Camping in Detroit, MI, US: 12 Best Campgrounds 2024

United States
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Michigan
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Detroit

99% (472 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Detroit

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Nelson Ledges Quarry Park

Alum Creek State Park

538 campgrounds

Available this weekend

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(5)

Stacey’s Place

1 site · Tent4 acres · Rockwood, MI

Hi and welcome. You will see the driveway lined with solar lights to guide you to the parking spot in front of the garage. The walk back to the camping area is about 200 yards. Once you pass through the walk way you will come to the opening. Feel free to set your camp site up anywhere you'd like

98%

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Long Haul Flower Farm

3 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Chelsea, MI

Long Haul Farm is an organic flower farm in Chelsea, MI dedicated to sustainably growing plants, family, community, and soil biology for generations, the long haul!-------- History --------Growing up, I used to come here to visit my great-aunt & uncle's horse ranch. My great uncle grew up visiting his great uncle who was one of the first in our family on this land. They were animal and nature lovers, and in their retirement, sold 130 acres to The Nature Conservancy, all of which is now protected as a county nature preserve. Unfortunately 11 years ago, my great-uncle and aunt had passed and we had to sell the family land. By an amazing serendipitous luck, as we were looking for a farm homestead to move to, we reconnected with the owners of the land and they were just deciding to sell it. So my family was able to buy back the family land and continue the legacy. -------- Onwards ----Kathryn and I are restarting our cut-flower farm, and hoping to develop a permaculture inspired orchard and keep chickens and pigs. We love living here surrounded by extensive state and county parks and recreation land, while still being close enough to Chelsea and Ann Arbor for all that they provide. Our aim is to create a safe, inclusive, and enjoyable atmosphere for our visitors. We hope to provide a refuge in nature and perhaps even some education of flowers or wildlife. Join us in carrying on the legacy of family land stewardship and love for natural spaces! - Doug (he/him/his) & Kat (she/her/hers)Find us on Facebook: fb.com/LongHaulFarmAnd Instagram: @LongHaulFarmMI

Mulligan's Valley in the Woods

4 sites · RVs, Tents12 acres · Oxford, MI

We are situated at the end of a private road with only 2 residences. 12+ wooded acres to enjoy(hiking/exploring). At this time, only Sprinter Vans, Truck Campers and small trailers are ideal for the RV sites. Tent campers set up at the back of the property in the woods. Several hiking trails and locations to camp. There are multiple fire rings out back and plenty of fallen wood to burn or you can purchase seasoned split wood bundles on site. Suggested Local Attractions: The property borders a public golf course, downtown Lake Orion or Oxford are less than 1.5 miles as is public access to All-Sports Lake Orion(the lake) as well as others in the area. Dozens of miles of hiking/mountain biking trails. Bald Mountain State Park and Addison Oaks trailheads 2 and 3 miles respectively. Disc Golf courses. Public beaches, paved trails, etc. Or you can just hang out and watch the various wildlife that frequent the property. At least a dozen breweries, distilleries, restaurants a couple miles away, easily able to walk/bike/drive.

White Pine Farm HipCamping

4 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Ann Arbor, MI

Our beautiful farm between Ann Arbor and Dexter is on 10 acres, and the 5 acre area where our compsites are located is wooded with mature oak, maple, walnut, elm, and white pine trees. We're isolated and surrounded by wild areas and natural farm land but just a 5 - 10 minute drive from restaurants, groceries, fuel, and other amenities. Downtown Ann Arbor or Dexter or Chelsea is only a 10 - 15 minute car drive. White Lotus Farms which has a wonderful farmer's market on Saturday and Wednesday is a 10 minute walk down our dirt road.

90%

(29)

Lyanna B.’s Land

4 sites · Tents2 acres · Superior Charter Township, MI

Learn more about this land:Set up your tent on the spacious property, enjoy sitting next to the large bonfire pit, and wake up to the beautiful sounds of nature. There is plenty of sight seeing on the gorgeous wetlands. The Lefurge nature center is just across the street which offers hiking and photo taking opportunities. It is ten minutes from historic depot town Ypsilanti, the Matthai Botanical Gardens, and EMU's football stadium.

