Top Tent Camping near Utica, MI

If you're looking for a place to pitch your tent near Utica, look no further. Find the best information on tent campgrounds near Utica, including sites, reviews, and tips. Search nearby tent campsites or find top-rated spots from other campers.

Best Tent Sites Near Utica, MI (9)

    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Agawam
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Agawam
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Agawam
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Agawam

    1. Camp Agawam

    2 Reviews
    4 Photos
    52 Saves

    Camp Agawam is located in the heart of Orion Township, Michigan. The camp was previously owned and operated by the Boy Scouts of America, until 2014 at which point Orion Township took ownership. Camp Agawam offers a wide variety of opportunities for all ages. With roughly 140 acres, numerous campsites, rental facilities, walking trails, a chapel, and beautiful Tommy's Lake, this is truly a picturesque park in the middle of suburban life.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Group

    $20 - $30 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Port Huron KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Port Huron KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Port Huron KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Port Huron KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Port Huron KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Port Huron KOA

    2. Port Huron KOA

    11 Reviews
    30 Photos
    31 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from D-bar-A Scout Ranch (Boy Scout Use Only)
    Camper-submitted photo from D-bar-A Scout Ranch (Boy Scout Use Only)
    Camper-submitted photo from Island Lake Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Island Lake Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Island Lake Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Island Lake Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Island Lake Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Island Lake Recreation Area

    4. Island Lake Recreation Area

    4 Reviews
    8 Photos
    79 Saves

    Island Lake Recreation Area is a 4,000-acre park in Livingston County that offers an "up north" experience without leaving southeast Michigan. The terrain is a mixture of open brush land to mature hardwood forest, with some pockets of open meadows mixed in. Island Lake is the only balloon port in the state park system. Balloons usually take off in the early morning or late evening, depending on the wind and weather.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • Tents
    • No image available

      5. Hilltop Campgrounds

      2 Reviews
      16 Saves
      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Electric Hookups
      • Phone Service
      • Reservable
      • ADA Access
      Camper-submitted photo from Appleton Lake Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Appleton Lake Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Appleton Lake Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Appleton Lake Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Appleton Lake Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Appleton Lake Campground

      6. Appleton Lake Campground

      6 Reviews
      9 Photos
      38 Saves

      Michigan Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into state parks and recreation areas, state boat launches, state forest campgrounds and state trail parking lots. The Michigan Recreation Passport does not cover local, county, municipal, or metropolitan parks or recreation areas. Learn more: https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-350-79134_79210---,00.html

      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Phone Service
      • Reservable
      • Tents
      • Group
      Camper-submitted photo from Genesee Otter Lake Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Genesee Otter Lake Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Genesee Otter Lake Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Genesee Otter Lake Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Genesee Otter Lake Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Genesee Otter Lake Campground

      7. Genesee Otter Lake Campground

      3 Reviews
      6 Photos
      7 Saves
      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Electric Hookups
      • Reservable
      • ADA Access
      • Tents
      • No image available

        8. Crystal Creek Christian Campground

        1 Review
        4 Saves
        • Pets
        • Fires
        • Electric Hookups
        • Reservable
        • ADA Access
        • Tents
        Camper-submitted photo from PINCKNEY RAILS-TO-TRAIL CAMPGROUND
        Camper-submitted photo from PINCKNEY RAILS-TO-TRAIL CAMPGROUND
        Camper-submitted photo from PINCKNEY RAILS-TO-TRAIL CAMPGROUND
        Camper-submitted photo from PINCKNEY RAILS-TO-TRAIL CAMPGROUND
        Camper-submitted photo from PINCKNEY RAILS-TO-TRAIL CAMPGROUND
        Camper-submitted photo from PINCKNEY RAILS-TO-TRAIL CAMPGROUND

        9. PINCKNEY RAILS-TO-TRAIL CAMPGROUND

        1 Review
        14 Photos
        1 Save

        Pinckney 'Rails-to-Trails' Campground is located adjacent to the Mike Levine Lakelands Trail State Park in beautiful Pinckney, Michigan and in the heart of the Pinckney Recreation Area. We are also located adjacent to the World-Famous Hell Survivors Paintball & Airsoft Playfield.

        If you are planning on playing at Hell Survivors or biking/walking the Lakeland Trail, there is no closer accommodations for camping out. We offer 62 Campsites, 18 RV Sites and Group Camping for up to 10 sites. All the sites are Rustic (no power or hookups). Perfect for Special Events & Outings or Parties!

