Top Tent Camping near Smiths Creek, MI

Looking for the best Smiths Creek tent camping? You can find tent campsites by type, including drive-in, walk-in, and even hike-in for a backpacking adventure. Each tent campsite offers quick access to one or more of Smiths Creek's most popular destinations.

Best Tent Sites Near Smiths Creek, MI (7)


Recent Tent Reviews In Smiths Creek

242 Reviews of 7 Smiths Creek Campgrounds


  • Estella D.
    Camper-submitted photo from Auburn Hills-Holly KOA
    Sep. 15, 2024

    Auburn Hills-Holly KOA

    Such a disappointment

    We paid 500.00 for 5 days. At first our sights were so unleveled that we had to go In And request a site change. Looked to rent the bikes as pictured, NOPE they were toddle trikes.. very deceiving! First day kids were in the pool, looked a little dirty. 2nd day , 90 degree weather the

    Pool was green! We spoke with staff and they said they were working on it. They were putting little bags of shock in.. REALLY!  The pool ended up closing stating it was related to the weather!!! Rain 3 days prior! No refund offered, site dirty, grass not mowed, dirty unkept campers in the campground, no trash pick up! NEVER EVER AGAIN! Took a ride to other nearby sites… cost less, clean, offered more activities for kid.

  • J
    Camper-submitted photo from Holly Recreation Area
    Sep. 15, 2024

    Holly Recreation Area

    One of my favorite campsites!

    Been using this campground for at least 12 years. Bathrooms are always fairly clean and there is plenty of shade. Nice ponds to view as well.

  • D
    Camper-submitted photo from Holly Recreation Area
    Aug. 26, 2024

    Holly Recreation Area

    Nice but wouldn't recommend 93

    It's a very nice campground with lots of trees and the sites are spaced out nicely in the Trillium loop. I've wouldn't pick site 93 however as the pavement is sloped and the whole site is sloped quite steeple. Also, it shares an electrical box with 95 and my camper cord was about 30 ft short.

  • D G.
    Camper-submitted photo from Holly Recreation Area
    Aug. 12, 2024

    Holly Recreation Area

    Far Away But Close To Home

    A short trip from home, this was a great weekend getaway! The camp site was spacious but tucked back in a bit (we tent camped on an RV site). The campground was quiet as well.

    We did a 7 mile loop hike and then went to Battle Alley Brewing in Holly (10 min away).

    No grate on the firepit so be aware of that.

    Would definitely come back - it’s like being up north but you’re under an hour from home.

  • N
    Camper-submitted photo from Holly Recreation Area
    Jul. 31, 2024

    Holly Recreation Area

    Love this place!

    I love to come here when I want a quick get away from home because it is only 30min away.

    The campsites are big,secluded, wooded, and clean. The people in the check in stand are nice, friendly, and helpful as well.

    I do wish there was more public bathrooms, it’s a long walk or a quick drive to the only flushable toilets in the campground.

    Raccoons run this place! Don’t leave any food or garbage out ever or you will be robbed by a gang of raccoons who are not afraid of people.

  • Carrie K.
    Camper-submitted photo from Forester Park Campground
    Jul. 7, 2024

    Forester Park Campground

    Terrible Management

    It saddens me to write such a poor review for a campground I once loved. I have been camping at Forester Campground in Sanilac County since 2005. We camp with a very large group of over 20 people. This year Sanilac County Parks allowed one person to make group reservations then each party called in and paid. This seemed like a good solution for those of us who camp in large groups and want to be by each other. However, they did not send us individual emails of confirmations. They only sent it to the individual who made the reservation. This has been a stressful year, and I could not remember what my dates were. I called Forester Campground. They told me I was due in on June 27th. When I checked in, the office staff told me I was due until the following day. I was upset, as I was given the wrong information. I asked her if I needed to pay today for the day. She said she would adjust it, since it was her staff that made the error. As I was setting up, the park manager, Steven Pozsgay came and said he“adjusted” our stay, having us leave a day earlier. This would have us leaving a day before our friends. I was very upset. He was not aggressive, but extremely unfriendly. He said if we wanted to stay another day would need to pay for it. Which, I offered when I checked in. I found out he reprimanded his staff for offering to accommodate us since the staff made the error. After serious consideration, time with our friends was more important than his attitude. So we paid for the additional night. When we went to pay, we tried to discuss with the staff why we were upset. In the middle of the conversation, the manager, Steven Pozsgay took his phone out of his pocket, dialed his phone and left the room. Leaving his staff with my sister and myself. His staff told us in his presence that our friend would no longer be able to make group reservations due to this mix up. The entire conversation deflected any responsibility of the park’s staff and management. Instead, they chose to attempt to manipulate me into feeling negatable about my handling of the situation. Last I checked, businesses were in the business of making business, not discouraging it. My sister asked what the penalty would be to cancel Labor Day and Halloween weekend. She responded that we would lose all of money we paid. Which is a lie. You are only penalized one day. However, this all could have been avoided had they sent us confirmation emails when we called in to pay. Or, Steven Pozsgay supported his employee’s way of handling the situation. Even if he would have come to me and said, she made a mistake. But no, he chose to be abrasive and inflammatory. Every year since Steven Pozsgay has taken over as manager there has been an issue with him. He is abrasive and confrontational. His management skills are poor at best. For over a year, the dump station was not operable, and he refused for campers without full hook up to dump in the full hook up lots that were vacant. If it weren’t for the location being on Lake Huron, he would lose considerable amount of business. We will finish our current reservations at Forester Campground but won’t schedule any further vacations there. We will only return when Seven Pozsgay is no longer the manager.

