J
John S.
Scout
ScoutProud Lake Recreation Area
Peaceful area.
The lake is very weedy. But silver lake or Bishop lakes are close.
Camping near Plainfield, MI
106 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
Campgrounds near Plainfield, Michigan span several recreation areas, ranging from RV sites with electric hookups to primitive tent camping and hike-in sites, including Pinckney Recreation Area and Waterloo Recreation Area. Both offer tent camping, RV sites with hookups, and cabin accommodations within a 30-minute drive. The region includes Bruin Lake Campground with electric sites, Blind Lake Rustic Campground for hike-in experiences, and several other established campgrounds providing varying levels of amenities across southeast Michigan's lakes and trails.
Many campgrounds in the area require advance reservations, particularly during summer months when sites fill quickly. Road access varies from paved entrances at modern campgrounds to dirt roads leading to more rustic sites. "The sites can be weird sizes, some are larger some are smaller and slanted. We saw a couple campers with larger rigs getting into arguments over the boundaries of the sites," noted one visitor at Bruin Lake Campground. Most campgrounds operate seasonally from April through October, though some remain open year-round with limited services in winter. Cell service can be spotty in rural areas, with reviewers reporting minimal coverage for T-Mobile and Verizon at certain locations.
Waterfront camping represents a significant draw in the region, with several lakes connected by waterways offering opportunities for kayaking, fishing, and swimming. A camper described the area as having "a nice chain of lakes. Half moon at the end of the chain is a great all sports lake. Awesome fishing." For hikers and mountain bikers, the Waterloo-Pinckney Trail system provides access to backcountry camping with sites like those at Blind Lake, where one visitor remarked, "B3 is my favorite. Right on the water, beautiful views." Modern campgrounds typically feature flush toilets and shower facilities, while rustic sites offer vault toilets and hand pumps for water. Families appreciate the playgrounds and recreational activities at larger campgrounds, with several sites designed for accessibility, including paved camping pads and accessible facilities.
Best Campgrounds near Plainfield (106)
1. 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."
"On Crooked Lake, it has 25 sites, two of which are right on the water; #7 is full sun, larger, and 20 is sun/shade and tucked away in the back of the campground."
from $30 - $120 / 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. 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 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. 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 Availability6. 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 Availability7. Hell Creek Ranch & Campground
"Direct connections to the Waterloo Pinckney trail system. Near Hell, Michigan and Chelsea, Michigan. Large pool in season. Priced reasonably."
"Wow.. what a nice little getaway in Hell, Michigan area! Camp host, “Lightening” is a friendly and helpful guy who NEVER stopped working (except to chat with campers here and there)."
from $20 - $35 / night
Check Availability8. Appleton Lake Campground — Brighton Recreation Area
"Close by but up north feel."
"Picnic table pit ring outside toilets best site was 24 17$ 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. 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 Availability10. Crooked Lake Rustic Campground — Pinckney Recreation Area
"We could see the lake and had an outhouse right nearby."
"The views of the lake are awesome, it’s a great slice of wilderness in this part of the state. Wish there were better noise restrictions and the campgrounds were more separated."
from $20 / night
Check Availability
Drive Time
- 33 min from Lansing, MI
- 36 min from Ann Arbor, MI
- 36 min from Jackson, MI
- 55 min from Flint, MI
Recent Camping Photos near Plainfield, MI
140 Photos of 106 Plainfield Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Bruin Lake Campground — Pinckney Recreation Area
Blind Lake Rustic Campground — Pinckney Recreation Area
PINCKNEY RAILS-TO-TRAIL CAMPGROUNDD
Green Lake Rustic Campground — Waterloo Recreation Area
Sugarloaf Campground — Waterloo Recreation AreaK
Pines Rustic Campground — Waterloo Recreation Area
Portage Lake Modern — Waterloo Recreation Area
Bishop Lake Campground — Brighton Recreation Area
Appleton Lake Campground — Brighton Recreation AreaP
Murray Lake Campground — Brighton Recreation AreaJ
Holiday RV Campground
Walnut Hills Family Campground by GatherGrounds
Recent Reviews near Plainfield, MI
549 Reviews of 106 Plainfield Campgrounds
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
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).
Austin R.ScoutLansing Cottonwood Campground
Randos in your site late at night
This place is a weird one for sure, they’ll let you do whatever you want there, even wander into random tent sites asking minors for alcohol and drugs.
We planned on camping here longer but after an evening where a drunk camper pursued our coolers at 1 in the morning and then asked our teenagers who’d were sleeping in tents if they had any alcohol or weed.
We told management of the incident, they did nothing. We also told them of the Lansing homeless who were coming in the early morning hours to use the facilities… nothing.
So if you like randoms in your site late at night, this is the campsite for you.
Gary G.GuideMetamora-Hadley Recreation Area
Nice state park
As usual, there's only electric at sites, but the pedestals seem fairly new, and tight. South loop is nicely wooded & has a newer, larger restroom/shower building, not much lake view. The north loop is a little less wooded, with the NW end having a little better lake views, but a pretty ancient restroom/shower facility.
Across the lake is the day use area with a beach and concession stand. (There's a small camp store in the north loop.)
ADA Only sites are asphalt paved. Some of the regular sites could be a challenge to get level on, but the rangers told me they have wood blocks for loan if you don't have enough.
Our first night & a half, we had some terrible neighbors two sites over. Constant profanities, yelling at & threatening their kids... real dirtbags. Rangers booted them from the park! Good to see them taking such positive action. I have not run into a single staff member here that wasn't pleasant.
