Wes C.
Scout
ScoutIndian Meadow Ohio Turnpike RV Lot
Great overnight
The Ohio Turnpike Travel Plaza RV spaces are in a level paved lot, pull-through and equipped with electric hookups. The cost is only $20 but the machine only takes cash.
Camping near Tipton, MI
118 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
Developed campgrounds near Tipton, Michigan span across several recreation areas in the Irish Hills region. Ja Do Park Campground, situated directly in Tipton, offers family-oriented camping with electric hookups and seasonal operation from May through mid-October. W.J. Hayes State Park Campground in nearby Onsted provides access to Wamplers Lake with options for tent camping, RV sites with electric hookups, and cabin accommodations. The area features a mix of state park facilities, private campgrounds, and conference centers with varied amenities and terrain throughout Lenawee County.
Access to camping areas varies seasonally, with most private campgrounds operating from April through October. The Michigan state park campgrounds like W.J. Hayes maintain year-round accessibility, though amenities may be limited during winter months. "There's a nice little mile nature trail through one of those loops. There's a nice dog run that we took advantage of. There's a couple of lakes where you can fish and kayak," noted one camper about Hayes State Park. Roads throughout the region are generally well-maintained and accessible for standard vehicles, including those pulling RVs and trailers. Most campgrounds in the area require reservations, particularly during summer weekends and NASCAR race weekends at the nearby Michigan International Speedway.
Campers consistently highlight the lakes and water access as primary draws to the region. Several campgrounds provide direct access to lakes for fishing, swimming, and boating activities. Ted Ranch Campground sits across from Michigan International Speedway and serves as a quieter alternative to the track's infield camping during race weekends. Lake Hudson Recreation Area offers more rustic options with electric sites but no shower facilities. Many campgrounds in the area maintain a family-friendly atmosphere with organized activities. As one visitor to Ja Do Park mentioned, "Lots of fun activities for the kids, hayrides, slip and slide, playground and a whole rustic area to explore while you search for leprechauns." Shade coverage varies significantly between campgrounds, with sites along the outer loops of established campgrounds typically offering more privacy and tree cover.
Best Campgrounds near Tipton (118)
1. W. J. Hayes State Park Campground
"It has access to Wamplers Lake and there are several other lakes near by. The area is quiet and clean."
"Very nice, lots to do in surrounding area. Lake is pretty. Nearby MIS. Hidden Lake Gardens are absolutely beautiful to wander around."
from $35 - $160 / night
Check Availability2. Indian Creek Camp & Conference Center
"I was right next to a cow field. The cows did not moo all night and there was no foul order. I needed no amenities so I can't vouch for that"
"not close to any stores if your forgot something
- gravel roads
Pros:
- family owned and operated
- small campground kid friendly
- free kid activities
- everyone was very nice"
from $38 - $60 / night
Check Availability3. Lake Hudson Recreation Area
"This small campground (about 40 sites) is well off the beaten path, but still easy to access by road. This is the perfect campground to get back to nature."
"My site has a path right out to the lake. My 2p tent could easily fit on this lakeside spot but it is sadly much too windy on the lake today."
from $27 - $100 / night
Check Availability4. Ted Ranch Campground
"My husband and I visit Ted Ranch every year for the NASAR race at Michigan International Speedway. This year, my review is changing a little bit."
"This place is across the street from Michigan international speedway and sure beats fighting all the people/campers in the infield campgrounds!"
from $25 / night
Check Availability5. Ja Do Park Campground
"Very friendly and family oriented the do activities right down the street from the lake and they make you feel like one big family :)"
6. Camp Sequoia
"Lots of shade trees, beautiful well groomed trails for walking. Even a dog park, which our Golden Retriever really enjoyed."
from $65 - $75 / night
Check Availability7. Hidden Lakes RV Resort
from $67 - $90 / night
Check Availability8. Sugarloaf Campground — Waterloo Recreation Area
"It is usually easy to get multiple sites next to each other with reservations.
There is a decent sandy beach here with a playground and volleyball net.""There is an outside vault toilet behind the cabin. Lots of trails connecting the cabin to the rest of the park. Cheap too! Only $68 per night."
from $35 - $160 / night
Check Availability9. Apple Creek Campground & RV Park
"There is also nice walking/hiking trails connected right to the property. Our visit was for 2 days/3 nights. Over half the sites are seasonal, so despite a lot of RVs, we saw very few people."
"The group area is circular and surrounded by trees which helped to keep it cool. Each site had electric hook-up and some had water."
10. Portage Lake Modern — Waterloo Recreation Area
"We purchased our new rPod 193 late in the fall and have been dying to give it a test camp and Michigan Winter Weather gave us a great opportunity the week after Christmas (2021)."
"It is a bit of a walk to get to but is handicap accessible.
