Sterling State Park Campground offers year-round camping with 256 sites near River Rouge. The park features both water and electric hookups at every campsite and provides accessible biking trails along Lake Erie's shoreline. Campers will find paved pads at sites, making setup easier for both tents and recreational vehicles during Michigan's variable weather conditions.
What to do
Beach activities: Sterling State Park Campground provides sandy beaches on Lake Erie for swimming and shoreline activities. "Sandy beach on Lake Erie is very nice," notes Joe S., while another visitor mentions that the "beach is kept fairly clean and raked often." The park maintains multiple access points for water recreation.
Paddling options: Proud Lake Recreation Area offers kayaking opportunities on the Huron River. "Great lake to kayak on. Trails to hike on!" reports Debra B. The recreation area includes boat-in camping options and provides both rentals and launch facilities for paddlers exploring the waterways.
Hiking trails: Explore the extensive trail system at Holly Recreation Area with routes suitable for all skill levels. The McGinnis Lake area contains interconnected paths through wooded terrain. Visitors report "several well marked trails" with access to multiple lakes and natural features. Winter hiking remains popular with properly equipped visitors.
What campers like
Modern facilities: Campground bathhouses receive high marks for cleanliness and amenities. At Bishop Lake Campground, "the shower house is clean and in good condition," according to reviewers. Multiple campgrounds feature recently updated shower facilities with hot water and proper maintenance.
Site privacy: Holly State Recreation Area offers secluded camping spots with natural screening. "Sites were spacious, we loved the national forest," writes David S., while Jennifer H. notes "several semi-private sites screened from neighbors by trees." The Maple loop contains some of the most private sites in the area.
Water recreation: Access to lakes and rivers ranks high among camper preferences. "The lake is a short walk from any site, mostly sandy with small rocks occasionally," mentions one Sterling State Park visitor. Multiple campgrounds feature swimming areas, boat launches, and fishing opportunities within walking distance of camping areas.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds require advance booking, particularly during summer weekends. South Bass Island State Park fills quickly during peak season. "Reservations can be made exactly 6 months in advance and only a few sites are kept open for walk-ins anymore," advises Stephen S., highlighting the competitive nature of securing spots.
Seasonal considerations: May flies emerge during early summer, particularly near Lake Erie. "First two nights were perfect but then the may flies hatched (in mid June) and covered everything," reports Kourtney D. about her Sterling State Park experience. Weather patterns can significantly impact camping comfort, with strong winds common near lakeshores.
Yurt camping options: Yurt camping near River Rouge, Michigan provides climate-controlled alternatives to traditional tent camping. Wayne County Fairgrounds RV Park maintains yurts available for reservation throughout their operating season from April through October. For year-round yurt accommodations, some campgrounds within driving distance remain open during winter months.
Tips for camping with families
Water parks: Maumee Bay State Park Campground provides family-friendly water recreation options. "There's a yurt and cabins too," mentions Marla S. The park includes "lakes, beach, canoe, kayak, bikes, hiking, boardwalk, wildlife preserve," making it suitable for families seeking diverse activities within walking distance of their campsite.
Playground access: Multiple recreation areas feature modern playgrounds for children. "The park also has several public access areas and beaches," notes Edward C., with "hiking and biking trails also present." Families report successful trips with children when selecting campgrounds with dedicated play areas.
Halloween events: Several campgrounds host seasonal activities for families. At Camp Dearborn, "there's a costume contest and hay rides, fun family atmosphere," according to Justin G. Mary W. adds that Camp Dearborn offers "fun activities for the kids for halloween." These special events typically require advance registration due to popularity.
Tips from RVers
Full hookup availability: Several campgrounds offer complete services for RVs. "Full hookups are available, as are partial h/u's and tent spaces," reports David J. about Wayne County Fairgrounds. At Harbortown RV Resort, Bill B. found "all concrete roads and pads" with "basketball court, sand volleyball, playground, dog run" within walking distance.
Site leveling: Be prepared to level your rig at most campgrounds. "There are a few sites on an incline and that made it hard to get in and out of our fifth wheel," notes one camper. RVers recommend bringing leveling blocks, as even paved sites may have slight slopes that affect comfort and appliance operation.
Big rig accessibility: Roads within most campgrounds accommodate larger vehicles, though some areas present challenges. "The pull throughs are huge. The park is enormous with lots of fishing activities," shares Mano P. about Sterling State Park. RV camping options for larger units remain available year-round near River Rouge, with winter yurt camping providing an alternative when freezing temperatures make traditional RV camping challenging.