12 top campgrounds near Detroit

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(54)

Mulligan's Valley in the Woods

4 sites · RVs, Tents12 acres · Oxford, MI

We are situated at the end of a private road with only 2 residences. 12+ wooded acres to enjoy(hiking/exploring). At this time, only Sprinter Vans, Truck Campers and small trailers are ideal for the RV sites. Tent campers set up at the back of the property in the woods. Several hiking trails and locations to camp. There are multiple fire rings out back and plenty of fallen wood to burn or you can purchase seasoned split wood bundles on site. Suggested Local Attractions: The property borders a public golf course, downtown Lake Orion or Oxford are less than 1.5 miles as is public access to All-Sports Lake Orion(the lake) as well as others in the area. Dozens of miles of hiking/mountain biking trails. Bald Mountain State Park and Addison Oaks trailheads 2 and 3 miles respectively. Disc Golf courses. Public beaches, paved trails, etc. Or you can just hang out and watch the various wildlife that frequent the property. At least a dozen breweries, distilleries, restaurants a couple miles away, easily able to walk/bike/drive.

TravelingTeahouseApothecaryGardens

1 site · Lodging5 acres · Dearborn Heights, MI

Harmonic Hollow Rustic Shelter is our cedar off grid building with a twin bed for camping in the back of our herbal gardens. Sunshine Cottage is our heated tiny cabin with one single bed and some amenities. wifi is spotty while we work to extend. There are also grassy and woodsy spaces for van, tent or camper stays. short term stays only. very nice and clean outdoor composting toilet. outdoor shower during warmer months. 1 quiet pet per camp rental on leash only. must clean up after pet. not fully fenced.

Beautiful Lake Shawood Sanctuary

1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Novi, MI

Off for the Season. Depending on the weather, we may be able to accommodate you. Our current portable toilet bathroom setup is closed to prevent freezing. Feel free to connect with us. Beautiful camping experience on our little slice of heaven. Lake Shawood is a beautiful, natural spring-fed, non-motorized lake that primarily borders the City of Novi's exquisite Lakeshore Park. Lakeshore Park has everything from playgrounds for very young children and older children, to picnic pavillions and a sandy beach, and miles of hiking, running, and biking trails. We fell in love with this property the second we walked behind the old cottage. I love nature and being outdoors, especially hiking and biking. We are still making improvements on the land with a small garden, which you are welcome to enjoy during your stay. Our big-picture vision is to renovate the old cottage and live in it. This property has 1 large old oak tree and garden beds with flowers, herbs, and vegetables. (You can help yourself to any of the fruits or vegetables that are ripe) We are on an old smaller home/cottage-style small residential street. Please keep in mind, that this is a spot for family and friend fun with the awareness of keeping it a sanctuary space for the neighbors as well. Enchanting Lakefront Camping Site Pitch your tent and bring your family and children to our exquisitely beautiful site. The property sits on Shawood Lake, a non-motorized private waterfront site. There’s plenty of room to park your car, pitch a tent, enjoy a campfire, and the beauty of all types of birds (swans, geese, ospreys, and the occasional bald eagle), and animal life. The sunsets in this area are breathtaking. Take a short 30-second walk and enjoy Pavilion Shore Park, a family-oriented park with a playground, swimming, fishing pier, and waterfront seating of Walled Lake. You’ll also find public restrooms which are open until 10 pm through the summer and a restaurant across the street. We also have a portable camping toilet with a nice pop-up tent for privacy. Lakeshore Park is a 5-minute walk, an 11-acre park with volleyball, swimming, bike, and hiking trails (more than 10 miles of mountain biking and multi-purpose trails), horseshoe pits, BBQs, picnic shelters, and play structures.

