The best camping in Sterling State Park, MI

·
60% (5)

The best camping in Sterling State Park, MI

Public campgrounds here are often sold out.
TravelingTeahouseApothecaryGardens

4. TravelingTeahouseApothecaryGardens

96%
(12)
34mi from Sterling State Park · 5 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Detroit, MI
Greetings and Welcome to our Beautiful Herbal Gardens! There are currently 2 grassy spaces for tent camping, 1 rustic area for car, van or camper stays and one small cabin. Tent campers park on street. 2 people per site, (open to discuss) no guests. Check in is 2pm. (please indicate estimated arrival time as we will need to be present to show you in) Check out is 12pm sharp. 4 nights max. Very nice and clean outdoor composting toilet. Outdoor rainwater shower during warmer months. Soap provided only. No offsite wood permitted, no foraging for wood on site, burning of trash or burning outside of designated area. If you would like to purchase a bundle of wood to have a fire, you can find that option under "extras". WE CAN NOT ACCOMMODATE DOGS AT THIS TIME. Our space is a shared sanctuary. Please remain clothed and quiet. If you would like to book a Reiki, Tarot or Massage session or visit our Herbal Hutt Shop during your stay, please request during booking or check our "extras" list. Warmly, Jiya
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from 
$49
 / night
Breathe in Silence & Serenity

5. Breathe in Silence & Serenity

99%
(50)
35mi from Sterling State Park · 10 sites · Tents, RVs · Ann Arbor, MI
Experience the tranquility of nature just minutes from downtown Ann Arbor. This prime location offers easy access to hiking trails and the Huron River, making it a perfect retreat for outdoor enthusiasts. The campsite is both herb and pet friendly, providing essential amenities like potable water and toilets. Enjoy year-round campfires in the provided pit or create your own, with cut wood available from the neighbor next door or forage your own from the woods on property. Relax and unwind as you watch breathtaking sunsets or feel the gentle breeze while taking in the expansive natural views. The property features a walking trail that circles the entire area, ideal for walking meditations. At night, be serenaded by the sounds of wood owls, foxes, coyotes, and pond frogs. During the day, spot hawks, eagles, sandhill cranes, blue herons, wild turkeys, ravens, pheasants, deer, and salamanders. You might also hear the soothing sounds of neighboring cattle farms. Additionally, you’re just minutes away from Raspberry U-Pick and other local organic farms, offering fresh, local produce to enhance your camping experience. Our property houses 3 Nigerian Dwarf goats in a pasture. They are very friendly and love hanging out and being pet. We also have 2 free range dogs on the property, Zeus and Rosie, both very friendly. We have a wood fired sauna that can be rented for an addiitonal fee of $50. Amananda Retreat Center also features a large community space for gathering,, breathwork, yoga, dance, meditation, sound healing, ceremony, etc. that can be rented upon request for additional fees. No same day bookings booked after 5pm. And please no late entry past 8pm in summer and 5pm in winter unless you've already checked in.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$33
 / night
Bracy Gold Bison Ranch

8. Bracy Gold Bison Ranch

98%
(54)
36mi from Sterling State Park · 11 sites · Tents, RVs · Swanton, OH
Welcome to our working bison ranch, where a unique experience awaits you. We are 10 minutes from Interstate 80/90. Explore our ranch through walking the paths that meander along the creek and around each bison pasture. As you stroll, discover the serenity of a large pond teeming with fish, dragonflies, butterflies, and amphibians. Visit our onsite store, where you can purchase our high-quality bison meat and unique bison artifacts. Additionally, from May to October, we offer tractor-drawn wagon tours into the pastures, providing an up-close encounter with these majestic animals. Please call Carmen at +14193201283 to schedule your tour. Nestled within a few miles of charming small towns boasting independent restaurants and stores, our location offers a perfect blend of rural tranquility and local amenities. For those seeking more extensive shopping options, we are conveniently situated within 15 miles of larger Toledo suburbs, featuring a variety of big-box stores. Our bison enjoy over 55 acres of pasture, benefitting from our commitment to rotational grazing for both pasture and bison health. At our ranch, we prioritize working harmoniously with the land, fostering the return of native flora and fauna to our property. Situated a few miles north of Swanton, our land, once used for standard crops, has undergone a transformation. After five years, we proudly boast an array of accomplishments, including the identification of over 25 different bird species in a single morning, an increase in local native pollinator populations (including the monarch butterfly), and a reduction in soil erosion. Join us on this journey as we invite you to experience the beauty of nature, the magnificence of bison, and the positive impact of sustainable practices on our land.
Pets
Campfires
Trash
from 
$30
 / night
White Pine Farm HipCamping

