Best Tent Camping near Sterling Heights, MI

Tent camping options near Sterling Heights, Michigan include several established campgrounds within reasonable driving distance. Camp Agawam in Lake Orion Township provides tent camping in a park-like setting, while Island Lake Recreation Area in Brighton offers walk-in tent sites with natural surroundings. Both locations maintain facilities specifically designed for tent campers seeking outdoor experiences without traveling far from the metropolitan area.

Tent sites at most campgrounds feature level ground with a mix of grassy and dirt surfaces. Camp Agawam provides drinking water, fires, picnic tables, and toilet facilities without electric hookups, making it suitable for traditional tent camping. Island Lake Recreation Area maintains more rustic tent options, including unique boat-in only campsites along the Huron River. A visitor noted, "Island Lake provides a backcountry, boat-in camping experience very close to town," highlighting the park's ability to create a wilderness feel despite its proximity to urban areas. Most tent campgrounds in the region require reservations, particularly during summer months when demand increases.

Several tent-focused campgrounds offer varied natural settings with different levels of seclusion. Appleton Lake Campground provides more primitive tent camping with sites that are "fairly secluded from each other," according to one camper. These tent-only areas typically feature fire rings and space for vehicles and tents but minimal amenities. Tree cover varies between locations, with Appleton Lake offering mature trees and rustic conditions ideal for tent campers seeking a more authentic outdoor experience. Island Lake's special canoe camps feature shared amenities like vault toilets, provided firewood, and waste facilities accessible only by water, creating a unique tent camping experience that separates visitors from the typical campground environment.

Best Tent Sites Near Sterling Heights, Michigan (10)

    1. 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."

    2. Port Huron KOA

    12 Reviews
    Clyde, MI
    38 miles
    Website
    +1 (810) 987-4070

    "Got to watch out for kids buzzing around on banana bikes and golf carts cruising around. We stayed a couple times this summer."

    "This is probably the best campground in Michigan. Lots of activities to do. Swimming pools, bicycles for rent, playgrounds, pizza, children's train, etc."

    3. D-bar-A Scout Ranch (Boy Scout Use Only)

    1 Review
    Metamora, MI
    28 miles
    Website

    "This is another great scout ing campground with cabins, rustic camping, tent sites, lakes, horses to ride, this is one HUGE camp ground for scouts to enjoy and learn.."

    4. Island Lake Recreation Area

    4 Reviews
    Brighton, MI
    35 miles
    Website
    +1 (810) 229-7067

    "Island Lake Recreation Area is home to two Huron River Canoe Camps. The sites are boat-in only (!) meaning you must haul any and all gear in a kayak or canoe for your stay."

    "Island lake really does feel like you’re up north with the hours spent on I-75. There are great hiking trails that give novice and Intermediate hikers a chance to sharpen their skills."

    5. Appleton Lake Campground

    8 Reviews
    Brighton, MI
    41 miles
    Website
    +1 (810) 229-6566

    "Each site has a fire ring and ample space to park your vehicle and set up a tent or small trailer. My only complaint is the vault toilets were not clean and very full."

    "Picnic table pit ring outside toilets best site was 24 17$ dollars a night 3 parks Brighton recreational is for Rv and electric sites indoor plumbing hot showers Murry is only for weekend visits Appleton"

    6. Hilltop Campgrounds

    2 Reviews
    Lapeer, MI
    35 miles
    Website
    +1 (810) 664-2782

    7. Crooked Lake Rustic Campground — Pinckney Recreation Area

    2 Reviews
    Pinckney, MI
    50 miles
    Website
    +1 (734) 426-4913

    $20 - $28 / night

    "The views of the lake are awesome, it’s a great slice of wilderness in this part of the state. Wish there were better noise restrictions and the campgrounds were more separated."

    "We could see the lake and had an outhouse right nearby."

