Green 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
93 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Camping options near Plymouth, Michigan consist primarily of established campgrounds with a mix of amenities and natural settings. Within a 30-mile radius, campers find facilities like Haas Lake Park RV Campground in New Hudson and Proud Lake Recreation Area in Commerce Township, both offering diverse accommodation styles from standard RV sites to cabins. Several state recreation areas provide the backbone of camping in this region, with year-round access available at multiple locations including Highland Recreation Area and Pontiac Lake Recreation Area.
Road conditions and weather significantly impact the camping experience around Plymouth. Fairground campgrounds like Wayne County Fairgrounds RV Park offer easy interstate access but come with considerable road noise. "The fairgrounds is located just off I-94 which makes for easy entrance and exit to the campground, but means there is lots of road noise," noted one camper. Many campgrounds in the region experience seasonal flooding concerns, particularly after moderate rainfall. Most developed campgrounds remain open from April through October, though several state recreation areas maintain year-round operations. Reservations are strongly recommended during summer weekends, as waterfront sites fill quickly.
Campers report mixed experiences with site quality and layout across the region's developed campgrounds. Sites at many locations tend to be close together with limited privacy, particularly at fairground camping areas where open grassy sites are the norm. The area's KOA and private campgrounds often receive criticism for flooding issues and site conditions. Reviews consistently highlight better experiences at state recreation areas where more natural settings prevail. Based on reviews from The Dyrt, Haas Lake Park stands out for its lake views and peaceful setting, though many note its prohibition on tent camping as a significant drawback. Waterfront sites command premium prices but offer direct access to fishing, swimming and boating opportunities, making them particularly popular with families during summer months.
"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."
"I had no clue what to expect when booking so close to a few major cities in Michigan. I love feeling secluded while camping and was nervous this would feel like parking lot camping."
"First, I'd like to say that I was born and raised in Northern Michigan. That's where I'm used to camping and hiking. I moved to the metro Detroit area a few years ago."
from $32 - $286 / night
Check Availability"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 $3 / night
Check Availability"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 Availability"Friendly staff, clean park, close to supermarkets and other food locations. RV repair and sales nearby. I got lucky and woke up to a horse and dog competition at no extra cost to me."
"We used our Starlink Mini and it worked well on a nearly cloudless day with unobstructed access to the sky. I would definitely stay here again."
"Very close to our house just a nice little getaway. We enjoyed the Halloween weekends. We decorate big and enjoyed other decorations as well!"
"Site was across the small road from the lake. Plenty of trees all around. Good for shade and natural comforts of the day."
"Only drawback is the distance from the lake. The lake is not within walking distance, you would need to drive."
"Beach is a 1.8 mile hike from the East loop in the campground but is well worth the walk."
from $20 - $80 / night
Check Availability"Island Lake Recreation Area is home to two Huron River Canoe Camps. The sites are boat-in only (!) meaning you must haul any and all gear in a kayak or canoe for your stay."
"Island lake really does feel like you’re up north with the hours spent on I-75. There are great hiking trails that give novice and Intermediate hikers a chance to sharpen their skills."
from $20 - $108 / night
Check Availability"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 Availability"Group area is away from the main area. Kayak lakes are nice. Excellent hike/bike trails. Park is located just down the road from the Holly Oaks Off road park."
"I love to come here when I want a quick get away from home because it is only 30min away. The campsites are big,secluded, wooded, and clean."
from $27 - $80 / night
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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
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.
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).
Why the Dyrt has this place listed under "glamping" is beyond me. This is very far from that. A state park, some FHU sites, some pull thru, but it's almost like camping in a prairie. There's so very few trees here, so almost every site will be full sun. Full, blisteringly hot, sun.
It's an ok campground, but that's it. Host (each time we were there) did nothing that we could see. People tend to drive fast here, even staff.
It's right on Lake Erie, which can be good/bad, depending on if the toxic algae blooms are occuring.
City of Monroe is nearby for whatever you might need. (Aldi, etc)
Even though this park is close, it's just not one we like to choose because of the barren feel of the place. (We've been here three times)
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.
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.