9. White Pine Farm HipCamping

98%
(125)
37mi from Sterling State Park · 6 sites · Tents, RVs · Ann Arbor, MI
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
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$45
 / night
Tails and Trails Horse Farm

12. Tails and Trails Horse Farm

98%
(80)
39mi from Sterling State Park · 3 sites · Tents · Adrian, MI
Tails and Trails Farm is a gorgeous property that sits on 80 acres at the edge of the Irish Hills. We offer a place of healing and support for humans and animals through nature, music, and interaction. Many of our animals are rescues and we use them in a variety of therapies in an effort of healing for human an animal alike. We offer horseback riding lessons, pony rides. You can also tour the farm, meet the animals, and hear their stories. We look forward to meeting you! Learn more about this land: Come and enjoy our farm! Tails and Trails is a small family-owned horse farm in the Irish Hills of southeastern Michigan. Our campsite sits in the middle of 30 acres of private woods. There is a fire ring with room for seating and a separate area to place your tent directly adjacent. There is also another sitting area and plenty of options to hang hammocks. The site is about a 10 minute or .5 mile walk through a beautiful wooded trail from the parking area.  We also offer scheduled horseback trail rides across our 82 acres, for people of all ages. (If you have small children please specify so we can discuss options.) Please send us a message if you are interested to inquire about availability or if there are any questions we can answer.  In addition to the many full-size horses, we also have several miniature horses, miniature donkeys, chickens, 5 dogs, barn cats, and a pot-belly pig. All of which love attention from humans of all ages.  We are a 420 friendly property as cannabis is legal in Michigan. There are 5 dispensaries in Adrian offering both Recreational and Medical cannabis products for sale. If you would like help or advice about the local market please just ask.  This is a pack it in, pack it out campsite. The closest source of potable water is in the barn or about a ten-minute walk from the site.  This is a perfect social distancing campsite however you are still only a 10-minute drive to the nearest grocery store and 20 minutes from some great swimming lakes, kayaking, and small-town allure in the Irish Hills area.  Ann Arbor is also only a 45-minute drive and has a bounty to offer anyone. We are very familiar with the city and can offer advice or suggestions if you'd like. There is a kayak rental in Tecumseh which is about 15 minutes away where you can do an entire river loop and return to the same place thus requiring only one vehicle.  There are also several close lakes where you can drop your own kayak in and explore. If you’d like some more amenities then Walter Hayes State Park or Lake Hudson State Park are both about a 20-minute drive. We have trails throughout the woods and along with our fields for exploring. We welcome guests to wander and enjoy the property while respecting nature and all the things that live here. The area is alive with animals and creatures of all types. Families of deer and turkey call the farm home and don’t be surprised to hear a coyote howl at night. With natural water sources and different types of topography, we are blessed to have a variety of wildlife at our farm. We keep to ourselves however are more than happy to accommodate reasonable requests and appreciate others getting to enjoy the beauty and serenity the country can offer. We welcome all humans of good character that show love to each other and the Earth.
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$40
 / night
Farley’s Farm Sanctuary

13. Farley’s Farm Sanctuary

100%
(17)
40mi from Sterling State Park · 1 site · Tent · Swanton, OH
Farley’s Farm Sanctuary is a grassroots 501c3 nonprofit animal sanctuary located on 5 acres in Swanton, OH. The campsite is located in the heart of the woods. This is a hike in primitive camp site (about 1/4 mile walk depending where you park) . We have a wagon and wheelbarrows available for use for hauling stuff back to the site. All money raised from this camp site goes back into building our sanctuary and provides ongoing care for our rescued animals! Oak Openings Metropark (including HEAVY Brewery) is located less than 5 miles away and offers a plethora of outdoor activities. Also located nearby is Johnston’s Fruit Farm (apple picking, pumpkin patch, fresh cut flowers, etc.) Tano’s Pizza (we recommend V-6 without cheese plus breadsticks no parm) and China Garden (vegetable tofu!) will deliver food here. The campsite includes a fire pit and composting toilet!
Campfires
from 
$35
 / night
The sun sets on another day at Uncle Chuck’s Cabin

