Discover the best campgrounds near East Lansing, Michigan with wildlife watching

United States
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Michigan
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East Lansing

95% (5826 reviews)

Popular camping styles for East Lansing

Dog-friendly getaways

Under $50

90%

(5)

The CH Retreat

2 sites · RVs, Tents15 acres · Dansville, Ingham

Our property is 15 acres in beautiful south central Michigan, north of Jackson, and south of Lansing. It features an approximate 2 acre spring fed pond that does not have scum. It eventually flows into a creek that meanders through onsite wetlands into State of Michigan land. It is virgin land and exhibits many forms of wildlife: deer, turkey, rabbits, pheasants, fish, birds, and other. One day this will be our future dream home, but in the meantime we enjoy using it for a getaway and peaceful surroundings. Activities include the following: We have kayaked on the pond, had campfires on the hill, hiked through the swamp, fished on the pond, and have had hunters in the fall. Within a 30 minute drive are the cities of Lansing and Jackson that have numerous activities and culture.

White Pine Farm HipCamping

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

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.

Life Adventures

4 sites · RVs, Tents43 acres · Saranac, Ionia

Sleep to the sound of tree frogs, owls, distant coyotes, and maybe even wake to sounds of chickens in the morning. Walk thru a glitter of fire flies down a trail at night. My black lab Luke will likely visit your site to say hello and is super chill. Only 30 minutes east of Grand Rapids, this property was established as a Youth Camp for 15 years is now a private event venue and campground, so it has nice amenities like FULL restrooms, a picnic shelter, and even a few small cabins that can be rented. Swimming beach is available in Lowell a few miles away. Fishing rivers and lakes are also in the area. (live bait in Saranac) Woods site and Open Area have a few different locations you can choose from. If woods or open shows booked already, please contact me. Additional fee of $20 per extra tent/camper that sleeps an adult. Picnic shelter is also available. Use my website to RSVP entire camp area for an event such as wedding.

Down by the river ranch

4 sites · Tents4 acres · Eaton Rapids, Eaton

3 acre open field. Plenty of room to play sports or throw some discs the sites are right on the river each have a fire pit and some shady spots from the trees. River access From downtown Eaton rapids to your camp spot is a 45 minute kayak I have kayaks available to rent as well On clear nights the stars are stunning Very peaceful and quiet Close to lansing and MSU Downtown Eaton rapids is a 5 minute drive

from

$40

/ night

97%

(15)

EarthWell Retreat Center

7 sites · Lodging, Tents40 acres · Chelsea, Washtenaw

EarthWell Retreat Center boasts a spring-fed swimming pond situated on forty acres of rolling prairie, forest and wetland, surrounded by one hundred acres of Washtenaw County Nature Preserve. Six off-grid sleeping cabins dot the landscape, all within a short walk to our Common House, that includes a large gathering space, community kitchen/dining and bathrooms/shower. EarthWell offers Yoga and Meditation classes and weekend retreats year-round. Located in Southeastern Michigan, just 30 minutes west of Ann Arbor, and near the towns of Grasslake, Chelsea, Manchester. (All downtowns are 7-10 miles away). EarthWell allows hiking, wildlife watching (amazing sandhill cranes), swimming and canoeing/kayaking/paddleboating in our pond. East of Chelsea is the expansive Pinckney and Waterloo State Recreation areas, with over 20 lakes and trails for hikers, bikers, backpackers, and horseback riders. *Please note the common house is unavailable AFTER 9:30am on the following Sundays due to retreats: * 2023 Dates * Nov 19 * Dec 10 * 2024 Dates: * Jan 28 * Feb 4 * Feb 25 * April 28 * May 5 * May 19 * Aug 4 * Aug 18

from

$40

/ night

12 top campgrounds near East Lansing with wildlife watching

99%

(62)

Plum Orchard Acres

1 site · Lodging23 acres · Pleasant Lake, Jackson

Plum Orchard Acres consists of 23 total acres in Southeast Michigan. The land is roughly 5 acres of woods, 3 acres of yard/farm, and 15 acres of prairie with a couple of paths that lead through all that the property has to offer. In the summer, the farm is lively with a cut flower garden and orchard and in the winter guests can enjoy axe throwing and a wood burning hot tub to keep warm. Plum Orchard Acres is a 15 minute drive from Waterloo Recreation Area, Pinckney Recreation Area and Portage Lake (for hiking, swimming, and trail riding); and a 30 minute drive to Ann Arbor and Lansing for those interested in museums, visiting Michigan's capitol, or a variety of foods!