        We also have Parking and Event Space available for you Special Event.

        Come Camp with us and Play Paintball, Hike or Bike the 'Lakeland Trail' or just Relax.

        • Pets
        • Fires
        • Phone Service
        • Reservable
        • ADA Access
        • Tents

        $30 - $50 / night


      Recent Tent Reviews In Utica

      337 Reviews of 9 Utica Campgrounds


      • Estella D.
        Camper-submitted photo from Auburn Hills-Holly KOA
        Sep. 15, 2024

        Auburn Hills-Holly KOA

        Such a disappointment

        We paid 500.00 for 5 days. At first our sights were so unleveled that we had to go In And request a site change. Looked to rent the bikes as pictured, NOPE they were toddle trikes.. very deceiving! First day kids were in the pool, looked a little dirty. 2nd day , 90 degree weather the

        Pool was green! We spoke with staff and they said they were working on it. They were putting little bags of shock in.. REALLY!  The pool ended up closing stating it was related to the weather!!! Rain 3 days prior! No refund offered, site dirty, grass not mowed, dirty unkept campers in the campground, no trash pick up! NEVER EVER AGAIN! Took a ride to other nearby sites… cost less, clean, offered more activities for kid.

      • J
        Camper-submitted photo from Holly Recreation Area
        Sep. 15, 2024

        Holly Recreation Area

        One of my favorite campsites!

        Been using this campground for at least 12 years. Bathrooms are always fairly clean and there is plenty of shade. Nice ponds to view as well.

      • D
        Camper-submitted photo from Holly Recreation Area
        Aug. 26, 2024

        Holly Recreation Area

        Nice but wouldn't recommend 93

        It's a very nice campground with lots of trees and the sites are spaced out nicely in the Trillium loop. I've wouldn't pick site 93 however as the pavement is sloped and the whole site is sloped quite steeple. Also, it shares an electrical box with 95 and my camper cord was about 30 ft short.

      • D G.
        Camper-submitted photo from Holly Recreation Area
        Aug. 12, 2024

        Holly Recreation Area

        Far Away But Close To Home

        A short trip from home, this was a great weekend getaway! The camp site was spacious but tucked back in a bit (we tent camped on an RV site). The campground was quiet as well.

        We did a 7 mile loop hike and then went to Battle Alley Brewing in Holly (10 min away).

        No grate on the firepit so be aware of that.

        Would definitely come back - it’s like being up north but you’re under an hour from home.

      • N
        Camper-submitted photo from Holly Recreation Area
        Jul. 31, 2024

        Holly Recreation Area

        Love this place!

        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. The people in the check in stand are nice, friendly, and helpful as well.

        I do wish there was more public bathrooms, it’s a long walk or a quick drive to the only flushable toilets in the campground.

        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.

      • Kimberly W.
        Camper-submitted photo from Hide Away Park Campground
        Jul. 14, 2024

        Hide Away Park Campground

        THANK YOU FOR REVIEWING

        Thank you to EVERYONE who takes time to REVIEW! ….WHEW!! This year seems every place is FULL or Closed for repairs or High polluted numbers. many are struggling finding someplace to go, and People do READ REVIEWS, and this “ OLD HAG”

        Really needs a class in “ consumer relations “ I have been in retail for 30 plus years and THE CUSTOMER IS ALWAYS RIGHT, there is NO. “ what did you do to deserve to be treated THAT way? GOOD LUCK finding a NEW JOB when you don’t have one because THIS joint gets shut down do ton Bankruptcy….. hahahaha… you may think you’re smart NOW, but when you get served a dose of you’re OWN medicine out in the REAL WORLD.. well, I’d  give anything to see that…

        Making people’s lives miserable who just want to have a good time? How fucking miserable are YOU?

      • C
        Camper-submitted photo from Hide Away Park Campground
        Jul. 8, 2024

        Hide Away Park Campground

        Never come here!!

        First off I can’t even give it a zero star!!! But was going here for 5 years and definitely will be the Last!! Seems office has new rules now you can’t roll your 12 by 15 carpet mats out NOMORE but a 3 by 5 mat!! Who wants that little shit if you have furbabies coming in and out of your camper? Just a lot more dirt on your inside space!!Abssolety NO SERVICE!! You gotta stand in one spot just to hold a conversation on you phone!! No WiFi to check your Home ring camera!! No WiFi even if you try and USE YOUR OWN HOT SPOT!! So not even a fire stick 😩Most off lady in the office very unprofessional!! Ask her for a discount and she got the nerve to say I DONT GOT TIME FIR THIS!!! Excuse me miss grouchy, costumers are always to be satisfied!!! You got time to take our $$$$ at least have a POSITIVE ADDITUDE !!!! This probably why your campground was so EMPTY This year but best luck to you in the future!!! NEVER AGAIN!!

