Glamping options near Whitmore Lake, Michigan provide access to over 30,000 acres of recreational lands spanning Livingston and Washtenaw counties. This area features a mixed terrain of deciduous forest, wetlands, and small lakes, with elevations ranging from 850-950 feet above sea level. Most upscale sites remain operational from April through October, though some accommodations at Waterloo Recreation Area offer year-round availability during milder winters.
What to do
Water activities on multiple connected lakes: Brighton Recreation Area offers swimming at various beaches and inflatable water play structures. "The beach is nice but you have to walk a trail to get to it from the campground or drive. Nice walking trails. Our favorite was the lake for kayaking," notes a camper at Bishop Lake Campground.
Mountain biking on designated trails: The Potawatomi Trail within Pinckney Recreation Area offers 17.5 miles of trails suitable for various skill levels. A reviewer at Bruin Lake Campground — Pinckney Recreation Area states, "We loved the trails for Mountain Bikes that are close to the Campsite! They are super fun!!"
Horseback riding and stables: Several recreation areas feature equestrian trails and stables for guided rides. "A horse barn (Heavenly Horse Stables) right on property offering riding lessons, trail rides and meet and greets with their houses and other barn animals, my daughter wanted to move here," mentions a visitor at Hell Creek Ranch & Campground.
What campers like
Clean, modern bathroom facilities: Many upscale glamping sites provide recently renovated facilities. A visitor to Proud Lake Recreation Area shared, "You need to know that this place is so so clean! The grounds, the sites, the bathrooms and the showers are all impeccable...Everyone was most pleasant and helpful and the view of the lake was beautiful."
Proximity to small towns: Glamping in Whitmore Lake offers easy access to nearby towns for supplies and dining. According to one camper at Hell Creek Ranch & Campground, "Other perks to this campground: Openings to Pinckney State trails right on property and all sorts of lakes, parks and small town downtown areas for food and shopping nearby."
Family-friendly activities: Most glamping locations offer organized events for children. A reviewer noted about Camp Dearborn, "We have been going to Camp Dearborn for five years now, and our friend's family has been going for nearly sixty! They have activities for both children and adults, two beautiful beaches, a pool, tennis courts, and now a zip line."
What you should know
Mosquito preparation is essential: The lakes and wetlands create ideal breeding conditions for insects. A camper at Brighton Recreation Area advised, "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."
Reservation systems vary by location: Some sites require advance booking while others offer first-come options. "While you technically don't need a reservation, we made our reservations through the DNR website about a month in advance. The campsite was listed as 'full' when we arrived, so I was glad we took the extra step," notes a visitor at Green Lake Rustic Campground.
Limited privacy at some sites: Many upscale glamping options prioritize views over seclusion. A camper at Waterloo Sugarloaf Modern mentioned, "This campground is very open and not very private. It is another one of those 'parking lot campgrounds' where you can see all of your neighbors at all times. That being said, the park was very well kept and quiet at night which was nice."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access at multiple locations: Several glamping sites feature modern play equipment near accommodations. At Waterloo Sugarloaf Modern — Waterloo Recreation Area, a camper observed, "It has a very nice play area for the children and clean bathrooms. The boat launch was near our camp site which was nice not having to leave the campground."
Halloween camping events: Several recreation areas host special seasonal activities. A visitor to Proud Lake Recreation Area shared, "We've been going to halloween camping for the past 2 years, decorate your site and the kids get dressed up an go trick or treating in camp, theres a costume contest and hay rides, fun family atmosphere."
Water-based recreation options: Most glamping sites provide child-friendly water activities. "Camp Dearborn has a lot for the kids, outdoor fun, night dance parties, cement for bike rides or rollerblading. Our family had been coming here for years for Girl Scout camps and individual camping experiences," explains a frequent visitor.
Tips for RVers
Site selection for shade: RV pads with electrical hookups often have limited tree cover. A reviewer at McGinnis Lake Modern Campground advised, "We stayed on site 118 in the trillium loop. Actually feels like camping with all the trees, not lined up in a farmer's field."
Water hookup limitations: Some glamping sites with RV accommodations require filling tanks rather than direct connections. "Absolutely love this place. Only downfall is no water hookups on site," notes a camper at Waterloo Sugarloaf Modern regarding their glamping experience near Whitmore Lake.
Varying pad conditions: RV sites range from paved to gravel to grass surfaces. At Green Lake Rustic Campground, a visitor reported, "Sites are generally first come first serve though reservations are now taken since the Covid-19. Most sited are shaded and all have a fire ring. Not always 100% level ground but nothing un-tentable. 2 sites probably won't take a trailer but most are fine for small rigs."
