The best camping near Detroit with horseback riding

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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.

99% (289)

Top-rated campgrounds near Detroit

1. Tom and Julie's Place

100%
(104)
42mi from Detroit · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
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
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$34
 / night

2. Mulligan's Valley in the Woods

100%
(131)
30mi from Detroit · 5 sites · Tents, RVs
**10% discount to previous guests or military(past or present, please be willing to provide proof to avoid scammers), message for code or can be applied post booking. Just let us know!** 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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$36
 / night

3. White Pine Farm HipCamping

98%
(125)
40mi from Detroit · 6 sites · Tents, RVs
LARGE GROUPS - We are hosting events! Graduation parties, small weddings, family reunions, you name it. You can rent the whole campground for a day a night, a weekend, or a whole week if that suits your need. Just send us a message and we can talk about it. We can also accommodate large groups at a single campsite or you can rent several of them. Our primary guideline is that if your event will be held while other campers are here, it cannot disturb them. So, consider renting the whole campground. IMPORTANT NOTICE: Please plan to arrive and set up camp between 3 and 9 PM. If you are planning to arrive after 9 PM, please send us a message letting us know. We decide on a case by case basis since we prefer not to have late arrivals. In any event we do not accept arrivals after 11 PM except in an emergency since many campers and your host may have already gone to bed. Overview: Our beautiful 10 acre farm and homestead is situated between Ann Arbor and Dexter not far from the Huron River. The 5 acre area where our campsites 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 10 minute drive to restaurants, groceries, fuel, and other amenities. The Ann Arbor area is home to a huge array of world class events from the Ark music venue to National Champions Michigan home football games and a whole lot more. Downtown Ann Arbor or Dexter or Chelsea is only a 15 minute car drive. White Lotus Farms, which has a wonderful farm market on Saturdays from 9 - 2 and Wednesdays from 9 - 1, is a 10 minute walk down our dirt road. If you forget to bring something that you need, don't hesitate to ask! We've got a growing number of camping essentials for rent or sale for very reasonable prices that can make your stay even more enjoyable: from bug repellants to camp chairs, potable water in 2.5 - 5 gallon containers, and more. NEW IN 2025 we have installed a hose with potable water near the entrance to the campground for your convenience.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$45
 / night

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.

99% (289)

Top-rated campgrounds near Detroit

1. Tom and Julie's Place

100%
(104)
42mi from Detroit · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
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
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$34
 / night

2. Mulligan's Valley in the Woods

100%
(131)
30mi from Detroit · 5 sites · Tents, RVs
**10% discount to previous guests or military(past or present, please be willing to provide proof to avoid scammers), message for code or can be applied post booking. Just let us know!** 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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$36
 / night

3. White Pine Farm HipCamping

98%
(125)
40mi from Detroit · 6 sites · Tents, RVs
LARGE GROUPS - We are hosting events! Graduation parties, small weddings, family reunions, you name it. You can rent the whole campground for a day a night, a weekend, or a whole week if that suits your need. Just send us a message and we can talk about it. We can also accommodate large groups at a single campsite or you can rent several of them. Our primary guideline is that if your event will be held while other campers are here, it cannot disturb them. So, consider renting the whole campground. IMPORTANT NOTICE: Please plan to arrive and set up camp between 3 and 9 PM. If you are planning to arrive after 9 PM, please send us a message letting us know. We decide on a case by case basis since we prefer not to have late arrivals. In any event we do not accept arrivals after 11 PM except in an emergency since many campers and your host may have already gone to bed. Overview: Our beautiful 10 acre farm and homestead is situated between Ann Arbor and Dexter not far from the Huron River. The 5 acre area where our campsites 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 10 minute drive to restaurants, groceries, fuel, and other amenities. The Ann Arbor area is home to a huge array of world class events from the Ark music venue to National Champions Michigan home football games and a whole lot more. Downtown Ann Arbor or Dexter or Chelsea is only a 15 minute car drive. White Lotus Farms, which has a wonderful farm market on Saturdays from 9 - 2 and Wednesdays from 9 - 1, is a 10 minute walk down our dirt road. If you forget to bring something that you need, don't hesitate to ask! We've got a growing number of camping essentials for rent or sale for very reasonable prices that can make your stay even more enjoyable: from bug repellants to camp chairs, potable water in 2.5 - 5 gallon containers, and more. NEW IN 2025 we have installed a hose with potable water near the entrance to the campground for your convenience.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$45
 / night

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

The best camping near Detroit with horseback riding guide

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.