14. Uncle Chuck's Cabin

100%
(106)
41mi from Sterling State Park · 1 site · Lodging · Grand Rapids, OH
This property is a great place to enjoy nature. The Metropark has an easement through the canal. Bendview park is nearby. Undeveloped park acreage is near the access road to the east. Fly kites or drones in the grassy field. Snowmobiling and cross-country skiing are fun winter sports to indulge in. Birds find sanctuary here. Baltimore orioles, Cedar Waxwings,eagles, bluebirds and pileated woodpeckers pass through. Arrowheads have been found everywhere. There's peace and quiet in the surrounding area. Learn more about this land: See nature up close at this secluded getaway a 10 minute walk from South River Road. Enjoy fishing, bird watching, water sports, hiking, campfires and star gazing. Situated on the grassy bank of the Maumee with a natural boat launch. Adjacent to Metropark towpath between Waterville and Grand Rapids. Your fee includes propane and propane lantern, firewood and gas for the generator, plus use of boat, life vests and oars. Property has a fire ring, picnic table, grill and charcoal, sanitary outhouse and ample parking. Cabin has a microwave, Keurig, wood stove, futon, loft with full size bed, 5-gallon thermos of water, and electricity from a generator. No running water or kitchen. We provide twin sheets and pillow for the futon. We also make the full size bed in the loft.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$99
 / night
Beautiful Lake Shawood Sanctuary

16. Beautiful Lake Shawood Sanctuary

98%
(43)
42mi from Sterling State Park · 1 site · Tent, RV · Novi, MI
We are closed for the season. Have a wonderful fall and winter season. 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 is about 1/3 of an acre and 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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$43
 / night
Water Cabin Queen Bed

18. EarthWell Retreat Center

95%
(32)
44mi from Sterling State Park · 7 sites · Tents, Lodging · Chelsea, MI
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. There are two households (the families of Ari Wakeman and Emily Adama) that live permanently on the property. (one in the lower level of the common house, and one in a cabin 200 yards from the common house.) During your rental they will maintain quiet and privacy for your group, but will remain on the property for the duration of your stay and will be available should any issues arise. SWIMMING AT YOUR OWN RISK + Paddle board, Kayak, Canoe, Paddleboat and life jackets/floaties available in the green shed by the pond. *Please note the common house is unavailable between 9:30-5:30pm on the following 2024 dates due to day long retreats. * July 28 * Aug 6 * Aug 10 * Aug 18 * Sept. 14 * Oct 19 * Nov 9 * Nov 16 * Dec 7
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$27
 / night
Bayfront Resort at Cross View