  • Lake George L.
    Camper-submitted photo from Water Tower Travel Trailer Park
    Jun. 30, 2024

    Water Tower Travel Trailer Park

    Bang for your buck

    Sites are long but not wide. Level. Full hookups. Wifi you can stream on. LTE cell service. Clean showers. Walking path around pond, fishing dock. $28 site, No old beaters allowed. Old clean units welcome.

  • E
    Camper-submitted photo from Outdoor Adventures Lake Shore Resort
    Jun. 25, 2024

    Outdoor Adventures Lake Shore Resort

    Crowded

    5 dollars per day, or if you are staying with family take your card to camp store to get a card that will last the time you will be. They don't tell this at the gate.

    5mph speed limit. Kidds are out of control on bicycles and walking they will dart right in front of you no desiplane. 

    Can take a long time getting in and getting to your campsite GOOD LUCK.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Oakland County Addison Oaks
    Jun. 21, 2024

    Oakland County Addison Oaks

    Excellent camping

    This is the second time staying in these campgrounds in two weeks. Both times stayed in the more wilderness area D with lots of trees and sites for tents or back-in trailers. The grounds are huge with bike/hike trails, a lake and a disc golf course. Mountain biking seems to be very popular there are dirt trails off the paved hiking loop. Sites have electricity and water and are well spaced out.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Groveland Oaks County Park
    Jun. 21, 2024

    Groveland Oaks County Park

    Tent camping at Groveland Oaks County Park

    This park and campgrounds are very manicured with tons of RV, trailer and tent sites. The lake has a small shallow swimming area and beach that gets very busy during the day but less traffic right before sunset. There are lots of family activities like mini golf, kids bike courses and playgrounds. It’s a very large open family camping area. The staff are very nice and very busy making sure the grounds are perfectly maintained. I camped in the area F on the outer perimeter just down way of the beach area. I had plenty of room for my tent, awning and to park my SUV. The was electrical and water (non potable) at the site. During the weekdays I only had a few neighbors further down in tents or travel trailers. On Thursday almost all sites filled up with travel trailers. A park employee told me they would be fully booked for the next two weeks. Very nice camping, quiet. Holly Oaks Offroad park is across the street and Holly Recreation area is adjacent. Lots of great towns nearby like Fenton.

  • Chef T.
    Camper-submitted photo from Auburn Hills-Holly KOA
    Jun. 15, 2024

    Auburn Hills-Holly KOA

    The Holly Campground in Holly, MI, Formerly KOA endorsed

    I rarely write reviews good or bad on any business ever, but this one is a BEWARE situation and I feel that fellow campers/RVer’s need to be aware of the campground!!!!

    It has been many years since we were last at this campground. I booked a sight online for a week, thankfully it was only a week! We arrived at the campground, setup our 5th wheel, attempted to set up the WiFi, only to find they have WiFi in the store but no WiFi was available for our site. I contacted the office, spoke with the owner, she said “I will send someone out there to check the “repeater” maybe something is wrong with it because we should have WiFi”, never sent anyone that we were aware of and never called me to confirm wether or not we had the WiFi working. I drove up to the store and this nice young man informed me that the further away from the store you will not get WiFi. I told him that I spoke with the owner yesterday and she said that she was sending someone out to check the repeater and we NEVER heard back from her. He proceeded to call the owner on his cell phone, of which I could hear her talking, he said bring your computer up to the store and login, then take it back to the campsite and you should be able to login”, so I went back to the campsite grabbed my ipad, then back to the store. I was able to login to the WiFi. Went back to our site, no WiFi. This is a problem for me, not having WiFi, not only for work purposes but also TV services. I called the store, same young man told me that you do not have WiFi, you will need to come up to the store for services. I said that was unexceptionable, we were told we would have WiFi, it is also advertised online and in your brochure. He said “I can’t help you, you do not have WiFi on your site”. I let it go until the next day. 

