Glamping near Richmond, Michigan features a variety of accommodation options from basic sites to premium yurts across Oakland and St. Clair counties. Most camping areas open from April through October, with several offering year-round options. The terrain mixes wooded areas with lakefront settings, providing both secluded forest camping and water recreation opportunities within 30 miles of Richmond.
What to do
Hiking and mountain biking trails: Addison Oaks County Park offers extensive trail networks for outdoor enthusiasts. "We stayed in one of the group sites and it was beautiful. Less tree cover than we would have liked, you're basically in a giant grassy field, but it was perfect for a large group," shares Jennifer O., who also noted the beach is "nice, a little small, but clean and fun."
Kayaking and fishing opportunities: Proud Lake Recreation Area provides excellent water recreation. One camper reports, "Great lake to kayak on. Trails to hike on! We will go again for sure!" The recreation area features both a boat launch and canoe/kayak livery on site for convenient water access.
Beach swimming with rock collecting: Lakeport State Park Campground offers a unique shoreline experience. According to Andrea W., "They are right on beautiful Lake Huron with sandy beaches and clean clear water." The rocky beach areas are particularly notable for rock hunters, as Stephanie C. explains: "I have found the most beautiful Petoskey Stones at Lakeport. I have also found a large pudding stone. My husband brings his chair down to the water and I walk the shoreline for hours looking for rocks."
What campers like
Private wooded sites: Holly State Recreation Area features secluded camping spots surrounded by nature. Ashley F. notes, "I love this place and so do my 3 dogs. We got a secluded campsite, and it's gorgeous - tucked into the woods and was easy to back into. You're far enough from people to where you don't really see a lot of them or hear them that often besides people walking by."
Family-friendly amenities: Groveland Oaks County Park excels at entertaining younger campers. Mike N. explains, "We feel like we went up North without the driving four hours. The park is well laid out and includes a ton of fun activities for young and old." The park features water slides, arcade games, mini golf, and playgrounds.
Quiet, natural settings: The less commercialized Ruby Campground offers a more peaceful atmosphere. Sean H. describes it as "a fitting name for this gem. This is the most wholesome cute campground I've ever been to. It has a family owned summer camp vibe and the owners are very kind and helpful. The grounds are very well managed, it's right on a river, it's quiet, peaceful and they sell great quality firewood at a low price."
What you should know
Site selection matters: At many campgrounds near Richmond, the experience varies greatly depending on which loop or section you choose. At Lakeport State Park, Stephanie C. advises, "The northern section seems to be the louder section and the southern section seems to be the more laid back quiet section... The south section has more of a woodsy outdoor feel while the north section has more of an open space, smaller lots, crowded feel."
Advance planning required: Most campgrounds in this region fill quickly during peak season. Sites with premium amenities like hookups or waterfront views book earliest. At Port Huron KOA, campers recommend specific site numbers for better experiences: "If you're in a camper I'd recommend sites 54, 179, 180. Those sites have a bit of a backyard to them and more space."
Seasonal considerations: The majority of campgrounds operate from May through October, but some offer limited year-round options. Facilities may be reduced in spring and fall, with water systems winterized. For glamping in yurts and cabins, booking up to 6 months in advance is recommended.
Tips for camping with families
Weekend activities: Many parks schedule special events for children, particularly on weekends. "The site offers a lot of activities including pools, putt putt golf and play areas for the kids. The grounds are well kept," reports Joe S. about Port Huron KOA.
Multiple recreation options: Pack supplies for varied activities since many campgrounds offer multiple recreation choices. At Groveland Oaks, one camper notes, "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."
Bring water shoes: For lake swimming, particularly at Lakeport State Park, proper footwear is essential. Cole G. advises, "The beach was rocky so don't forget to pack some water shoes but the rocky beach comes with finding cool rocks to either paint or just collect! (We left with a whole cooler filled)."
Tips from RVers
Site grading and leveling: Some campgrounds have challenging terrain for larger rigs. At Proud Lake Recreation Area, one camper mentioned, "There are a few sites on an incline and that made it hard to get in and out of our fifth wheel."
Hookup availability varies: Not all campgrounds offer full hookups. Check specifics before booking as water, sewer, and electrical options differ. "No water hookup - but you can fill up and dump at the front of the campground," notes Ashley F. about Holly State Recreation Area.
Bathroom facilities: Campground bathroom quality varies significantly throughout the region. Many have been recently renovated, like at Proud Lake Recreation Area, where Jennifer O. reports, "The bathrooms are BEAUTIFUL. They must have been recently renovated because they are spacious, tiled, well maintained, and very modern feeling for a campground."