from

$70

/ night

100%

(34)

Kitano Daichi Farm

3 sites · Lodging26 acres · Owosso, Shiawassee

【ご予約前に必ずお読みください】ステイ内容で価格が変わります。テントステイ一泊＄１３０(5人まで)。キャビンステイ１泊＄１６０(5人まで)。テントとキャビン両方ご予約の方は＄２６０となります。・テントステイの方は設定されている$130のままご予約にお進みください。・キャビンステイをご希望の方はRentalオプションの”Cabin$30“を追加してご予約にお進みください。・テントとキャビンステイの両方をご希望の場合はRentalオプション"Cabin+Tent $130" を追加してご予約にお進みくださいご不明な点がありましたらご予約前にお気軽にお問い合わせください。 "Kitano Daichi Farm - 北の大地ファーム"は日本人オーナーがおもてなしするグランピングサイトです。東京ドーム約２個分に相当する２６acresの大自然の中でご家族やお仲間と思い思いにお過ごしいただけます。野生動物との出会い、天体観測、昆虫採取、ワイルドポップコーン、フレッシュエッグコレクト体験などなど。 26 acres on Looking Glass River! Enjoy Fishing, Walking, and Watching wild animals and birds every day. Pretty tent and cabin, ready for use, set up with a fire pit. The Owner is a licensed Japanese chef, stroll through gardens, look at the stars, but first . . . Relax! No need to bring anything but a change of clothing. Golf course nearby.

The CH Retreat

2 sites · RVs, Tents15 acres · Dansville, Ingham

Our property is 15 acres in beautiful south central Michigan, north of Jackson, and south of Lansing. It features an approximate 2 acre spring fed pond that does not have scum. It eventually flows into a creek that meanders through onsite wetlands into State of Michigan land. It is virgin land and exhibits many forms of wildlife: deer, turkey, rabbits, pheasants, fish, birds, and other. One day this will be our future dream home, but in the meantime we enjoy using it for a getaway and peaceful surroundings. Activities include the following: We have kayaked on the pond, had campfires on the hill, hiked through the swamp, fished on the pond, and have had hunters in the fall. Within a 30 minute drive are the cities of Lansing and Jackson that have numerous activities and culture.

White Pine Farm HipCamping

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

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.

Down by the river ranch

4 sites · Tents4 acres · Eaton Rapids, Eaton

3 acre open field. Plenty of room to play sports or throw some discs the sites are right on the river each have a fire pit and some shady spots from the trees. River access From downtown Eaton rapids to your camp spot is a 45 minute kayak I have kayaks available to rent as well On clear nights the stars are stunning Very peaceful and quiet Close to lansing and MSU Downtown Eaton rapids is a 5 minute drive

Life Adventures

4 sites · RVs, Tents43 acres · Saranac, Ionia

Sleep to the sound of tree frogs, owls, distant coyotes, and maybe even wake to sounds of chickens in the morning. Walk thru a glitter of fire flies down a trail at night. My black lab Luke will likely visit your site to say hello and is super chill. Only 30 minutes east of Grand Rapids, this property was established as a Youth Camp for 15 years is now a private event venue and campground, so it has nice amenities like FULL restrooms, a picnic shelter, and even a few small cabins that can be rented. Swimming beach is available in Lowell a few miles away. Fishing rivers and lakes are also in the area. (live bait in Saranac) Woods site and Open Area have a few different locations you can choose from. If woods or open shows booked already, please contact me. Additional fee of $20 per extra tent/camper that sleeps an adult. Picnic shelter is also available. Use my website to RSVP entire camp area for an event such as wedding.

from

$20

/ night

100%

(33)

Cabin in the woods.

2 sites · Lodging35 acres · Belding, Ionia

I am creating a homestead based on simple but holistic living. The cabin was built built by myself with the help of family and friends. There are a number of trails to walk on the 35 private acreage of rolling hills. This heavily wooded land hosts much wildlife and beautiful scenery. There is a sport court which provides opportunities to play basketball, volleyball, pickleball, or badminton. The property is a work in progress with lots of plans for the future; including a food forest, natural pool, recreation building (being built summer 2022), and more.. The property offers a chance to reconnect with each other, yourself, or the natural world in a simplistic and harmonious way. I hope you come experience it! 35 private acres of forest on rolling hill terrain. Lots of wildlife nestled very close to the flat river; 30-40 minutes away from Grand Rapids. The Fred Meijer trail provides great biking or hiking opportunities. Lazy float tubing or kayaking down the flat river is very popular and only a short walk away. Horse back riding, golf courses, and an amazing local bakery all within a couple miles. And a fun sport court (basketball hoop, volleyball/badminton/pickelball net all right on site!

