Camping near Trenton, Michigan offers access to both Lake Erie and the Detroit River waterways with most campgrounds situated within 30 miles of the city. The region sits at a relatively flat elevation of approximately 600 feet above sea level, creating favorable conditions for RV camping with minimal terrain challenges. Summer temperatures average 75-85°F from June through August with higher humidity levels near the water.
What to do
Water activities on Lake Erie: Sterling State Park Campground provides direct lake access with both swimming and fishing opportunities. "The beach is a short walk from any site, mostly sandy with small rocks occasionally. There is a boat launch which is extremely popular and the bass and walleye fishing can't be beat," shares Frances V., who adds that kayakers can launch "into a small inlet which is navigatable all the way to the beach, approximately two miles."
Biking trails: Maumee Bay State Park Campground offers extensive biking options on paved paths. "Biking and hiking trails are also present," notes Edward C. about Sterling State Park, while Jess P. highlights the trails at Maumee Bay: "Biking and hiking trails that wrap around the camp and over to the beach and lakefront."
Go-karts and games: Harbortown RV Resort provides family entertainment options beyond camping. "Right next door to putt putt go karts batting cages and arcade," mentions Kourtney D., while Beth G. confirms: "Right next to camping is go karts, putt putt and arcade. We had a blast!"
Hiking on boardwalks: Several parks feature accessible boardwalk trails through wetland areas. Daniel U. from Maumee Bay describes "the 2-mile boardwalk through the wetlands" as a highlight. These elevated walkways provide opportunities for wildlife viewing and photography without impacting sensitive ecosystems.
What campers like
Clean, modern facilities: East Harbor State Park Campground maintains high standards for their amenities. "Showers and restrooms are updated and always clean," notes Mano P. about Sterling State Park. At Maumee Bay, Jake R. appreciates that "bathrooms are clean and centralized. Felt great to have a hot shower!"
Lake views from campsites: Many waterfront sites offer direct views of the water. "Sites are nice and large paved slabs," Nicole A. mentions about Sterling State Park. At Proud Lake Recreation Area, one reviewer notes: "I loved being able to look out my window to the waterfront."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The region's wetlands attract diverse bird species. According to Edward C., "Bird houses and feeders are located throughout the park and especially in the spring, you can hear many varieties of birds chirping." This makes the area popular with birdwatchers, particularly during migration seasons.
Privacy between sites: Several campgrounds design sites with natural barriers. At Maumee Bay, Kayla H. appreciates that "your spots are close together which is great for safety, however with the bushes and brush, it feels super private. My grandparents were in the site next to me in their camper and I had to walk a ways to see their spot."
What you should know
Seasonal bug considerations: May flies can affect camping experiences in early summer. "First two nights were perfect but then the may flies hatched (in mid June) and covered everything," reports Kourtney D. about Sterling State Park. Edward C. advises: "Some time in June you can expect May Flies aka Fish Flies. Plan accordingly."
Water quality varies: Lake Erie beaches occasionally face algae issues. One camper notes that East Harbor State Park received "3 stars due to not being able to swim (beach was closed due to algae/unsafe water)." Water conditions are typically posted at park offices and online during summer months.
Road and rail noise at some locations: Wayne County Fairgrounds RV Park experiences some transportation noise. "Lots of road noise from I-94," notes Nancy W., while another camper mentions: "noise from the interstate and nearby train tracks may make for a restless night."
Off-season closures: Availability differs substantially between summer and winter. Mike M. discovered Wayne County Fairgrounds "was closed for the season" when arriving in November, as many campgrounds in the region operate from April through October with limited winter facilities.
Tips for camping with families
Look for campgrounds with kid-friendly amenities: Wilderness Campground caters specifically to families. "Great place for camping with kids, plenty to do from swim, fish, bike the whole park, play at the park, watch movies at night in the community pavilion," Daniel reports. Another camper confirms it's a "cute catch and release pond. Great staff very friendly and helpful."
Consider Halloween camping events: Several parks host special fall weekend activities. Michelle N. shares about Detroit/Ann Arbor KOA: "We stay memorial day weekend and the last weekend of the season which is the harvest festival. My grandchildren always have a blast as well as grandma and Papa!" Many campgrounds feature trick-or-treating, costume contests, and decorated campsites.
Reserve early for summer weekends: The most popular sites fill months in advance. Jess P. notes that at Maumee Bay "last minute plans are easy here!" but this applies primarily to weekday camping, as summer weekends book quickly, particularly at waterfront sites.
Choose sites near bathrooms for young campers: When camping with small children, proximity to facilities matters. East Harbor State Park has shower houses shared between loops, with campers noting "each bathhouse only has two shower stalls, which may necessitate a wait when the campground is full."
Tips from RVers
Look for campgrounds with full hookup options: Haas Lake Park RV Campground offers complete services. "We have a pull thru that was very spacious with a long driveway. Nice lake view across the road," Karen C. explains. At Sterling State Park, Matthew F. appreciates "everything from back ins with only electrical to pull throughs with full hook-ups."
Many sites accommodate larger rigs: Sterling State Park works well for bigger vehicles. "This park will accommodate any size travel trailer, fifth wheel camper of any kind, the pull throughs are huge," notes Mano P., while Bill B. confirms Harbortown RV Resort is "very nice big rig friendly" with "all concrete roads and pads."
Check for waste removal options: Some campgrounds offer additional services beyond dump stations. At Haas Lake, Joseph S. mentions "a waste removal service at your camp site if needed." This can be particularly helpful during extended stays when breaking camp to visit the dump station is inconvenient.
Beware of seasonal flooding at some locations: After rain, certain campgrounds experience drainage issues. One RVer recounts arriving at Detroit/Ann Arbor KOA to find "a completely flooded park" where many sites were "completely underwater." Call ahead during rainy periods to check ground conditions.
