Best Tent Camping near Wixom, MI

Tent camping opportunities near Wixom, Michigan include both established campgrounds and rustic options with varying amenities. Island Lake Recreation Area offers traditional tent sites as well as unique boat-in canoe camps along the Huron River that must be accessed by kayak or canoe. Appleton Lake Campground provides a more primitive tent camping experience with secluded sites set among mature trees, located minutes from Brighton Recreation Area.

Tent sites at Appleton Lake feature basic amenities suited for primitive tent camping, with fire rings and picnic tables at each location. The campground has vault toilets that some visitors note can be poorly maintained. Sites are primarily dirt pads with ample parking space for vehicles adjacent to tent setup areas. While Appleton Lake doesn't provide shower facilities, campers mention that they can access showers at the main Brighton Recreation Area nearby. Access to most tent campsites is via drive-in, though some sites require short walks from parking areas.

The rustic nature of these campgrounds appeals to tent campers seeking a more authentic outdoor experience. At Island Lake Recreation Area, the canoe-in sites offer a unique backcountry camping experience close to town. A reviewer noted, "This provides a backcountry, boat-in camping experience very close to town," with sites featuring fire rings, picnic tables, and a floating dock for securing watercraft. Appleton Lake Campground provides a secluded feel despite its proximity to urban areas. One camper described it as having "sites that were fairly secluded from each other" with ample space for tents. The area around Appleton Lake features hiking trails that are described as "perfect for trail running" with what another visitor called an "up north feel" despite being close to developed areas. Wildlife is active in the area, with raccoons frequently visiting campsites after dark.

Best Tent Sites Near Wixom, Michigan (13)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Wixom, MI

10 Photos of 13 Wixom Campgrounds


Tent Camping Reviews near Wixom, MI

501 Reviews of 13 Wixom 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.

  • 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.

  • 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).

  • 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.

  • Kate K.
    Aug. 22, 2019

    Waterloo Sugarloaf Modern — Waterloo Recreation Area

    A Wonderful Winter Getaway

    We stayed in the Southfork Rustic Cabin at the end of Feb and it was lovely much needed get away. The cabin was semi modern (solar lighting) but only a wood stove for heat. Small kitchen unit with table for eating. You had to hike in about a quarter mile to get there, and it sleeps four people with two bunk beds. There is an outside vault toilet behind the cabin. Lots of trails connecting the cabin to the rest of the park. Cheap too! Only $68 per night.


Guide to Wixom

Tent camping opportunities near Wixom, Michigan span across the region's glacial terrain, which features numerous lakes and wooded areas within a 30-mile radius. The area experiences warm summers with temperatures averaging 75-85°F in July and August, creating prime conditions for overnight stays. Most campgrounds in this region sit at elevations between 900-1,100 feet above sea level, contributing to moderate humidity levels throughout the camping season.

What to do

Paddle sports on Nepessing Lake: At Hilltop Campgrounds, campers have direct access to the sports lake. "The beach is right on the sports lake nepessing. Forget something while packing? No worries! They have you covered at their conscience store specific to their campgrounds," notes one visitor.

Trail running on marked paths: The best tent camping near Wixom, Michigan includes options with extensive trail systems. "There are great hiking trails that give novice and Intermediate hikers a chance to sharpen their skills. Signs are well marked throughout the park," explains one camper at Island Lake Recreation Area.

Disc golf and outdoor activities: Suburban parks offer unexpected recreation options. "This park has campsites, a playground, swimming, fishing, an outdoor amphitheater (with concerts!), pavilion rentals, and disc golf! Not to mention Oakland Paintball is in the middle of it," shares a visitor to Camp Agawam.

What campers like

Lake views from campsites: At Crooked Lake, campers appreciate the natural setting. "The views of the lake are awesome, it's a great slice of wilderness in this part of the state," notes a visitor to Crooked Lake Rustic Campground.

Helpful staff: Campground personnel make a difference in the camping experience. "The staff were so kind and helpful. 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)," reports one camper at Crooked Lake.

Year-round availability: Unlike seasonal operations, some sites offer extended camping seasons. "We are full timers here for the winter into spring. The campground here is simple but the people are so friendly it will be difficult to leave when our season here is over," mentions a camper at Hilltop Campgrounds.

What you should know

Vault toilets and facilities: Rustic campgrounds have basic amenities. "Each site has a fire ring and ample space to park your vehicle and set up a tent or small trailer," notes a camper about rustic sites in the area.

Wildlife encounters: Local wildlife can be active around campsites. "While camping here, watch out for ticks," warns a visitor to PINCKNEY RAILS-TO-TRAIL CAMPGROUND.

Seasonal limitations: Some campgrounds have restricted operating seasons. Hilltop Campgrounds operates from "April 15 to October 15," while others like Wheel Inn Campground remain open year-round.

Tips for camping with families

Scout-oriented facilities: Special youth programs exist in the region. "This is another great scouting campground with cabins, rustic camping, tent sites, lakes, horses to ride, this is one HUGE camp ground for scouts to enjoy and learn," explains a visitor to D-bar-A Scout Ranch.

Kid-friendly fishing spots: Multiple locations offer fishing opportunities suitable for children. "Nice campground for family and activities. Good dock for the kids to fish," shares a camper at Island Lake Recreation Area.

Family entertainment options: Some campgrounds provide organized activities. "Plenty of activities planned and structured thru the grounds to keep the whole family entertained including PUTT PUTT Golf, Arcade, Saturday Night Adult Bingo weekly, and tons more," describes a visitor about recreational options in the region.

Tips from RVers

Full hookup availability: RVers can find suitable accommodations. "All sites are 50 amp full hook ups," notes a camper at Hilltop Campgrounds, adding that the campground offers "a very reasonable price! For a full hook up campground this place is very economically friendly at only $40 a night."

Site selection for views: When booking waterfront sites, research carefully. "We could see the lake and had an outhouse right nearby," shares a camper about their site selection at Crooked Lake.

Off-grid solar options: Some campers utilize solar power for extended stays. "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," reports an international visitor to Camp Agawam.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Wixom, MI?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Wixom, 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 Wixom, MI?

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