Best Campgrounds near Sterling Heights, MI

Camping near Sterling Heights, Michigan encompasses a mix of county parks, state recreation areas, and private campgrounds within a 30-mile radius of the city. The area features several established campgrounds with varying levels of amenities, including Addison Oaks County Park in Leonard, Pontiac Lake Recreation Area in Waterford, and Bald Mountain Recreation Area in Lake Orion. Most sites accommodate tent camping, RVs, and many offer cabins or yurts for those seeking alternative accommodations. Algonac State Park Campground, located along the St. Clair River, provides opportunities to watch freighter traffic while camping. As one camper noted about Proud Lake Recreation Area, "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."

The camping season in the Sterling Heights area varies by location, with some parks like Pontiac Lake and Bald Mountain Recreation Areas open year-round, while others such as Addison Oaks operate seasonally from May through mid-October. Summer weekends are particularly busy, with many campgrounds requiring reservations well in advance. Mosquitoes can be problematic during warm months, especially in rustic areas near marshlands. Weather conditions are typical of southeastern Michigan, with hot, humid summers and cold winters. Most developed campgrounds provide drinking water, toilets, and picnic tables, though amenities vary significantly between locations. Cell service is generally reliable throughout the region, with better coverage at campgrounds closer to urban areas.

Camping options range from modern sites with full hookups to more rustic experiences. Family-friendly campgrounds like Groveland Oaks County Park offer extensive recreational facilities including beaches, playgrounds, and boat rentals. More secluded experiences can be found at places like Ridgewood Campground in Shelby, though campers should be prepared for some road noise at locations closer to highways. Many campgrounds are situated on or near lakes, providing opportunities for fishing, swimming, and boating. Visitors with larger RVs should check site specifications before booking, as not all campgrounds can accommodate big rigs. Most locations are pet-friendly, though specific rules regarding pets vary by campground.

Best Camping Sites Near Sterling Heights, Michigan (60)

    1. Addison Oaks County Park

    13 Reviews
    Lakeville, MI
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (248) 858-1400

    "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."

    2. Pontiac Lake Recreation Area

    17 Reviews
    White Lake, MI
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (248) 666-1020

    $22 / night

    "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."

    3. Ridgewood Campground

    2 Reviews
    Washington, MI
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (586) 781-4242

    $25 - $50 / night

    "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."

    4. Bald Mountain Recreation Area

    3 Reviews
    Lake Orion, MI
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (248) 693-6767

    "The trails are well maintained and well marked. There is also tons of clean, easy to access lakes within the park too. Perfect for kayaking, paddle boarding, or fishing."

    "Great trails and kids friendly."

    5. Algonac State Park Campground

    23 Reviews
    Algonac, MI
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (810) 765-5605

    "I've stayed all over michigan, and this is one of the best. Your right close to the water, so you can watch the ships. I was very comfortable here, and I had my dog."

    "Great campground with access to the beautiful St. Clair River as it runs between Lake Huron and Lake St. Clair."

    6. McGinnis Lake Modern Campground — Holly Recreation Area

    32 Reviews
    Ortonville, MI
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (248) 634-8811

    $27 - $30 / night

    "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."

    7. Proud Lake Recreation Area

    16 Reviews
    Wolverine Lake, MI
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (248) 685-2433

    "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."

    8. Camp Agawam

    2 Reviews
    Auburn Hills, MI
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (248) 391-0304

    $20 - $30 / night

    "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."

    9. Oakland County Addison Oaks

    3 Reviews
    Lakeville, MI
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (248) 693-2432

    "Addison Oaks is a campground that features hiking and mountain biking trails, campground, cabins, disc golf course, and a lake for boating."

    "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."

    10. Haas Lake Park RV Campground

    17 Reviews
    New Hudson, MI
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (248) 437-0900

    "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."

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Showing results 1-10 of 60 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Sterling Heights, MI

421 Reviews of 60 Sterling Heights Campgrounds



Guide to Sterling Heights

Camping near Sterling Heights, Michigan, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor lovers. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family adventure, there are several campgrounds to explore.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Enjoy scenic trails at Pinckney State Recreation Area. One reviewer mentioned, "The beach was a very nice place to spend the day. The lake was very warm and the swimming area had a nice depth gradient to satisfy good and not-so-good swimmers."
  • Fishing: Head to Algonac State Park Campground for great fishing spots. A visitor shared, "I have not camped here but had a family member use the campground while visiting the area. They spoke very highly of it. They have a large camper and stayed for a few nights."
  • Disc Golf: Check out Proud Lake Recreation Area for a fun round of disc golf. One camper noted, "Had a great time. Clean campground, and activities to do."

What campers like:

  • Spacious Sites: Campers appreciate the roomy sites at Bishop Lake Campground. A reviewer said, "Well maintained and up kept with some neat features and trails."
  • Clean Facilities: Many enjoy the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers at Lakeport State Park Campground. One visitor remarked, "The bathrooms were kept up well and the showers were squeaky clean with warm water running the whole shower."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often mention the helpful staff at Holly Recreation Area. A reviewer stated, "The people in the check-in stand are nice, friendly, and helpful as well."

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can get noisy, especially during peak times. A visitor at Lakeport State Park Campground said, "This is a noisy, crowded, smokey RV park with no privacy."
  • Wildlife: Be cautious of raccoons at McGinnis Lake Modern Campground. One camper warned, "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."
  • Site Conditions: Some sites may have uneven ground, which can be tricky for tents. A reviewer at Bruin Lake Campground mentioned, "Tent camping is also a bad place to hang out as nothing is level for tents."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Activities for Kids: Look for campgrounds with family-friendly amenities. At Groveland Oaks County Park, one camper noted, "There are lots of family activities like mini golf, kids bike courses, and playgrounds."
  • Plan for Crowds: Popular spots can fill up quickly, especially on weekends. A visitor at Haas Lake Park RV Campground mentioned, "It fills up fast.... we go every year, 6 families in total."
  • Safety First: Keep an eye on your kids, especially in busy areas. One camper at Groveland Oaks County Park expressed concern about "stranger danger" due to the park being open to the public.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Conditions: Before booking, check the site conditions. A reviewer at Algonac State Park Campground noted, "The roads were inexcusable for a campground."
  • Electric Hookups: Many campgrounds offer electric hookups, which is a plus for RVers. A visitor at Proud Lake Recreation Area mentioned, "The facilities here make you feel like you’re at a Hilton."
  • Plan for Dump Stations: Be aware of where the dump stations are located. A camper at Sterling State Park Campground said, "The dump station is at the first buildings. So fill up before you head down to the campground."

Exploring the sterling, MI campgrounds can lead to memorable adventures for everyone. Whether you’re camping in an RV or pitching a tent, there’s something for everyone in this area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Sterling Heights, MI?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Sterling Heights, MI is Addison Oaks County Park with a 4.5-star rating from 13 reviews.

What parks are near Sterling Heights, MI?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 parks near Sterling Heights, MI that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.