Lyanna B.’s Land

4 sites · Tents2 acres · Superior Charter Township, MI

Learn more about this land:Set up your tent on the spacious property, enjoy sitting next to the large bonfire pit, and wake up to the beautiful sounds of nature. There is plenty of sight seeing on the gorgeous wetlands. The Lefurge nature center is just across the street which offers hiking and photo taking opportunities. It is ten minutes from historic depot town Ypsilanti, the Matthai Botanical Gardens, and EMU's football stadium.

White Pine Farm HipCamping

4 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Ann Arbor, MI

Our beautiful farm between Ann Arbor and Dexter is on 10 acres, and the 5 acre area where our compsites are located is wooded with mature oak, maple, walnut, elm, and white pine trees. We're isolated and surrounded by wild areas and natural farm land but just a 5 - 10 minute drive from restaurants, groceries, fuel, and other amenities. Downtown Ann Arbor or Dexter or Chelsea is only a 10 - 15 minute car drive. White Lotus Farms which has a wonderful farmer's market on Saturday and Wednesday is a 10 minute walk down our dirt road.

Tranquil Falls

3 sites · RVs, Tents52 acres · Leonard, MI

Our beautiful family farm is a 52 acre paradise. Rolling hills in the pasture and fields around a large and medium pond fading into 22 acres of hardwoods with a small seasonal stream cutting through the forest from an elevated point creating multiple small drops that is a soothing sound of falls. Our wooded land wraps around an amazing beaver swamp that has some beautiful views from the ridge around it. The ponds are filled with smaller fish to have fun with. There are 2 lakes within 5 miles to put a boat in and go fishing as well. One of the lakes has a nice clean beach to go swimming that has kayak and paddle board rentals. We have a canoe for rent to get on our ponds. Biking and hiking trail entrances are less then a mile from the property. A county park is 15 minutes away that offers more fishing and boat rentals as well as A full disc golf course. There is a nice quiet 18 hole golf course a half mile from the property. We have multiple municipal nature trails in the area and are 5 miles from downtown Oxford with many attractions and restaurants. Here you will most likely see our chickens, ducks, goats and horses. Per appointment you can even hang out with us and our Clydesdales Bonnie, Patriot and thoroughbred Cooper. There is also an abundance of wildlife that can be seen and is not limited to deer, coyotes, turkeys and all types of water fowl. You should know that you will most likely hear gunfire while staying here as it is a part of daily life in our area. We hope you come and enjoy our land as much as we do.

Stacey’s Place

1 site · Tent4 acres · Rockwood, MI

Hi and welcome. You will see the driveway lined with solar lights to guide you to the parking spot in front of the garage. The walk back to the camping area is about 200 yards. Once you pass through the walk way you will come to the opening. Feel free to set your camp site up anywhere you'd like

Long Haul Flower Farm

3 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Chelsea, MI

Long Haul Farm is an organic flower farm in Chelsea, MI dedicated to sustainably growing plants, family, community, and soil biology for generations, the long haul!-------- History --------Growing up, I used to come here to visit my great-aunt & uncle's horse ranch. My great uncle grew up visiting his great uncle who was one of the first in our family on this land. They were animal and nature lovers, and in their retirement, sold 130 acres to The Nature Conservancy, all of which is now protected as a county nature preserve. Unfortunately 11 years ago, my great-uncle and aunt had passed and we had to sell the family land. By an amazing serendipitous luck, as we were looking for a farm homestead to move to, we reconnected with the owners of the land and they were just deciding to sell it. So my family was able to buy back the family land and continue the legacy. -------- Onwards ----Kathryn and I are restarting our cut-flower farm, and hoping to develop a permaculture inspired orchard and keep chickens and pigs. We love living here surrounded by extensive state and county parks and recreation land, while still being close enough to Chelsea and Ann Arbor for all that they provide. Our aim is to create a safe, inclusive, and enjoyable atmosphere for our visitors. We hope to provide a refuge in nature and perhaps even some education of flowers or wildlife. Join us in carrying on the legacy of family land stewardship and love for natural spaces! - Doug (he/him/his) & Kat (she/her/hers)Find us on Facebook: fb.com/LongHaulFarmAnd Instagram: @LongHaulFarmMI