    8. PINCKNEY RAILS-TO-TRAIL CAMPGROUND

    1 Review
    Pinckney, MI
    47 miles
    Website
    +1 (734) 878-1148

    $30 - $50 / night

    "Would prefer more shade but this is very nice place"

    9. Genesee Otter Lake Campground

    3 Reviews
    Otisville, MI
    48 miles
    Website
    +1 (810) 793-2725

    10. Crystal Creek Christian Campground

    1 Review
    Columbiaville, MI
    44 miles
    Website
    +1 (810) 691-4372
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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Sterling Heights, MI

12 Photos of 10 Sterling Heights Campgrounds


Tent Camping Reviews near Sterling Heights, MI

406 Reviews of 10 Sterling Heights Campgrounds


  • Neil T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 31, 2021

    Seven Lakes State Park Campground

    Great waypoint when camping across the UP

    Vibe: Woodland getaway with no flash and really nice sites. 

    Cleanliness: Sites are above average. Vault toilets are…vault toilets. 

    Facilities: Nothing flashy. Wish there was a few additional water filling points and that the dumpsters were all located near the camp entrance/exit. But really nothing to complain about. 

    General spots: Large, very well treed, gravel, picnic table and fire ring. 

    Privacy: Can see neighbors through sites, but better privacy than most places. 

    Our site: 39. Could drive circles around inside it. Even has a tree in the middle of it with room to drive all the way around it(not with a trailer). Depending where you set up your rig, you may need an extra long extension cord. 

    Noise: Quiet. Occasionally hear wolves howling. Cell signal(Verizon): 1 bar. No internet loads. Text messages will send and receive. Sometimes immediately, sometimes hours later. Other: Wish we had a chance to explore the lakes. Sounds like the swimming and fishing is good. Saw several kids on bikes toting rods.

  • Christopher P.
    Sep. 5, 2021

    McGinnis Lake Modern Campground — Holly Recreation Area

    Quiet, well kept state park

    Just a quick overnight tent camp with my son. Tent sites are relatively well spaced out and clean. Fire rings and picnic tables at each site.

    Modern bathrooms and shower rooms are available.

    Many playgrounds, horseshoe pits, and a basketball court available.

    Firewood and ice available at the front gate.

    RV spaces are well spaced out and give a sense of privacy. Electrical hook ups.

    Cabins available for rent as well.

  • Rodger M.
    Sep. 19, 2021

    Ridgewood Campground

    An Quick Camping Escape

    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).

  • Don H.
    Jul. 9, 2019

    Island Lake Recreation Area

    Hidden Canoe Camps

    Island Lake Recreation Area is home to two Huron River Canoe Camps. The sites are boat-in only (!) meaning you must haul any and all gear in a kayak or canoe for your stay. The sites, Canoe Camp #1 and #2, can be only be reserved by calling or visiting the main office.

    This is an awesome place to stay, especially if you live in the area, as it provides a backcountry, boat-in camping experience very close to town. The sites each feature a fire ring and picnic table. Canoe #1 sports a floating dock to tie up boats. There is also a vault toilet, and firewood provided for both sites to share, as well recycling and trash cans.

    The sites and common area (toilet and garbage cans) are connected by short trails and you may, once in awhile, hear the folks at the site next to you. Thankfully, In my experience, people have always been friendly and respectful.

  • Ryan F.
    Oct. 20, 2021

    Brighton Recreation Area

    Lake Murray Rustic Sites

    This was our first camping experience in Michigan, so we weren’t exactly prepared. My rating takes this into consideration.

    First of all, if it’s rainy or muddy, you might want to think twice about entering the rustic camping area. We have a 4Runner, so it was no problem but a few little cars did slide around and have trouble on the hill by our site.

    Our site wasn’t level, so we were rolling around a bit. If I went there again I’d try to find a spot towards the end of the loop by the exit. These sites were higher and some of them were private. I’d examine the map carefully because some of the sites were horrendously open and basically on the road. Maybe good for a vehicle with a rooftop tent or a trailer of some sort, but it would have been annoying for us. Site M22 was big and far enough away from other campers, but again not level. Probably a good location for a group of hammock campers.

