Searching for a tent campsite near South Rockwood? Find the best information on tent camping near South Rockwood, including sites, reviews, and tips for getting the most out of your camping experience. Would you prefer a quiet dispersed site or an established camgpround with amenities? Either way, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect place to pitch your tent.
Campground closed for renovations starting Nov 2019
White Oak Campground is a primitive campground. It has eight individual and two group campsites for tent camping. Only tent camping is permitted.
$30 - $40 / night
Island Lake Recreation Area is a 4,000-acre park in Livingston County that offers an "up north" experience without leaving southeast Michigan. The terrain is a mixture of open brush land to mature hardwood forest, with some pockets of open meadows mixed in. Island Lake is the only balloon port in the state park system. Balloons usually take off in the early morning or late evening, depending on the wind and weather.
Michigan Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into state parks and recreation areas, state boat launches, state forest campgrounds and state trail parking lots. The Michigan Recreation Passport does not cover local, county, municipal, or metropolitan parks or recreation areas. Learn more: https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/buy-and-apply/rec-pp
Campers must walk approximately 700 feet to campsite #1; 1,000 feet to campsite #2 and 1,300 feet to campsite #3. Vehicles are not permitted to drive back to the campsite. It is suggested to use a wagon to get camping gear to the campsite. The wagon is not provided.
Fireplace: Fire Ring is available. Firewood is available for purchase at the Firewood Locker for $5 plus tax, credit card only. Please deposit empty bags in designated locations.
Additional Information: This campground is a primitive campground around Wiregrass Lake. It has three (3) individual campsites for tent camping only. Please note that our campgrounds required 24 hour advance reservations via phone or online. All renters will receive an email confirmation, that must be brought with you. If you made a reservation and did not receive an email confirmation please call customer service at 419-407-9700, Monday through Friday. Due to the high volumes of campers, we may not be able to accommodate requests to move campsites with less than 24 hours notice and are subject to availability.
$20 - $25 / night
Camp Agawam is located in the heart of Orion Township, Michigan. The camp was previously owned and operated by the Boy Scouts of America, until 2014 at which point Orion Township took ownership. Camp Agawam offers a wide variety of opportunities for all ages. With roughly 140 acres, numerous campsites, rental facilities, walking trails, a chapel, and beautiful Tommy's Lake, this is truly a picturesque park in the middle of suburban life.
$20 - $30 / night
Pinckney Recreation Area is a paradise for backpackers, mountain bikers, anglers and other recreation enthusiasts. Pinckney is known for its extensive trail system and chain of excellent fishing lakes. Over forty miles of multi-use trail with remote campsites afford a backcountry experience. Pinckney is also a short drive from the Gerald E. Eddy Discovery Center in Waterloo Recreation Area.
$20 - $28 / night
Pinckney 'Rails-to-Trails' Campground is located adjacent to the Mike Levine Lakelands Trail State Park in beautiful Pinckney, Michigan and in the heart of the Pinckney Recreation Area. We are also located adjacent to the World-Famous Hell Survivors Paintball & Airsoft Playfield.
If you are planning on playing at Hell Survivors or biking/walking the Lakeland Trail, there is no closer accommodations for camping out. We offer 62 Campsites, 18 RV Sites and Group Camping for up to 10 sites. All the sites are Rustic (no power or hookups). Perfect for Special Events & Outings or Parties!
We also have Parking and Event Space available for you Special Event.
Come Camp with us and Play Paintball, Hike or Bike the 'Lakeland Trail' or just Relax.
$30 - $50 / night
The Cannaley Treehouse Village is the only public treehouse village in the country, creating an experience that is truly one-of-a-kind. Treehouse Village includes six-, four- and two-person treehouses plus three raised platforms attached to trees for tent and hammock camping.
The treehouses have electricity with heat and air conditioning. There restrooms and shower facilities are nearby.
A large common treehouse available for day uses, a group gathering place around a campfire, connecting boardwalks, a canopy bridge and a crow's nest complete the charming village in the trees.
Treehouse Village Features A six-person treehouse A four-person treehouse (ADA accesible) Two, 2-person treehouses Three tent/hammock platforms for camping in the trees A common treehouse with seating for up to 20 people (day use only; ADA accessible) A crow’s nest A canopy walk linking the common treehouse to the crow's nest Restrooms with showers Common fire pit (wood provided)
Traveler
We went tent camping for the weekend and really enjoyed it! Many tent sites available and rather spacious sites. The beach was full since it was Labor Day weekend, but clean and shallow for kids to easily play. Clean bathrooms and shower houses and lots of places to ride our bikes. A nice place to stay if you want to take advantage of the lake, Sandusky or the Lake Erie islands.
