Tent campsites near Riverview, Michigan range from rustic sites with vault toilets to more developed options with shower facilities. Most camping areas sit on flat terrain, with an average elevation of 600 feet above sea level, making setup easier than more mountainous regions. Summer temperatures typically reach 75-85°F during day, dropping to 55-65°F at night, with moderate humidity near Lake Erie and inland lakes.
What to do
Water activities on Lake Erie: At Maumee Bay State Park Campground, campers have access to several lakes suitable for fishing and boating. One visitor notes, "A beautiful and extensive boardwalk constructed by the Ohio Civilian Conservation Corps is available only for foot traffic. Bike rentals are available."
Trail exploration: The recreation areas around tent camping sites near Riverview feature well-marked hiking paths through various ecosystems. A visitor to Wiregrass Lake Metropark describes it as "a nice spot to sit by the water, enjoy the local wildlife and relax," though warns to "bring the deep woods Bug juice as standing water seemed pretty much the landscape."
Fishing opportunities: Multiple lakes near camping areas allow for productive fishing. Campsites at Wiregrass Lake are described as having "a very nice camping atmosphere" where "the lake offers great fishing opportunities."
What campers like
Site privacy: The vegetation and layout at many campgrounds create secluded spaces. A camper at Crooked Lake Rustic Campground shared that "The views of the lake are awesome, it's a great slice of wilderness in this part of the state," making it perfect for tent campers seeking separation from others.
Proximity to urban areas: Despite being near cities, many campgrounds maintain a wilderness feel. A reviewer at Camp Agawam called it a "Perfect little park in the middle of suburbia" with "campsites, a playground, swimming, fishing, an outdoor amphitheater (with concerts!), pavilion rentals, and disc golf."
Waterfront access: Many sites provide direct access to lakes and rivers. A visitor to Appleton Lake Campground noted it has "a nice, small, rustic campground with a lake access" making it convenient for water activities.
What you should know
Facility variations: Bathroom and shower facilities vary widely between campgrounds. At Maumee Bay State Park, one camper reported "Very clean, however, bathhouses are shared between two loops. Each bathhouse only has two shower stalls, which may necessitate a wait when the campground is full."
Seasonal considerations: Insect activity increases during summer months near water bodies. As one Maumee Bay camper advised, "My only tip would be to bring plenty of bug spray in the summer, there are lots of bugs that come off the lake. Also make sure you bring jackets and blankets, even in the summer it can get pretty cool in the evening."
Wildlife encounters: Some camping areas have active nocturnal wildlife. A visitor to Appleton Lake Campground warned, "The camp site itself was nice, but once it got dark, we were fighting off about 10 raccoons all night. Definitely went somewhere else the next night."
Tips for camping with families
Secure areas: Choose campgrounds with defined boundaries for younger children. A parent camping at Maumee Bay State Park shared, "One of my favorite things about this campground is that your spots are close together which is great for safety, however with the bushes and brush, it feels super private."
Biking opportunities: Look for flat terrain that accommodates beginning cyclists. One camper mentioned that Maumee Bay "is also an amazing place to ride bikes, everything is flat and there are also plenty of bike paths."
Shower access: For longer stays with children, choose campgrounds with shower facilities. According to a visitor at Wiregrass Lake, amenities include "a picnic table, fire ring, and a trash and free wood box that is fully stocked," though bathroom facilities are limited.
Tips from RVers
Site specifications: Check pad dimensions before booking. At Maumee Bay, a reviewer noted, "All camper pads are paved and long enough to accommodate large RVs. Some have concrete pads for picnic tables, although the sites in our loop did not."
Hookup availability: RV campers should verify utility options. According to a review, "Large state park with 256 campsites, all with electric (20-30-50 amp) hookups. Sites 1-11 and 21-29 have full hookups (water, sewer, electric)."
Ground conditions: Seasonal moisture can affect site stability. An RVer at Maumee Bay warned, "We stayed there in early May, we didn't have reservations so they had three sites open. We took the driest spot we could find. The ground was soft and marshy."
