Best Campgrounds near River Rouge, MI

Camping near River Rouge, Michigan includes a mix of state parks, recreation areas, and private campgrounds within a 30-mile radius of the Detroit suburb. Sterling State Park Campground on Lake Erie and Wayne County Fairgrounds RV Park in Belleville provide established options with varying levels of amenities. Proud Lake Recreation Area offers year-round camping with spacious sites and well-maintained facilities just northwest of the metro area. Many campgrounds in the region feature lake access, hiking trails, and both modern and rustic camping experiences. As one camper noted about Proud Lake, "For a short drive, I got a huge campsite, a lake view, very clean bathrooms, well-kept hiking trails, and easy access to kayaking docks."

Most campgrounds in the River Rouge area operate seasonally from April through October, though some like Proud Lake and Pontiac Lake Recreation Area remain open year-round. Reservations are recommended, especially during summer weekends when Detroit-area residents seek nearby outdoor escapes. Michigan Recreation Passports ($12 for residents, $34 for non-residents) are required for entry to state parks and recreation areas. Summer temperatures typically range from 60-85°F with high humidity, while spring and fall offer milder conditions but occasional rain. Mosquitoes can be prevalent near lakes and wooded areas from June through August.

The camping options around River Rouge vary from full-hookup RV sites to rustic tent camping. RV campers will find the most amenities at places like Detroit/Ann Arbor KOA in Ypsilanti and Haas Lake Park RV Campground in New Hudson, with 30/50-amp service, water, and sewer connections. Tent campers have more secluded options at Bishop Lake Campground in the Brighton Recreation Area and Seven Lakes State Park. Visitors seeking water recreation can access lakes for swimming, fishing, and boating at many locations. According to reviews, road noise can be an issue at campgrounds closer to highways, while those further from the metro area offer more quiet and privacy.

Best Camping Sites Near River Rouge, Michigan (57)

    1. Sterling State Park Campground

    25 Reviews
    Monroe, MI
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (734) 289-2715

    $36 - $45 / night

    "Everything was accurate and the Michigan parks website is a breeze to use.

    NOT ALL THE SITES UAVE FULL HOOKUPS. I did not realize this when booking. Nobody's fault but mine."

    "You are right across from some good walking trails and walking distance to the beach. Lots of electric scooters, dogs, and bikes around."

    2. Wayne County Fairgrounds RV Park

    7 Reviews
    Belleville, MI
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (734) 697-7002

    "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."

    "Nice campgrounds easy to get around and my children loved it"

    3. Haas Lake Park RV Campground

    17 Reviews
    New Hudson, MI
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (248) 437-0900

    "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."

    4. Proud Lake Recreation Area

    17 Reviews
    Wolverine Lake, MI
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (248) 685-2433

    "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."

    5. Detroit/Ann Arbor KOA

    9 Reviews
    Willis, MI
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (734) 482-7722

    "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."

    6. Hugs & Pam RV Park

    1 Review
    Warren, MI
    12 miles
    +1 (917) 755-2006

    $10 - $15 / night

    7. Maumee Bay State Park Campground

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

    "We spent two nights here on our trip to Michigan. We were quite pleased with the campsites and how large they are."

    "My grandparents were in the site next to me in their camper and I had to walk a ways to see their spot."

    8. Pontiac Lake Recreation Area

    18 Reviews
    White Lake, MI
    34 miles
    Website
    +1 (248) 666-1020

    $22 / night

    "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."

    9. Harbortown RV Resort

    11 Reviews
    Monroe, MI
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (734) 384-4700

    "Basketball court, sand volleyball, playground, dog run, batting cages and go karts within walking distance. Very friendly staff and knowledgeable of the area."

    "There are paths to ride your bike or just walk. The issue that I do have is the rules seem to try to scare."

    10. Camp Dearborn

    16 Reviews
    Milford, MI
    33 miles
    Website
    +1 (248) 684-6000

    $3 / night

    "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."

    "Pull behind sites were easy to access. Staff are very helpful and responsive. There is a dump station on site."

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Recent Reviews near River Rouge, MI

493 Reviews of 57 River Rouge Campgrounds


  • Elizabeth M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Hidden Lakes RV Resort

    Fantastic RV Park!

    We stayed here last weekend. It was quiet and relaxing. Easy parking for the 33ft RV. Camp store is well stocked. Staff were fantastic. You need yo camp here!

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Proud Lake Recreation Area

    Amazing

    You need to know that this place is so so clean! The grounds, the sites, the bathrooms and the showers are all impeccable. It is true we were there in the middle of the week, but I’ve stayed at plenty of places during the week where things have been less than desirable. Everyone was most pleasant and helpful and the view of the lake was beautiful. If the campground had been full we probably would not have been able to see the lake from our site.

  • Noel L.
    Aug. 21, 2025

    Harbortown RV Resort

    Great kid campground

    This campground has everything! Go carts, playground, disc golf, pool, ext... Just a one night stay to visit A friend. If you have kids it is perfect! Staff was nice and very helpful

  • Ethan R.
    Aug. 13, 2025

    McGinnis Lake Modern Campground — Holly Recreation Area

    In the woods

    Nice campground. Paved sites. Some are pretty secluded. Downside is that the campground and stuff to do, are far apart. Bring a bike or drive. Beach is nice. Has a water park on the lake.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 30, 2025

    South Bass Island State Park Campground

    Good stay

    Nicely wooded for shade at each site. Full hookup sites available. Asphalt pads. Good water pressure. Can be muddy after rains and trash dumpster may be far depending on where you are camped. Fun island here to explore. Central town has been coined “Key West of the North”. Bathrooms and showers not all that clean. All in all a good campground.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 26, 2025

    Camp Dearborn

    Great for all ages!