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Territorial Acres

1 site · Lodging15 acres · Whitmore Lake, MI

Our farm is 15 acres of a mix between wetland, open fields, and woods. In the spring there is a small creek that flows from the wetland. In the winter, the wetland freezes over for added adventure. We have 12 chickens on site, 2 hoop houses, perennial berry bushes, grape vines, and seasonal veggies. Within 20 minutes of our property there are dozens of options for hiking and mountain bike trails, lakes, rivers, restaurants, museums, and more! Amenities: Queen Bed Dining Table Propane grill Wood stove Hot Shower Composting Toilet Fire Pit Cooking Utensils USB Charging Ports

Tom and Julie's Place

4 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · MI

3/1/2024: Spring is coming early this year!!! Puxatawny Phil was right, it appears. With the early warmer weather, we are able to open the Walk-In Site EARLIER than anticipated. The RV/Tent sites 1 - 3 will remain closed for at least a few more weeks as we monitor ground conditions. Keep your eyes peeled. Our expectation is Northwoods Site #1 could open in a couple of weeks, with Sites 2 & 3 being early April. We want to make sure the ground conditions are such, no one will be getting stuck in soft ground. We're super excited to have the signs of spring making an appearance. Let the Michigan camping season begin. We'll see ya soon! The property has a lot of wildlife. Deer, Turkey, Rabbits, Coyote, Birds, and Fox. A small creek runs on the property. There are many lakes just minutes away, as well as the Huron river for fishing and kayaking. Public beaches at Lake Chemung and Bishop Lake. Campfires allowed. Plenty of dead wood around. Potable water is available to fill fresh water tanks and containers. Sewer dump station is 5 miles away at Brighton Recreation Area (there is a fee to the state park). Summer activities: Howell Balloon fest in June. Howell Melon fest in August. Captain Frosty's Ice Cream is located approximately 2–3 miles away. They offer a variety of ice cream deliciousness, slushies, shakes, and malts. Fall activities: U-Pick Pumpkin Patch and Petting Farm next door. Free wagon rides on the weekends and a free corn maze anytime. Purchases available: pumpkins, cornstalks, Indian corn, gourds, squash, mums, honey, and other wonderful treats. Terrified Forest and Haunted Mansion are just 1 mile away beginning around mid-September for Halloween. Apple Orchard is 3–4 miles away. They offer apples and have an organic farm stand with a variety of vegetables.

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Five Pointes West

10 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Highland Charter Township, MI

Learn more about this land: Twenty acres of rolling, open land, perfect for star gazing, with community fire pit and pavilion just steps away. Indoor restrooms for your convenience. Inquire about our fabulous event or hospitality packages! Please note that we are only taking guests on the weekends. Check-in is on Friday. Late check out on Monday a.m. can be arranged.

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Camping on the edge of forever

1 site · Lodging7 acres · South Lyon, MI

The edge of forever. What can I say?Learn more about this land:Site selection will be between the owner and the Guest as to where to establish the campsite. Owner is pretty flexible on campsite selection. There are many acceptble areas such as wooded, grassy lands, older wooded, cut lawn, very early stages of forest, water front (25ft pond area), tree house deals and such (building) considered.

Under $50

TravelingTeahouseApothecaryGardens

1 site · Lodging5 acres · Dearborn Heights, MI

Harmonic Hollow Rustic Shelter is our cedar off grid building with a twin bed for camping in the back of our herbal gardens. Sunshine Cottage is our heated tiny cabin with one single bed and some amenities. wifi is spotty while we work to extend. There are also grassy and woodsy spaces for van, tent or camper stays. short term stays only. very nice and clean outdoor composting toilet. outdoor shower during warmer months. 1 quiet pet per camp rental on leash only. must clean up after pet. not fully fenced.