    The campground is NOT well kept. The grass/weeds was a foot long throughout the campground, it clearly had not been mowed in a few weeks. My husband took the dogs out on our site to go potty, he came back in only to find he had ticks on him and the dogs. Most likely because the grass hadn’t been mowed. After being lied to about the wifi and now the ticks, we decided that we would need to find another campground. We are 44’ long with an 8’ deck and being a Friday we knew we had some challenges ahead of us to find another campground, but we did, thank God!

    I drove up to the office and informed them of our displeasure and that we are checking out. I said we will pay for the 2 nights we have stayed here but we would like to be refunded the balance of what we prepaid (almost $400.00 dollars), and a refund for $20.00, $10.00 for each gate key we were charged. The young man called the owner on his cell phone, she said she will not refund the money. I said to the young man that was unexceptable, and I want my money back. He said he can’t refund our money. I told him I will get my money back one way or another, and that I will warn everyone about the “real” situation of this campground, his response was “ok, have a good day”, and I left. 

    If you are interested in staying at this campground, I highly suggest you take a ride and go see it for yourself. They are very expensive, overpriced for the campground conditions and amenities , and services that are stated online and in the brochure are not accurate! If you want to save yourself the headache, disappointment and loss of your hard earned money, STAY AWAY FROM THIS CAMPGROUND!!!

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Groveland Oaks County Park
    Jun. 13, 2024

    Groveland Oaks County Park

    Park is nice but open to the public…

    The spaces are nice and open. The playgrounds are new. There’s and arcade and beach. The downfall is that ots open to the public. This is our 4th year coming here and its now a common occurrence for stranger danger. If you’re an adult with no kids, you’ll have a great time!

  • H
    Camper-submitted photo from Covenant Hills Camp
    Jun. 5, 2024

    Covenant Hills Camp

    Group camping for Sukkot

    We had a large group of families with varying ages and abilities.  We used multiple different styles of cabins and a few RV sites, as well as various buildings for activities.  All in all, it was an incredible time and I highly recommend it.  Staff was helpful with activities such as archery but, seldom seen if not directly helping with things.  It was nice to feel like we had the run of the place but, still know that help was available if we needed it.  The location is pretty great, off the beaten path but, within 30 minutes of major stores and conveniences. 
    Laundry facilities would have been awesome since we were staying a full week but, there was a laundromat only about 15 minutes away. 
    The food selection was about what you'd expect in a public school cafeteria and resulted in health-minded guests needing to make their own meals in the cabins and meals were VERY rushed, only allowing 30 minutes for our large group to get their food, eat and be out of the building. 
    The grounds were well maintained for a rustic campground but, bathrooms and meeting buildings were adequately upgraded and offered pleasant amenities, such as a game room, large gym and decent air conditioning.  

    We had a great time here and look forward to returning one day!

  • E
    Camper-submitted photo from P.L. Graham Park & Campground (Former Boy Scout Camp)
    May. 28, 2024

    P.L. Graham Park & Campground (Former Boy Scout Camp)

    Tent Camping

    My boyfriend and I only reserved one night and it was wonderful. Our site was in the woods and just what we needed. Walker was very welcoming and super generous! We did a lil walk around the grounds and saw a few people fishing and they had some catches. Walker brought us wood for our fire and it was well worth the fee for the amount he gave us. He truly was great! We definitely enjoyed our stay and would definitely recommend.

  • D P.
    Camper-submitted photo from Metamora-Hadley Recreation Area
    May. 13, 2024

    Metamora-Hadley Recreation Area

    OK for last minute trips.

    I have stayed here over 100 times in past thirty years. Front camp sites are better than back. Staff are friendly. The only rude person here is the camp store owner. Fishing is great, boat, kayaks, trails for everyone. If it rains everything is mud if your in the back camp section.

  • D P.
    Camper-submitted photo from Holly Recreation Area
    May. 13, 2024

    Holly Recreation Area

    Over 30 years of camping here.

    It's always great to spend time at Holly. The only downfall is the public bathroom. Camp sites are pretty big. Tent camping is also A bad place to hang out as nothing is level for tents.

