Best Tent Camping near Redford, MI

Tent campsites near Redford, Michigan include several established campgrounds within a 50-mile radius. Island Lake Recreation Area offers tent-specific sites including boat-in canoe camps along the Huron River. Appleton Lake Campground in Brighton provides rustic tent camping with secluded sites set among mature trees, while Pinckney Rails-to-Trail Campground and Crooked Lake Rustic Campground offer additional primitive tent camping options.

Most tent sites in the region feature fire rings and picnic tables, though amenities vary significantly between locations. Appleton Lake Campground provides rustic accommodations with pit toilets but no shower facilities, making it suitable for those seeking a more primitive experience. Island Lake's canoe camps can only be accessed by boat, requiring campers to transport all gear via kayak or canoe. A review from The Dyrt noted, "This provides a backcountry, boat-in camping experience very close to town." Sites typically have basic amenities like fire rings and picnic tables, with some locations offering vault toilets nearby. During peak summer months, reservations are recommended as many of these smaller campgrounds fill quickly, especially on weekends.

The tent camping experience near Redford balances accessibility with a sense of remoteness. Despite their proximity to suburban areas, many campgrounds maintain a natural setting with good separation between sites. Appleton Lake Campground features tent sites tucked into wooded areas, offering privacy not typically found at developed RV parks. A camper remarked that the campground had "sites that were fairly secluded from each other," providing an authentic outdoor experience. Walking trails connect many of the campgrounds to nearby lakes and forest areas, making them ideal base camps for day hiking and fishing. Seasonal considerations include summer humidity and mosquitoes, with early fall offering more comfortable temperatures and fewer insects at most tent sites.

Best Tent Sites Near Redford, Michigan (9)

    1. Camp Agawam

    2 Reviews
    Auburn Hills, MI
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (248) 391-0304

    $20 - $30 / night

    "I come down to Detroit from Windsor every year to camp in Michigan with friends and this year we went to this very nice campsite in Orion Twp and I loved it."

    2. Island Lake Recreation Area

    4 Reviews
    Brighton, MI
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (810) 229-7067

    "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."

    3. Appleton Lake Campground

    8 Reviews
    Brighton, MI
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (810) 229-6566

    "Each site has a fire ring and ample space to park your vehicle and set up a tent or small trailer. My only complaint is the vault toilets were not clean and very full."

    "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"

    4. Maumee Bay State Park Campground

    41 Reviews
    Oregon, OH
    50 miles
    Website
    +1 (419) 836-7758

    "This park is close to Toledo and within spitting distance of several refineries although you’d never know it! "

    "Within the CG, two loops share a central restroom/shower house. The shower house near the activities shelter also has a small laundry."

    5. PINCKNEY RAILS-TO-TRAIL CAMPGROUND

    1 Review
    Pinckney, MI
    33 miles
    Website
    +1 (734) 878-1148

    $30 - $50 / night

    "Would prefer more shade but this is very nice place"

    6. Crooked Lake Rustic Campground — Pinckney Recreation Area

    2 Reviews
    Pinckney, MI
    35 miles
    Website
    +1 (734) 426-4913

    $20 - $28 / night

    "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."

    "We could see the lake and had an outhouse right nearby."

    7. D-bar-A Scout Ranch (Boy Scout Use Only)

    1 Review
    Metamora, MI
    39 miles
    Website

    "This is another great scout ing campground with cabins, rustic camping, tent sites, lakes, horses to ride, this is one HUGE camp ground for scouts to enjoy and learn.."

    8. Hilltop Campgrounds

    2 Reviews
    Lapeer, MI
    43 miles
    Website
    +1 (810) 664-2782
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Tent Camping Reviews near Redford, MI

512 Reviews of 9 Redford Campgrounds


  • Neil T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 31, 2021

    Seven Lakes State Park Campground

    Great waypoint when camping across the UP

    Vibe: Woodland getaway with no flash and really nice sites. 

    Cleanliness: Sites are above average. Vault toilets are…vault toilets. 

    Facilities: Nothing flashy. Wish there was a few additional water filling points and that the dumpsters were all located near the camp entrance/exit. But really nothing to complain about. 

    General spots: Large, very well treed, gravel, picnic table and fire ring. 

    Privacy: Can see neighbors through sites, but better privacy than most places. 

