J
John S.
Scout
ScoutProud Lake Recreation Area
Peaceful area.
The lake is very weedy. But silver lake or Bishop lakes are close.
Camping near Southfield, MI
77 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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Camping near Southfield, Michigan encompasses a variety of state recreation areas, county parks, and private campgrounds within a 30-minute drive of the city. The surrounding Oakland County region features several well-maintained camping facilities including Proud Lake Recreation Area in Commerce Township, Pontiac Lake Recreation Area in Waterford, and Highland Recreation Area in White Lake. These state-managed properties provide access to lakes, trails, and wooded areas while remaining close to suburban amenities. Camp Agawam and Addison Oaks County Park offer additional camping options with varying levels of development. As one camper noted about Proud Lake, "For a short drive, I got a huge campsite, a lake view, very clean bathrooms, well-kept hiking trails, and easy access to kayaking docks."
Most campgrounds in the Southfield area operate seasonally from April through October, though several state recreation areas maintain year-round accessibility. Summer reservations are strongly recommended, particularly for weekend stays when facilities often reach capacity. Michigan Recreation Passports are required for entry to state-managed properties. Weather conditions are typical of southeast Michigan with humid summers reaching into the 80s°F and occasional thunderstorms. Spring and fall camping offers milder temperatures but potentially muddy conditions. Cell service is generally reliable throughout the region, with stronger signals at campgrounds closer to metropolitan areas.
The camping experience varies significantly between facilities. Modern campgrounds like Haas Lake Park RV Campground and Groveland Oaks County Park provide full hookups, shower facilities, and family-oriented amenities including playgrounds, beaches, and boat rentals. According to reviews, Groveland Oaks features "lots of family activities like mini golf, kids bike courses, playgrounds, and a lake for swimming." For those seeking a more rustic experience, Highland Recreation Area offers simpler accommodations with fewer amenities but more natural surroundings. Most campgrounds accommodate both tent and RV camping, with several also offering cabin rentals or yurt options for those without camping equipment.
Best Campgrounds near Southfield (77)
1. Proud Lake Recreation Area
"I had no clue what to expect when booking so close to a few major cities in Michigan. I love feeling secluded while camping and was nervous this would feel like parking lot camping."
"First, I'd like to say that I was born and raised in Northern Michigan. That's where I'm used to camping and hiking. I moved to the metro Detroit area a few years ago."
from $32 - $286 / night
Check Availability2. Haas Lake Park RV Campground
"Nice lake view across the road. This location has 4 lakes. There is plenty of nature. Lots of trees along a nature trail. Cranes and ducks in the water . The first night was super quiet!"
"I highly recommend Hass Lake campgrounds. It is a very clean, quite, Beautiful campgrounds."
3. Pontiac Lake Recreation Area
"Only drawback is the distance from the lake. The lake is not within walking distance, you would need to drive."
"Beach is a 1.8 mile hike from the East loop in the campground but is well worth the walk."
from $20 - $80 / night
Check Availability4. Camp Dearborn
"Booked a two week stay at Pontiac Lake Rec. area in Whitelak, MI. Huge sites not stacked on top of one another. They have electric hookups, but only 30 amp."
"You will either need a longer electrical cord or if you can back your RV up far enough to reach you will need something to put under your steps to make them touch the ground."
from $47 / night
Check Availability5. McGinnis Lake Campground — Holly Recreation Area
"Group area is away from the main area. Kayak lakes are nice. Excellent hike/bike trails. Park is located just down the road from the Holly Oaks Off road park."
"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."
from $27 - $80 / night
Check Availability6. Bishop Lake Campground — Brighton Recreation Area
"Campground Review: Bishop Lake is a great campground located in the middle of the Brighton Rec Area. The upper and lower campgrounds are both modern, with every site including electric."
"Great family place with paved and dirt biking/hiking trails. Very nice beach with grass and sand. There are 2 areas of inflatables, one of them is for the little kids 48 in. and under."
from $32 - $37 / night
Check Availability7. Addison Oaks County Park
"The park has a beautiful 2.5 mile trail around the lake that makes this campground great. We brought our own kayaks but they do rent boats. We saw deer and rabbit."
"Cell phone tower is close by. We especially enjoy the intermediate level mountain bike trails. Showers are hot. Lots of deer to see at dusk."
8. Highland Recreation Area Campground
"Great time to unplug and just enjoy our surroundings and begin to learn our own creativity!"
"This is one of our family's favorite close to home sites. Extra large camp sites, lots of room for the kids to run around. Extensive trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding."
from $20 - $186 / night
Check Availability9. Camp Agawam
from $20 - $30 / night
Check Availability10. Groveland Oaks County Park
"This campground has a lake for swimming, water slide, arcade, boat rentals, mini golf, biking trails and fishing. Lots for kids to do... also skate park and 2 playgrounds."
