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Best Tent Camping near Ypsilanti, MI

524 Reviews

Tent campsites near Ypsilanti, Michigan include several rustic options within an hour's drive. Island Lake Recreation Area offers primitive tent setups with boat-in only access along the Huron River. Pinckney Recreation Area's Crooked Lake Rustic Campground provides walk-in tent sites near water, while Appleton Lake Campground features secluded tent camping with multiple access types including hike-in and walk-in options.

Most tent-only areas provide basic amenities with varying levels of service. Island Lake's canoe camps include fire rings and picnic tables, but require paddling gear to transport all camping equipment. Appleton Lake Campground offers rustic tent sites with fire rings and picnic tables, though vault toilets may not be well maintained. According to one visitor, "The sites were not as secluded as I'd prefer but we made do. Nice hiking trails around the camp." Several campgrounds permit fires but campers should verify current restrictions. Drinking water is available at some locations but not all, making water planning essential for tent campers.

Sites at Pinckney Recreation Area's Crooked Lake offer lake views and a natural setting that feels remote despite proximity to urban areas. A recent review noted, "Staff helped us choose a site that had good views and felt private." The area provides good separation between tent campsites, enhancing the wilderness experience. Camp Agawam offers another tent camping option with drinking water and toilet facilities. Wiregrass Lake Metropark features walk-in tent sites with fire rings and picnic tables for a more primitive experience. During summer months, campers should prepare for insects, particularly at waterfront sites. These locations provide access to hiking trails, fishing opportunities, and paddling routes ideal for weekend tent camping adventures without traveling far from Ypsilanti.

Map showing campgrounds near Ypsilanti, MichiganExplore the Map

Best Tent Sites Near Ypsilanti, Michigan (14)

    1. Appleton Lake Campground

    8 Reviews
    Brighton, MI
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (810) 229-6566

    "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."

    "Picnic table pit ring outside toilets best site was 24 17$ dollars a night 3 parks Brighton recreational is for Rv and electric sites indoor plumbing hot showers Murry is only for weekend visits Appleton"

    2. Island Lake Recreation Area

    4 Reviews
    Brighton, MI
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (810) 229-7067

    "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."

    "Island lake really does feel like you’re up north with the hours spent on I-75. There are great hiking trails that give novice and Intermediate hikers a chance to sharpen their skills."

    3. Maumee Bay State Park Campground

    41 Reviews
    Oregon, OH
    41 miles
    Website
    +1 (419) 836-7758

    "This park is close to Toledo and within spitting distance of several refineries although you’d never know it! "

    "Within the CG, two loops share a central restroom/shower house. The shower house near the activities shelter also has a small laundry."

    4. Crooked Lake Rustic Campground — Pinckney Recreation Area

    2 Reviews
    Pinckney, MI
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (734) 426-4913

    $20 - $28 / night

    "The views of the lake are awesome, it’s a great slice of wilderness in this part of the state. Wish there were better noise restrictions and the campgrounds were more separated."

    "We could see the lake and had an outhouse right nearby."

    5. PINCKNEY RAILS-TO-TRAIL CAMPGROUND

    1 Review
    Pinckney, MI
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (734) 878-1148

    $30 - $50 / night

    "Would prefer more shade but this is very nice place"

    6. Camp Agawam

    2 Reviews
    Auburn Hills, MI
    33 miles
    Website
    +1 (248) 391-0304

    $20 - $30 / night

    "I come down to Detroit from Windsor every year to camp in Michigan with friends and this year we went to this very nice campsite in Orion Twp and I loved it."

    7. White Oak Campground

    10 Reviews
    Whitehouse, OH
    50 miles
    Website
    +1 (419) 407-9701

    $30 - $40 / night

    "I set up right at 3 at Site 7 - there's no check-in process or attendant. I hadn't printed my permit, so I wondered if I would get a visit from a ranger but all was quiet."

    "Nice restroom facilities, FREE firewood available. Grey water sinks for dish cleaning. Picnic table and fire ring at each site. Parking is general, but close to each site."

    8. SASHA Farm Animal Sanctuary

    Be the first to review!
    Manchester, MI
    25 miles

    9. Wiregrass Lake Metropark

    3 Reviews
    Holland, OH
    43 miles
    Website
    +1 (419) 407-9700

    $20 - $25 / night

    "Wiregrass lake was a very nice camping atmosphere. There are only 3 camping spots around the lake so you’re not packed in like sardines. The atmosphere is very calm, quiet, and relaxing."

    "3 camp sites available near fishable wiregrass lake in wiregrass metropark. Open year round. Firewood provide. Reservation required."