Traveler
I've been going to this campground for years, but mainly for the Halloween camping. It's a fun time of the year to go and the kids always have a blast. Most sites decorate and some site go all out with haunted houses. The campground puts on a lot of activities for the kids. Now for a little feedback: the shower and bathroom facilities need some updating. They look the same from when I was younger. With all of the money spent on sites (I tent camp), they should be a afford upgrades. The outdoor staff are always pleasant but they need cleaner outfits; the box sells the cereal. Lastly, the cost of this place is so expensive for tent campers. I get if you're actually using resources with a camper but tent sites don't use a lot. "free" pancakes are served every morning on the weekends (not sure about weekdays). Overall a nice place with a lot to do, but I only go for Halloween due to high cost. Don't let it deter you for Halloween!
Guide
I had fond memories of this place as I would come here as a child. Lots of lakes, beaches, play structures, and more open field space than you can imagine. Most of the campground is run down and in need of improvements. The tennis courts & basketball courts are nearly unusable. The pads are so weathered the lines are gone and vegetation has started growing in all the cracks. Tent camping is difficult as all the sites have large concrete pads in the middle of the site. So a tent has to be pitched next to the road or right on the line of your neighbors site. If you are in a RV this isn’t a problem. For tents, site 191 is the best. On top of a hill which overlooks the campground and lake. It’s an end site so you can spread out a bit into the adjacent field. The bath houses restrooms are in need of renovations or at least a severe cleaning. Very smelly. Showers are nearly pointless, warm water at best. For tent campers this campground is best for day use in my opinion. While the Village of Milford is a bike ride away and has lots to do, there are better places to spend a weekend.
Scout
no tent camping
Scout
Nice campground. Sites are close together and sites 60-72 or so are really tent site, not level, and need extension cord for electric. No water hookups. No ATT service.
Traveler
Well kept, quiet and fun. Bike rental was easy and did not cost too much. We had a tent site and the yurt site. Water was cold due to it being early June as expected.
Scout
Campgrounds looks very nice. Two beautiful lakes, nice wooded lots available but $40 for a primitive tent campsite is a bit much. I did not stay.
Traveler
A quite lil campground with both trailer and tent sites they also offer annual sites it’s very close to oak openings state Forest and a short drive to shopping and eating great place for bird watching and fishing
GuideNice little campground, offers both places for tent camping and RV camping. Lots to do, bike trails, walking paths, jet ski rentals, etc. Check-in people at the pavilion were nice and helpful. They also sell firewood at the pavillion. Most campsites have electric hook up and there is a dump station for RV's.
ScoutChet's place is my favorite place! They have rv and tent sites and also a few cabins. They often have gatherings in the pavilion. There's the river to fish in. Docks for your boat. It's a very family friendly place in the middle of nowhere yet close to everywhere!
TravelerWe have been going to Camp Dearborn for five years now, and our friend's family has been going for nearly sixty! They have activities for both children and adults, two beautiful beaches, a pool, tennis courts, and now a zip line. Options for camping range from tent sites to luxury cabins. We usually get a platform tent, which sleeps six people and comes with a kitchen cabana.
Guide
Don’t let the secret get too big but this place is great. Stayed there at the state park for a week tent camping and it’s wonderful. It’s clean and quiet. The facilities are close and clean. The whole island is fun with plenty of hikes and hidden beaches. Make sure to stop by the local restaurants and get some unique drinks and food. The Brandy Alexander is a must have drink,
TravelerWe will definitely be going back! Campground is on the lake and is beautiful! So many things to do! The camp is clean, has a playground, and movie night. Bath house is a typical campground bath house. We had a tent site and it was huge! Sites come with fire pit and picnic table. Beach is within walking distance of campsite.
TravelerDitto Rebecca’s and Sarah’s reviews below. Tent camped for 5 nights. Brought the dog and bicycles-easy island to bicycle on/around. Camp office now had WiFi in/near the office building. Loved being able to hear the waves on the beach even though our spot wasn’t on the beach. Lots of families and retirees. No issues with rowdy folks-quit time was quiet. Had a problem with our car and lots of folks offered assistance.
Traveler
I recently camped here at South Bass Island State Park. Because of current Covid-19 restrictions, the campground was pretty empty (which I hear is very unusual for summertime). I camped in a tent-only site on the edge of the 25 foot cliff. Great for adults, but no safety barrier for young children. Campsite #97 and#99 have fire rings right on the cliff. (I camped at #99.)
The facilities at the campground are clean and well maintained and the people who work at the camp store are friendly.
The campground is well shaded with mature trees throughout and it over looks Lake Erie to the West making for great views of the sunset. Some sites are right on top of each other and others are well spread out.
