The best river, stream, or creek RV camping near Dearborn

·

Just outside Detroit near the great Lake Erie, Dearborn is a hidden gem featuring nature reserves like Island Lake Recreation Area and state parks such as Algonac State Park. Dearborn offers the conveniences of the city and the draw of pristine nature, allowing campers the best of both worlds. The abundance of rivers and lakes means waterfront camping and activities are popular, but sprawling forests allow for hiking and wildlife sightings, too. Explore massive tracts of dense maple forest, secluded canoe routes down Huron River, and finish each day relaxing by the fire at a private campground, RV site, or cabin rental.

99% (182)

Top-rated campgrounds

Combination of sun/shade at Site 1

1. Tom and Julie's Place

100%
(104)
38mi from Dearborn · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · MI
10/12/25 The camping season in Michigan is coming to a close. We'll be open through October with full closure starting Nov. 1 through mid-March 2026. If the weather is kind, 2 sites will open, followed by the other 2 beginning May 1. Glad to be able to offer our slice of heaven to you again next year! Thank you to all who chose to stay this year. ***For the preservation of our property, our septic system, the privacy of other campers, all arrivals MUST be prior to dark setting in. If you can't see the signs & posts, you can damage our property AND your vehicle/equipment. Please see the site rules for current max time for check-in. (With changing daylight hours, this time limit will change throughout the season.) *The property has a lot of wildlife; Deer, Turkey, Rabbits, Coyote, Birds, & Fox. *A small creek runs across the back of the property. *There are many lakes just minutes away, as well as the Huron river for fishing & kayaking. *Public beaches at Lake Chemung & Bishop Lake. *Campfires allowed. Plenty of dead wood around, or you can purchase firewood bundles onsite. *Potable water is available to fill water tanks & containers. It is softened from the house. *Sewer dump station is 5 miles away at Brighton Rec Area (there is a fee). *Pets are allowed (cats & dogs only). They must be leashed at all times (15 ft. max). *Guests that are not part of the Hipcamp Reservation, are not allowed on-site. Guests will need to be met at a location other than our Hipcamp. There are numerous places nearby to gather instead. This assures maximum privacy for all sites & for our family. ***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 have an organic farm stand w/vegetables.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$34
 / night
Full Circle Farms and Sanctuary

2. Full Circle Farms and Sanctuary

24mi from Dearborn · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · Willis, MI
Welcome to Full Circle Farms & Sanctuary – Your Sacred Resting Place Under the Stars Tucked in the wild heart of Michigan, Full Circle Farms & Sanctuary is more than just a campsite—it’s a sanctuary for the soul. Here, nature breathes deeply. You’ll find yourself surrounded by open meadows, forest whispers, and the quiet call of the land, inviting you to slow down, reconnect, and remember your place in the great circle. Whether you're pitching a tent beneath the stars or joining one of our seasonal rituals, this is a space where community, creativity, and spirit meet. We host wellness workshops, fire ceremonies, and holistic gatherings, but you’re just as welcome to simply sit by the river, watch the sky, and just be. Campers have access to the fire circle, community kitchen, and shared sacred spaces built with intention. Our land is a living altar—honoring Earth, balance, and all beings that walk, crawl, or fly. Come as you are. Leave more whole.
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from 
$40
 / night

Just outside Detroit near the great Lake Erie, Dearborn is a hidden gem featuring nature reserves like Island Lake Recreation Area and state parks such as Algonac State Park. Dearborn offers the conveniences of the city and the draw of pristine nature, allowing campers the best of both worlds. The abundance of rivers and lakes means waterfront camping and activities are popular, but sprawling forests allow for hiking and wildlife sightings, too. Explore massive tracts of dense maple forest, secluded canoe routes down Huron River, and finish each day relaxing by the fire at a private campground, RV site, or cabin rental.