    Lots of beach area and water to fish or swim. Activities almost every night. Paddle boats, mini golf, golf, and more. Pull behind sites were easy to access. Staff are very helpful and responsive. There is a dump station on site.

  • tThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 20, 2025

    Oakland County Addison Oaks

    County Campground

    Nice park, family friendly, very clean and maintained. Bike and boat rental, children’s playground and activities. Hiking and biking trails. RC airport. When in this area this its the place to stay. If I lived in this area it would be a destination. Price is right!

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 20, 2025

    Pontiac Lake Recreation Area

    Clean & convenient

    Had a nice stay here. The campground was full but quiet. The bathrooms and showers were nice and clean with hot water. Site 71 wasn’t the most private but still nice. The spots are all pretty private due to trees and vegetation. Nice fire pit. Water hookup and dump on site.


Guide to River Rouge

Camping near River Rouge, Michigan, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. With several campgrounds in the area, you can find the perfect spot to enjoy nature, relax, and make lasting memories.

What to do:

  • Explore the trails: Many campgrounds, like Maumee Bay State Park Campground, have great biking and walking paths. One visitor mentioned, "There are miles of paved bike paths throughout the campsite and a short ride to the lake."
  • Visit the beach: Kelleys Island State Park Campground offers beautiful waterfront sites. A camper shared, "The sites are the perfect size, with enough parking either at your site or the extended parking lot by the Ranger station."
  • Fishing and kayaking: Many campgrounds, including Algonac State Park Campground, are located near rivers and lakes, making them ideal for fishing and kayaking. One reviewer noted, "So relaxing watching the ships. Large lots."

What campers like:

  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Bishop Lake Campground said, "The bathrooms were clean, and the staff was friendly."
  • Spacious sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. A reviewer at East Harbor State Park Campground mentioned, "This campground is very large with lots of spots to choose from."
  • Family-friendly atmosphere: Campgrounds like South Bass Island State Park Campground are popular with families. One camper shared, "The cliffside sites are absolutely beautiful. Bathrooms and shower house were good!"

What you should know:

  • Busy seasons: Some campgrounds can get crowded during peak times. A visitor at Maumee Bay State Park Campground noted, "Very popular campground, lots of people."
  • Limited cell service: If you need to stay connected, be aware that some areas, like Kelleys Island State Park Campground, have poor cell reception. One camper mentioned, "The entire campground is a dead zone."
  • Wildlife encounters: Campers should be prepared for wildlife. A reviewer at Holly Recreation Area warned, "Raccoons run this place! Don’t leave any food or garbage out ever or you will be robbed by a gang of raccoons."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose a family-friendly campground: Look for places like East Harbor State Park Campground, which offers amenities for kids. A camper said, "Quiet hours were, however, quiet!"
  • Plan activities: Bring bikes for the trails and games for the campsite. One family at Bishop Lake Campground enjoyed, "There is so much to do. Wonderful amenities."
  • Pack snacks and drinks: Keep everyone happy with easy-to-reach snacks. A visitor at Sterling State Park Campground mentioned, "The water is gorgeous and the amenities are plentiful."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check site suitability: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Holly Recreation Area advised, "Any site above 80ish is very hilly and may be difficult to level an RV."
  • Fill up before arrival: Some campgrounds have limited water access. A camper at Maumee Bay State Park Campground noted, "If you are looking to stay more than two nights keep in mind that there are only electric hook ups."
  • Be mindful of noise: Respect quiet hours to ensure a pleasant stay for everyone. A visitor at Algonac State Park Campground mentioned, "The campground was clean and the wagon wheel where we stayed was tree covered."

Camping near River Rouge, Michigan, has something for everyone, whether you're looking for family fun, outdoor adventures, or a peaceful retreat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there RV lots for rent in River Rouge, Michigan?

While River Rouge itself has limited RV options, nearby areas offer several opportunities. Wayne County Fairgrounds RV Park provides RV sites with easy access from I-94, making it convenient for exploring the Detroit area. For overnight stops, Cabela's Dundee offers a spacious parking lot for RVs with good signage and a walking trail around a pond. Both locations are within reasonable driving distance of River Rouge. Other nearby options include Haas Lake Park RV Campground and Harbortown RV Resort, though availability may vary seasonally. It's recommended to call ahead to confirm current rates and availability.

What amenities are available at River Rouge RV parks?

RV parks near River Rouge offer varying amenities to enhance your camping experience. Proud Lake Recreation Area provides spacious campsites with lake views, clean bathrooms, and well-maintained hiking trails, all within a short drive from major Michigan cities. At Groveland Oaks County Park, you'll find full hookup areas, a swimming lake, water slide, arcade, boat rentals, mini-golf, biking trails, fishing opportunities, and playgrounds. Other parks in the region typically offer water and electric hookups, dump stations, shower facilities, and picnic areas. Some parks may have seasonal limitations for certain amenities, so checking ahead is recommended, especially during off-peak months.

Which is the most popular campground near River Rouge, MI?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near River Rouge, MI is Sterling State Park Campground with a 4.1-star rating from 25 reviews.