Redford, Michigan sits at an elevation of 627 feet above sea level in Wayne County, where the average summer temperatures reach the mid-80s with nighttime lows in the 60s. Winter temperatures can drop to the teens, making seasonal planning crucial for campers visiting any of the recreation areas within a 30-mile radius. The region offers several options for yurt camping and canvas accommodations that weren't widely available in Michigan until recent years.
What to do
Hiking trails: 26+ miles available at Brighton Bishop Lake Modern with options for both short and extended routes. The park maintains paved and unpaved paths suitable for all ability levels. "The park is very well laid out and includes a ton of fun activities for young and old," notes a visitor who found the trail system particularly enjoyable.
Backpacking: Try the Potawatomi Trail at Blind Lake Rustic Campground, which requires a 7-mile hike to reach the camping area. "Hiked the complete potawatomi trail (18 miles) great site for lakeview but #3 looked to be the best with swimming access," one backpacker observed. The trailhead starts at Silver Lake day use area and requires a $6 vehicle permit.
Winter activities: Most campgrounds in the area maintain year-round operations with seasonal programming. "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," shares a camper from Proud Lake Recreation Area.
What campers like
Modern bathrooms: Facilities at Holly State Recreation Area receive consistent positive feedback for cleanliness. "The bathrooms were clean. They had several playgrounds, bench swings, play fields and even a basketball court. The ADA sites had pavement surrounding the fire rings and space at the picnic tables for a wheel chair," one reviewer noted.
Shaded sites: Several campgrounds offer wooded sites for relief from summer heat. "Sites were spacious, we loved the national forest," writes a Holly State visitor. Another camper added, "We stayed on site 118 in the trillium loop. Actually feels like camping with all the trees, not lined up in a farmer's field."
Yurt camping near Redford: Camp Dearborn offers some of the closest yurt accommodations to Redford. "We have been going to Camp Dearborn for five years now, and our friend's family has been going for nearly sixty! Options for camping range from tent sites to luxury cabins. We usually get a platform tent, which sleeps six people and comes with a kitchen cabana," explains a regular visitor.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most campsites must be booked in advance, especially for yurt camping options in the Redford area. At Blind Lake, "You have to reserve ahead of time and there is a one night maximum stay too. Kinda weird, but those are the rules."
Seasonal closures: Many parks close certain facilities during winter months. At Wayne County Fairgrounds RV Park, a camper discovered: "I arrived for a 2 week stay in the area on 11/12. I discovered this campground was closed for the season." Confirm operating dates before planning trips between November and April.
Pricing structures: Costs vary widely based on amenities. Standard campsites range from $17-35 per night, while yurt camping and cabin rentals typically cost $45-90 depending on size and facilities. Recreation passports or day-use permits ($6-16) are often required in addition to camping fees.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Groveland Oaks County Park specializes in family camping experiences. "This campground has a lake for swimming, water slide, arcade, boat rentals, mini golf, biking trails and fishing. Lots for kids to do... also skate park and 2 playgrounds," one parent reports.
Swimming options: Many campgrounds feature designated beaches with varying amenities. At Maumee Bay State Park, a camper appreciated that "the HUGE beach on lake Erie, the inland Beach, the 2-mile boardwalk through the wetlands, the Big Hill, and the nature center" provided plenty of recreation for their family.
Noise considerations: Family campgrounds can get busy, especially on weekends. "The campground is nice with good access to bikes, trails, water, beach. Unfortunately the sites are on top of each other and very loud. Not for me," notes one visitor to Brighton Bishop Lake who preferred quieter settings.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for RVs: At Addison Oaks County Park, "We stayed in area A in a water/electric site. Sites in our area were spacious. Park was clean, guests well behaved, staff helpful." Choose sites away from tent camping areas for more space to maneuver larger rigs.
Hookup availability: Sterling State Park offers various hookup configurations. "Everything from back ins with only electrical to pull throughs with full hook-ups," according to a regular camper. Most parks near Redford provide electric hookups at minimum, with some offering full service sites.
RV rental options: For those interested in trying yurt camping near Redford, Michigan without the tent experience, several campgrounds offer RV rentals as alternatives. Camp Dearborn's platform tents provide a middle-ground between traditional camping and RV convenience.
