. "When we rolled in the first thing we noticed was that everyone had screen houses set up."
Weekend availability challenges: Many campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. Rob notes about Green Lake Rustic Campground: "I would recommend getting a reservation before showing up. They have laminated signs posted on the campsites to let you know which ones are taken... most weekends are booked solid."
Highway noise: Some lakefront sites have road noise. Jordan B. mentions Green Lake Rustic Campground has "a major roadway passes along the other side of the lake making lake front sites noise until about 12am and rear sites sit near a wetland aka the border of the mosquito kingdom; neither of these problems are terrible if you plan accordingly."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Sugarloaf Modern Campground offers child-friendly amenities. "It has a very nice play area for the children and clean bathrooms. The boat launch was near our camp site which was nice not having to leave the campground," explains Debra B.
Biking opportunities: Children can safely ride bikes at some campgrounds. Kim S. shares her experience at Sugarloaf Modern: "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."
Horseback riding: Young visitors can interact with horses at specific locations. Ashley S. mentions Hell Creek Ranch Campground has "a horse barn (Heavenly Horse Stables) right on property offering riding lessons, trail rides and meet and greets with their houses and other barn animals, my daughter wanted to move here."
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger rigs: Large RVs need specific sites. Beth G. notes about Sugarloaf Modern: "Site was a little small for our 38foot - we had to go sideways which opened us up to other campers. Not my favorite. No WiFi or sprint service."
Park layout considerations: Some campgrounds have creative layouts for group camping. Gary E. recommends Haas Lake Park: "The round area's with the sites on the outside and common area on the inside make for a great group type setup."
Affordable extended stays: Brighton Recreation Area provides convenient amenities for longer visits. "Decently clean showers with hot water and lots of kids on bikes," reports Christina A., while Melissa M. notes "They offer all types of camping" and "Near by grocery stores."
Frequently Asked Questions
What amenities are available at campgrounds near Pinckney, MI?
What amenities are available at campgrounds near Pinckney, MI?
Campgrounds near Pinckney offer a range of amenities to suit different camping styles. Hell Creek Ranch & Campground provides rustic to full-hookup sites with 30-amp service, clean shower facilities, and direct access to the Waterloo-Pinckney trail system. They also feature a swimming pool, playground, and basketball court. For those seeking more modern facilities, Camp Agawam offers well-maintained grounds with access to hiking trails. Other area campgrounds typically provide basic amenities like vault toilets, potable water, and picnic tables. Some locations have playgrounds, boat launches, swimming areas, and access to fishing opportunities. Many campgrounds in the region connect to extensive trail systems, making them ideal for hikers and mountain bikers.
Where are the campgrounds in Pinckney State Recreation Area?
Where are the campgrounds in Pinckney State Recreation Area?
Pinckney State Recreation Area features two main campgrounds. Blind Lake Rustic Campground is located along the Potawatomi Trail, accessible only by hiking or biking approximately 7-8 miles in, or by boat. It sits right on Blind Lake, offering a serene, primitive camping experience with vault toilets but no running water. The second option is Bruin Lake Campground, which is vehicle-accessible and situated on Crooked Lake with 25 sites. It offers more amenities including newer restrooms, a beach area, playground, and a paved path for biking. Both campgrounds are nestled within the recreation area's 11,000 acres of forests, lakes, and trails, providing excellent access to the area's extensive trail network.
Do I need reservations for camping in Pinckney, Michigan?
Do I need reservations for camping in Pinckney, Michigan?
Yes, reservations are highly recommended for camping in the Pinckney area, especially during peak season (May through September) and weekends. Bruin Lake Campground in Pinckney Recreation Area requires reservations, which can be made through the Michigan DNR reservation system up to six months in advance. Sites fill quickly, particularly those with lake views or electrical hookups. Waterloo Sugarloaf Modern nearby also operates on a reservation system. For rustic camping options like Blind Lake, reservations are still needed despite the hike-in requirement. Some private campgrounds may accept walk-ins during off-peak times, but calling ahead is always advisable to ensure availability.
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