Camping in Detroit

Camping in Detroit

Are you planning a trip to Motor City and looking for the best option to experience the great outdoors?

Detroit is more than just a city; it’s a destination with the perfect balance of urban and rural living. It’s a bustling American metropolis brimming with art, culture, food, and architecture. However, did you know that Detroit also has several pristine camping sites for nature lovers?

Camping in Detroit comes with innumerable benefits, for both summer and winter campers. The city offers safe and clean areas for camping enthusiasts to enjoy the outdoors without worrying about bad weather or wild animals. Camping sites in and around the city also have beautiful water and land settings. So, why don’t you get the whole gang together, may it be family or friends, and go on a camping trip in Detroit? You can make campfires, tell stories, share laughs, and spend quality time with each other.

With this guide, your next camping trip will be worry-free and full of fun. Whether you want to go camping in Detroit or in an area near the city, we’ll provide tips and the top campgrounds for you to visit.

The Best Camping Grounds In and Around Detroit

There is no time like the present to experience the fresh air and all the benefits of a camping trip in Detroit. The city offers plenty of parks and outdoor locations providing everything you need to make your camping adventure a success. It’s time to go on a getaway!

To help you take full advantage of every moment, we’ve compiled a list of ten unforgettable camping destinations that are sure to impress you. Whether you’re traveling with family or by yourself, you can ensure a memorable time in these great spots for camping in and near Detroit.

Map of Campgrounds near Detroit

Horseshoe Lake Campground

If you’re looking for a less-crowded, beachy camping experience, Horseshoe Lake is the place for you. The picturesque location and beautifully maintained facilities are the perfect complements to a camping holiday with family or friends. Here, the recreation options are endless, such as kayaking, hiking, fishing, and more. It’s the ideal place to come and enjoy a weekend of peace, tranquility, and relaxation.

Horseshoe Lake Campground offers access to a serene setting, with views of natural beauty and awe-inspiring tranquility. They offer a variety of on-site amenities, including wifi, grills, fire rings, and a game room. If you don’t have your own tent or equipment, don’t worry because you can rent them here. Besides, the campgrounds feature modern bathrooms, a variety of recreational options, and access to a peaceful lakefront. What more could you ask for?

Cost: $30
Phone: (248) 628-3859
Website: http://dscweb.org/committees/camping-committee/
Location: 1050 E Oakwood Road, Oxford MI 48371

Way Back In Campground

Are you an independent camper, or do an electric hookup and nearby attractions interest you? Either way, Way Back In Campground is the perfect spot. Here, the staff welcomes you to enjoy their secluded campsites, where they offer spacious, clean restrooms and showers for your convenience. If you’re not into tents, they also have a few rental cabins for you and your family.

The Way Back In Campground is a friendly, community-focused campground filled with fun and unique activities for everyone to explore and enjoy. It provides you with the amenities you need for an enjoyable outdoor experience. The Huron River passes right by the property, and they offer kayaks, canoes, and tubes — so you can experience everything the beautiful river has to offer. No matter where your preference lies, there will be something for you when you visit.

Cost: Starts at $10 per night
Phone: (517) 849-0082
Website: https://www.waybackcampground.com/
Location: 3590 Jonesville Road Jonesville, MI 49250

Myers Lake Campground

Camping at Myers Lake Campground is a great way to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and recharge. It’s a great place to take the whole family and spend a weekend fishing, swimming, or enjoying any number of other healthy and wholesome activities. The campsite has a sandy beach and fishing pier, as well as plenty of activities for kids and adults alike. There are also several cabins available for rent if you prefer not to camp outdoors.

When it comes to amenities, the campground is equipped with restrooms with flush toilets and showers, picnic tables, fire rings and grills, fish cleaning stations, boat launch ramps, playgrounds, and swimming areas. There is also an on-site store that sells groceries and camping supplies. However, please be aware that alcohol isn’t allowed at the campground.