Lyanna B.’s Land

4 sites · Tents2 acres · Superior Charter Township, MI

Learn more about this land:Set up your tent on the spacious property, enjoy sitting next to the large bonfire pit, and wake up to the beautiful sounds of nature. There is plenty of sight seeing on the gorgeous wetlands. The Lefurge nature center is just across the street which offers hiking and photo taking opportunities. It is ten minutes from historic depot town Ypsilanti, the Matthai Botanical Gardens, and EMU's football stadium.

White Pine Farm HipCamping

4 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Ann Arbor, MI

Our beautiful farm between Ann Arbor and Dexter is on 10 acres, and the 5 acre area where our compsites are located is wooded with mature oak, maple, walnut, elm, and white pine trees. We're isolated and surrounded by wild areas and natural farm land but just a 5 - 10 minute drive from restaurants, groceries, fuel, and other amenities. Downtown Ann Arbor or Dexter or Chelsea is only a 10 - 15 minute car drive. White Lotus Farms which has a wonderful farmer's market on Saturday and Wednesday is a 10 minute walk down our dirt road.

Beautiful Lake Shawood Sanctuary

1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Novi, MI

Off for the Season. Depending on the weather, we may be able to accommodate you. Our current portable toilet bathroom setup is closed to prevent freezing. Feel free to connect with us. Beautiful camping experience on our little slice of heaven. Lake Shawood is a beautiful, natural spring-fed, non-motorized lake that primarily borders the City of Novi's exquisite Lakeshore Park. Lakeshore Park has everything from playgrounds for very young children and older children, to picnic pavillions and a sandy beach, and miles of hiking, running, and biking trails. We fell in love with this property the second we walked behind the old cottage. I love nature and being outdoors, especially hiking and biking. We are still making improvements on the land with a small garden, which you are welcome to enjoy during your stay. Our big-picture vision is to renovate the old cottage and live in it. This property has 1 large old oak tree and garden beds with flowers, herbs, and vegetables. (You can help yourself to any of the fruits or vegetables that are ripe) We are on an old smaller home/cottage-style small residential street. Please keep in mind, that this is a spot for family and friend fun with the awareness of keeping it a sanctuary space for the neighbors as well. Enchanting Lakefront Camping Site Pitch your tent and bring your family and children to our exquisitely beautiful site. The property sits on Shawood Lake, a non-motorized private waterfront site. There’s plenty of room to park your car, pitch a tent, enjoy a campfire, and the beauty of all types of birds (swans, geese, ospreys, and the occasional bald eagle), and animal life. The sunsets in this area are breathtaking. Take a short 30-second walk and enjoy Pavilion Shore Park, a family-oriented park with a playground, swimming, fishing pier, and waterfront seating of Walled Lake. You’ll also find public restrooms which are open until 10 pm through the summer and a restaurant across the street. We also have a portable camping toilet with a nice pop-up tent for privacy. Lakeshore Park is a 5-minute walk, an 11-acre park with volleyball, swimming, bike, and hiking trails (more than 10 miles of mountain biking and multi-purpose trails), horseshoe pits, BBQs, picnic shelters, and play structures.

Mulligan's Valley in the Woods

4 sites · RVs, Tents12 acres · Oxford, MI

We are situated at the end of a private road with only 2 residences. 12+ wooded acres to enjoy(hiking/exploring). At this time, only Sprinter Vans, Truck Campers and small trailers are ideal for the RV sites. Tent campers set up at the back of the property in the woods. Several hiking trails and locations to camp. There are multiple fire rings out back and plenty of fallen wood to burn or you can purchase seasoned split wood bundles on site. Suggested Local Attractions: The property borders a public golf course, downtown Lake Orion or Oxford are less than 1.5 miles as is public access to All-Sports Lake Orion(the lake) as well as others in the area. Dozens of miles of hiking/mountain biking trails. Bald Mountain State Park and Addison Oaks trailheads 2 and 3 miles respectively. Disc Golf courses. Public beaches, paved trails, etc. Or you can just hang out and watch the various wildlife that frequent the property. At least a dozen breweries, distilleries, restaurants a couple miles away, easily able to walk/bike/drive.

