Tent camping in the Pittsford, Michigan area offers access to various outdoor recreational activities within driving distance of town. The region features gently rolling terrain with elevations between 1,000-1,200 feet and a humid continental climate with four distinct seasons. Summer temperatures typically range from 60-85°F with higher humidity levels, creating favorable conditions for tent camping from late spring through early fall.
What to do
Hiking access: White Oak Campground connects directly to the 15.5-mile Scout Trail loop that runs through Oak Openings. A camper noted, "I was able to park my car here in the morning, hop on the trail (which runs right through the campground), and return later in the day."
Water recreation: 6 Lakes Campground provides boat access to explore connected lakes. According to one visitor: "Has a boat access, with a beautiful lake. You can go through little canals to get to other parts of the lake."
Sand dune exploration: Multiple tent campgrounds near Pittsford provide access to unique sand dune formations. One camper at White Oak mentioned, "Oak openings has everything from pine tree forests to sand dunes," while another visitor reported, "the kids liked exploring the sand dune area."
What campers like
Free firewood: White Oak Campground offers complimentary firewood for campers, a rare amenity. "The firewood is free, which is amazing," mentioned one reviewer, while another pointed out, "The fire ring was in good condition and fire wood was already stacked."
Clean facilities: Several campgrounds maintain high standards of cleanliness. One visitor reported, "There is also a dish washing station near the restrooms, with a huge sink and hot water," while another noted, "Extremely clean bathrooms, dish washing station, and free firewood."
Site spacing: Many campsites in the area offer adequate separation between neighbors. At White Oak, "The sites are very nicely spaced and shaded, and not right on the parking lot," according to one camper. Another visitor described the area as having "nice flat sand pads for tents to set up on."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Some campgrounds have strict reservation policies. At White Oak Campground, "MUST RESERVE ONLINE BEFORE 4PM. There is no walk-up service, and online site goes down after employees go home at night."
Ambient noise: Despite rural settings, some noise should be expected. One camper noted, "You can hear distant cars and some not so distant planes," while another mentioned, "there was still a bit of road noise from the state highway a couple hundred yards away."
Topography considerations: Site flatness varies significantly between campgrounds. A camper at White Oak observed, "Sites 2 and 8 seemed to be the most flat," while another noted, "The site was spacious, sandy, and well suited for both tent and hammock."
Tips for camping with families
Activity options: White Oak Campground offers diverse activities for children. One family reported, "We loved the hiking, bike trails, playground at Mallard lake area, and the kids liked exploring the sand dune area."
Site selection: Choose sites based on proximity to facilities and noise levels. A camper noted, "Site number three looks at the most secluded to me while site number four was pretty much in the open beside the bathrooms."
Alternative shower options: When campgrounds lack shower facilities, look for nearby options. One visitor discovered, "There are free showers available at the Wheel House (5min drive) at the Beach Ridge area of the park by the tree houses."
Tips from RVers
Electric options: For RVers seeking tent camping alternatives with some amenities, Circle B RV Park and Cabins provides maintained facilities. A visitor described it as a "Great campground, very well maintained, lots to do, great atmosphere."
Campground atmosphere: Be aware that campground environments vary dramatically. One visitor to Way Back In Campground warned that some locations may have "drunken behavior unsuitable for kids" and cautioned about "safety concerns" that might affect family camping experiences.
Site preparation: At some tent campgrounds, expect minimal site preparation. One camper noted, "The sites are inexpensive and come with free firewood," while another mentioned finding "Grey water sinks for dish cleaning. Picnic table and fire ring at each site."