      • Lake George L.
        Camper-submitted photo from Water Tower Travel Trailer Park
        Jun. 30, 2024

        Water Tower Travel Trailer Park

        Bang for your buck

        Sites are long but not wide. Level. Full hookups. Wifi you can stream on. LTE cell service. Clean showers. Walking path around pond, fishing dock. $28 site, No old beaters allowed. Old clean units welcome.

      • E
        Camper-submitted photo from Outdoor Adventures Lake Shore Resort
        Jun. 25, 2024

        Outdoor Adventures Lake Shore Resort

        Crowded

        5 dollars per day, or if you are staying with family take your card to camp store to get a card that will last the time you will be. They don't tell this at the gate.

        5mph speed limit. Kidds are out of control on bicycles and walking they will dart right in front of you no desiplane. 

        Can take a long time getting in and getting to your campsite GOOD LUCK.

      • RThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Oakland County Addison Oaks
        Jun. 21, 2024

        Oakland County Addison Oaks

        Excellent camping

        This is the second time staying in these campgrounds in two weeks. Both times stayed in the more wilderness area D with lots of trees and sites for tents or back-in trailers. 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. Sites have electricity and water and are well spaced out.

      • RThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Groveland Oaks County Park
        Jun. 21, 2024

        Groveland Oaks County Park

        Tent camping at Groveland Oaks County Park

        This park and campgrounds are very manicured with tons of RV, trailer and tent sites. The lake has a small shallow swimming area and beach that gets very busy during the day but less traffic right before sunset. There are lots of family activities like mini golf, kids bike courses and playgrounds. It’s a very large open family camping area. The staff are very nice and very busy making sure the grounds are perfectly maintained. I camped in the area F on the outer perimeter just down way of the beach area. I had plenty of room for my tent, awning and to park my SUV. The was electrical and water (non potable) at the site. During the weekdays I only had a few neighbors further down in tents or travel trailers. On Thursday almost all sites filled up with travel trailers. A park employee told me they would be fully booked for the next two weeks. Very nice camping, quiet. Holly Oaks Offroad park is across the street and Holly Recreation area is adjacent. Lots of great towns nearby like Fenton.

      • Chef T.
        Camper-submitted photo from Auburn Hills-Holly KOA
        Jun. 15, 2024

        Auburn Hills-Holly KOA

        The Holly Campground in Holly, MI, Formerly KOA endorsed

        I rarely write reviews good or bad on any business ever, but this one is a BEWARE situation and I feel that fellow campers/RVer’s need to be aware of the campground!!!!

        It has been many years since we were last at this campground. I booked a sight online for a week, thankfully it was only a week! We arrived at the campground, setup our 5th wheel, attempted to set up the WiFi, only to find they have WiFi in the store but no WiFi was available for our site. I contacted the office, spoke with the owner, she said “I will send someone out there to check the “repeater” maybe something is wrong with it because we should have WiFi”, never sent anyone that we were aware of and never called me to confirm wether or not we had the WiFi working. I drove up to the store and this nice young man informed me that the further away from the store you will not get WiFi. I told him that I spoke with the owner yesterday and she said that she was sending someone out to check the repeater and we NEVER heard back from her. He proceeded to call the owner on his cell phone, of which I could hear her talking, he said bring your computer up to the store and login, then take it back to the campsite and you should be able to login”, so I went back to the campsite grabbed my ipad, then back to the store. I was able to login to the WiFi. Went back to our site, no WiFi. This is a problem for me, not having WiFi, not only for work purposes but also TV services. I called the store, same young man told me that you do not have WiFi, you will need to come up to the store for services. I said that was unexceptionable, we were told we would have WiFi, it is also advertised online and in your brochure. He said “I can’t help you, you do not have WiFi on your site”. I let it go until the next day. 

        The campground is NOT well kept. The grass/weeds was a foot long throughout the campground, it clearly had not been mowed in a few weeks. My husband took the dogs out on our site to go potty, he came back in only to find he had ticks on him and the dogs. Most likely because the grass hadn’t been mowed. After being lied to about the wifi and now the ticks, we decided that we would need to find another campground. We are 44’ long with an 8’ deck and being a Friday we knew we had some challenges ahead of us to find another campground, but we did, thank God!