19. Bayfront Resort at Cross View

100%
(10)
46mi from Sterling State Park · 49 sites · RVs · Sandusky, OH
Welcome to Bayfront Resort at Cross View, a luxury RV and cottage resort located along the shores of the stunning Sandusky Bay. We are now open. Please contact us for a personal tour of the property. We would be happy to show you around! Our resort features 10 fully furnished cottages and 39 concrete RV sites with full hook-ups to accommodate RVs up to 40’. The cottage homes sleep up to 6 adults and include a bedroom, bunk beds, loft, full kitchen, laundry, and a full bath. While staying at the resort, enjoy our heated pool, modern clubhouse, and convenient laundry facility. Also, you can’t miss the panoramic view of Sandusky Bay and Cedar Point! Cottage Amenities: 1 full bedroom, 2 bunks, bed in loft 1 full bath Full kitchen with appliances & kitchenware In-cottage washer/dryer Linens & towels TV Covered porch Grill A/C Free Wi-Fi RV Site Amenities: Full Hook-up (water, 30/50 amp electric, sewer) Concrete site with patio Picnic Table Grill at each site Free Wi-Fi Pet-Friendly Property Amenities: Heated Pool Clubhouse with showers and laundry General Store Waterfront Walkway About our location: Sandusky was recently voted the #1 Best Coastal Small Town in USA Today. This is the second time in the past 4 years that Sandusky has won this honor! There are many great shops, restaurants, and activities in downtown Sandusky. Then you can head down route 250/Milan Road, and you will find the Sandusky Mall, larger department stores, fast food, restaurants, movie theater, and much more! Our location is also close to these key attractions: 1.5 miles to downtown Sandusky (including ferries to the Put-in-Bay and Kellys Island) 1.9 miles to Castaway Bay Waterpark 2.4 miles to Cedar Point Amusement Park 3.1 miles to Sports Force Parks and Cedar Point Sports Center 6.3 miles to Kalahari Waterpark Jet ski, paddleboard, kayak, and boat rentals in the area Our location cannot be beat! Come stay with Bayfront Resort and see all that Sandusky has to offer! We can't wait to meet you. Please note: We have a 2-night minimum stay on RV sites and cottages.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$65
 / night
Treasure Hunt Treehouse

20. Treasure Hunt Treehouse

97%
(18)
46mi from Sterling State Park · 3 sites · Lodging · Napoleon, MI
WIFI Smart TV with Netflix, Disney+, Prime, Hulu Mini fridge, Keurig, toaster oven, outdoor sink with running water, gas grill, and microwave Heated mattress pads on all the beds, and propane heated Outdoor Activities: Stargazing Mushroom hunting Fishing Swimming Kayaking Hiking Hunting Wineries Outdoor Shooting Range open all year long less than 5 min away! 7 min drive from public boat launch to chain of lakes Private Access to spring fed lake 1/4 mile away - beautiful lake, sandy bottom Fire Pit Kayaks: Available to rent Please note that my home is on the property. Although the treehouse is completely separate, the driveway is shared, and you may run into me and/or my family coming and going. We strive to give you the privacy you want, or if you prefer we are available to talk or answer any questions! We love meeting new people, but this is your vacation and we want you to enjoy it however that means to you! Also, if you are traveling with kids and plan on using the trampoline or playset, just note that it might be possible that my kids might be out there once in a while too. We are a really laid back family, my goal in being a host is to assist you in an enjoyable vacation. This is a no worries, have fun, relax and enjoy yourselves experience I strive to provide - and that is about the only thing I take seriously! please reach out if there's anything I can do during your stay to help you achieve that perfect vacation you deserve!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$126
 / night
60% (5)

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TravelingTeahouseApothecaryGardens

96%
(12)
34mi from Sterling State Park · 5 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Detroit, MI
Greetings and Welcome to our Beautiful Herbal Gardens! There are currently 2 grassy spaces for tent camping, 1 rustic area for car, van or camper stays and one small cabin. Tent campers park on street. 2 people per site, (open to discuss) no guests. Check in is 2pm. (please indicate estimated arrival time as we will need to be present to show you in) Check out is 12pm sharp. 4 nights max. Very nice and clean outdoor composting toilet. Outdoor rainwater shower during warmer months. Soap provided only. No offsite wood permitted, no foraging for wood on site, burning of trash or burning outside of designated area. If you would like to purchase a bundle of wood to have a fire, you can find that option under "extras". WE CAN NOT ACCOMMODATE DOGS AT THIS TIME. Our space is a shared sanctuary. Please remain clothed and quiet. If you would like to book a Reiki, Tarot or Massage session or visit our Herbal Hutt Shop during your stay, please request during booking or check our "extras" list. Warmly, Jiya
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from 
$49
 / night