  • Rebel A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from P.L. Graham Park & Campground (Former Boy Scout Camp)
    May. 4, 2024

    P.L. Graham Park & Campground (Former Boy Scout Camp)

    Tent Camping

    We showed up fresh off the road from AZ starting a new life here in the great state of Michigan. Two gentlemen met us right at the entrance they seemed to be doing work around the area. The Manager was on the tractor and greeted us right away. I explained we were looking for a place to camp with our dogs. I told him I found him on this app "the dyrt". He explained it would cost $15.00 dollars a night and we paid for two nights. He sold us a great bundle of wood for 10$!!! You can NOT bring your own wood in.

    The Manager informed us of updates that should be coming to the campground as well and I'm very excited for this place to get updates. It's perfect as is but a shower would be amazing to have.

  • Howard M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Pontiac Lake State Recreation Area
    Apr. 29, 2024

    Pontiac Lake State Recreation Area

    A great getaway that's not too far

    A very quiet campground. The sites are spread out and only 2 vehicles per site are allowed. The East campground is more open and had 3 small cabins that can be rented. The West camping is more wooded and isolated. An extensive horse back riding trail system and MTB trails are easily accessible.

  • lisa M.
    Camper-submitted photo from Lexington Park Campground
    Jan. 2, 2024

    Lexington Park Campground

    Quite park and a hidden gem of a campground

    I absolutely love the old tall trees throughout the campground. You are within walking distance to the water . Most campsites have a good view of the water . Great playground for the kids . Star gazing was amazing. We saw many shooting stars sitting on the beach at night Bathrooms are always clean. There is a little lending library. Park staff was very friendly and helpful. They will deliver your wood to your campsite.

  • T
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Agawam
    Nov. 13, 2023

    Camp Agawam

    Great retreat for Canadians

    I come down to Detroit from Windsor every year to camp in Michigan with friends and this year we went to this very nice campsite in Orion Twp and I loved it. This was the first year we started our trip in Toronto, thanks to a solar company at https://www.solarpowertoronto.com/ who installed solar panels on our RV. We were able to camp from Toronto to Orion Twp and had a great time. Will be doing the same next year.

  • Mandy B.
    Camper-submitted photo from Metamora-Hadley Recreation Area
    Sep. 4, 2023

    Metamora-Hadley Recreation Area

    Great spot for weekend camping with the family

    We camped here in our Coleman Lantern over Labor Day Weekend 2023. It was busy but everyone was respectful of one another. The community restrooms, dump station, and dumpsters were well maintained throughout the weekend. The camping store was well stocked for all of the things we forgot to pack but was expensive. The park is extremely sandy so be prepared. Overall it was a quiet, peaceful weekend in a great location. We will definitely be back!

  • Zachary W.
    Camper-submitted photo from Holly Recreation Area
    Sep. 2, 2023

    Holly Recreation Area

    Slopes

    Nice campground. A lot of woods. Any site above 80ish is very hilly and may be difficult to level an RV. The beach is nice even though it's about a mile away.

  • Brad L.
    Camper-submitted photo from KOA Campground Emmett
    Aug. 17, 2023

    KOA Campground Emmett

    Management

    Horrible management here. You need to wear a wristband everywhere and at all times. Dumb gate that needs to be scanned to let you in. They guide you into your site which is extremely annoying and freak out if you go the wrong way on the one ways. Just way over controlling on you and you can’t enjoy camping.

  • T
    Camper-submitted photo from Outdoor Adventures Lake Shore Resort
    Jul. 27, 2023

    Outdoor Adventures Lake Shore Resort

    Very large campground, tight sites

    Membership campground, membership fees are WAY overpriced, check FB Marketplace for folks selling their membership.

    Campground is huge, with more than 700 sites. Most sites are very cramped and right up against you're neighbors, but there are some nicer spots scattered throughout the campground. Tons of activities, several outdoor pools, indoor pool with hot tub, game room, splash park, lazy river, kayak and paddleboats rentals.

  • Gary G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Holly Recreation Area
    Jun. 29, 2023

    Holly Recreation Area

    Peaceful, when basketball stops

    We thought we'd give Holly Recreation Area a try. Campground is in "loops", each fairly apart from each other. The closest "lake" was mostly lillypads and scum. No swimming there, but the lake with the beach (and overpriced lake inflatables, $20 for 60 minutes use!) was a drive (or looong walk) from my site. (We're in the Oak Loop).