There are two bathrooms throughout the loop and one at the beach."from $35 - $160 / night
Check Availability
Drive Time
- 32 min from Jackson, MI
- 39 min from Ann Arbor, MI
- 47 min from Monroe, MI
- 47 min from Toledo, OH
Recent Camping Photos near Tipton, MI
127 Photos of 118 Tipton Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
W. J. Hayes State Park Campground
Carlandia CannaCampc
Lake Hudson Recreation AreaB
Cabela’s Dundee
Holiday RV Campground
Pines Rustic Campground — Waterloo Recreation Area
Sugarloaf Campground — Waterloo Recreation AreaK
Portage Lake Modern — Waterloo Recreation AreaG
Wilderness Campground
Monroe-Toledo North KOAR
Green Lake Rustic Campground — Waterloo Recreation Area
Blind Lake Rustic Campground — Pinckney Recreation Area
Recent Reviews near Tipton, MI
551 Reviews of 118 Tipton Campgrounds
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.
Justin O.GuideLake Hudson Recreation Area
Pretty average
Had to buy this campsite because there’s damn near nothing for dispersed in Michigan. Lotta kids screaming into the night, campsites are in sight of each other, lots of mosquitoes, but yknow what can you really expect? I think upwards of $30 is a rip-off, I can’t even find an electrical hook-up if I wanted one. Granted, I got here at night and didn’t look very hard. It’d be 5 stars if it were 15 bucks, which is what I think its worth.
- SSharon W.Scout
Waffle Farm Campground
Clean, quiet. Beautiful lake
Back in site off the lake. Level and shady
- JJosue S.Scout
Sunny's Campground
Amazing camp
The staff is super friendly, helpful. I enjoyed staying at this camp. The only negative point is that there are not many lots with full hookup. Everything is 10 minutes away.
- AAdam H.Guide
Camp Sack In
Loved it
Wish we were staying longer. Beautiful campground. Large swimming pong with sand beach and floating dock. Trails and plenty to explore. We got here late and ended up gettinga spot. By the entrance/top area. We had the entire area to ourselfs. Close to interstate .there is plenty of shade. Spots looked big and spaced out.
- 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).
- Carl D.Scout
Wiregrass Lake Metropark
Easy access
Clean,quiet, convenient and easy access
Guide to Tipton
Tipton, Michigan camping options span the Irish Hills region at an elevation of around 1,000 feet above sea level, offering a mix of wooded terrain and lakes. Winter temperatures typically reach lows around 14°F while summer highs hover around 82°F, creating distinct camping seasons. Most campgrounds operate from April through October, with limited winter access at select locations.
What to do
Lake activities: 3 lakes for water recreation. At W.J. Hayes State Park Campground, access to both Wamplers Lake and Round Lake provides varied water options. "I've always loved going to this campground growing up. It has access to Wamplers Lake and there are several other lakes near by. The area is quiet and clean," notes one camper.
Mountain biking: DTE trails nearby. Green Lake Rustic Campground offers access to multiple trail systems. "There is a hiking trailhead, Border to Border bike trail, and DTE mountain bike trail nearby. You can bike a few miles in to Chelsea, a very cute town with shops, restaurants, brewery and distillery," explains a visitor who found this convenient for quick getaways.
Stargazing: Dark Sky Park designation. Lake Hudson Recreation Area maintains dark sky viewing conditions. "DARK SKY PARK designation so enjoy the amazing night star views! They do ask you to keep blinds & drapes closed and exterior lights off or to a minimum," explains a visitor who experienced the stargazing benefits.
Wildlife viewing: Native species observation. Green Lake Rustic Campground provides natural habitats for viewing. "We also were able to see some awesome stars at night," shares a camper who appreciated the natural setting with minimal light pollution.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Varied by campground. At Lake Hudson Recreation Area, the layout provides seclusion. "This small campground (about 40 sites) is well off the beaten path, but still easy to access by road. This is the perfect campground to get back to nature. Each site is separated from the next by young forest, so it lends to a very private and secluded atmosphere," explains one visitor.
Family-friendly activities: Scheduled events. Ja Do Park Campground coordinates regular recreation. "Lots of fun activities for the kids, hayrides, slip and slide, playground and a whole rustic area to explore while you search for leprechauns. Lots of fun for the kiddos and very friendly people," notes a family who enjoyed the organized entertainment.
Lake access: Direct water entry. Several sites at Lake Hudson allow boat docking. "I love campsites, especially the lakefront. But there are only a few waterfront sites and they are very hard to get. Great for fishing, wildlife viewing and swimming," explains a camper who appreciates the water access.
Race weekend alternatives: Quieter NASCAR options. Ted Ranch Campground provides racing proximity without infield crowds. "This place is across the street from Michigan international speedway and sure beats fighting all the people/campers in the infield campgrounds! We attend the NASCAR race at least once per year and this is our absolute favorite place to camp," shares a racing fan.
What you should know
Seasonal water levels: Lake conditions fluctuate. Lake Hudson Recreation Area maintains natural shorelines. "The Lake is beautiful with a sand beach, no wake boating and grills. However it is rustic so there is goose poo. The woods are beautiful," notes a visitor regarding natural lake conditions.
