Best Tent Camping near Ray, MI
Tent campgrounds near Ray, Michigan offer a mix of rustic and established options for outdoor enthusiasts. Island Lake Recreation Area provides unique boat-in tent camping experiences along the Huron River, while P.L. Graham Park & Campground (formerly Chicagami Boy Scout Camp) offers affordable tent sites with water access. Appleton Lake Campground provides secluded tent sites in a wooded setting that feels removed from suburban surroundings despite its proximity to Brighton.
Most tent sites in the area feature basic amenities including fire rings and picnic tables, though availability varies by location. P.L. Graham Park offers rustic tent camping for $15 per night with access to vault toilets and water from a hydrant. Firewood is available for purchase on-site, as outside wood is prohibited. Island Lake Recreation Area's canoe camps can only be reserved by calling or visiting the main office and require paddling in all camping gear. Appleton Lake Campground provides rustic tent sites with fire rings and ample parking space, though reviews mention vault toilets may not always be well-maintained.
Areas farther from developed campgrounds offer deeper seclusion for tent campers seeking a more primitive experience. A visitor commented that Appleton Lake Campground has "sites that were fairly secluded from each other" with "ample space to park your vehicle and set up a tent." The boat-in canoe camps at Island Lake Recreation Area provide a backcountry camping experience surprisingly close to town, with each site featuring a fire ring and picnic table. Walk-in tent sites at P.L. Graham Park include some nestled in the woods while others are in more open areas near the water. These tent-only options provide a genuine camping experience without the noise and crowding sometimes found at larger, more developed campgrounds that accommodate RVs.