Breathe in Silence & Serenity

99%
(50)
35mi from Sterling State Park · 10 sites · Tents, RVs · Ann Arbor, MI
Experience the tranquility of nature just minutes from downtown Ann Arbor. This prime location offers easy access to hiking trails and the Huron River, making it a perfect retreat for outdoor enthusiasts. The campsite is both herb and pet friendly, providing essential amenities like potable water and toilets. Enjoy year-round campfires in the provided pit or create your own, with cut wood available from the neighbor next door or forage your own from the woods on property. Relax and unwind as you watch breathtaking sunsets or feel the gentle breeze while taking in the expansive natural views. The property features a walking trail that circles the entire area, ideal for walking meditations. At night, be serenaded by the sounds of wood owls, foxes, coyotes, and pond frogs. During the day, spot hawks, eagles, sandhill cranes, blue herons, wild turkeys, ravens, pheasants, deer, and salamanders. You might also hear the soothing sounds of neighboring cattle farms. Additionally, you’re just minutes away from Raspberry U-Pick and other local organic farms, offering fresh, local produce to enhance your camping experience. Our property houses 3 Nigerian Dwarf goats in a pasture. They are very friendly and love hanging out and being pet. We also have 2 free range dogs on the property, Zeus and Rosie, both very friendly. We have a wood fired sauna that can be rented for an addiitonal fee of $50. Amananda Retreat Center also features a large community space for gathering,, breathwork, yoga, dance, meditation, sound healing, ceremony, etc. that can be rented upon request for additional fees. No same day bookings booked after 5pm. And please no late entry past 8pm in summer and 5pm in winter unless you've already checked in.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$33
 / night

Bracy Gold Bison Ranch

98%
(54)
36mi from Sterling State Park · 11 sites · Tents, RVs · Swanton, OH
Welcome to our working bison ranch, where a unique experience awaits you. We are 10 minutes from Interstate 80/90. Explore our ranch through walking the paths that meander along the creek and around each bison pasture. As you stroll, discover the serenity of a large pond teeming with fish, dragonflies, butterflies, and amphibians. Visit our onsite store, where you can purchase our high-quality bison meat and unique bison artifacts. Additionally, from May to October, we offer tractor-drawn wagon tours into the pastures, providing an up-close encounter with these majestic animals. Please call Carmen at +14193201283 to schedule your tour. Nestled within a few miles of charming small towns boasting independent restaurants and stores, our location offers a perfect blend of rural tranquility and local amenities. For those seeking more extensive shopping options, we are conveniently situated within 15 miles of larger Toledo suburbs, featuring a variety of big-box stores. Our bison enjoy over 55 acres of pasture, benefitting from our commitment to rotational grazing for both pasture and bison health. At our ranch, we prioritize working harmoniously with the land, fostering the return of native flora and fauna to our property. Situated a few miles north of Swanton, our land, once used for standard crops, has undergone a transformation. After five years, we proudly boast an array of accomplishments, including the identification of over 25 different bird species in a single morning, an increase in local native pollinator populations (including the monarch butterfly), and a reduction in soil erosion. Join us on this journey as we invite you to experience the beauty of nature, the magnificence of bison, and the positive impact of sustainable practices on our land.
Pets
Campfires
Trash
from 
$30
 / night

White Pine Farm HipCamping

98%
(125)
37mi from Sterling State Park · 6 sites · Tents, RVs · Ann Arbor, MI
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
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$45
 / night