    All that aside, the biggest problem was mosquito activity. The camping area sits on an inaccessible lake with a marsh area.

    When we rolled in the first thing we noticed was that everyone had screen houses set up.

    We didn’t have anything but our tent and a hammock with a big net so everyone got bitten up while cooking and hanging out by the fire. It was pretty miserable. Yes, I realize this is mostly our fault.

    I’ve since purchased a thermacell backpacker and some bug net hats and stuff. I’m looking into constructing an ultralight screen house that can be suspended from trees.

    The last problem was drunk campers hooting and hollering all night but that isn’t the camping areas fault.

    This place is super close to where we are living so I’ll probably schedule it next spring and come prepared. There are lots of nearby lakes and recreational trails so it’s a fun place to be with family.

  • Mike B.
    Sep. 3, 2018

    Appleton Lake Campground

    Quiet, private rustic campground

    I liked that this campground had sites that were fairly secluded from each other. Each site has a fire ring and ample space to park your vehicle and set up a tent or small trailer.

    My only complaint is the vault toilets were not clean and very full.

  • Brad S.
    Jul. 13, 2019

    Camp Dearborn

    Lots of campground space. Too much as they can’t maintain it all

    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.

  • Kate K.
    Aug. 24, 2019

    Ortonville Equestrian Campground — Ortonville Recreation Area

    2 Great Lakes & A Horse Camp

    The campground here is actually a quite popular equestrian campground. There is a campground and a staging area. Rustic vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings. The campground itself isn’t really much to write home about (unless you have horses that is). The lakes and launches are however very nice and there are some great trail systems through the area.

  • Mary H.
    Jul. 14, 2019

    Pontiac Lake Recreation Area

    Quick get away

    Wonderful place for a quick get away. Park is clean. Beach is a 1.8 mile hike from the East loop in the campground but is well worth the walk. (Trail is not stroller/wagon friendly) 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. Extensive mountain biking trails and the lake is open to boating, kayaking, and other water sports. Park offers lots of private sites! We stayed in site 118 and could not see neighboring sites! The site was very spacious and offered picnic table, fire ring, paved pad, and electrical hook up. (hook up in this specific site was considerably far away.)


Guide to Sterling Heights

Tent campsites near Sterling Heights, Michigan can be found within a 30-60 minute drive in several directions. The region features a mix of oak-hickory forests and wetland ecosystems with elevations ranging from 580 to 1,060 feet. Most campgrounds in the area experience warm summers with average highs around 83°F in July and August, while spring and fall camping offers milder temperatures between 55-75°F.

What to do

Hiking and trail exploration: At Crooked Lake Rustic Campground in Pinckney Recreation Area, campers can access multiple hiking trails with lake views. "The views of the lake are awesome, it's a great slice of wilderness in this part of the state," notes Jordan D., highlighting the natural appeal of the area despite being just 45 minutes from Sterling Heights.

Fishing from docks: Island Lake Recreation Area provides good fishing opportunities for families with children. "Nice campground for family and activities. Good dock for the kids to fish," reports Mary O., making it a practical option for anglers looking for accessible shoreline fishing near tent campsites.

Paddling and water access: Appleton Lake Campground offers kayaking opportunities on a small, motorboat-restricted lake. "Appleton lake is perfect for kayaking or very small fishing boats," explains Melissa M., making it ideal for tent campers who bring their own watercraft for exploration.

Trail running: The mature forest setting at Appleton Lake creates good conditions for runners. "Great trails - perfect for trail running," mentions Peter in his review, pointing to the recreational diversity available beyond just camping and water activities.

What campers like

Secluded tent sites: Camp Agawam provides tent camping with multiple recreation options. "This park is great! It has campsites, a playground, swimming, fishing, an outdoor amphitheater (with concerts!), pavilion rentals, and disc golf!" explains James P., highlighting the versatility of this location for tent campers near Sterling Heights.