EarthWell Retreat Center

7 sites · Lodging, Tents40 acres · Chelsea, Washtenaw

EarthWell Retreat Center boasts a spring-fed swimming pond situated on forty acres of rolling prairie, forest and wetland, surrounded by one hundred acres of Washtenaw County Nature Preserve. Six off-grid sleeping cabins dot the landscape, all within a short walk to our Common House, that includes a large gathering space, community kitchen/dining and bathrooms/shower. EarthWell offers Yoga and Meditation classes and weekend retreats year-round. Located in Southeastern Michigan, just 30 minutes west of Ann Arbor, and near the towns of Grasslake, Chelsea, Manchester. (All downtowns are 7-10 miles away). EarthWell allows hiking, wildlife watching (amazing sandhill cranes), swimming and canoeing/kayaking/paddleboating in our pond. East of Chelsea is the expansive Pinckney and Waterloo State Recreation areas, with over 20 lakes and trails for hikers, bikers, backpackers, and horseback riders. *Please note the common house is unavailable AFTER 9:30am on the following Sundays due to retreats: * 2023 Dates * Nov 19 * Dec 10 * 2024 Dates: * Jan 28 * Feb 4 * Feb 25 * April 28 * May 5 * May 19 * Aug 4 * Aug 18

from

$40

/ night

Blue Ridge Ranch

2 sites · Tents80 acres · Webberville, Livingston

This property is in the middle of Mid-Michigan’s Prime farming/agricultural area. It’s a prayer and meditation and outdoor activity sanctuary for our family. Welcome, leave only footprints take only memories!!Learn more about this land:We have a 10 acre Maple Forest surrounded by crop fields. And another 3 acre wooded lot with an adjacent starter orchard and connected crop fields. Also another 4 acre open high ground area.

from

$59

/ night

98%

(107)

Be Wild and Free

4 sites · RVs, Tents76 acres · Gaines, Genesee

This is a 76 acre farm in a rural agricultural area. Learn more about this land:This is a 76 acre "farm" that has been allowed to rest for the last 20 some years, surrounded by large agricultural fields. There are areas of pasture, woods, and wetlands. This is a very rustic piece of property, with no amenities. Just a chance to get away for some fresh air.

from

$20

/ night

99%

(50)

Tom and Julie's Place

4 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Livingston

8/29/23: Fall camping is here! The trees are beginning to change color and the evenings need a sweatshirt for sitting around the campfire. Camp here and you're in luck with a pumpkin patch a few properties down from us within a 5 minute walk, a haunted forest and mansion only a mile away as the crow flies! 1.5 miles away by car. Book that trip to enjoy all that fall season has to offer. 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.

from

$34

/ night

98%

(188)

Long Haul Flower Farm

3 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Chelsea, Washtenaw

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

from

$42

/ night

Available this weekend

97%

(15)

EarthWell Retreat Center

7 sites · Lodging, Tents40 acres · Chelsea, Washtenaw

EarthWell Retreat Center boasts a spring-fed swimming pond situated on forty acres of rolling prairie, forest and wetland, surrounded by one hundred acres of Washtenaw County Nature Preserve. Six off-grid sleeping cabins dot the landscape, all within a short walk to our Common House, that includes a large gathering space, community kitchen/dining and bathrooms/shower. EarthWell offers Yoga and Meditation classes and weekend retreats year-round. Located in Southeastern Michigan, just 30 minutes west of Ann Arbor, and near the towns of Grasslake, Chelsea, Manchester. (All downtowns are 7-10 miles away). EarthWell allows hiking, wildlife watching (amazing sandhill cranes), swimming and canoeing/kayaking/paddleboating in our pond. East of Chelsea is the expansive Pinckney and Waterloo State Recreation areas, with over 20 lakes and trails for hikers, bikers, backpackers, and horseback riders. *Please note the common house is unavailable AFTER 9:30am on the following Sundays due to retreats: * 2023 Dates * Nov 19 * Dec 10 * 2024 Dates: * Jan 28 * Feb 4 * Feb 25 * April 28 * May 5 * May 19 * Aug 4 * Aug 18