Pretty with trees, although you do have very open views if you like more growth... weekend activities... family park, you need to be able to walk a ways to enjoy all their games, activities and beach...
We booked this spot and stayed for 4 nights. Large and spacious. Our spot backed up on a hill and the electric hookup was at the back of the spot as opposed to the side like most other campgrounds. 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. By no means a negative thing, just make sure you are prepared!
This Fairgrounds Campground has several combinations of hookups. There were plenty of available sites when I booked Site 93.
This site is on neatly mowed grass and it has water and electric connections. There are no picnic tables or fire rings. There are no trees or other vegetation to separate sites
The bathrooms are modern with showers that have plenty of hot water. The bathrooms were very clean.
Bookings online are easy. We arrived after closing and my documents were taped to the office windows with directions to my site.
We used our Starlink Mini and it worked well on a nearly cloudless day with unobstructed access to the sky.
I would definitely stay here again.
Camping near Plymouth, Michigan features varying terrain with elevations between 700 and 900 feet above sea level throughout Oakland County's recreation areas. Many campsites in the region are situated in mixed hardwood forests with oak, maple, and pine trees providing natural breaks between sites. Winter camping is available year-round at several state recreation areas, though amenities are reduced during cold weather months.
Hiking and mountain biking trails: Highland Recreation Area offers extensive trail systems ideal for day excursions from your Highland State Recreation Area campsite. "Extensive trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding. Lovely little no wake lake perfect for swimming, fishing or paddling," notes Jennifer H. The area features historic sites including remnants of the Ford family's 1930s summer home.
Kayaking on Huron River: Island Lake Recreation Area provides access to paddle-in campsites for a unique overnight experience. "Island Lake Recreation Area is home to two Huron River Canoe Camps. The sites are boat-in only (!) meaning you must haul any and all gear in a kayak or canoe for your stay," explains Don H. These sites include fire rings, picnic tables, and a floating dock at Canoe Camp #1.
Swimming and water activities: Bishop Lake Campground features Jump Island, a floating water park open during summer months. "It's connected but costs money. $15 for a 45 minute jump session. Follow on Facebook for coupons. You can also just swim at the lake- nice area with shade trees beach and nice lake water," reports Beth G. The beach area includes concessions for ice cream and refreshments.
Private, wooded sites: Holly Recreation Area campsites provide natural screening between neighbors. "Sites were spacious, we loved the national forest," shares David S. The Maple loop contains some of the most secluded options with "several semi-private sites screened from neighbors by trees. I think site #1 was one of the roomiest and prettiest," according to Jennifer H.
Modern bathroom facilities: Proud Lake Recreation Area features recently renovated shower buildings. "Bath house is newly built with amazing showers including large Family / Handicap showers," writes John F. Other campers confirm this amenity: "The bathrooms are BEAUTIFUL. They must have been recently renovated because they are spacious, tiled, well maintained, and very modern feeling for a campground," adds Jennifer O.
Lakes and water access: Haas Lake Park offers multiple water features across its property. "This location has 4 lakes. There is plenty of nature. Lots of trees along a nature trail. Cranes and ducks in the water," Karen C. explains. Sites with water views are particularly valued but may require early reservations, as campers report lakefront sites fill quickly during summer months.
Site conditions vary significantly: Pontiac Lake Recreation Area requires preparation for site features. "Only drawback is the distance from the lake. The lake is not within walking distance, you would need to drive," mentions Renee R. At other campgrounds, hookup placement can present challenges: "If you are hoping to hook up to electrical, bring extension cords; some hook ups are exceptionally far away from the designated RV parking pad," warns Mary H.
Weather impacts: Seasonal flooding affects many campgrounds in the area, particularly Detroit/Ann Arbor KOA. "When it rains several campsites get very wet! There are a lot of trees so some of lots have no grass. Not paved so a lot of pot holes," Debra B. notes. During heavy rain periods, some campgrounds become significantly compromised with multiple flooded sites.
Wildlife activity: Expect to encounter various wildlife at campsites throughout the region. "At night we did get a visit from a view critters and my daughter thought it was the coolest thing ever," shares Bryce L. at Holly Recreation Area. Raccoons are particularly active, requiring proper food storage practices at night.