    Our site: 39. Could drive circles around inside it. Even has a tree in the middle of it with room to drive all the way around it(not with a trailer). Depending where you set up your rig, you may need an extra long extension cord. 

    Noise: Quiet. Occasionally hear wolves howling. Cell signal(Verizon): 1 bar. No internet loads. Text messages will send and receive. Sometimes immediately, sometimes hours later. Other: Wish we had a chance to explore the lakes. Sounds like the swimming and fishing is good. Saw several kids on bikes toting rods.

  • Christopher P.
    Sep. 5, 2021

    McGinnis Lake Modern Campground — Holly Recreation Area

    Quiet, well kept state park

    Just a quick overnight tent camp with my son. Tent sites are relatively well spaced out and clean. Fire rings and picnic tables at each site.

    Modern bathrooms and shower rooms are available.

    Many playgrounds, horseshoe pits, and a basketball court available.

    Firewood and ice available at the front gate.

    RV spaces are well spaced out and give a sense of privacy. Electrical hook ups.

    Cabins available for rent as well.

  • Rodger M.
    Sep. 19, 2021

    Ridgewood Campground

    An Quick Camping Escape

    We were warmly greeted by the attendee and the camp host. Firewood, snacks, camp essentials, and ice available on site. Nice touch having firewood delivered to our site. The gentleman could not have been kinder and offered assistance with us setting up. The site was a larger site (#12) tucked nicely away in a corner.

    Picnic Table and Nice Fire Ring onsite. Port-a-potty, dumpster near site.

    Fair warning, the staff aren’t the only ones ready to greet you! Bugs, Mosquitoes, bees, and even raccoons (if food left out - which we did not). We have been to sites before that must have sprayed for pests because we have never experienced the amount of mosquitoes we did here. Thankfully we had Off Area Camp Spray, our Thermacell, and citronella burning and it helped dramatically reduce the pests.

    The noise level was very “citified.” Traffic could be heard throughout the evening and early morning. That’s what we get for camping so close to civilization. Also, beware of Poison Oak and Ivy! The entire site was bordered with it.

    Lastly, make sure that if you car camp or SUV Camp, you let them know. They have a policy of making you park your car/SUV in the lot after setting up your tent (if tent camping).

  • Don H.
    Jul. 9, 2019

    Island Lake Recreation Area

    Hidden Canoe Camps

    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. The sites, Canoe Camp #1 and #2, can be only be reserved by calling or visiting the main office.

    This is an awesome place to stay, especially if you live in the area, as it provides a backcountry, boat-in camping experience very close to town. The sites each feature a fire ring and picnic table. Canoe #1 sports a floating dock to tie up boats. There is also a vault toilet, and firewood provided for both sites to share, as well recycling and trash cans.

    The sites and common area (toilet and garbage cans) are connected by short trails and you may, once in awhile, hear the folks at the site next to you. Thankfully, In my experience, people have always been friendly and respectful.

  • Ryan F.
    Oct. 20, 2021

    Brighton Recreation Area

    Lake Murray Rustic Sites

    This was our first camping experience in Michigan, so we weren’t exactly prepared. My rating takes this into consideration.

    First of all, if it’s rainy or muddy, you might want to think twice about entering the rustic camping area. We have a 4Runner, so it was no problem but a few little cars did slide around and have trouble on the hill by our site.

    Our site wasn’t level, so we were rolling around a bit. If I went there again I’d try to find a spot towards the end of the loop by the exit. These sites were higher and some of them were private. I’d examine the map carefully because some of the sites were horrendously open and basically on the road. Maybe good for a vehicle with a rooftop tent or a trailer of some sort, but it would have been annoying for us. Site M22 was big and far enough away from other campers, but again not level. Probably a good location for a group of hammock campers.

    All that aside, the biggest problem was mosquito activity. The camping area sits on an inaccessible lake with a marsh area.

    When we rolled in the first thing we noticed was that everyone had screen houses set up.

    We didn’t have anything but our tent and a hammock with a big net so everyone got bitten up while cooking and hanging out by the fire. It was pretty miserable. Yes, I realize this is mostly our fault.

    I’ve since purchased a thermacell backpacker and some bug net hats and stuff. I’m looking into constructing an ultralight screen house that can be suspended from trees.