Limited facilities at rustic sites: Plan accordingly. Green Lake Rustic Campground offers minimal amenities. "Greenlake rustic campground offers 3 pit toilets a hand pump and small garbage site. Sites are generally first come first serve though reservations are now taken since Covid-19," explains a visitor who appreciated the simple setup.
Proximity to highways: Some road noise. Green Lake sites experience varying sound levels. "A major roadway passes along the other side of the lake making lake front sites noisy until about 12am and rear sites sit near a wetland aka the border of the mosquito kingdom; neither of these problems are terrible if you plan accordingly," shares a camper.
Site selection importance: Location affects experience. W.J. Hayes State Park offers varied site layouts. "I suggest sites 93-96 for more private/shaded sites," recommends a camper who found these specific sites offered better conditions.
Tips for camping with families
Recreational amenities: Check activity calendars. Indian Creek Camp & Conference Center provides multiple entertainment options. "This campground had all the fun stuff my kids enjoy. The jumping pillow was popular as they spent most of their time there. We enjoyed visiting the llamas...Yes, they have llamas! And we even got to use the zip line which was a lot of fun that we could all do together," shares a family who found diverse activities.
Beach quality: Varies by location. W.J. Hayes State Park features maintained water access. "Huge beach, large boat dock and lots of campsite spaces w power. The beach and water is full of litter. Boat launch was big with plenty of parking. We launched kayaks and paddled over to the swim area," notes a visitor describing facilities.
Playground facilities: Available at select sites. Green Lake doesn't offer designated play areas. "This is obviously a campground geared towards families, with tons to do from the beach, to volleyball courts and horseshoes," notes a camper comparing Hayes State Park to other locations.
Loop roads: Bike-friendly for children. W.J. Hayes State Park designs include circular paths. "Spent 4 nights and 5 days camping with my husband and 2 kids. We had fun and the kids had a blast. They rode bikes around the loop and loved swimming and the playground," shares a parent who appreciated the safe riding areas.
Tips from RVers
Electrical connections: Bring extension cords. Lake Hudson Recreation Area has unique power setups. "Extension or long electrical cords may be needed, as boxes are at back end and halfway to next site over," advises a visitor familiar with the electric layout.
Size restrictions: Check before booking. Waterloo Sugarloaf Modern accommodates larger units but site selection matters. "If your longer than 40ft be aware most sites will not work for you here, they do have some but the wood line, privacy and nature is great," notes an RVer with a larger trailer.
Dump station alternatives: Plan for offsite services. Lake Hudson lacks waste disposal facilities. "The campground has no dump station so we had to drive to the next State campground, about a 30 minute drive, to dump the tanks," shares an RVer describing facility limitations.
Site dimensions: Check published size limits. Lake Hudson sites may accommodate larger units than advertised. "LONG RV's 31'+ would fit in a lot of the sites, but sites say up to 30'. We had approx 40-45' space from road to treeline," explains a camper who found actual dimensions differed from listed specifications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Tipton, California located and how do I get there?
Where is Tipton, California located and how do I get there?
Tipton, California is a small community located in Tulare County in the San Joaquin Valley of Central California, approximately 50 miles south of Fresno and 10 miles south of Tulare. It's easily accessible via Highway 99, which is the main north-south thoroughfare through the Central Valley. If you're traveling from Northern California, take Highway 99 south past Fresno and Tulare. From Southern California, take Interstate 5 north and then connect to Highway 99 north of Bakersfield. Ja Do Park Campground is one of the closest camping options to explore once you arrive in the area.
What camping options are available in Tipton, CA?
What camping options are available in Tipton, CA?
While Tipton itself is a small agricultural community with limited camping directly in town, there are several options within a reasonable driving distance. W. J. Hayes State Park Campground offers well-maintained sites with water access, making it a popular choice for visitors. For RV travelers, Camp Sequoia provides accommodations with necessary hookups. Additionally, the Sierra Nevada mountains are just an hour's drive east, offering numerous camping opportunities in Sequoia National Forest and National Park with various amenities from primitive sites to developed campgrounds with facilities.
What are the best outdoor activities near Tipton, California?
What are the best outdoor activities near Tipton, California?
The Tipton area offers diverse outdoor activities despite its agricultural setting. Water recreation enthusiasts can enjoy nearby Success Lake for fishing, boating, and swimming. For hiking and nature exploration, Lake Hudson Recreation Area provides trails through varied terrain and abundant wildlife viewing opportunities. Just an hour east, Sequoia National Park offers world-class hiking among ancient giant sequoias. Birdwatchers will appreciate the Pixley National Wildlife Refuge, particularly during migration seasons. Mountain biking trails are available in the foothills, while the flat valley terrain is perfect for cycling enthusiasts looking for scenic rural routes through farmlands and orchards.
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