Traveler
This campground has a little bit of everything. Rv parking, tent sites and several cabins to rent. Rates are decent. Has lots of stuff for kids to do. Pools are small and can be a little crowded during the summer on weekends. They have a great splash pad and wading pool for kids. There is a new Tiki Hut to get adult drinks. A gem mine. Horseshoes, basketball court and lots of kids activities. Nice camp store that carries a little of everything. This is our second trip there.
Traveler
Staff/owner are so kind and accommodating. I can’t say enough about them. I had reservations at a different campground, but once I got there had to leave, I called crystal rock and the lady was so so kind, got me a site and gave me directions .Bathroom/shower house very clean. Lots of family activities. I stayed in a tent site and had ample space. Close proximity to cedar point and other attractions. I absolutely love this place and am so glad I called. Can’t wait to go back!
TravelerWe stayed at one of the primitive tent sites at South Bass Island State Park and had the most enjoyable time. The site was on a cliff overlooking Lake Erie. The campground was very well kept and clean. The park staff was friendly and helpful, and the park office was stocked with necessities at a decent price. If I had any complaint at all, it would be that the sites are really close together, which could be a problem at busy times. Fortunately we only had one neighbor directly beside us, and they were very nice folks. Would highly recommend this campground!
RangerWe tent-camped in well-shaded loop D, which is a non-electric tent area. Loop D is much smaller and more private than the larger non-electric area (loop A). If you're in a camper, then the area next to loop A (loop B) is your best bet for shade. We loved our stay here. It's a great base camp for exploring the area and the beach is just a short drive. I wish the bathrooms in the non-electric loop were updated, but they were cleaned on a daily basis. Daily nature programs for kids at the campground 's excellent nature center were great. Take the ferry to Put-in-Bay while you're at East Harbor, or take a road trip to the Mad River & NKP train museum in Bellevue.
GuideThis is a cozy spot with the a laid back atmosphere and very clean shower house. It's was also cool to see a campground where tent camping is thriving!
We did stay in a Travel Trailer next to seasonal campers and they were very kind and helpful. The lot size was ok...not spacious but not as small as I've experienced. They are grass sites so in the summer months you will need insect repellent at night.
The shower house is older but very well maintained and regularly clean. You can tell the owners care about the campers experience.
Lots of cool activities for kids: putt-putt, ping pong, foosball, playground, etc.
Close to so much in Sandusky and worth a stay.
GuideHad a great camping trip! Miller’s Ferry to the island. Completely Shaded. Mostly level. Some are narrow-ish. Our site 32, was long back into the open wooded area behind us. Everyone was respectful. Shower houses decent. Older and clean. Private shower stalls. Plenty of drinking water stations and grey water dump too. We were there with the mayflies 😂 harmless but plentiful! Wifi worked. Office open after 3pm-ice. Lake is beautiful. Tent sites-no electric-on the lake and are picturesque. We rented a golf cart to get around the island, which was a lot of fun. Sunsets near Perry’s Memorial are magnificent. Goat Soup and Whiskey-best restaurant! Second best-Upper Deck.
Guide
This is a quiet campground near Lake Erie. The campground seems like it’s mainly seasonal but they did have some transient camping and tent sites. We stayed at site 156. The site was large with a large grassy area right on the lagoon. There was a large flock of geese that stayed near the lagoon which meant goose poop around our site. It was also very buggy in the evenings. The electric is 50 amp. They have connectors you can use for a $25 deposit and then get your money back when you return the cord. They accept check and cash, no credit cards. The roads are paved and they have a nice outdoor pool, small playground, and small miniature golf course.
Guide
Great campground.
Pull through and back ins. Tent camping, four cabins.
50,30,20 full hookups. Electric, and water
Full wooded area with older trees, small but has all modern enmities.
WiFi
Cable
Small store stocked with all the essentials that you need for your stay.
Bath house updated and modern.
Mini golf area, children’s playground, large jenga, and other outdoor games.
K9 area plus, little poop areas, with bags available.
Pool (was closed when we were there) nice pool.
Close to stores and perfect area with gas stations that fit large vehicles.
Many areas to visit and explore.
Camping for a vacation or traveling through. Full hookups are 56.00 (as of July 2021) could change, that’s up to KOA.
Pull in, relax. They will even help with pulling in and hooking up.
Refill propane tanks at campground. Deliver wood right to site.
Guide
We were warmly greeted by the attendee and the camp host. Firewood, snacks, camp essentials, and ice available on site. Nice touch having firewood delivered to our site. The gentleman could not have been kinder and offered assistance with us setting up. The site was a larger site (#12) tucked nicely away in a corner.
Picnic Table and Nice Fire Ring onsite. Port-a-potty, dumpster near site.
Fair warning, the staff aren’t the only ones ready to greet you! Bugs, Mosquitoes, bees, and even raccoons (if food left out - which we did not). We have been to sites before that must have sprayed for pests because we have never experienced the amount of mosquitoes we did here. Thankfully we had Off Area Camp Spray, our Thermacell, and citronella burning and it helped dramatically reduce the pests.