99% (182)

Top-rated campgrounds

Combination of sun/shade at Site 1

1. Tom and Julie's Place

100%
(104)
38mi from Dearborn · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · MI
10/12/25 The camping season in Michigan is coming to a close. We'll be open through October with full closure starting Nov. 1 through mid-March 2026. If the weather is kind, 2 sites will open, followed by the other 2 beginning May 1. Glad to be able to offer our slice of heaven to you again next year! Thank you to all who chose to stay this year. ***For the preservation of our property, our septic system, the privacy of other campers, all arrivals MUST be prior to dark setting in. If you can't see the signs & posts, you can damage our property AND your vehicle/equipment. Please see the site rules for current max time for check-in. (With changing daylight hours, this time limit will change throughout the season.) *The property has a lot of wildlife; Deer, Turkey, Rabbits, Coyote, Birds, & Fox. *A small creek runs across the back of the property. *There are many lakes just minutes away, as well as the Huron river for fishing & kayaking. *Public beaches at Lake Chemung & Bishop Lake. *Campfires allowed. Plenty of dead wood around, or you can purchase firewood bundles onsite. *Potable water is available to fill water tanks & containers. It is softened from the house. *Sewer dump station is 5 miles away at Brighton Rec Area (there is a fee). *Pets are allowed (cats & dogs only). They must be leashed at all times (15 ft. max). *Guests that are not part of the Hipcamp Reservation, are not allowed on-site. Guests will need to be met at a location other than our Hipcamp. There are numerous places nearby to gather instead. This assures maximum privacy for all sites & for our family. ***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 have an organic farm stand w/vegetables.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$34
 / night
Full Circle Farms and Sanctuary

2. Full Circle Farms and Sanctuary

24mi from Dearborn · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · Willis, MI
Welcome to Full Circle Farms & Sanctuary – Your Sacred Resting Place Under the Stars Tucked in the wild heart of Michigan, Full Circle Farms & Sanctuary is more than just a campsite—it’s a sanctuary for the soul. Here, nature breathes deeply. You’ll find yourself surrounded by open meadows, forest whispers, and the quiet call of the land, inviting you to slow down, reconnect, and remember your place in the great circle. Whether you're pitching a tent beneath the stars or joining one of our seasonal rituals, this is a space where community, creativity, and spirit meet. We host wellness workshops, fire ceremonies, and holistic gatherings, but you’re just as welcome to simply sit by the river, watch the sky, and just be. Campers have access to the fire circle, community kitchen, and shared sacred spaces built with intention. Our land is a living altar—honoring Earth, balance, and all beings that walk, crawl, or fly. Come as you are. Leave more whole.
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from 
$40
 / night

Stories from the community

Value Prop
Value Prop
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best river, stream, or creek RV camping near Dearborn guide

Where to go

Algonac State Park

Northeast of Dearborn, where the St. Clair River feeds into St. Clair Lake, is Algonac State Park. This preserve spans more than 1,500 acres with large areas open for day use along the riverbank, plus hiking trails and a 1,200-acre dedicated natural area. The park is home to rare habitats for birds, plants, and butterflies that are considered endangered. Canoe on St. Clair River, hike through rare oak savannas, and wrap up the day at a nearby campground or cabin rental.

Metamora-Hadley Recreation Area

Metamora-Hadley Recreation Area, a large park surrounding picturesque Lake Minnawanna, is just north of Dearborn. Summertime is the most popular season, with many staying in the park’s campgrounds, canoeing and swimming in the lake, or hiking and cycling across the small trail network. The park also has its share of fun in winter, with many great routes for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Outside the park, glamping spots and private lakeside campgrounds abound.

Island Lake Recreation Area

Island Lake Recreation Area to the west of Dearborn is home to several important biomes, including protected oak barren communities. These old, deciduous trees provide a stunning backdrop for hikers on the park’s four main hiking trails or canoers and kayakers paddling down the Huron River. Campers flock to Island Lake for swimming, fishing, mountain biking, hunting, and camping—this 4,000-acre park has something for everyone. Nearby RV parks include all the amenities campers want, from full hookups to washrooms and wifi. 

When to go

Dearborn, Michigan is a popular destination year-round with seasonal adventures. Visit in summer for hiking, swimming, and paddling, when July highs average at 85.5°F. Though Michigan is a popular summer spot, the large number of public parks and reserves make it fairly easy to avoid large crowds. Winters in Dearborn can be quite cold (average January lows of 16.6°F), but snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing are enjoyable with proper cold-weather gear.