"Large campground with lots of trails and activities (although we camped in early May so many activities were not open)."
from $28 - $48 / night
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Drive Time
- 13 min from Detroit, MI
- 29 min from Ann Arbor, MI
- 41 min from Monroe, MI
- 49 min from Flint, MI
Recent Camping Photos near Southfield, MI
133 Photos of 77 Southfield Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Proud Lake Recreation AreaD
Haas Lake Park RV Campground
Pontiac Lake Recreation AreaS
Highland Recreation Area Campground
Camp Dearborn
Wayne County Fairgrounds RV ParkS
Addison Oaks County Park
Detroit/Ann Arbor KOAM
Clear Water Campgrounds
McGinnis Lake Campground — Holly Recreation Area
Groveland Oaks County Park
The Holly Campground
Recent Reviews near Southfield, MI
530 Reviews of 77 Southfield Campgrounds
- HHarold N.
TravelerKOA Campground Emmett
Great Campground
We had a great stay! Didn’t enjoy any of the activities but heard they were a blast. We enjoyed the texted alerts on activities. This was our second trip with our new rv, just chilled and enjoyed. It was a bit noisy at night, it’s to be expected with children and the generation we live in today. Overall a great experience! Hope to return soon to enjoy the activities.
Justin S.ScoutGreen Lake Rustic Campground — Waterloo Recreation Area
Awesome place
It's a nice Lil tucked back campground with a nice Lil fishing lake its quite and relaxing been here a few times this year so far plan on a few more
Michael M.
GuideSterling State Park Campground
Nice stop
Sterling State Park, Quick Two-Night Stay
We stopped at Sterling State Park for two nights and had a really nice stay. We were on an electric-only site, but the view and the short walk to the beach were awesome.
If you can score one of the sites along the edge of the campground that overlooks the beach, or one that backs up to the woods, I’d definitely recommend it. Those sites have a much better setting. Most of the other sites are more out in the open, with very little shade and not much of a view.
The central part of the campground feels busy and crowded, but surprisingly, most of the sites are actually spaced out pretty well. We didn’t use the bathhouse, so we can’t comment on its cleanliness or condition.
The campground itself was neatly mowed, and the staff seemed to do a good job keeping up with the grounds and general maintenance. We didn’t notice much trash or anything else that would be a negative.
The beach right in front of the campground was probably our favorite part. It was clean, spacious, and never seemed particularly busy while we were there.
Overall, Sterling State Park was a great stop for a couple of nights. If you can get one of the better-located sites, especially along the beach or woods, it makes the stay even better.
- ssusan V.Scout
Indian Creek Camp & Conference Center
Nice family campground
Pool, nice playground, small putt putt course, rec room and other activities available. We are retired and just needed overnight camping and the only site available was tiny and right on the curve of the road. Our firepit and picnic table were less than 10 feet from the road so not private at all. We felt it was overpriced for the site. Others were better but none very private(smallish and no trees).
Gary G.GuideSterling State Park Campground
State Park, almost zero trees
Why the Dyrt has this place listed under "glamping" is beyond me. This is very far from that. A state park, some FHU sites, some pull thru, but it's almost like camping in a prairie. There's so very few trees here, so almost every site will be full sun. Full, blisteringly hot, sun.
It's an ok campground, but that's it. Host (each time we were there) did nothing that we could see. People tend to drive fast here, even staff.
It's right on Lake Erie, which can be good/bad, depending on if the toxic algae blooms are occuring.
City of Monroe is nearby for whatever you might need. (Aldi, etc)
Even though this park is close, it's just not one we like to choose because of the barren feel of the place. (We've been here three times)
- Gary G.Guide
Metamora-Hadley Recreation Area
Nice state park
As usual, there's only electric at sites, but the pedestals seem fairly new, and tight. South loop is nicely wooded & has a newer, larger restroom/shower building, not much lake view. The north loop is a little less wooded, with the NW end having a little better lake views, but a pretty ancient restroom/shower facility.
Across the lake is the day use area with a beach and concession stand. (There's a small camp store in the north loop.)
ADA Only sites are asphalt paved. Some of the regular sites could be a challenge to get level on, but the rangers told me they have wood blocks for loan if you don't have enough.
Our first night & a half, we had some terrible neighbors two sites over. Constant profanities, yelling at & threatening their kids... real dirtbags. Rangers booted them from the park! Good to see them taking such positive action. I have not run into a single staff member here that wasn't pleasant.
This was our first time here. A test run, since it's only an hour from home (but feels farther). We'll be back for sure. (Especially with gas prices so high anymore.)