Dog-friendly getaways

100%

(20)

Tranquil Falls

3 sites · RVs, Tents52 acres · Leonard, MI

Our beautiful family farm is a 52 acre paradise. Rolling hills in the pasture and fields around a large and medium pond fading into 22 acres of hardwoods with a small seasonal stream cutting through the forest from an elevated point creating multiple small drops that is a soothing sound of falls. Our wooded land wraps around an amazing beaver swamp that has some beautiful views from the ridge around it. The ponds are filled with smaller fish to have fun with. There are 2 lakes within 5 miles to put a boat in and go fishing as well. One of the lakes has a nice clean beach to go swimming that has kayak and paddle board rentals. We have a canoe for rent to get on our ponds. Biking and hiking trail entrances are less then a mile from the property. A county park is 15 minutes away that offers more fishing and boat rentals as well as A full disc golf course. There is a nice quiet 18 hole golf course a half mile from the property. We have multiple municipal nature trails in the area and are 5 miles from downtown Oxford with many attractions and restaurants. Here you will most likely see our chickens, ducks, goats and horses. Per appointment you can even hang out with us and our Clydesdales Bonnie, Patriot and thoroughbred Cooper. There is also an abundance of wildlife that can be seen and is not limited to deer, coyotes, turkeys and all types of water fowl. You should know that you will most likely hear gunfire while staying here as it is a part of daily life in our area. We hope you come and enjoy our land as much as we do.

Beautiful Lake Shawood Sanctuary

1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Novi, MI

Off for the Season. Depending on the weather, we may be able to accommodate you. Our current portable toilet bathroom setup is closed to prevent freezing. Feel free to connect with us. Beautiful camping experience on our little slice of heaven. Lake Shawood is a beautiful, natural spring-fed, non-motorized lake that primarily borders the City of Novi's exquisite Lakeshore Park. Lakeshore Park has everything from playgrounds for very young children and older children, to picnic pavillions and a sandy beach, and miles of hiking, running, and biking trails. We fell in love with this property the second we walked behind the old cottage. I love nature and being outdoors, especially hiking and biking. We are still making improvements on the land with a small garden, which you are welcome to enjoy during your stay. Our big-picture vision is to renovate the old cottage and live in it. This property has 1 large old oak tree and garden beds with flowers, herbs, and vegetables. (You can help yourself to any of the fruits or vegetables that are ripe) We are on an old smaller home/cottage-style small residential street. Please keep in mind, that this is a spot for family and friend fun with the awareness of keeping it a sanctuary space for the neighbors as well. Enchanting Lakefront Camping Site Pitch your tent and bring your family and children to our exquisitely beautiful site. The property sits on Shawood Lake, a non-motorized private waterfront site. There’s plenty of room to park your car, pitch a tent, enjoy a campfire, and the beauty of all types of birds (swans, geese, ospreys, and the occasional bald eagle), and animal life. The sunsets in this area are breathtaking. Take a short 30-second walk and enjoy Pavilion Shore Park, a family-oriented park with a playground, swimming, fishing pier, and waterfront seating of Walled Lake. You’ll also find public restrooms which are open until 10 pm through the summer and a restaurant across the street. We also have a portable camping toilet with a nice pop-up tent for privacy. Lakeshore Park is a 5-minute walk, an 11-acre park with volleyball, swimming, bike, and hiking trails (more than 10 miles of mountain biking and multi-purpose trails), horseshoe pits, BBQs, picnic shelters, and play structures.

