Camping near Shelby, Michigan offers diverse options for outdoor recreation centered around Lake Michigan and inland lakes. The sandy shorelines and forested campsites remain open from April through late October with high season from June through August. Most campgrounds in the region close during winter months due to heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures.
What to do
Water recreation access: White River RV Park & Campground provides direct river access for kayaking and other water activities. "We brought our kayaks and just brought one vehicle up the river to the start point to put in and got out right at the campground," notes Cassondra P. The park offers a convenient entry point for a scenic paddle along the White River.
Dune exploration: The Silver Lake Sand Dunes area near Sun Retreats Silver Lake draws dune enthusiasts throughout the summer season. "Came here on a beautiful Fall weekend, and found it to be a dune lover's paradise!" reports Greg N. Many visitors combine dune exploration with swimming at Lake Michigan beaches.
Family entertainment: Located adjacent to an activity center, Dune Town Camp Resort provides convenient access to multiple attractions. "The campground is next to a activity center with go karts a zip line a small coaster, bumper boats and mini golf!" shares Sheldon E. The resort maintains a regular schedule of organized activities for children.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Hill & Hollow Campground & RV Park maintains exceptionally clean bathroom facilities. "The bathrooms are the cleanest bathrooms I've seen at a campground. Everything at the campground was very clean and well maintained," writes Clint. The campground's attention to cleanliness extends throughout all common areas.
Lakefront access: The private beach at The Woodland Shores Resort provides direct access to Lake Michigan sunsets. "Private beach with a steep paved walkway accessible across the street. Absolutely the best sunsets over Lake Michigan!" reports K H. Beach access ranks among the top priorities for summer campers in the region.
Pool amenities: Several RV parks maintain heated pools to extend swimming opportunities beyond hot summer days. "Nice and peaceful place. Cement parking. About 10' of grass between spots. We stayed in an area that had mature trees for shade, but the new area is open. Pool was nice," describes Craig F. about Vacation Station RV Resort.
What you should know
Seasonal operations: Most campgrounds near Shelby close between October and May. White River RV Park & Campground operates "May 1 to Oct 15," while Eastpointe RV Resort runs "May 1 - Oct 1." Winter camping options are extremely limited due to harsh conditions.
Reservation requirements: Peak season demands advance planning, especially for holiday weekends. "Hard to get a reservation," notes Sara G. about Poncho's Pond RV Park. Weekends in July and August typically book 3-6 months in advance.
Site variations: Lake Sch-Nepp-A-Ho Family Campground offers waterfront sites but location affects noise levels. "They had a really nice swimming area with a folding platform for the kids to jump off from... but the sites that run along US 31 can get quite noisy," explains Clint. Road noise impacts some campgrounds throughout the region.
Cell service: Coverage varies by provider and location. T-Mobile and Sprint connections can be unreliable in wooded areas, while Verizon generally offers more consistent coverage throughout the region.
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Hill & Hollow Campground provides multiple recreation options within walking distance. "There is a pavilion that serves hot food and ice cream (hot food ends at 5pm/ice cream till sunset.) Our kids loved walking in town and heading to the beach," shares Melissa M. Many campgrounds organize weekend activities during summer months.
Safety considerations: Lakefront sites require extra vigilance with young children. "My only thing as a parent with a young child was my son lived in his life jacket due to fear of falling in," explains Amy K. about Lake Sch-Nepp-A-Ho. Water safety remains a primary concern at lakefront campgrounds.
Entertainment options: Dune Town Camp Resort offers structured children's activities. "They had a lot of activities scheduled and my children had a blast. Crafts, hay rides, outdoor movies, and character meet and greets were all going on during the weekend," describes cheyanne P. Scheduled activities typically increase during holiday weekends.
Tips from RVers
Site surfaces: Eastpointe RV Resort offers paved sites suitable for larger rigs. "Definitely glamping. Brand new facilities. Close to downtown. Sites available right on the river," notes andrea. Most regional RV parks provide level sites with concrete pads rather than gravel surfaces.
Hookup availability: Full service connections remain standard at most Shelby area RV parks. "All of their campsites are on a concrete pad and the lawns are groomed perfectly," describes Rich F. about Sun Retreats Silver Lake. Many parks include cable TV connections among their hookup options.
Seasonal considerations: Pere Marquette Oaks RV Condominium Park operates April through November but lacks an on-site market. RVers should stock supplies before arrival at more remote locations, as convenience stores can be limited outside town centers.