The noise level was very “citified.” Traffic could be heard throughout the evening and early morning. That’s what we get for camping so close to civilization. Also, beware of Poison Oak and Ivy! The entire site was bordered with it.
Lastly, make sure that if you car camp or SUV Camp, you let them know. They have a policy of making you park your car/SUV in the lot after setting up your tent (if tent camping).
ScoutThe good - The staff was very friendly and helpful. The price - we were just staying the night as we were traveling so the price for a primitive tent site was far better than a hotel or Airbnb
The not so good- Bugs were persistent but the smoke from the fire seemed to keep them at bay. The bathrooms were pretty far (compared to other campsites) from the tent area.
The bad -
NOISE!!!! If you are looking for a quiet getaway go somewhere else. The campground is right on a heavily traveled roadway and seemed to be on a major ATV trail as well. The ATV’s were racing up and down the trail as well as just sitting and reving their engines.
Around 8pm someone started shooting a gun VERY CLOSE to the campground. This continued for quite some time. At around 5am some hunting dogs that I assume live on the adjoining property began incessantly howling to the point we packed up and left immediately.
Overall - we weren’t camping for an extended time so this was ok for the price and our purpose. Given the same circumstances, we would not stay here again and would gladly pay more for a reduction in the noise.
TravelerAlthough we camp in a motor home, this is one of the best tent camping spots I’ve seen. About twenty of the tent spots overlook the cliffs with great views of the water. Sites 97 and 114 sit on the edge of the cliff. This makes these two spots really unique. However, families with young children, unstable adults, and those who like to party would find these sites profoundly dangerous. The tents are two feet from the edge of the cliff.
There are no electric RV sites with a cliff-edge view. We stayed in Site 46, which was next to the restroom and just fair. The flattest RV sites with fair to good locations are Sites 57 and 44 (although even these will require a little leveling).
The campground includes very clean flush toilets and even cleaner showers (no cost for the showers). Wood and ice are available at the check-in building. In the summer there are kayak rentals.
If you haven’t been to this island everyone uses golf carts and bikes (90% golf carts). Golf cart rental shops are everywhere. We used bikes and saw the entire island. The restaurants and shops are at the other end of the island from the campground. Getting there took about twenty minutes by bike (probably seven minutes by golf cart).
We loved it here and extended our stay. The people are wonderful and the town is filled with things to do. The campground is quiet and tranquil. Rates for an RV site with electricity were $39.00 in September of 2021.
RangerI’m sitting here waiting for a flight after about 9 weeks of living in hotels. Fugured it would be a good time to write this review I’ve been holding off on. Anyway, let’s get started.
Campground Review
My buddy Stone and I didn’t really have plans for Memorial Day Weekend like everyone else, so naturally we had to make some. We decided to stay a little closer and avoid flying because that gets expensive over holiday weekends… instead we opted to go camping at Crystal Rock Campground for its proximity to Cedar Point Amusement Park! Seriously only took us like 30 min to get from camp to park.
The campground was $30/night for a tent site with no electric hookups. I understand it was Memorial Day Weekend and just happened to be Ohio Bike Week (I think) but we were packed in like sardines! Their were tent sites right next to RV sites which From what I’ve seen isn’t usually the norm. There are about 120 or so sites in the lower section of the camp all sharing one bathroom. The men’s restroom had 5 or so showers, one urinal, and one toilet. A sign on the door indicates it’s closed from 12-1 (if I remember correctly) for cleaning. I don’t know about you, but I think that one urinal and one toilet is not enough to adequately service 120 campsites. Especially at capacity, which they were when I was there. Our site literally butted right next to three other sites and it just felt very cramped. We were also the furthest from the bathroom you could be, which was quite a hike to do dishes. For these reasons, I give it a 3 out of 5.
I do imagine it would get more stars had I chosen a less busy weekend. It did have a “game room” closer to the checkin as well as a playground. I didn’t use those, but they did look nice.
Product Review
As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I get products to test from time to time. On this trip to the Crystal Rock, I tested out the Howler Brothers Aransas Shirt in Voltage Print that I got through Roanline. I give this shirt a 5/5. I’m actually wearing it right now. Here are some of my thoughts on this rad shirt:
So I got this shirt through Roanline and their packaging was super cool. I forgot to snag a pic of that but trust me. They even had a handwritten note in there that made it feel nice and personal.
Tent camping near South Rockwood, Michigan offers a variety of scenic spots where nature lovers can enjoy the great outdoors. With well-reviewed campgrounds nearby, you'll find plenty of amenities and activities to enhance your camping experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near South Rockwood, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near South Rockwood, MI is Maumee Bay State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 41 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 16 tent camping locations near South Rockwood, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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