    The last problem was drunk campers hooting and hollering all night but that isn’t the camping areas fault.

    This place is super close to where we are living so I’ll probably schedule it next spring and come prepared. There are lots of nearby lakes and recreational trails so it’s a fun place to be with family.

  • Mike B.
    Sep. 3, 2018

    Appleton Lake Campground

    Quiet, private rustic campground

    I liked that this campground had sites that were fairly secluded from each other. Each site has a fire ring and ample space to park your vehicle and set up a tent or small trailer.

    My only complaint is the vault toilets were not clean and very full.

  • J
    Jun. 9, 2019

    Green Lake Rustic Campground — Waterloo Recreation Area

    Rustic campground near civilization

    This campground is part of the Waterloo State Recreation area, about 6 miles north of Chelsea MI. Sites are decent-sized, not much privacy between some sites. Only a couple of sites overlook the lake. Picnic table, fire ring, vault toilet and hand pump water. Quiet little campground.

  • Mike B.
    Sep. 5, 2018

    Green Lake Rustic Campground — Waterloo Recreation Area

    Rustic Campground Close to Town

    I stayed here with my kids because it was close to home and town. It makes for an easy getaway for a night or two.

    It is rustic with just vault toilets. Each site has a picnic table and a fire ring.

    The lake is not good for swimming as it is very mucky and covered in Lilly pads.

    It can fill up quick because it is close to town.

    There is a Yurt for rent here as well through the Waterloo Recreation web page.

  • Kate K.
    Aug. 22, 2019

    Waterloo Sugarloaf Modern — Waterloo Recreation Area

    A Wonderful Winter Getaway

    We stayed in the Southfork Rustic Cabin at the end of Feb and it was lovely much needed get away. The cabin was semi modern (solar lighting) but only a wood stove for heat. Small kitchen unit with table for eating. You had to hike in about a quarter mile to get there, and it sleeps four people with two bunk beds. 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.


Guide to Redford

Tent camping near Redford, Michigan offers several rustic opportunities within a 50-mile radius. The terrain varies from marshy lowlands near Lake Erie to the rolling hills of the Pinckney Recreation Area, with elevations ranging from 580 to 1,050 feet above sea level. Summer temperatures typically reach 80-85°F during day, dropping to 60-65°F at night, creating moderate temperature swings that campers should prepare for.

What to do

Fishing at nearby lakes: Island Lake Recreation Area provides good fishing opportunities for families. "Island Lake really does feel like you're up north without the hours spent on I-75. There are great hiking trails that give novice and Intermediate hikers a chance to sharpen their skills," notes Rachael D.

Bike riding on trails: Maumee Bay State Park Campground offers excellent biking paths. A visitor mentioned, "Lots to do, bike trails, walking paths, jet ski rentals, etc. Check-in people at the pavilion were nice and helpful." The park has bike rentals available for those without their own equipment.

Wildlife viewing: The parks near Redford support diverse bird populations. "The views of the lake are awesome, it's a great slice of wilderness in this part of the state," reports Jordan D. about Crooked Lake Rustic Campground. Morning hours (6-9am) typically offer the best wildlife viewing opportunities.

Water activities: Many campgrounds feature lakes for swimming and boating. "Nice campground for family and activities. Good dock for the kids to fish," says Mary O. about Island Lake Recreation Area, which has designated swimming areas that are typically open from late May through early September.

What campers like

Privacy between sites: Appleton Lake Campground receives praise for its layout. One camper noted, "I liked that this campground had sites that were fairly secluded from each other. Each site has a fire ring and ample space to park your vehicle and set up a tent or small trailer."

Convenient weekend escapes: The short drive from urban areas makes these campgrounds popular for quick getaways. "Great local place without driving too far," one visitor commented about Island Lake. Most sites are within 30-45 minutes of Redford, allowing for after-work Friday arrivals.

Trail connections: Crooked Lake Rustic Campground offers excellent access to hiking paths. "The staff were so kind and helpful. I visited in my off-grid ready camper van, and staff helped us choose a site that had good views and felt private (SITE #22)," reports Cathy E.

Boardwalks through wetlands: Some parks feature elevated paths through natural areas. At Maumee Bay, a "2-mile boardwalk through the wetlands" was highlighted by Daniel U., who called it "the most well kept, private, beautiful campground I've been to so far."