Mulligan's Valley in the Woods

4 sites · RVs, Tents12 acres · Oxford, MI

We are situated at the end of a private road with only 2 residences. 12+ wooded acres to enjoy(hiking/exploring). At this time, only Sprinter Vans, Truck Campers and small trailers are ideal for the RV sites. Tent campers set up at the back of the property in the woods. Several hiking trails and locations to camp. There are multiple fire rings out back and plenty of fallen wood to burn or you can purchase seasoned split wood bundles on site. Suggested Local Attractions: The property borders a public golf course, downtown Lake Orion or Oxford are less than 1.5 miles as is public access to All-Sports Lake Orion(the lake) as well as others in the area. Dozens of miles of hiking/mountain biking trails. Bald Mountain State Park and Addison Oaks trailheads 2 and 3 miles respectively. Disc Golf courses. Public beaches, paved trails, etc. Or you can just hang out and watch the various wildlife that frequent the property. At least a dozen breweries, distilleries, restaurants a couple miles away, easily able to walk/bike/drive.

Lyanna B.’s Land

4 sites · Tents2 acres · Superior Charter Township, MI

Learn more about this land:Set up your tent on the spacious property, enjoy sitting next to the large bonfire pit, and wake up to the beautiful sounds of nature. There is plenty of sight seeing on the gorgeous wetlands. The Lefurge nature center is just across the street which offers hiking and photo taking opportunities. It is ten minutes from historic depot town Ypsilanti, the Matthai Botanical Gardens, and EMU's football stadium.

Stacey’s Place

1 site · Tent4 acres · Rockwood, MI

Hi and welcome. You will see the driveway lined with solar lights to guide you to the parking spot in front of the garage. The walk back to the camping area is about 200 yards. Once you pass through the walk way you will come to the opening. Feel free to set your camp site up anywhere you'd like

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

33%

(3)

Sterling State Park

Detroit Beach, Michigan

Seven Lakes State Park

Holly, Michigan

Camping near Detroit guide

Overview

Just a short drive out of bustling Detroit, wild Michigan takes over. Some visitors are surprised to see that just outside the Motor City, the suburbs give way to rolling fields, forests, and inland lakes that sparkle in the sun. Lake St. Clair and Lake Erie are less than an hour from the city, while Lake Huron sits just beyond as well. Campers can hit the beach for boating and fishing, or explore Detroit-area state parks and recreation areas. From beach campsites to RV parks with wifi, this part of Michigan has a campsite for any traveler.

Where to go

Detroit River

Don’t underestimate the local river, as it offers a ton of opportunity right in the city. Both the east and west sides have riverfront pathways for walking, biking, and fishing. The east side connects Gabriel Richards Park to the Joe Louis Arena with a ton of green space and views expanding into Canada.

Lake Erie

The Detroit River connects to Lake Erie, where recreation abounds. Bring the kayaks, paddleboards, and outboards to take advantage of the sandy beaches and open space. The Pointe Mouillee State Game Area is just south of the city, not far from the river outlet into the lake. It has opportunities for fishing, paddling and hunting. Continue south to Estral Beach for a boat ramp. A variety of campgrounds and RV resorts with full hookups line the shoreline just south of the city. Other spots for a camping trip include Groveland Oaks County Park and Algonac State Park.

Lakeport State Park

Although just 70 miles from Detroit, Lakeport State Park feels like a different world. The wide, sandy beach is perfect for swimming, and the shady tent sites all come with private picnic tables. Forgot something? The friendly camp store has all of the essentials.

Highland Recreation Area

Multisport campers should head for the tent and RV campsites at the Highland Recreation Area. Hike and bike the trails or bring your horse—the campground is equestrian-friendly! Pack a picnic and head to one of the three day-use areas offering swimming, volleyball, and fishing. In winter, this spot is popular for cross-country skiing.

When to go

The best times to camp near Detroit are in the hot summer and pleasant fall. The lake effect makes for great weather on many summer days, as it keeps temperatures comfortable, and the water is ideal for swimming to cool off. The trend continues into fall with changing colors and a great climate. Spring weather is unpredictable with often muddy or ice-blocked trails, but if you bring warm rain gear, you can camp comfortably. Winter is especially cold but also brings cross-country skiing, ice fishing, and the opportunity for ice skating on local rinks. Stay dry during the occasional snowstorm with a cabin or yurt rental.