Cost: Starts at $55 per night
Phone: (810) 370-1232
Website: https://www.myerslakecampingcabins.com/
Location: 0575 Silver Lake Rd, Byron, MI 48418

Camp Dearborn

Camp Dearborn is a magical place, with cabins and campsites that are ideal for family getaways, couples, or solo trips. The campsite has a beautiful view of the woods, which makes it feel like you’re truly away from it all. There are many activities you can do here, including hiking trails and rock climbing walls. You can also rent out canoes for a fun time on the lake. If you’re looking for something more relaxing than that, there’s also a pool available for use throughout the day. Campers will also enjoy hiking along the trails that wind through their wooded grounds, fishing at the pond, or relaxing under the shade of one of the many trees.

With a sandy beach and space to swim and fish, Camp Dearborn offers an array of overnight options and can cater to everyone’s needs. The facilities are spacious and well-maintained, with many on-site amenities to keep you busy during your off time.

Cost: $24 per night
Phone: (248) 684-6000
Website: https://www.campdearborn.com/
Location: 1700 General Motors Rd, Milford, MI 48380

Detroit/Ann Arbor Koa

Located between Detroit and Ann Arbor, the KOA campground is paradise for campers. Relaxing beside a private lake, campers can enjoy fishing, canoeing, and biking around the campsite. From the moment you arrive, you can feel the positive energy of nature around you. Moreover, the staff is friendly and helpful, and they’ll be able to ensure that your stay is perfect.

With laundry facilities, restrooms, an outdoor dishwashing station, a dump station, and a fully stocked shop, there are several amenities available to make your stay more enjoyable. There are amenities like a mini-golf course, playground, sand volleyball court, horseshoes, watercraft rentals, and numerous scheduled activities. The campground is also near the University of Michigan, the US/Canadian border, and the Great Lakes for added adventure.

Cost: Starts at $20
Phone: (734) 482-7722
Website: https://koa.com/campgrounds
Location: 6680 Bunton Rd. Ypsilanti MI 48197

Taylor’s Beach Campground

If you’re searching for a serene and stress-free outdoor adventure, look no further than Taylor’s Beach Campground. This secluded location provides the ultimate privacy and a personal experience that allows you to truly unwind and recharge. Sandy beaches, calm lake waters, and serene forest views combine to form a perfect setting for slow-paced relaxation. You’ll feel at peace among nature’s beauty as you set up your tent or park your RV.

For more than 50 years, Taylor’s Beach Campground has been helping campers of all ages spend time together in the great outdoors while reconnecting with nature and having fun. You can also enjoy classic activities like putt-putt golfing and kayaking. With its complete amenities and beautiful location, it’s the campground where you’ll return time and time again to reconnect with the great outdoors and spend time with your loved ones.

Cost: Starts at $32
Phone: (517) 546-2679
Website: https://www.taylorsbeachcampground.com/
Location: 6197 N. Burkhart, Howell, MI 48855

Algonac State Park

A true haven, Algonac State Park is a picturesque yet secluded spot that offers a variety of activities for camping fanatics. You can enjoy the splendor of nature as you experience a great outdoors adventure where you can hike, cycle, birdwatch, and experience the spirit of the early settlers. The park offers access to a half-mile of riverfront, campgrounds, trails, and a 1,200-acre natural area.

Nestled along the shore of the St. Clair River, the area has 360 campsites, which can accommodate tents, trailers, and RVs. As a camper, you enjoy a fully-equipped campground with water, restrooms, hot showers, firewood, and easy access to hundreds of miles of trails for hiking, biking, and ATVs. Don’t forget to take a day hike through the top of the state’s beautiful forest, with views of the magnificent St. Clair River.

