Best Campgrounds near Pinckney, MI

Pinckney, Michigan offers several camping options ranging from basic to fully equipped sites. Blind Lake Rustic Campground within the Pinckney Recreation Area has minimal amenities and attracts campers who want a simple, natural setting. Bruin Lake Campground, also in the recreation area, has better facilities and connects to hiking trails, making it good for families who want outdoor activities. Hell Creek Ranch & Campground sits two miles from town in the Hell area and has plenty of kid-friendly activities. The campgrounds around Pinckney have both tent sites and RV hookups depending on what you need. Many campers come to hike, fish, or boat in the natural areas, with trails throughout both Pinckney and Waterloo Recreation Areas that work well for hiking and mountain biking. The best times to camp here are spring and fall when the weather is mild and the trees look great. Summer gets warmer but lets you swim and boat on the lakes. Just remember to bring rain gear since showers happen occasionally. You can find a campground in Pinckney that matches whether you want to relax or be active.

Best Camping Sites Near Pinckney, Michigan (97)

    1. Bishop Lake Campground

    26 Reviews
    Brighton, MI
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (810) 229-6566

    $17 - $90 / night

    "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."

    2. Blind Lake Rustic Campground — Pinckney Recreation Area

    18 Reviews
    Gregory, MI
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (734) 426-4913

    $17 / night

    "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."

    3. Bruin Lake Campground — Pinckney Recreation Area

    19 Reviews
    Gregory, MI
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (734) 426-4913

    $27 - $46 / night

    "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."

    4. Green Lake Rustic Campground — Waterloo Recreation Area

    13 Reviews
    Chelsea, MI
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (734) 475-8307

    "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."

    5. Hell Creek Ranch & Campground

    10 Reviews
    Pinckney, MI
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (734) 878-3632

    $20 - $35 / night

    "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"

    6. Waterloo Sugarloaf Modern — Waterloo Recreation Area

    13 Reviews
    Chelsea, MI
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (734) 475-8307

    "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."

    7. Murray Lake Campground

    6 Reviews
    Brighton, MI
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (810) 229-6566

    "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."

    "Small fishing lake for paddling. Mountain bike and hiking trails run through the campground. Bishop lake beach and jump island are a 5 min drive away."

    8. Appleton Lake Campground

    6 Reviews
    Brighton, MI
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (810) 229-6566

    "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"

    9. Brighton Recreation Area

    5 Reviews
    Brighton, MI
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (810) 229-6566

    "This was our first camping experience in Michigan, so we weren’t exactly prepared. My rating takes this into consideration."

    "Large campsite with trees, lit path to the bathroom, and easy access to hiking trails and raft/boat launch."

    10. Haas Lake Park RV Campground

    17 Reviews
    New Hudson, MI
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (248) 437-0900

    "Nice lake view across the road. This location has 4 lakes. There is plenty of nature. Lots of trees along a nature trail. Cranes and ducks in the water . The first night was super quiet!"

    "I highly recommend Hass Lake campgrounds. It is a very clean, quite, Beautiful campgrounds."

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Recent Reviews near Pinckney, MI

568 Reviews of 97 Pinckney Campgrounds



Guide to Pinckney

Camping near Pinckney, Michigan, offers a great mix of outdoor fun and relaxation. With beautiful parks and campgrounds, it’s a perfect spot for families, RVers, and nature lovers alike.

What to do:

  • Biking and Hiking: There are miles of trails for biking and hiking. At Maumee Bay State Park Campground, one reviewer mentioned, "There was plenty of room for riding bikes around, including a paved path to the lake."
  • Fishing and Swimming: Many campgrounds are near lakes, making them ideal for fishing and swimming. A visitor at Harrison Lake State Park Campground noted, "Lake life is where it’s at, plenty to do on/in the water!"
  • Wildlife Watching: The area is home to various wildlife. One camper at McGinnis Lake Modern Campground — Holly Recreation Area shared, "Nice park very clean. Nice bike trails and large campsites."

What campers like:

  • Spacious Sites: Campers appreciate the roomy sites. A review for Sleepy Hollow State Park Campground mentioned, "The campsite itself was great, nice and roomy while also being wooded."
  • Clean Facilities: Clean restrooms and shower facilities are a big plus. A visitor at Bishop Lake Campground said, "The bathrooms are pretty far away as there is only one building. The lake and trails were great."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Many campgrounds cater to families. One reviewer at Groveland Oaks County Park noted, "There’s lots for kids to do."

What you should know:

  • Mosquitoes: Be prepared for bugs, especially in the summer. A camper at Harrison Lake State Park Campground mentioned, "Mosquitoes were crazy no matter the bug protectants used."
  • Limited Cell Service: Some areas have poor cell reception. A visitor at Pinckney State Recreation Area said, "With T-Mobile, Internet service was practically non-existent."
  • Crowded on Weekends: Expect busier campgrounds during weekends. A reviewer at Holly State Recreation Area shared, "The only downfall is the public bathroom. Camp sites are pretty big."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for campgrounds with activities for kids. One family at Groveland Oaks County Park said, "We go every year, 6 families in total... lots for kids to do."
  • Plan for Noise: Be ready for some noise from other campers. A visitor at Harrison Lake State Park Campground mentioned, "There were families on either side of us with little kids who were well behaved, albeit a little noisy."
  • Pack Games and Activities: Bring along games to keep the kids entertained. A camper at Bishop Lake Campground noted, "There is so much to do. Wonderful amenities."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Holly State Recreation Area advised, "Any site above 80ish is very hilly and may be difficult to level an RV."
  • Fill Up Before You Go: Some campgrounds have dump stations far from the sites. A visitor at Sterling State Park Campground mentioned, "The dump station is at the first buildings. So fill up before you head down to the campground."
  • Bring Extra Cords: If you need electricity, check the length of your cords. A camper at McGinnis Lake Modern Campground — Holly Recreation Area noted, "My camper cord was about 30 ft short."

Camping near Pinckney, Michigan, has something for everyone. Whether you're looking for a family getaway or a peaceful retreat, the area has plenty to offer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Pinckney, MI?

According to TheDyrt.com, Pinckney, MI offers a wide range of camping options, with 97 campgrounds and RV parks near Pinckney, MI and 1 free dispersed camping spot.

Which is the most popular campground near Pinckney, MI?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Pinckney, MI is Bishop Lake Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 26 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Pinckney, MI?

According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Pinckney, MI.

What parks are near Pinckney, MI?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 parks near Pinckney, MI that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.