Urban-adjacent natural settings: Tent campers appreciate locations that feel removed from city life despite being close to Sterling Heights. "This was a great slice of wilderness in this part of the state," notes a camper about Crooked Lake, emphasizing how these nearby campgrounds create a nature experience without requiring extensive travel.

Boat-in camping experience: For tent campers seeking something different, consider PINCKNEY RAILS-TO-TRAIL CAMPGROUND. "Campers are very friendly, management is beyond friendly," reports Mike L., though he notes a preference for "more shade" at certain sites.

Small, quiet campgrounds: Tent campers often mention appreciating the modest size of campgrounds near Sterling Heights. "A nice, small, rustic campground with a lake access," says Eric H. about Appleton Lake Campground, pointing to the appeal of simpler camping experiences within driving distance of Sterling Heights.

What you should know

Limited amenities at rustic sites: Many tent-focused campgrounds have basic facilities only. "Each site has a fire ring and ample space to park your vehicle and set up a tent or small trailer," explains Mike B. about Appleton Lake, while noting "vault toilets were not clean and very full," highlighting the trade-offs of rustic camping.

Wildlife encounters: Be prepared for local wildlife at tent sites. "Once it got dark, we were fighting off about 10 raccoons all night," reports Angie H. about her experience at Appleton Lake Campground, suggesting secure food storage is essential at these locations.

Site selection matters: At most tent campgrounds near Sterling Heights, some sites offer better experiences than others. "Staff helped us choose a site that had good views and felt private (SITE #22)," shares Cathy E. about Crooked Lake, though she notes "It was a little slanted, but it didn't bother me."

Seasonal considerations: The best tent camping near Sterling Heights runs from April through October, with most campgrounds closing or reducing services during winter months. Some locations like Crystal Creek Christian Campground specifically operate from "May 1 to October."

Tips for camping with families

Kid-friendly amenities: Port Huron KOA offers extensive family activities beyond basic tent camping. "Tons to for kids, multiple pools including a zero entry, jumping pillow, ice cream stores, old west town hayrides, train rides($), multiple parks," explains Lindsey S., making it suitable for families wanting entertainment options.

Quiet weekdays, busy weekends: When camping with children, timing matters for noise levels. "Campground is peaceful during week- due to cabins can be very roudy and crowded on weekends," notes Lindsey S. about Port Huron KOA, suggesting midweek stays for families seeking quieter experiences.

First-time camping spots: For families new to tent camping, certain sites offer good introductory experiences. "Great starter campground which is just what we wanted - my buddy and I took his 6 year old camping for the first time," shares D.G. about Appleton Lake, indicating its suitability for children's first camping experiences.

Budget-friendly options: Families can find affordable tent camping with sufficient activities. Crystal Creek Christian Campground offers rates as low as "$15 a night for rustic tent camping" with amenities including "horse shoes, swimming (man dug pond) hiking, basketball, volleyball," according to Tammy P.

Tips from RVers

Sites for small RVs: While most campgrounds near Sterling Heights favor tent camping, some accommodate compact RVs without hookups. "We are full timers here for the winter into spring," notes Alicia A. about Hilltop Campgrounds, adding "The campground here is simple but the people are so friendly."

Solar power benefits: Some campers use solar setups for extended stays at these minimal-hookup sites. "This was the first year we started our trip in Toronto, thanks to a solar company who installed solar panels on our RV. We were able to camp from Toronto to Orion Twp and had a great time," shares Tyler C. about his stay at Camp Agawam.

Trailer size limitations: Many tent-focused campgrounds near Sterling Heights have restrictions on RV size. Appleton Lake is described as "Not for RVs and no hook ups," by Melissa M., indicating the site prioritizes tent camping over RV accommodation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Sterling Heights, MI?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Sterling Heights, MI is Camp Agawam with a 5-star rating from 2 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Sterling Heights, MI?

TheDyrt.com has all 10 tent camping locations near Sterling Heights, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.