Tent camping near Willis, Michigan offers options within a 30-minute drive, ranging from secluded forest sites to lakeside settings. The area sits at approximately 800 feet above sea level with a humid continental climate featuring warm summers and cold winters. Late spring through early fall brings average temperatures between 65-80°F during daytime, ideal for setting up camp at rustic sites with natural terrain.
What to do
Disc golf at Camp Agawam: This park combines camping with recreational activities including disc golf courses. "This park is great! It has campsites, a playground, swimming, fishing, an outdoor amphitheater (with concerts!), pavilion rentals, and disc golf!" shares a reviewer from Camp Agawam.
Fishing opportunities: Set up near multiple lakes for fishing access. "The lake offers great fishing opportunities and doubles as a nice spot to sit by the water, enjoy the local wildlife and relax," notes a camper at Wiregrass Lake Metropark. Sites typically include fire rings and picnic tables positioned near fishable waters.
Trail running: Many campgrounds connect to trail networks suitable for running. One reviewer at Appleton Lake Campground mentioned, "Great trails - perfect for trail running" while noting the "rustic and mature trees" that provide shade for runners during warmer months.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Campers appreciate natural barriers between tent sites. At White Oak Campground, a visitor noted, "The sites are very nicely spaced and shaded, and not right on the parking lot." Another mentioned, "Site was spacious, sandy, and well suited for both tent and hammock."
Free amenities: Some campgrounds offer unexpected free items. "The firewood is free, which is amazing. There is also a dish washing station near the restrooms, with a huge sink and hot water," reports a camper at White Oak Campground. These extras reduce packing requirements for weekend trips.
Natural surroundings: The region offers forest camping without long drives. One visitor to Appleton Lake Campground commented, "Rustic and mature trees. Great trails - perfect for trail running," highlighting the natural setting available within short driving distance from urban areas.
What you should know
Wildlife encounters: Prepare for nocturnal visitors at some sites. "The camp site itself was nice, but once it got dark, we were fighting off about 10 raccoons all night," warns a camper at Appleton Lake Campground. Store food securely and keep your site clean.
Bathroom conditions vary: Facilities range from well-maintained to basic. A visitor to Appleton Lake noted, "My only complaint is the vault toilets were not clean and very full." Pack sanitizer and toilet paper as backup supplies.
Seasonal insects: Summer camping requires proper preparation. According to a camper at Maumee Bay State Park, "My only tip would be to bring plenty of bug spray in the summer, there are lots of bugs that come off the lake." Mosquitoes are particularly active in lowland areas near standing water.
Tips for camping with families
Look for playgrounds: Some campgrounds include play areas. "This park is great! It has campsites, a playground, swimming, fishing," notes a Camp Agawam visitor, making it suitable for families with young children who need activity options.
Bike-friendly options: Flat terrain at some campgrounds works well for family biking. "It is also an amazing place to ride bikes, everything is flat and there are also plenty of bike paths," shares a Maumee Bay State Park camper about their family-friendly experience.
Temperature considerations: Pack for variable weather even in summer. "Also make sure you bring jackets and blankets, even in the summer it can get pretty cool in the evening," advises a camper from Maumee Bay State Park, highlighting the need for extra layers for children.
Tips from RVers
Site length restrictions: Most tent-focused campgrounds have limited space for RVs. At Crooked Lake Rustic Campground, a visitor in a van noted, "I visited in my off-grid ready camper van, and staff helped us choose a site that had good views and felt private (SITE #22). It was a little slanted, but it didn't bother me."
Level surface challenges: Prepare for uneven ground at rustic sites. "Sites 2 and 8 seemed to be the most flat," observes a White Oak Campground visitor, providing useful information for those with small trailers requiring more level setup.
Solar power options: Some campers utilize alternative power sources. "This was the first year we started our trip in Toronto, thanks to a solar company who installed solar panels on our RV. We were able to camp from Toronto to Orion Twp and had a great time," shares a Camp Agawam visitor, demonstrating how solar setups work well in the region's summer sunshine.
