St. Charles is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your St. Charles camping trip.
$25 - $101 / night
"Quietly tucked into Clinton co Michigan. Sleepy is easily accessible. Its close to Lansing. There are shopping centers nearby. Country party store is closer!! Very large lake....Ovid is her name!"
"Because we didn't get any shade from the nearby trees we had to run the ac which is unusual for us in Michigan. We were in the midst of a heat-wave though and it was much appreciated."
"Beautiful view of the lake and functional facilities make this a pleasant stay for a small family."
"I think the lake is fully private so no license required to fish. and it's stocked.
They have some nice little cabins and pontoon boats you can rent."
"It's a typical Michigan state campground, not much different. Nice bathrooms and big lots."
"The near by nature preserve is a great place to take a hike or bike ride. There are a couple restaurants right outside the park entrance."
"We weren’t able to sit outside because of the direct sun until after 8:30pm.
This was a smaller lot with our neighbors fairly close."
"There’s private land on either side and a dirt bike track that the neighbor owns on the north end, so if you’ve got a light afternoon napper, stay away from that end."
$35 / night
"Very nice prayer trail."
"We were visiting family nearby and this was a convenient location. We found there to be a lot for kids to do."
"If you drive a larger rig and have any concern about backing in, the owner is always willing to back your trailer in with the tractor. We have a 40’ fifth wheel and they have helped us every time."
TravelerPull up, grab a registration envelope, look for a spot then part. Fill out the registration. Put one portion of it on the clip at the spot number market, keep another portion then return the completed envelope and $20 cash or check per night plus $19 for Michigan recreation passport (if you don’t already have one). They will mail you the passport, keep receipt for proof. Vault toilets available, some river spots, some secluded spots, clean. Saw DNR in the morning checking on everything.
TravelerEasy friendly check-in. Firewood prices are cheaper than on roads in. Small and large bags of ice at a good price. Great for families. Clean facilities. They do spray for mosquitoes, so that wasn't too bad at all even in the heat of August. We stayed at 106, the description was on point, level and shaded. Campers were super friendly. We had no complaints about the campground itself but it would be nice if there was an RV lights out policy at night. It's really hard to sleep in a tent when your neighbors RV "porch" light is on literally all night shining in the tent while your neighbors are sound asleep in RV. We had to ask our neighbors politely to turn their outside LED light strips off the second night. They were great about it but, didn't seem to realize it would bother tent campers next to them.
RangerSo, this campground looks nice at first, with lots of trees on the sites. However, once you really start looking at them, none have a camping pad, so it’s random parking on the grass. Lots of moving around to get your electric hooked up to the shared and oddly placed power poles. Make sure to come with an extension cord - one member of our party had their power halfway into their neighbor’s site through a bunch of bushes. The sites near the entrance are very crowded together and filled with large loud groups. (please don’t park any extra vehicles hanging out over the road…) And cleaning the bathrooms at 8:30 and 9:30 in the MORNING? Bummer for tenters. It’s ok for a quick stop, but wouldn’t want to stay here too long. I would expect better from a State Park.
TravelerNice campground. Paved sites. Some are pretty secluded. Downside is that the campground and stuff to do, are far apart. Bring a bike or drive. Beach is nice. Has a water park on the lake.
GuideWater and electric and a dump station. Near downtown Clare, nice park with pavilions, no reservations needed. Sites are within the city’s park so there’s local traffic.
ScoutThis campground used to be great. I don't know what happened I believe they have so many seasonal that they have become the bread and butter. Don't seem to care bout weekender. Every time you turn around there's another rule and/ or fee. It has gotten to the point we no longer enjoy the place. We will never come back! I understand having rules but this is ridiculous. They advertise all these amenities but ya got to pay for it all as well as the site rental. They have gone downhill in customer service. The office staff is very rude as well as the campground seasonal that patrol and watch your every move.
Scoutit's a alright campground,quit,few things it could use,like another playground ,water hookups,and WiFi other than that it's good.
GuideThe campground has a private lake that’s good for swimming and fishing. The sites are decently sized with most being easily gotten into with an RV. Plenty of hiking/biking trails easily accessed from the campground. Only 2 downsides to this campground are the showers (not very clean and very small), and it’s very busy.
GuideStayed here the first night of July 4th weekend. Full campground and sites are close together and crowded. With the large camping trailers and 2-3 vehicles per site, it felt claustrophobic. A good number of sites are not level. Bathrooms were well maintained and people were courteous. I would not stay here again because it felt packed with people.
Camping near St. Charles, Michigan, offers a great mix of outdoor fun and relaxation. With several campgrounds in the area, you can find the perfect spot to enjoy nature, whether you're in a tent, RV, or cabin.
Whether you're looking for a quiet getaway or a fun family adventure, camping near St. Charles, MI, has something for everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best campgrounds near St. Charles?
The St. Charles area offers several excellent camping options. Seven Lakes State Park Campground stands out with its lakeside sites, boat launch, and beach access. The park features over 20 wooded sites with paths leading to the water. Another top choice is Sleepy Hollow State Park Campground, which is easily accessible and situated near Lansing with shopping centers nearby. The park surrounds a large lake (Lake Ovid) offering fishing opportunities with dedicated fishing docks. For families seeking activities, Groveland Oaks County Park provides numerous recreational options in a well-maintained setting.
What amenities do St. Charles campgrounds offer?
Groveland Oaks County Park features extensive amenities including a lake with swimming area, water slide, arcade, boat rentals, mini golf, biking trails, fishing spots, skate park, and multiple playgrounds. The park offers full hookup areas separated from weekend traffic. Holiday Shores RV Park provides convenient booking by phone with helpful staff who can accommodate campers of all experience levels. Other campgrounds in the area typically offer electric hookups with shared water access, clean facilities, and wooded sites. Many campgrounds feature lakes for swimming and fishing, boat launches, and hiking trails.
When is the best time of year to camp in St. Charles?
The ideal camping season in St. Charles runs from late spring through early fall (May to September), with peak conditions in summer. Herrick Recreation Area offers spacious, wooded sites perfect for summer camping with lake access for swimming, fishing, and kayaking. Early May at McGinnis Lake Modern Campground provides a quieter experience with heavily wooded sites and excellent hiking trails. Visiting in early spring or fall means fewer crowds and more peaceful surroundings, though some campground amenities and activities may be limited or closed during these shoulder seasons. Summer weekends tend to be busiest, especially at family-oriented parks.
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