The CH Retreat

2 sites · RVs, Tents15 acres · Dansville, Ingham

Our property is 15 acres in beautiful south central Michigan, north of Jackson, and south of Lansing. It features an approximate 2 acre spring fed pond that does not have scum. It eventually flows into a creek that meanders through onsite wetlands into State of Michigan land. It is virgin land and exhibits many forms of wildlife: deer, turkey, rabbits, pheasants, fish, birds, and other. One day this will be our future dream home, but in the meantime we enjoy using it for a getaway and peaceful surroundings. Activities include the following: We have kayaked on the pond, had campfires on the hill, hiked through the swamp, fished on the pond, and have had hunters in the fall. Within a 30 minute drive are the cities of Lansing and Jackson that have numerous activities and culture.

Long Haul Flower Farm

3 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Chelsea, Washtenaw

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

from

$42

/ night

Blue Ridge Ranch

2 sites · Tents80 acres · Webberville, Livingston

This property is in the middle of Mid-Michigan’s Prime farming/agricultural area. It’s a prayer and meditation and outdoor activity sanctuary for our family. Welcome, leave only footprints take only memories!!Learn more about this land:We have a 10 acre Maple Forest surrounded by crop fields. And another 3 acre wooded lot with an adjacent starter orchard and connected crop fields. Also another 4 acre open high ground area.

Down by the river ranch

4 sites · Tents4 acres · Eaton Rapids, Eaton

3 acre open field. Plenty of room to play sports or throw some discs the sites are right on the river each have a fire pit and some shady spots from the trees. River access From downtown Eaton rapids to your camp spot is a 45 minute kayak I have kayaks available to rent as well On clear nights the stars are stunning Very peaceful and quiet Close to lansing and MSU Downtown Eaton rapids is a 5 minute drive

from

$40

/ night

Within one hour of East Lansing

98%

(188)

Long Haul Flower Farm

3 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Chelsea, Washtenaw

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

Camp Clear Sky

9 sites · Lodging9 acres · Lowell, Kent

Camp Clear Sky is our family compound in Lowell, Michigan. We allow guests to camp and sometimes have private music events for our guests to enjoy. Our 2BR 1BA eco-house is available for short-term rentals. There are three large parks and two rivers within a mile of the property. Nearby connections to hiking, bicycle, snowmobile, and water hiking trails include the North Country Trail, Lowell Area Trailway, Flat River Water Trail, Grand River Water Trail, Fred Meijer River Valley Trail, and more!

Be Wild and Free

4 sites · RVs, Tents76 acres · Gaines, Genesee

This is a 76 acre farm in a rural agricultural area. Learn more about this land:This is a 76 acre "farm" that has been allowed to rest for the last 20 some years, surrounded by large agricultural fields. There are areas of pasture, woods, and wetlands. This is a very rustic piece of property, with no amenities. Just a chance to get away for some fresh air.

Camp Windsor

1 site · Tent1 acre · Davison, Genesee

Beautiful campsite with very easy access to local dinning but feels like your in the woods. Located right next to Skidway Lake.Learn more about this land:The campsite is located right next to Skid Way Lake. You are back off the roads in a nice wooded atmosphere. There is a boat launch, public beach, and bar within 1/2 mile.

from

$98

/ night

100%

(90)

Our Lil' Ranch

1 site · Lodging10 acres · Ionia, Ionia

Our Lil' Ranch is a unique property. When I purchased it my dream was to share it with friends and family. Between working and life this doesn't happen often enough. It is a shame to let the cabin go on used so much of the time so here I am offering to share it with you. My dream is to make more of Our Lil' Ranch into an event center. Hosting weddings and gatherings. While here you may see some wild life, stars, my dog, cat and 2 horses. God and I welcome you to stay at Our Lil' Ranch.

from

$65

/ night

Camping near East Lansing with wildlife watching guide

Welcome to Hipcamp! Looking for a camping experience near East Lansing, Michigan that's perfect for wildlife watching? You're in luck! We've got over 800 options in the area just for you. Whether you prefer a secluded retreat like Lynx Run Wilderness Retreat, a picturesque flower farm like Long Haul Flower Farm, or the serene beauty of Songdog Meadows, we've got you covered. With options starting as low as $13 per night, you can enjoy the great outdoors without breaking the bank. And don't worry, popular amenities like toilets, potable water, and trash facilities are available at many of our campsites. So get ready to embark on an unforgettable wildlife watching adventure, with plenty of opportunities for boating and climbing too!