    10. Wheel Inn Campground

    1 Review
    Pleasant Lake, MI
    40 miles
    +1 (517) 589-8097
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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Ypsilanti, MI

21 Photos of 14 Ypsilanti Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Ypsilanti, MI

524 Reviews of 14 Ypsilanti Campgrounds

  • Megan T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 11, 2019

    White Oak Campground

    Peaceful Greenery

    I had a friend's wedding at The Stables (which I didn't realize was 3 min away) and decided to camp here rather than get a hotel. I set up right at 3 at Site 7 - there's no check-in process or attendant. I hadn't printed my permit, so I wondered if I would get a visit from a ranger but all was quiet. The site was spacious, sandy, and well suited for both tent and hammock. The fire ring was in good condition and fire wood was already stacked. The property was well maintained and the bathrooms clean and cool - the women's did have some standing water from a leaky toilet it looked like. You can hear distant cars and some not so distant planes. Also, while all the sites are wooded the woods are not very thick so you can see and hear your neighbors pretty well. Site number three looks at the most secluded to me while site number four was pretty much in the open beside the bathrooms. Group sites were full sun it appeared. The stream behind my site was dry. Nice map and brochures at the parking area. Sturdy picnic tables.

  • 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.

  • L
    Oct. 15, 2018

    White Oak Campground

    BEAUTIFUL! 10/10 would camp here again!

    Campground is nicely kept, only 5 individual sites, has two group sites. Nice restroom facilities, FREE firewood available. Grey water sinks for dish cleaning. Picnic table and fire ring at each site. Parking is general, but close to each site. We were there on a Monday night, only had one other tent in the campground. Nice flat sand pads for tents to set up on!

    DOWNSIDE: MUST RESERVE ONLINE BEFORE 4PM. There is no walk-up service, and online site goes down after employees go home at night.

  • 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.

  • 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).

  • 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.

Guide to Ypsilanti

Tent campsites near Ypsilanti, Michigan offer backcountry experiences within a one-hour drive radius of the city. The area sits at relatively flat elevations between 750-950 feet above sea level with summer temperatures averaging 70-85°F during peak camping months. During spring and fall camping seasons, overnight temperatures can drop below 50°F, requiring proper insulation gear for tent campers.

What to do

Hiking trails: Explore the 15.5-mile Scout Trail loop at White Oak Campground. The trail runs directly through the campground, making it convenient for hikers. According to Cassandra C., "I was able to park my car here in the morning, hop on the trail (which runs right through the campground), and return later in the day. I absolutely loved my night here, as well as the hike."

Bike riding: Cruise the flat, paved paths at Maumee Bay State Park Campground. The park offers bike rentals if you don't bring your own. One camper noted, "It is also an amazing place to ride bikes, everything is flat and there are also plenty of bike paths. You are also close to the lake which I love."

Fishing: Cast your line at Wiregrass Lake where specialized tent camping spots provide lake access. Joe C. shares, "The lake offers great fishing opportunities and doubles as a nice spot to sit by the water, enjoy the local wildlife and relax. Each site has a raised gravel pad for your tent, a picnic table, fire ring, and a trash and free wood box that is fully stocked."

What campers like

Free firewood: Several Toledo area campsites provide complimentary firewood. At Wiregrass Lake Metropark, each site includes "a trash and free wood box that is fully stocked." Similarly at White Oak Campground, Aaron explains, "The sites are inexpensive and come with free firewood, the restroom is cleaned regularly and maintained well, and it is relatively peaceful overall."

Privacy between sites: Many campgrounds offer good separation between campsites. At Crooked Lake Rustic Campground, Cathy E. appreciated that "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. We could see the lake and had an outhouse right nearby."

Dish washing stations: Several rustic campgrounds provide convenient facilities. White Oak Campground features "grey water sinks for dish cleaning" alongside their clean bathrooms. Abby B. confirms, "Very nice small campground! Extremely clean bathrooms, dish washing station, and free firewood."

What you should know

Vehicle security concerns: Some campgrounds near urban areas experience occasional crime. At Wiregrass Lake Metropark, Jacob N. warns, "Unfortunately we woke up to someone's car window being smashed and looted when I took the children to use the bathroom in the morning. The ranger and police did not say they were surprised."

Insect preparation: Mosquitoes can be intense, particularly at lakeside sites. Bugs are especially prevalent in summer months. Kayla H. advises, "My only tip would be to bring plenty of bug spray in the summer, there are lots of bugs that come off the lake."

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Ypsilanti, MI is Appleton Lake Campground with a 3.8-star rating from 8 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 14 tent camping locations near Ypsilanti, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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