What you should know

Rustic facilities: Most tent sites near Redford have minimal amenities. "Appleton has a few sites, very rustic and perfect for tents. Not for RVs and no hook ups," explains Melissa M. Expect vault toilets rather than flush facilities at most primitive campgrounds.

Insect preparation: Camp Agawam and other sites can have significant mosquito activity. "This park is great! It has campsites, a playground, swimming, fishing, an outdoor amphitheater (with concerts!), pavilion rentals, and disc golf!" notes James P., though bug preparation is essential during summer months.

Weekend crowding: Reservations are strongly recommended for Friday and Saturday nights from May through September. The best tent camping near Redford, Michigan fills quickly, especially at smaller campgrounds with limited sites.

Seasonal variations: Spring camping (April-May) often means muddy conditions, while fall offers colorful foliage but colder nights. "Watch out for ticks though," warns camper D.G. about Appleton Lake, highlighting the importance of tick checks during warmer months.

Tips for camping with families

Playground access: Camp Agawam offers excellent facilities for children. According to James P., this park includes "campsites, a playground, swimming, fishing, an outdoor amphitheater with concerts!" Making it ideal for families needing entertainment options.

Swimming options: PINCKNEY RAILS-TO-TRAIL CAMPGROUND provides water recreation opportunities for various ages. "Campers are very friendly, management is beyond friendly. Would prefer more shade but this is very nice place," reports mike L.

Easy first-time camping: Appleton Lake serves well for novice campers. "Great starter campground which is just what we wanted - my buddy and I took his 6 year old camping for the first time," shares D.G. The relatively flat terrain and accessible sites make setup straightforward for families new to tent camping.

Wildlife encounters: Prepare children for possible animal sightings. "The camp site itself was nice, but once it got dark, we were fighting off about 10 raccoons all night," warns Angie H. about Appleton Lake. Store food securely and explain wildlife safety to children before your trip.

Tips from RVers

Limited hookup options: Most tent-focused campgrounds near Redford lack RV amenities. "Rustic and mature trees. Great trails - perfect for trail running," notes Peter about Appleton Lake Campground, which works for small trailers but lacks hookups.

Alternative full-service options: Hilltop Campgrounds offers full hookups for those requiring amenities. "All sites are 50 amp full hook ups. The beach is right on the sports lake nepessing," shares Tammy P., adding it's "very economically friendly at only $40 a night!"

Winter camping opportunities: Some campgrounds remain open year-round. "We are full timers here for the winter into spring. The campground here is simple but the people are so friendly," reports Alicia A. about Hilltop Campgrounds, one of the few offering extended season options.

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at Redford tent campsites?

Tent campsites near Redford offer varying amenities depending on location. Camp Agawam provides a very nice camping environment with basic facilities for tent campers. For more developed options, Maumee Bay State Park Campground offers electric hookups, clean restrooms, and a dump station with rinse hose. Many sites at Maumee Bay are surrounded by trees and shrubs, providing privacy. Most tent campgrounds in the area typically include fire rings, picnic tables, and access to vault toilets or restroom facilities, though cleanliness can vary. Water access may be limited at more rustic sites, so it's advisable to bring your own supply.

Where can I find tent camping in Redford?

For tent camping near Redford, Appleton Lake Campground offers secluded sites perfect for tent campers. Each site features a fire ring with ample space to park your vehicle and set up a tent. This rustic campground isn't suitable for RVs as there are no hookups. For a unique experience, consider Island Lake Recreation Area which features two Huron River Canoe Camps that are boat-in only - you'll need to transport all your gear via kayak or canoe. Reservations for Island Lake's canoe camps must be made by calling or visiting the main office.

When is the best season for tent camping in Redford?

Late spring through early fall (May to September) offers the best conditions for tent camping in the Redford area. Crooked Lake Rustic Campground and other nearby options are most enjoyable during these months when temperatures are moderate and outdoor activities are plentiful. Summer provides warm days perfect for enjoying water activities, hiking, and biking on the numerous trails in the region. PINCKNEY RAILS-TO-TRAIL CAMPGROUND is particularly pleasant in summer when its trail system is most accessible. Fall brings beautiful foliage but cooler nights, so pack accordingly. Most campgrounds in the area have reduced services or close completely during winter months due to Michigan's harsh conditions.