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Best Tent Camping near Walled Lake, MI

518 Reviews

Tent camping options near Walled Lake, Michigan include several rustic campgrounds within a short drive of the suburban area. Island Lake Recreation Area in Brighton offers boat-in canoe campsites along the Huron River, providing a rare backcountry tent camping experience close to populated areas. Appleton Lake Campground provides secluded tent sites with more primitive facilities for those seeking a rustic experience.

Tent campsites at these locations typically feature basic amenities including fire rings and picnic tables. Appleton Lake Campground offers dirt pads with ample parking space for vehicles and tent setup, though campers should note that vault toilets may not be well-maintained. Island Lake's canoe camps require all camping gear to be transported by kayak or canoe, creating a unique boat-access primitive tent camping experience. Most sites provide trash receptacles, though water availability varies significantly between campgrounds.

The tent camping areas offer varying levels of privacy and natural settings despite their proximity to suburban areas. According to one visitor, Appleton Lake Campground has "sites that were fairly secluded from each other," making it ideal for tent campers seeking more isolation. Camp Agawam provides another option with a "great little park in the middle of suburbia" that includes swimming, fishing and other amenities alongside tent camping. Seasonal factors impact the camping experience, with some areas experiencing wildlife activity—one camper at Appleton Lake mentioned "fighting off about 10 raccoons all night." Most tent campsites in the region provide access to hiking trails, with sites at Crooked Lake Rustic Campground in nearby Pinckney Recreation Area offering lake views and a sense of wilderness that's uncommon in southeast Michigan.

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Best Tent Sites Near Walled Lake, Michigan (13)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Walled Lake, MI

10 Photos of 13 Walled Lake Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Walled Lake, MI

518 Reviews of 13 Walled Lake 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.

  • J
    Jun. 9, 2019

    Green Lake Rustic Campground — Waterloo Recreation Area

    Rustic campground near civilization

    This campground is part of the Waterloo State Recreation area, about 6 miles north of Chelsea MI. Sites are decent-sized, not much privacy between some sites. Only a couple of sites overlook the lake. Picnic table, fire ring, vault toilet and hand pump water. Quiet little campground.

  • Mike B.
    Sep. 5, 2018

    Green Lake Rustic Campground — Waterloo Recreation Area

    Rustic Campground Close to Town

    I stayed here with my kids because it was close to home and town. It makes for an easy getaway for a night or two.

    It is rustic with just vault toilets. Each site has a picnic table and a fire ring.

    The lake is not good for swimming as it is very mucky and covered in Lilly pads.

    It can fill up quick because it is close to town.

    There is a Yurt for rent here as well through the Waterloo Recreation web page.

Guide to Walled Lake

Tent camping near Walled Lake, Michigan offers a variety of scenic spots where nature enthusiasts can enjoy the great outdoors. With options ranging from rustic sites to well-equipped campgrounds, there's something for everyone.

Local Attractions for Tent Campers

  • Appleton Lake Campground features a serene lake perfect for kayaking and fishing, providing a peaceful escape just a short drive from Walled Lake.
  • Island Lake Recreation Area offers extensive hiking trails and a beautiful dock area, making it an ideal spot for families looking to enjoy outdoor activities.
  • Camp Agawam is a hidden gem with a playground and swimming facilities, perfect for families wanting a mix of camping and recreational fun.

Tent Camping Prices

  • Prices for tent camping at Appleton Lake Campground start at around $17 per night, making it an affordable option for budget-conscious campers.
  • At Island Lake Recreation Area, tent sites are available year-round, providing flexibility for spontaneous trips without breaking the bank.
  • Crooked Lake Rustic Campground offers a rustic experience with prices that cater to those looking for a more back-to-nature feel.

Activities for Outdoor Enthusiasts

  • Island Lake Recreation Area is perfect for hiking, biking, and swimming, ensuring there's never a dull moment during your stay.
  • At Appleton Lake Campground, campers can enjoy trail running and exploring the surrounding woods, ideal for those who love to stay active.
  • D-bar-A Scout Ranch provides unique opportunities for horseback riding and canoeing, making it a great choice for adventurous campers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Walled Lake, MI?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Walled Lake, MI is Island Lake Recreation Area with a 4.5-star rating from 4 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Walled Lake, MI?

TheDyrt.com has all 13 tent camping locations near Walled Lake, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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