Tails and Trails Horse Farm

98%
(80)
39mi from Sterling State Park · 3 sites · Tents · Adrian, MI
Tails and Trails Farm is a gorgeous property that sits on 80 acres at the edge of the Irish Hills. We offer a place of healing and support for humans and animals through nature, music, and interaction. Many of our animals are rescues and we use them in a variety of therapies in an effort of healing for human an animal alike. We offer horseback riding lessons, pony rides. You can also tour the farm, meet the animals, and hear their stories. We look forward to meeting you! Learn more about this land: Come and enjoy our farm! Tails and Trails is a small family-owned horse farm in the Irish Hills of southeastern Michigan. Our campsite sits in the middle of 30 acres of private woods. There is a fire ring with room for seating and a separate area to place your tent directly adjacent. There is also another sitting area and plenty of options to hang hammocks. The site is about a 10 minute or .5 mile walk through a beautiful wooded trail from the parking area.  We also offer scheduled horseback trail rides across our 82 acres, for people of all ages. (If you have small children please specify so we can discuss options.) Please send us a message if you are interested to inquire about availability or if there are any questions we can answer.  In addition to the many full-size horses, we also have several miniature horses, miniature donkeys, chickens, 5 dogs, barn cats, and a pot-belly pig. All of which love attention from humans of all ages.  We are a 420 friendly property as cannabis is legal in Michigan. There are 5 dispensaries in Adrian offering both Recreational and Medical cannabis products for sale. If you would like help or advice about the local market please just ask.  This is a pack it in, pack it out campsite. The closest source of potable water is in the barn or about a ten-minute walk from the site.  This is a perfect social distancing campsite however you are still only a 10-minute drive to the nearest grocery store and 20 minutes from some great swimming lakes, kayaking, and small-town allure in the Irish Hills area.  Ann Arbor is also only a 45-minute drive and has a bounty to offer anyone. We are very familiar with the city and can offer advice or suggestions if you'd like. There is a kayak rental in Tecumseh which is about 15 minutes away where you can do an entire river loop and return to the same place thus requiring only one vehicle.  There are also several close lakes where you can drop your own kayak in and explore. If you’d like some more amenities then Walter Hayes State Park or Lake Hudson State Park are both about a 20-minute drive. We have trails throughout the woods and along with our fields for exploring. We welcome guests to wander and enjoy the property while respecting nature and all the things that live here. The area is alive with animals and creatures of all types. Families of deer and turkey call the farm home and don’t be surprised to hear a coyote howl at night. With natural water sources and different types of topography, we are blessed to have a variety of wildlife at our farm. We keep to ourselves however are more than happy to accommodate reasonable requests and appreciate others getting to enjoy the beauty and serenity the country can offer. We welcome all humans of good character that show love to each other and the Earth.
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$40
 / night

Farley’s Farm Sanctuary

100%
(17)
40mi from Sterling State Park · 1 site · Tent · Swanton, OH
Farley’s Farm Sanctuary is a grassroots 501c3 nonprofit animal sanctuary located on 5 acres in Swanton, OH. The campsite is located in the heart of the woods. This is a hike in primitive camp site (about 1/4 mile walk depending where you park) . We have a wagon and wheelbarrows available for use for hauling stuff back to the site. All money raised from this camp site goes back into building our sanctuary and provides ongoing care for our rescued animals! Oak Openings Metropark (including HEAVY Brewery) is located less than 5 miles away and offers a plethora of outdoor activities. Also located nearby is Johnston’s Fruit Farm (apple picking, pumpkin patch, fresh cut flowers, etc.) Tano’s Pizza (we recommend V-6 without cheese plus breadsticks no parm) and China Garden (vegetable tofu!) will deliver food here. The campsite includes a fire pit and composting toilet!
Campfires
from 
$35
 / night

Other options near Sterling State Park

The best camping in Sterling State Park, MI guide

Overview

About

Less than an hour from Detroit, Lake Erie’s only state park packs a lot into a small space. The mile-long sandy beach fronts the lake, while three lagoons lie at the mouth of Sandy Creek, providing plenty of options for boating, walleye fishing, and swimming. If you can tear yourself away from the water, seven miles of trails lead the way around the lagoons and marshes. Campers can head to the modern campground, where 244 tent/RV sites all have electric hookups (some have full hookups), and six camper cottages are available.

Tips for snagging a campsite

  1. You can reserve sites at Sterling State Park via the Michigan State Park & Harbor Reservations website. 
  2. Campsite reservations open six months in advance.
  3. Campsites and cabins can fill up quickly for summer and holiday weekends, so book at least three months in advance.

When to go

Sterling State Park draws the crowds in the summer months, when the lakeshore and lagoons provide welcome relief from the urban heat. Bring bug spray if visiting at this time, though—the lakeside is notorious for its mozzies. Spring through fall is ideal for hiking and outdoor activities, while winter visitors will find some trails closed off. Sterling State Park Campground is open from April through the first weekend of November. 

Know before you go

  • Sterling State Park is set on the far eastern shore of Lake Erie, 40 miles southwest of Detroit or about a 40-minute drive away.
  • A Recreation Passport is required to visit all Michigan state parks. Camping reservation fees also apply. 
  • Facilities include a picnic area, restrooms, a boat launch, fishing piers, and vending machines. 
  • There are accessible campsites, restrooms, fishing piers, and trails at Sterling State Park.
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