Seasonal RV sites near River Rouge, Michigan typically operate from April through October, with most campgrounds closing during winter months. The area features minimal elevation changes, making navigation straightforward even for larger recreational vehicles. Cell service remains strong throughout the region with 5G coverage reported at several campgrounds.
What to do
Lake activities: Swimming and fishing are popular at Camp Dearborn, where visitors enjoy "two beautiful beaches" and multiple lakes for recreation. One camper noted there's "a swimming area on the lake" plus "a trail that goes around the lake" at Detroit/Ann Arbor KOA.
Halloween camping: Seasonal celebrations transform several parks in autumn. At Detroit/Ann Arbor KOA, campers "enjoyed the Halloween weekends" with site decorations. Similarly at Camp Dearborn, they offer "activities for the kids for halloween" with families reporting "lots of lights is fun activities."
Paddling opportunities: Kayaking is available at multiple locations. Proud Lake Recreation Area offers "a boat launch and a canoe/kayak livery on site," while campers at Camp Dearborn mention paddle boats among the recreational options. One review notes that Proud Lake is "a great lake to kayak on."
What campers like
Proximity to amenities: Nearby services make camping convenient. At Proud Lake Recreation Area, campers appreciate that "while the campground feels like you are remote, if you need supplies, there is a small shopping center about a mile away." Similarly, Harbortown RV Resort is noted for being "close to Monroe" with "every food, and convenience option needed."
Modern facilities: Bathrooms and showers receive positive mentions at several parks. One camper at Proud Lake described bathrooms as "BEAUTIFUL," noting they "must have been recently renovated because they are spacious, tiled, well maintained, and very modern feeling for a campground."
Full hookup availability: Electric options vary by location. Sterling State Park Campground offers "everything from back ins with only electrical to pull throughs with full hook-ups," giving RVers flexibility based on their needs. One visitor mentioned "nice, level sites with a long driveway" at Harbortown.
What you should know
Site conditions vary significantly: Some parks have challenging terrain. At Haas Lake Park RV Campground, sites around the lake are described as "very spacious" but "the chalky gravel campsites and roads are raked everyday."
Weather impacts: Heavy rain can affect camping conditions. One camper at Harbortown RV Resort reported "very clean, nice sites with a friendly staff" but noted issues with excessive noise from nearby transportation infrastructure, mentioning "trains that go by during the night" and warning that "they blew the horn for 5+ minutes at 4:30am."
Reservation challenges: Popular weekends book quickly at most parks. Camp Dearborn is described as "tough to get in but we love it" while another camper advised to "come in the park and drive through and pick a spot that you like before making reservations" at Detroit/Ann Arbor KOA.
Tips for camping with families
Family-friendly amenities: Recreation options for children exist at several parks. Camp Lord Willing RV Park provides "a peaceful friendly environment with seasonal and experienced campers." One visitor appreciated that "staff is awesome!" making it suitable for family stays.
Water recreation: Beach activities appeal to families with children. Sterling State Park offers a "sandy beach on Lake Erie" that's "very nice" according to reviews, with regular maintenance as "the beach is kept fairly clean and raked often."
Playground availability: Play areas vary between parks. Camp Dearborn features "play structures, and more open field space than you can imagine," while Detroit/Ann Arbor KOA has a playground that's accessible to campers.
Tips from RVers
Big rig accessibility: Site dimensions determine which parks accommodate larger vehicles. At Wayne County Fairgrounds RV Park, "the roads are wide and a lack of trees makes this campground accessible for any size RV." One visitor noted the "long, level sites that will fit any RV."
Hookup details: Power options include both 30-amp and 50-amp at many locations. Harbortown RV Resort features concrete pads with full hookups, while Wayne County Fairgrounds offers "50 amp full hook-up sites, 50 amp/water, and 30 amp/water sites with pull-thru and back-in options."
Seasonal operations: Availability windows limit RV camping options during colder months. Sterling State Park Campground operates from "April 1 to November 6," while some parks like Camp Lord Willing RV Park remain open year-round.