This was our first time here. A test run, since it's only an hour from home (but feels farther). We'll be back for sure. (Especially with gas prices so high anymore.)
T-Mobile was only slow LTE at our site, but our Starlink worked perfectly at our site. Might be harder to get a clear shot in the more wooded areas of the park.
Dana B.ScoutGroveland Oaks County Park
Absolutely beautiful
My husband and I actually took our first camping trip in our new camper to this location, but we are novice when it comes to campgrounds. It was nice because there was always an attendant at the office to help. They gave clear and concise directions. The grounds were impeccable. Everything looked fantastic. We have even considered being seasonal here because it is so beautiful.
Guide to Plainfield
Camping sites near Plainfield, Michigan feature diverse terrain options within the state's southeastern recreation zones. The region sits at elevations ranging from 850-950 feet and typically experiences humid summers with temperatures averaging 80-85°F from June through August. Winter camping is available at select locations, though water systems are typically winterized from November through April.
What to do
Kayaking the chain of lakes: At Bruin Lake Campground — Pinckney Recreation Area, visitors enjoy water activities on interconnected waterways. "Nice little campground. Bathroom facilities could use some updating. Rangers are great. Nice lake to kayak in," notes DeEtta M., highlighting the paddling opportunities available directly from camp.
Mountain biking trails: The region offers extensive trail systems connecting many campgrounds. "We loved the trails for Mountain Bikes that are close to the Campsite! They are super fun!! 🚴🏼♀️🤙🏻," writes Maria G. about Pinckney Recreation Area, which features both beginner-friendly routes and more challenging terrain.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple lakes within 30 minutes of Plainfield offer fishing access. A visitor at Green Lake Rustic Campground reported, "I loved this quiet little campground! 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."
What campers like
Secluded rustic options: For those seeking more isolation, Blind Lake Rustic Campground offers a hike-in experience. "Hiked in here after work on a Monday, 7 mile minimum if you start at silver lake and take the shortcut. Not very secluded, but a nice spot on the lake still," explains Tee Jay M.
Clean facilities: Many campers note the maintenance standards at campgrounds throughout the region. At Bishop Lake Campground, "The bathrooms are clean and the showers were warm," according to Mike B., who appreciated the modern amenities in an otherwise natural setting.
Water recreation features: Beyond swimming beaches, some campgrounds offer additional water amenities. "Such a cool place to enjoy with the kids, we had a blast at Jump Island!" shares Jillian E., referencing the inflatable water park available at Bishop Lake during summer months.
What you should know
Site spacing and privacy vary significantly: Campground layouts differ across the region. At Murray Lake Campground, "We love the large sites with walls of greenery separating the campsites. This is rustic camping at it's best," notes Jennifer H., contrasting with more open arrangements elsewhere.
Bug activity: Insect prevalence fluctuates seasonally but can be significant. "All that aside, the biggest problem was mosquito activity. The camping area sits on an inaccessible lake with a marsh area," warns a camper at Brighton Recreation Area, adding that they observed "everyone had screen houses set up."
Water quality varies by lake: Lakes in the region have different characteristics. While some have sandy beaches suitable for swimming, others are more limited. One visitor notes that Murray Lake is a "small fishing lake for paddling" but isn't ideal for swimming, whereas nearby Brighton Recreation Area offers better swimming options.
Tips for camping with families
Beach access considerations: When camping with children, proximity to swimming areas matters. At Waterloo Sugarloaf Modern, "They rode bikes around the loop and loved swimming and the playground. Facilities were nice and clean and many sites had trees to give shade at certain times of day," according to Kim S.
Playgrounds and activities: Several campgrounds feature dedicated recreation facilities. "Nice flat campsites near the beach area. It has a very nice play area for the children and clean bathrooms," reports Debra B. about Waterloo Sugarloaf Modern.
Weekend reservation planning: Family-friendly sites fill quickly during peak season. "This campground was what we needed for squirrel hunting, however, it is very open and not very private," notes Sarah P., highlighting how some parks get crowded on weekends but quiet significantly midweek.
Tips from RVers
Site surface variations: Many campgrounds offer a mix of surfaces for parking. At Waterloo Portage Lake Modern, "We like to stay in the north campground because most of the sites are black topped," mentions Debra B., which makes leveling easier for larger RVs.
Hookup availability: Electric service varies between campgrounds, with limited full-hookup options. "This is a nice place to camp if you dont mind the bigger parks. There is electrical on each site and is mostly a place for campers and RVs," explains Mike B. about Waterloo Sugarloaf Modern.
Size restrictions at rustic sites: Smaller campgrounds have limitations for larger rigs. Green Lake Rustic Campground has "sites generally first come first serve though reservations are now taken since Covid-19. Most sites are shaded and all have a fire ring. Not always 100% level ground but nothing un-tentable. 2 sites probably won't take a trailer but most are fine for small rigs."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Plainfield, MI?
What camping is available near Plainfield, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, Plainfield, MI offers a wide range of camping options, with 106 campgrounds and RV parks near Plainfield, MI and 1 free dispersed camping spot.
Which is the most popular campground near Plainfield, MI?
Which is the most popular campground near Plainfield, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Plainfield, MI is Bruin Lake Campground — Pinckney Recreation Area with a 4.1-star rating from 19 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Plainfield, MI?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Plainfield, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Plainfield, MI.
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