Camping near Carleton, Michigan offers a mix of small inland lakes and river access points within a 30-mile radius. The region features relatively flat terrain with elevations ranging between 580-650 feet above sea level. Most campgrounds operate from mid-April through October, with several experiencing significant seasonal fluctuations in water levels along the River Raisin and other local waterways.
What to do
Fishing from your site: At Wilderness Campground, campers can fish directly from their sites on the catch-and-release pond. "There is a camp store that has literally everything you can think of needing for camping, and more plus regular food. It's nice the swimming hole and fishing pond are separated," notes Miranda D.
Rent boats and equipment: Several campgrounds offer equipment rentals for water activities. The River Raisin Canoe Livery & Campground provides on-site kayak and canoe rentals with launch access from their dock. According to Alec H., "They also have a playset and sandbox onsite as well as canoes/kayaks for rental."
Biking on paved trails: The area offers extensive paved biking paths, especially at Maumee Bay State Park Campground. One camper mentioned, "Biking and hiking trails, some grassy and some paved are good for walking, running, and biking. A beautiful and extensive boardwalk constructed by the Ohio Civilian Conservation Corps is available only for foot traffic. Bike rentals are available."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate the natural separation between sites at campgrounds in the area. At Sterling State Park Campground, one visitor noted, "Sites are nice and large paved slabs, most trees are immature offering little shade. Beach is kept fairly clean and raked often."
Swimming options: The region offers both lake and man-made swimming areas. A camper at Wilderness Campground shared, "Nice little campground for a little getaway, 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."
Family-oriented activities: Many campgrounds host regular scheduled activities, particularly during holiday weekends. The Detroit/Ann Arbor KOA received praise for its seasonal events with one camper saying, "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!"
What you should know
May fly hatch season: The Lake Erie shore campgrounds experience significant may fly hatches in early summer. One camper at Sterling State Park Campground warned, "First two nights were perfect but then the may flies hatched (in mid June) and covered everything."
Weekend crowds vs weekday quiet: Campgrounds in the region experience dramatic differences between weekend and weekday occupancy rates. A visitor to Harbortown RV Resort observed, "Halloween weekends. this place is packed - but empties out Sunday Afternoons. Tons of activities for all ages during the weekends."
Limited tent camping options: The region caters more to RV camping than tent camping. When evaluating Wayne County Fairgrounds RV Park, one reviewer cautioned, "The camp office sells firewood but we only saw two fire pits in the whole park. Be aware that noise from the interstate and nearby train tracks may make for a restless night."
Tips for camping with families
Look for water recreation: Many families prioritize swimming areas when selecting campgrounds. At Harbortown RV Resort, a camper recommended, "Nice campground- clean with many pull through sites. Nice size pool with enough lounge chairs. Sites feel a bit small but still very nice. Right next to camping is go karts, putt putt and arcade. We had a blast!"
Consider Halloween camping: Several campgrounds host elaborate Halloween-themed weekends that are popular with families. As one Monroe-Toledo North KOA visitor shared, "Friends and family for a Halloween themed event weekend resulted in lots of fun and good times. The kids stayed busy and made new friends while the adults hung out and had a good time!"
Check playground amenities: For families with young children, on-site playgrounds provide valuable entertainment options. At River Raisin Canoe Livery & Campground, one camper noted, "Little playground area for small kiddos. Honestly not much else to do here, just how i like it."
Tips from RVers
Full hookup availability varies: While many of the best places to camp near Carleton offer electric hookups, full hookup sites are limited. At Wayne County Fairgrounds RV Park, one RVer mentioned, "They offer 50 amp full hook-up sites, 50 amp/water, and 30 amp/water sites with pull-thru and back-in options. There is a dump station located in the middle of the park which is easy to get to."
Site surface conditions: RVers should be prepared for various site surfaces across the region. According to one visitor to Detroit/Ann Arbor KOA, "The chalky gravel campsites and roads are raked everyday. They do roadside trash pickup throughout the day. I observed them come by twice a day."
Big rig accessibility: Most campgrounds in the area can accommodate larger RVs. A visitor to Harbortown RV Resort stated, "Although we only stayed one night, we will be back. All concrete roads and pads. Basketball court, sand volleyball, playground, dog run, batting cages and go karts within walking distance."
