Michigan's Southfield area offers camping options within 30 miles of the city center, with elevations ranging from 580 to 1,100 feet across Oakland County. The region experiences distinct seasonal camping conditions with humid summers averaging 83°F and winter temperatures often falling below freezing, making year-round camping availability at certain parks particularly valuable.
What to do
Lake activities: Proud Lake Recreation Area offers multiple water-based options. "Nice camp sites with views of the lake. Big bathrooms that are super clean! Great lake to kayak on. Trails to hike on! We will go again for sure!" notes Debra B. The Huron River access provides paddling opportunities throughout the warmer months.
Halloween festivities: Several campgrounds host special October events with family activities. At Detroit/Ann Arbor KOA, "We've been here a few times. Very close to our house just a nice little getaway. We enjoyed the Halloween weekends. We decorate big and enjoyed other decorations as well!" shares Beth G., highlighting the popular seasonal programming.
Hiking trails: The region's recreation areas maintain extensive trail systems for different 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," explains Syed M. about Proud Lake Recreation Area, pointing to the intermediate difficulty level of some pathways.
What campers like
Privacy in wooded sites: Many campers appreciate the secluded feeling at McGinnis Lake Modern Campground — Holly Recreation Area. "Sites were spacious, we loved the national forest," notes David S. The Maple loop receives specific praise for its layout: "We stayed in the Maple loop which had several semi-private sites screened from neighbors by trees. I think site #1 was one of the roomiest and prettiest."
Modern facilities: Updated bathhouses are frequently mentioned in positive reviews. Laura M. emphasizes the cleanliness at Proud Lake: "You need to know that this place is so so clean! The grounds, the sites, the bathrooms and the showers are all impeccable." Many campgrounds have recently renovated shower facilities with family-friendly options.
Community gardens: Some parks offer unique amenities. At Wayne County Fairgrounds RV Park, "My favorite aspect of this campground is that they had a community garden that you were welcome to pick from. We got tomatoes, Swiss chard, peppers, broccoli, and more," shares Nancy W., highlighting an uncommon feature for campers seeking fresh produce.
What you should know
Seasonal closures: Many campgrounds near Southfield operate on limited schedules. "I arrived for a 2 week stay in the area on 11/12. I discovered this campground was closed for the season," reports Mike M. about Wayne County Fairgrounds, which closes November through March.
Road and train noise: Proximity to highways affects several campgrounds. Trent T. notes about Harbortown RV Resort: "Another big issue is how close it is to the expressway which is noisy and there are trains that go by during the night. There must be a few crossings near by because they blew the horn for 5+ minutes at 4:30am."
Weather considerations: Spring rainfall can impact site conditions significantly. One RVer describes experiencing "a completely flooded park" after "only a few hours of moderate rainfall" at Detroit/Ann Arbor KOA, indicating drainage issues at certain parks during wet periods.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Camp Dearborn offers extensive recreation options for children. "Camp Dearborn has a lot for the kids, outdoor fun, night dance parties, cement for bike rides or rollerblading," mentions Melissa M. The paved paths throughout provide safe areas for wheeled activities.
Swimming options: Beach areas with designated swimming zones are available at several parks. Ryan S. reports, "Lots of beach area and water to fish or swim. Activities almost every night. Paddle boats, mini golf, golf, and more," at Camp Dearborn, pointing to the diverse water-based recreation.
Educational opportunities: Nature programs run seasonally at several parks. "There is a host site with activities and a lending library for books and some sporting equipment," notes John F. about Proud Lake Recreation Area, highlighting resources for families beyond standard amenities.
Tips from RVers
Concrete pad availability: Several parks offer improved sites for larger rigs. At Haas Lake Park RV Campground, John C. appreciates that "The fire rings are double insulated with sand, which made for a safer experience. And the picnic tables are in good shape." The park accommodates various RV sizes with thoughtfully designed sites.
Internet reliability: Connectivity varies significantly between parks. David B. reports about St. Clair RV Resort: "This place is beautiful and we'll absolutely be back! The entire facility was clean and staff couldn't have been friendlier. The only downside was the abysmal Verizon signal. I'm talking 3 mbps bad."
Site drainage: Rainy conditions can affect camping quality. Mea H. observes at Detroit/Ann Arbor KOA: "The chalky gravel campsites and roads are raked everyday," which helps with drainage, though some parks still experience significant flooding after rainfall that can make sites unusable.