Cost: $18 – $29
Phone: (810) 765-5605
Website: https://www2.dnr.state.mi.us/parksandtrails/
Location: 8970 River Rd., Clay Twp., MI 48001

Camp Sequoia

Camp Sequoia features 62 secluded sites, many with remarkable views of the hills and valleys of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. This scenic campground is in a wooded setting with recreation facilities for all ages. Excellent facilities in convenient locations include an amphitheater and campfires, a modern bath and shower area, and a laundry room, among others. The campsites are surrounded by stunning natural landscapes. Plus, each campground site provides a fire ring, picnic table, and access to electric hookups.

Cost: $65 – $75 per night
Phone: (517) 264-5531
Website: https://www.campatsequoia.com/
Location: 2675 Gady Rd. Adrian, MI 49221

Covered Wagon Camp Resort

Offering a respite from the demands of everyday life, the Covered Wagon Camp Resort is just the place to relax and find yourself. They provide everything you need for relaxation. Located just outside of Detroit, this campsite is on a beautiful 83-acre park. The resort includes amenities like RV hookups, a fishing pond, mini golf, and wagon rides. Guests can also spend a day resting on the patio chairs and working in their hammocks or take out kayaks and bikes.

Covered Wagon Camp Resort prides itself on providing the finest wilderness experiences to guests of all ages and interests. Additionally, their facilities are first-rate, with hot showers, family bathrooms, a recreation hall, and private picnic areas. Whether you want to experience the thrill of sleeping under the stars in a tent or the comfort of hookups for your RV, you’ll have an experience that rejuvenates and energizes.

Cost: Starts at $40 per night
Phone: (734) 856-3058
Website: http://www.coveredwagoncamp.com/
Location: 5639 Saint Anthony Road (M-151), Ottawa Lake, MI 49267

Ja Do Campground

Ja Do Campground is situated in the beautiful Irish Hills of Southern Michigan, (35 minutes from Ann Arbor) offering easy access to the Lake Michigan beaches and several of the state’s natural gems. Here, you’ll experience quiet moments and enjoy the serenity of nature. You will cherish the opportunity to explore nature’s beauty while engaging in fun, outdoor activities.

Just one hour’s drive from Detroit, this exclusive campground features 50 spring-fed lakes and tree-lined paths. Campers can relish the beautiful scenery of the garden, try an exciting game of golf, relax by the water with a picnic, or go for a hike along the nearby hills. You can also golf, jet, and water ski in the area, or visit the local sports arena. The camp even has hidden leprechauns throughout the area for families to seek out (and the occasional surprise visit from Lucky Lou the Leprechaun)!

Cost: $24 per night
Phone: (734) 856-3058
Website: https://www.jadocampground.com/
Location: 5603 US-12 Tipton, MI 49287

Camping in Detroit: Tips

Camping is the perfect way to connect with nature and enjoy the great outdoors. You can camp alone or with friends or family, and it’s an excellent opportunity for everyone to spend time together, relax, and have fun.

Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned camper, consider picking our tips or tricks before your next foray into the great outdoors. The following tips will help you get the most out of your camping experience.

• Before you go camping near Detroit or in the city, plan ahead of time and pick one perfect campsite from our list above.
• You must wear appropriate gear to protect yourself from outside elements like rain, sun, or insects. If possible bring UV lotion and insect repellants.
• During preparation, create a checklist of all the things you need to pack to avoid missing essential items.
• Cooking at a campsite can be challenging, so plan and prepare your meals before embarking on your journey.
• Don’t forget your camera and take countless photos of your camping experience.
• At the campsite, respect nature and leave nothing but your footprints.
• While camping, always set up campfires safely by utilizing the dedicated fire pits and observing camp rules.
• Most importantly, enjoy your time and have fun.

Plan Your Next Camping Trip Today

Camping in or near Detroit is a great way to experience the city in a new way. Whether you’re looking for a place to pitch a tent or hook up your RV, there are plenty of options in and around Motor City to reconnect with nature and have fun. The options we discussed above make it easy to explore nature without having to worry about roughing it. Start packing your bags and check out one of Detroit’s campgrounds.