Cabin camping near Riverview, Michigan provides access to the western Lake Erie shoreline where coastal marshlands transition to inland forests. Winter temperatures average 22-28°F while summer brings 70-85°F weather with occasional lakefront winds up to 15 mph. Most cabin facilities remain open from April through October, though several offer reduced winter services when temperatures dip below freezing.
What to do
Beach access and swimming: Sterling State Park Campground offers a sandy beach on Lake Erie with swimming opportunities during summer months. "The beach is kept fairly clean and raked often," notes one visitor, while another mentions, "The beach is a short walk from any site, mostly sandy with small rocks occasionally."
Boating and kayaking: At Maumee Bay State Park Campground, several lakes provide excellent water recreation options. "There are full hookups as well as power only sites. The park also has several public access areas and beaches. Hiking and biking trails are also present," explains one camper. Another reviewer points out the "smaller lake good for kayaking and fishing. It has a boat ramp to put into Lake Erie."
Wildlife viewing: The boardwalk at Maumee Bay provides excellent bird watching opportunities. "Bird houses and feeders are located throughout the park and especially in the spring, you can hear many varieties of birds chirping," states one visitor. Sterling State Park also offers "hiking and biking trails" through natural areas for wildlife spotting.
What campers like
Cabin privacy: At Harbortown RV Resort, cabins provide a comfortable experience with modern amenities. "This campground has everything! Go carts, playground, disc golf, pool, ext..." shares one visitor, while another notes it's "the best, cleanest, well maintained, under control campground we've ever been to."
Water views: Many cabins at East Harbor State Park Campground offer scenic lake vistas. "The campground is right on the shore of Lake Erie, there are a few restaurants nearby," explains one camper. Another adds, "Site D10 was massive, had a creek running alongside of it. And was hidden behind lots of trees."
Recreational amenities: Cabins at Detroit/Ann Arbor KOA come with access to various amenities. "There is a camp store. Small bathrooms with a few showers. Pretty views of the lake from the lake sites," notes a visitor, while another mentions, "The lake sites feel a bit cramped, but it is kept up pretty well."
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: May flies can affect your experience at Sterling State Park. "Everything great- except may flies! First two nights were perfect but then the may flies hatched (in mid june) and covered everything," warns one visitor. Another camper reports, "Some time in June you can expect May Flies aka Fish Flies. Plan accordingly."
Noise levels: At Bishop Lake Campground, noise can be an issue during peak season. "The campground is nice with good access to bikes, trails, water, beach. Unfortunately the sites are on top of each other and very loud," observes one camper. A different visitor noted that at Harbortown RV Resort, there are "trains that go by during the night. There must be a few crossings near by because they blew the horn for 5+ minutes at 4:30am."
Cabin alternatives: For those seeking unique options, Kelleys Island State Park offers yurts. "Amazing small town feel with cute shops, family activities, world's largest glacier groves, shallow beach and fun history," describes one visitor, noting, "No city lights and being in the middle of the lake means lots of stars."
Tips for camping with families
Water recreation options: Monroe-Toledo North KOA provides excellent water activities for children. "There is a sandy beach, small lake, water slide, and plenty of family activities," explains a reviewer. Another mentions "Kids loved the pond beach and the water slide."
Holiday weekend events: Many campgrounds offer special activities during holiday weekends. "We enjoyed the Halloween weekends. We decorate big and enjoyed other decorations as well!" shares a Detroit/Ann Arbor KOA visitor. At Kelleys Island State Park Campground, families enjoy "beaches, trails, biking, kayaking, and exploring the glacial grooves."
Playground access: Proud Lake Recreation Area features outdoor play spaces. "Great camp sites with views of the lake. Big bathrooms that are super clean! Great lake to kayak on. Trails to hike on!" notes one visitor, while East Harbor State Park provides "a very nice newer shower house by the pull through lots, the facility is hard to beat in a state park!"
Tips from RVers
Pull-through considerations: At South Bass Island State Park Campground, sites vary significantly. "Most sites are strictly for pull behinds. Can be tent way off site. Watch for the sharp stones, this is a stone island so plenty of stone vs dirt," explains one RVer. Another points out, "The flattest RV sites with fair to good locations are Sites 57 and 44 (although even these will require a little leveling)."
Hookup options: Sterling State Park provides various hookup configurations. "Every site has a blacktop pad for parking or trailer setup, with many pull thru sites available," notes a reviewer. Another adds, "All of the sites in this park have 30amp electric while also boasting quite a few sites with full hookup."
Spacing and access: Harbortown RV Resort offers well-designed sites. "All concrete roads and pads. Basketball court, sand volleyball, playground, dog run, batting cages and go karts within walking distance," explains one visitor. However, some find that "the sites feel small" and recommend checking space requirements before arrival.