    Playground equipment leaves much to be desired. Old swings and slide here, down a ways it's a climbing dome and some other metal thing. I don't know what genius thought putting a basketball court right next to a camping area was a good idea, but the constant "blap blap blap" sound got tedious real quick. Speed limit is 10mph, people seem to add 10 to that, so watch the kiddos. I even saw an official State van zip by my site at at least 15 to 20mph. Not great.

    Every site is paved, which is nice, but I've never seen SO many unlevel sites. Some slope back, some forward, or to the side. I mean virtually every site in this loop is unlevel. I'm not exaggerating in the least. Hard to believe they thought this was OK. I drove each loop, noting the level ones, which was only a handful total.

    We're close enough that we should get all the Detroit TV stations, yet I can get none. T-Mobile only gets LTE, which is slow.

    Vault toilets in the loops, modern restrooms/shower out on the main park road. Unless you like long walks, expect to bike or drive to them. The modern facility near me was ok, showers ok, but there were lots of spiders in the stall I used. What's a lot? I counted 15 on the walls. It IS camping though, so kind of expected.

    It is pretty though, very wooded, but sites clear & well spaced. (though, again, mostly all unlevel to some degree.) Road and site pavement is in good condition, and sites clearly marked.

    I doubt we'll return here.

  • Janet R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Lexington Park Campground
    Jun. 2, 2023

    Lexington Park Campground

    Lexington Sanilac County Park campground

    I had intended to stay at nearby Lakeport State Park, but they were full and this was a happy alternative. The park is quieter, and the campsites are under tall pines instead of out in an open field. Full immaculate restrooms and showers. Beach area adjacent and park with playground and picnic area. Wonderful to be near Lake Huron! Nearby town of Lexington has stores and cafes. We tent camped; there is a section for small RVs also, with electric or electric and water hookups. I would choose this lovely campground over Lakeport!



Guide to Smiths Creek

Camping near Smiths Creek, Michigan, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. From family-friendly parks to serene spots for RVs, there's something for everyone.

What to do:

  • Beach Time: Enjoy the sandy shores at Lakeport State Park Campground. One camper mentioned, "The beach was rocky, so don’t forget to pack some water shoes, but we left with a whole cooler filled with cool rocks!"
  • Biking Trails: Explore the trails at Addison Oaks County Park. A visitor shared, "There are 26 miles of bike trails and hiking. Many in the park are paved."
  • Fishing and Wildlife Watching: Head to Algonac State Park Campground for some fishing. One reviewer said, "So relaxing watching the ships. Large lots."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the well-maintained restrooms and showers at Lakeport State Park Campground. A happy camper noted, "The bathrooms were kept up well and the showers were squeaky clean."
  • Spacious Sites: Many enjoy the roomy campsites at Port Huron KOA. One reviewer stated, "Large campground. Level sites with room between them."
  • Family Activities: Families love the activities available at Addison Oaks County Park. A visitor mentioned, "Lots of socially distanced activities for the kids and a scavenger hunt."

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: If you're looking for peace and quiet, Lakeport State Park Campground might not be for you. One camper said, "This is a noisy, crowded, smokey RV park with no privacy."
  • Mosquitoes: Be prepared for bugs, especially at Algonac State Park Campground. A camper warned, "The mosquitoes were extremely bad this year."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Emmett KOA, may have restrictions. One reviewer noted, "You need to wear a wristband everywhere and at all times."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Pack Water Shoes: The beaches can be rocky, especially at Lakeport State Park Campground. A camper advised, "Don’t forget to pack some water shoes."
  • Bring Outdoor Games: With plenty of space at Port Huron KOA, families can enjoy outdoor games. One visitor said, "Lots for kids to do. Pools, basketball, etc."
  • Plan for Activities: Check out the planned activities at Addison Oaks County Park. A camper mentioned, "Planned activities on weekends."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site, especially at Algonac State Park Campground. One reviewer noted, "The site was sizable with some care taken to abate some puddles."
  • Watch for Road Conditions: Be cautious of the campground roads, as some may be in disrepair. A camper at Algonac State Park Campground mentioned, "Soo many ruts that I was deeply concerned for the undercarriage of both my truck and camper."
  • Bring Extra Supplies: Some campgrounds may not have stores nearby. A visitor at Emmett KOA said, "Market is not available."

Camping near Smiths Creek, Michigan, has its ups and downs, but with the right preparation, you can have a great time enjoying the outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Smiths Creek, MI?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Smiths Creek, MI is Port Huron KOA with a 4.2-star rating from 11 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find tent camping near Smiths Creek, MI?

    TheDyrt.com has all 7 tent camping locations near Smiths Creek, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.