        I drove up to the office and informed them of our displeasure and that we are checking out. I said we will pay for the 2 nights we have stayed here but we would like to be refunded the balance of what we prepaid (almost $400.00 dollars), and a refund for $20.00, $10.00 for each gate key we were charged. The young man called the owner on his cell phone, she said she will not refund the money. I said to the young man that was unexceptable, and I want my money back. He said he can’t refund our money. I told him I will get my money back one way or another, and that I will warn everyone about the “real” situation of this campground, his response was “ok, have a good day”, and I left. 

        If you are interested in staying at this campground, I highly suggest you take a ride and go see it for yourself. They are very expensive, overpriced for the campground conditions and amenities , and services that are stated online and in the brochure are not accurate! If you want to save yourself the headache, disappointment and loss of your hard earned money, STAY AWAY FROM THIS CAMPGROUND!!!

      • JThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Groveland Oaks County Park
        Jun. 13, 2024

        Groveland Oaks County Park

        Park is nice but open to the public…

        The spaces are nice and open. The playgrounds are new. There’s and arcade and beach. The downfall is that ots open to the public. This is our 4th year coming here and its now a common occurrence for stranger danger. If you’re an adult with no kids, you’ll have a great time!

      • H
        Camper-submitted photo from Covenant Hills Camp
        Jun. 5, 2024

        Covenant Hills Camp

        Group camping for Sukkot

        We had a large group of families with varying ages and abilities.  We used multiple different styles of cabins and a few RV sites, as well as various buildings for activities.  All in all, it was an incredible time and I highly recommend it.  Staff was helpful with activities such as archery but, seldom seen if not directly helping with things.  It was nice to feel like we had the run of the place but, still know that help was available if we needed it.  The location is pretty great, off the beaten path but, within 30 minutes of major stores and conveniences. 
        Laundry facilities would have been awesome since we were staying a full week but, there was a laundromat only about 15 minutes away. 
        The food selection was about what you'd expect in a public school cafeteria and resulted in health-minded guests needing to make their own meals in the cabins and meals were VERY rushed, only allowing 30 minutes for our large group to get their food, eat and be out of the building. 
        The grounds were well maintained for a rustic campground but, bathrooms and meeting buildings were adequately upgraded and offered pleasant amenities, such as a game room, large gym and decent air conditioning.  

        We had a great time here and look forward to returning one day!

      • D P.
        Camper-submitted photo from Metamora-Hadley Recreation Area
        May. 13, 2024

        Metamora-Hadley Recreation Area

        OK for last minute trips.

        I have stayed here over 100 times in past thirty years. Front camp sites are better than back. Staff are friendly. The only rude person here is the camp store owner. Fishing is great, boat, kayaks, trails for everyone. If it rains everything is mud if your in the back camp section.

      • D P.
        Camper-submitted photo from Holly Recreation Area
        May. 13, 2024

        Holly Recreation Area

        Over 30 years of camping here.

        It's always great to spend time at Holly. The only downfall is the public bathroom. Camp sites are pretty big. Tent camping is also A bad place to hang out as nothing is level for tents.

      • Howard M.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Pontiac Lake State Recreation Area
        Apr. 29, 2024

        Pontiac Lake State Recreation Area

        A great getaway that's not too far

        A very quiet campground. The sites are spread out and only 2 vehicles per site are allowed. The East campground is more open and had 3 small cabins that can be rented. The West camping is more wooded and isolated. An extensive horse back riding trail system and MTB trails are easily accessible.

      • T
        Camper-submitted photo from Camp Agawam
        Nov. 13, 2023

        Camp Agawam

        Great retreat for Canadians

        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. This was the first year we started our trip in Toronto, thanks to a solar company at https://www.solarpowertoronto.com/ who installed solar panels on our RV. We were able to camp from Toronto to Orion Twp and had a great time. Will be doing the same next year.

      • Mandy B.
        Camper-submitted photo from Metamora-Hadley Recreation Area
        Sep. 4, 2023

        Metamora-Hadley Recreation Area

        Great spot for weekend camping with the family

        We camped here in our Coleman Lantern over Labor Day Weekend 2023. It was busy but everyone was respectful of one another. The community restrooms, dump station, and dumpsters were well maintained throughout the weekend. The camping store was well stocked for all of the things we forgot to pack but was expensive. The park is extremely sandy so be prepared. Overall it was a quiet, peaceful weekend in a great location. We will definitely be back!

