Royal Oak sits at the edge of Michigan's Clinton River watershed, where several state recreation areas create a buffer between Detroit's metropolitan sprawl and the more rural landscapes of Oakland County. Most campsites near Royal Oak sit at elevations between 900-1,000 feet above sea level, offering predominantly oak-hickory forests with sandy soils. Winter camping options remain limited with only select sites maintaining plowed roads from November through March.
What to do
Mountain biking trails: Proud Lake Recreation Area features trails that accommodate both beginners and experienced riders. "When I need a weekend get away but don't want to drive to far this here is the spot! The facilities are kept up quite well and the campgrounds are secluded enough. As for the trails, that's what I love the most," notes Jessika A. about Proud Lake Recreation Area.
Disc golf course: Addison Oaks County Park maintains a full disc golf course within walking distance of campsites. "Addison Oaks is a campground that features hiking and mountain biking trails, campground, cabins, disc golf course, and a lake for boating," explains Kate K. about Oakland County Addison Oaks.
Water recreation: Several lakes offer swimming, fishing and paddling opportunities with rental equipment available. "It has a boat launch and a canoe/kayak livery on site," writes John F. about Proud Lake. For families, Holly Recreation Area provides more structured water activities: "Beach is nice. Has a water park on the lake," says Ethan R.
What campers like
Modern bathroom facilities: Many campers praise the updated bathhouse facilities. "The bathhouse is new and very nice. There are a few sites on an incline and that made it hard to get in and out of our fifth wheel," shares Stephanie C. about Proud Lake Recreation Area.
Secluded campsites: Despite proximity to urban areas, many sites offer privacy. "You need to know that this place is so so clean! The grounds, the sites, the bathrooms and the showers are all impeccable," reports Laura M. about Proud Lake. At Pontiac Lake Recreation Area, "Camp site was nice with blacktop pad and once parked felt very secluded and could barely see site past truck in parking spot," according to Daniel.
Halloween events: Several campgrounds host special fall camping events. "Proud lake is very nice, some other campers arnt so happy campers an complain, but other than that a nice place, we've been going to halloween camping for the past 2 years, decorate your site and the kids get dressed up an go trick or treating in camp," Justin G. mentions.
What you should know
Distance to amenities: Many campgrounds separate recreation areas from camping loops. "The lake is not within walking distance, you would need to drive," cautions Renee R. about Pontiac Lake. At Holly Recreation Area, "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," advises Ethan R.
Bug preparation: Spring and summer campers should pack ample insect repellent. "There are tons of mosquitoes and ticks, so make sure you bring bug spray. Also make sure that all food and garbage is secure at night, the raccoons have no fear," warns Kristina J. about Pontiac Lake.
Site variations: Campgrounds feature dramatically different site layouts and privacy levels. "This site was very nicely kept but felt a little like a sardine can. SO many RVs and children EVERYWHERE kind of ruined the relaxed calm one looks for when camping," Jennifer O. notes about Proud Lake.
Tips for camping with families
Water activities: Camp Dearborn offers extensive water recreation options. "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," reports Ryan S.
Playground access: Many campgrounds maintain multiple play areas. "They have kids activities on the weekends, a lake for swimming, great playgrounds and everything is really clean," Wendy K. says about Addison Oaks County Park.
Bike-friendly roads: Paved campground roads provide safe cycling options. "Camp Dearborn has a lot for the kids, outdoor fun, night dance parties, cement for bike rides or rollerblading," Melissa M. shares.
Tips from RVers
Extension cord needs: At some campgrounds, electrical hookups can be positioned far from RV pads. "If you are hoping to hook up to electrical, bring extension cords; some hook ups are exceptionally far away from the designated RV parking pad," advises Mary H. about Pontiac Lake Recreation Area.
Dump station locations: Most campgrounds offer sanitary dump stations, but locations vary. "The sites were very nice, and so were the bathrooms. Lights is fun activities for the kids for halloween. Lots of rules to follow, but the place has a nice atmosphere overall. Very large campgrounds... Quite the walk to the showers if you're staying up on the hill," notes Mary W. about Camp Dearborn.
Site leveling challenges: Some campgrounds feature sloped terrain requiring leveling equipment. "Arrived to a super friendly guy Chris that escorted us to our site. We have a pull thru that was very spacious with a long driveway. Nice lake view across the road," Karen C. explains about Haas Lake Park RV Campground.