Holiday weekend activities: Camp Dearborn offers organized events during seasonal weekends. "We've been going to halloween camping for the past 2 years, decorate your site and the kids get dressed up an go trick or treating in camp, theres a costume contest and hay rides, fun family atmosphere," Justin G. explains. Similar events occur during other major holiday weekends.
Beach and swimming options: Several campgrounds offer swimming beaches with varying amenities. "Proud Lake is very nice, some other campers arnt so happy campers an complain, but other than that a nice place," notes Justin G. The swimming areas range from natural lake beaches to developed areas with concessions and play equipment.
Site selection for families: Choosing the right location makes a significant difference. "It has a camp store. Small bathrooms with a few showers. Pretty views of the lake from the lake sites," says Debra B. about Detroit/Ann Arbor KOA. Sites with playground access are typically in high demand for families with young children.
Site layout considerations: Haas Lake Park RV Campground accommodates group camping with its unique configuration. "The round area's with the sites on the outside and common area on the inside make for a great group type setup," explains Gary E. This layout works well for multiple RVs traveling together.
Utilities and hookups: Full-service sites are available at select campgrounds. "Waterfront, fire rings, clean water, full hook ups, and a waste removal service at your camp site if needed," notes Joseph S., highlighting conveniences at Haas Lake Park. However, not all sites offer full services, particularly at state recreation areas.
Site surface variations: Paved pads are available at some locations, while others have natural surfaces. "Sites at many locations tend to be close together with limited privacy, particularly at fairground camping areas where open grassy sites are the norm," according to recent visitor reports. This affects RV leveling and outdoor furniture placement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find tent camping options near Plymouth?
Tent campers near Plymouth have several excellent options within a reasonable drive. Waterloo Recreation Area offers spacious tent sites in a natural setting, making it perfect for those wanting to explore while staying close to Ann Arbor. The area features multiple lakes and extensive hiking trails. For a more wooded experience, McGinnis Lake Modern Campground in Holly Recreation Area provides heavily wooded sites that offer privacy and shade, plus access to kayaking lakes and excellent hiking/biking trails. Most tent campgrounds in the region offer basic amenities like fire rings, picnic tables, and access to bathroom facilities. Reservations are recommended, especially during summer weekends.
What are the best camping sites near Plymouth, Michigan?
The Plymouth area offers several excellent camping options within a short drive. Proud Lake Recreation Area stands out with spacious campsites, lake views, clean bathrooms, and well-maintained hiking trails—all surprisingly secluded despite proximity to major Michigan cities. Another top choice is Brighton Recreation Area, which offers diverse camping experiences with both modern and rustic camping options. For families seeking recreation, nearby parks provide swimming beaches, hiking trails, and water activities. Most campgrounds in the region require reservations, especially during peak summer months, so booking in advance is recommended.
Are there RV parks available in the Plymouth area?
Yes, the Plymouth area has several RV-friendly options. Haas Lake Park RV Campground near New Hudson offers full hookups, is big-rig friendly, and provides water and toilet facilities. For budget-conscious travelers or those needing a quick overnight stop, Cabela's Dundee provides free overnight parking in their large lot behind the store. The lot features a pond with a walking trail and is conveniently located near the highway. While it doesn't have hookups or bathrooms, it's a practical option for self-contained RVs. Most RV parks in the region are open from spring through fall, with some offering year-round accessibility.
Are there parks with fishing opportunities near Plymouth, Michigan?
The Plymouth area offers several excellent fishing destinations within a short drive. Groveland Oaks County Park features a lake with fishing opportunities alongside camping, and even offers boat rentals for anglers without their own equipment. Pleasant Lake provides beach access within walking distance of campsites and fishing opportunities in its namesake lake. Many parks in the region require a Michigan fishing license, which can be purchased online or at local sporting goods stores. The best fishing seasons are typically spring and fall, though summer offers good early morning and evening opportunities. Most parks allow shore fishing, while some have designated fishing piers or boat launches.
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