      • Zachary W.
        Camper-submitted photo from Holly Recreation Area
        Sep. 2, 2023

        Holly Recreation Area

        Slopes

        Nice campground. A lot of woods. Any site above 80ish is very hilly and may be difficult to level an RV. The beach is nice even though it's about a mile away.

      • Eilionora D.
        Camper-submitted photo from Proud Lake State Recreation Area
        Aug. 20, 2023

        Proud Lake State Recreation Area

        ⛺️ Proud Lake Campground Quick Trip

        Stayed here for the DGLO Disc Golf tournament. Had a great time. Clean campground, and activities to do. Everyone was friendly as well. We’re from the metro Detroit area so it was nice to have a quick trip 30 minutes away

      • Brad L.
        Camper-submitted photo from KOA Campground Emmett
        Aug. 17, 2023

        KOA Campground Emmett

        Management

        Horrible management here. You need to wear a wristband everywhere and at all times. Dumb gate that needs to be scanned to let you in. They guide you into your site which is extremely annoying and freak out if you go the wrong way on the one ways. Just way over controlling on you and you can’t enjoy camping.

      • T
        Camper-submitted photo from Outdoor Adventures Lake Shore Resort
        Jul. 27, 2023

        Outdoor Adventures Lake Shore Resort

        Very large campground, tight sites

        Membership campground, membership fees are WAY overpriced, check FB Marketplace for folks selling their membership.

        Campground is huge, with more than 700 sites. Most sites are very cramped and right up against you're neighbors, but there are some nicer spots scattered throughout the campground. Tons of activities, several outdoor pools, indoor pool with hot tub, game room, splash park, lazy river, kayak and paddleboats rentals.



      Guide to Utica

      Camping near Utica, Michigan, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. From serene lakes to wooded trails, there’s something for everyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.

      What to do:

      • Hiking: Explore the beautiful trails at Pinckney State Recreation Area. One camper 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 some great fishing opportunities. 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: If you enjoy disc golf, check out Proud Lake Recreation Area during events like the DGLO Disc Golf tournament. One attendee said, "Clean campground, and activities to do. Everyone was friendly as well."

      What campers like:

      • Spacious Sites: Campers appreciate the roomy sites at Bishop Lake Campground. A reviewer noted, "Well maintained and up kept with some neat features and trails."
      • Clean Facilities: Many visitors rave about the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. One camper at Lakeport State Park Campground mentioned, "The bathrooms were kept up well and the showers were squeaky clean with warm water running the whole shower."
      • Friendly Staff: Campers often highlight the helpfulness of the staff. A visitor at Holly Recreation Area said, "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 weekends. A camper at Sterling State Park Campground expressed, "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."
      • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may lack certain amenities. A visitor at Algonac State Park Campground mentioned, "The site was sizable with some care taken to abate some puddles, but unfortunately those who previously used our site tore it up significantly at the entrance."

      Tips for camping with families:

      • Activities for Kids: Look for campgrounds with family-friendly activities. One reviewer at Groveland Oaks County Park said, "There are lots of family activities like mini golf, kids bike courses, and playgrounds."
      • Safety First: Always keep an eye on your kids, especially near water. A camper at Haas Lake Park RV Campground noted, "Haas Lake is quiet, clean and has friendly staff who are ready to help anytime."
      • Plan for Crowds: Be prepared for busy weekends. A visitor at Groveland Oaks County Park mentioned, "The spaces are nice and open... it gets crowded, especially during weekends."

      Tips from RVers:

      • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Lakeport State Park Campground said, "You get electric, period. Dump station available, potable water available there."
      • Be Mindful of Roads: Some campgrounds have rough roads. A visitor at Algonac State Park Campground mentioned, "The roads were inexcusable for a campground."
      • Bring Extra Supplies: Stock up on essentials before heading to more remote campgrounds. A camper at Pinckney State Recreation Area noted, "If you forgot something, there are stores nearby."

      Camping near Utica, Michigan, offers a mix of fun activities, beautiful scenery, and family-friendly options. Whether you're in an RV or tent, there's a spot waiting for you!

      Frequently Asked Questions

      • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Utica, MI?

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

      • What is the best site to find tent camping near Utica, MI?

        TheDyrt.com has all 9 tent camping locations near Utica, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.