T-Mobile was only slow LTE at our site, but our Starlink worked perfectly at our site. Might be harder to get a clear shot in the more wooded areas of the park.
Dana B.ScoutGroveland Oaks County Park
Absolutely beautiful
My husband and I actually took our first camping trip in our new camper to this location, but we are novice when it comes to campgrounds. It was nice because there was always an attendant at the office to help. They gave clear and concise directions. The grounds were impeccable. Everything looked fantastic. We have even considered being seasonal here because it is so beautiful.
GinnyTravelerGroveland Oaks County Park
Well kept park :)
Pretty with trees, although you do have very open views if you like more growth... weekend activities... family park, you need to be able to walk a ways to enjoy all their games, activities and beach...
Guide to Southfield
Camping sites near Southfield, Michigan range from modern facilities with full hookups to rustic tent sites offering more natural surroundings. The topography features a mix of wooded areas and open fields with terrain elevations between 800-950 feet above sea level. Summer temperatures typically peak in the high 80s°F with nighttime lows in the 60s, while spring camping often features temperature swings of 30+ degrees between day and night.
What to do
Mountain biking on challenging trails: Pontiac Lake Recreation Area offers highly-regarded mountain biking trails for various skill levels. "The trails available here are where I learned to mountain bike, they're not the easiest but they are not so challenging that you won't have fun," notes Syed M. Trail access requires a Michigan Recreation Passport for vehicle entry.
Paddling and kayaking: Proud Lake Recreation Area provides excellent water recreation options including a boat launch and rental facilities. "There is a boat launch and a canoe/kayak livery on site," explains John F. The Huron River access point offers calm waters ideal for beginners and families.
Disc golf courses: Several parks feature well-maintained disc golf facilities, particularly at Addison Oaks County Park. "I enjoyed the trails, disc golf and overall wonderful Park staff! Extremely clean and well-kept," shares Joe S. Most courses are free to use with park admission, though some may require equipment rental.
What campers like
Private, wooded sites: Highland State Recreation Area offers rustic camping with substantial privacy between sites. "The sites are very private and spacious in the primitive camping area. The natural scenery is STUNNING with fields of flowers and trees," explains Adrienne C. The campground operates year-round with vault toilets and no electrical hookups.
Clean, modern facilities: Many campers praise the quality of facilities at Holly State Recreation Area, particularly the bathrooms and showers. "The bathrooms are clean and it has hot showers and a place to do your dishes as well," notes Stephanie H. Most modern campgrounds provide hot showers included with your stay.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Several campgrounds offer excellent wildlife spotting chances. "We ran up on a group of probably 70 wild turkeys on the trail!" shares one Highland Recreation Area visitor. Early morning and dusk provide the best wildlife viewing times, with deer, waterfowl, and small mammals commonly seen.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most popular campgrounds fill quickly, especially during summer weekends. Reservations can be made up to six months in advance through the Michigan DNR website for state parks or county reservation systems for county parks.
Site limitations: Some campgrounds have specific limitations on tent placement. At Camp Dearborn, "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," explains Brad S.
Bug preparation: Pontiac Lake State Recreation Area and other local campgrounds can have significant insect activity. "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. Bug activity peaks from late May through August.
Tips for camping with families
Dedicated kid-friendly activities: Groveland Oaks County Park specializes in family camping with numerous organized events. "We joined a group site and meet up every major holiday at Groveland. We feel like we went up North without the driving four hours. The park is well laid out and includes a ton of fun activities for young and old," shares Mike N.
Halloween camping events: Several campgrounds offer special Halloween activities. "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, theres a costume contest and hay rides, fun family atmosphere," describes Justin G.
Water recreation options: Water features rank high for family satisfaction. "Bishop Lake has a nice lake for swimming, fishing or paddling," states one reviewer. Most water recreation areas operate from Memorial Day through Labor Day, with some extending into early fall depending on weather conditions.
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: Many RVers recommend carefully checking site details before booking. "We travel in a 42 ft motorhome and suggest if you are traveling in a large rig, drive through the park to find an appropriate site. We had called ahead but the site they had reserved for us would not have worked," advises Carol W. from Haas Lake Park RV Campground.
Extension cord requirements: At some campgrounds, the electrical hookups may be positioned inconveniently. "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," notes Mary H. from Pontiac Lake Recreation Area.
Waste removal services: Some campgrounds offer convenient on-site services. "Hass Lake campgrounds has full running showers, waterfront, fire rings, clean water, full hook ups, and a waste removal service at your camp site if needed," explains Joseph S. These services typically cost $10-15 extra but save disconnecting your RV.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Southfield, MI?
Which is the most popular campground near Southfield, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Southfield, MI is Proud Lake Recreation Area with a 4.4-star rating from 18 reviews.
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