Oakland County features several seasonal camping options within a 30-45 minute drive of Southfield. The area's terrain consists of rolling hills and numerous small lakes with elevations between 700-1,000 feet above sea level. Luxury tent accommodations and yurt rentals remain available from April through October at most parks, with limited winter options at select locations.
What to do
Mountain biking on local trails: Pinckney Recreation Area's Potawatomi Trail provides challenging terrain for cyclists. "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 a visitor to Proud Lake Recreation Area.
Kayaking on multiple waterways: Several lakes offer paddling opportunities within short distances. "The lake was amazing to swim at night..must to it," shares a camper at Blind Lake Rustic Campground, which requires a 7-mile hike or 2.5-mile paddle to access.
Disc golf courses: Several parks maintain full courses for disc golf enthusiasts. "I enjoyed the trails, disc golf and overall wonderful Park staff! Extremely clean and well-kept," reports a visitor to Addison Oaks County Park.
Fall camping events: Halloween-themed weekends run throughout October. "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," mentions a camper at Proud Lake.
What campers like
Modern bathhouse facilities: Many campgrounds feature recently renovated bathroom buildings. At McGinnis Lake Modern Campground, "The bathrooms and showers were clean, there were a lot of activities for the whole family, and the camp site was nice and shaded."
Variety of accommodation styles: Options range from platform tents to luxury cabins. "We have been going to Camp Dearborn for five years now, and our friend's family has been going for nearly sixty! 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."
Access to swimming areas: Multiple parks offer beach access with designated swimming zones. "Nice state park with clean bathrooms. Bike and walking trails. Also has a smaller lake good for kayaking and fishing. It has a boat ramp to put into Lake Erie," reports a visitor to Sterling State Park.
Privacy levels vary by park: Some locations offer more secluded sites. "Sites were spacious, we loved the national forest," notes a camper at McGinnis Lake.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most glamping sites book quickly, especially for weekends. For Blind Lake Rustic Campground, "Reservations can be made ahead for 1 of the 10 sites at Blind Lake. I had campsite 3, which is right on the lake. Sites 4, 5, 6 and 7 are right along the trail. Avoid 1 and 2 which are narrow, gravelly and at the top of the hill."
Seasonal closures: Many facilities close between October and April. "I arrived for a 2 week stay in the area on 11/12. I discovered this campground was closed for the season," reports a visitor to Wayne County Fairgrounds RV Park.
Site selection considerations: Many parks offer varied landscapes within the same property. At Addison Oaks, "We stayed in area A in a water/electric site. It was a Boo Fest weekend. Lots of socially distanced activities for the kids and a scavenger hunt (finding clues on signs in park to solve a mystery). There 26 miles of bike trails and hiking."
Traffic noise at certain locations: Some campgrounds sit near highways. "This is a typical fairground campground with open grassy areas for campsites surrounded by barns and tracks. The fairgrounds is located just off I-94 which makes for easy entrance and exit to the campground, but means there is lots of road noise."
Tips for camping with families
Water recreation options: Several parks feature splash zones specifically for children. "The park has a large beach, boat rentals, bike paths plus a BMX area and several playgrounds. Most of the activities (IE beach and rentals) open Memorial Day," explains a visitor to Groveland Oaks County Park.
Entertainment amenities: Many locations include organized activities. "Camp Dearborn has a lot for the kids, outdoor fun, night dance parties, cement for bike rides or rollerblading," shares a reviewer.
Safety features: Look for campgrounds with updated facilities. "The sites were very nice, and so were the bathrooms. Lights is fun activities for the kids for halloween. Lots of rules to follow, but the place has a nice atmosphere overall," notes a visitor to Camp Dearborn.
Site spacing considerations: Family-oriented parks often have closer quarters. "This campground has the feel of 'up north' as it is wooded and tucked away in an oasis of water, greens, and wildlife galore. The bathhouse is new and very nice. There are a few sites on an incline and that made it hard to get in and out of our fifth wheel."
Tips from RVers
Full hookup availability: Several parks offer complete connections. "We got a secluded campsite, and it's gorgeous- tucked into the woods and was easy to back into. There is no water hookup- but you can fill up and dump at the front of the campground," explains a visitor to McGinnis Lake Modern Campground.
Site dimensions and surfaces: Pad types vary by location. At Sterling State Park, "Sites are nice and large paved slabs, most trees are immature offering little shade. Beach is kept fairly clean and raked often. Bathrooms and showers are good."
"Buddy site" configurations: Some parks feature shared common areas. "A number of the campsites are 'buddy' sites meaning your patio opens to your neighbors so be careful which one you pick. This is pretty undesirable when the neighbor is a total stranger."
Off-season access: Several parks remain open for winter camping. "The park is open all year, making the Blind Lake campground a popular stop for hikers in the winter."
