7 Campgrounds Near Detroit Perfect For Those Who Hate Camping
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Sophie Boudreau
Author
You don’t have to be a full-blown camping fanatic to enjoy an adventure in the great outdoors. There are loads of great places to unwind near the Motor City, even if you’re not so keen on setting up a tent and roughing it for a night or two. In fact, many of the area’s campgrounds offer modern accommodations and plenty of creature comforts, so read on to learn about the best campgrounds near Detroit for people who hate camping.
Sterling State Park, WM98+JF, Monroe, MI 48162, USA
Make the 45-minute drive from Detroit to Monroe for a stay at Sterling State Park, where you’ll find frontage along Lake Erie and charming cottages that are available for overnight stays. Each cottage is chock full of modern charms, including screened-in porches, full kitchens, and bathrooms. Enjoy a picnic lunch or gather ‘round the on-site fire pit before heading out to explore the park itself. Talk about a great place to glamp!
North Port Huron Jellystone Park, 2353 N Lakeshore Rd, Carsonville, MI 48419, USA
You’ll have to venture approximately one hour and 50 minutes by car to reach North Port Huron Jellystone Park, but the memories you’ll make here are so worth the drive. While this family-friendly campground just a stone’s throw from Lake Huron offers tent and RV sites for traditional camping adventures, it also features cabins with both "rustic" and "deluxe" options. During your stay, enjoy everything from an in-ground pool to a mini-golfing course to an inflatable water park. What’s not to love?
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Cannaley Treehouse Village, 3520 Waterville Swanton Rd, Swanton, OH 43558, USA
Head just over the border into neighboring Ohio for a treehouse adventure that’s unlike anything you’ve ever experienced. Cannaley Treehouse Village in Swanton, Ohio, is located just 90 minutes from downtown Detroit and offers guests the chance to stay overnight in a bonafide treehouse – just like something from a childhood dream. Whether you opt for a treehouse that accommodates six people or a smaller structure for two, you’ll fall in love with this whimsical spot.
Pontiac Lake Recreation Area, 7800 Gale Rd, Waterford Twp, MI 48327, USA
Hop in the car and journey to this Oakland County park, which houses a standard campground for tent enthusiasts and five wondrous cabins that make for dreamy overnight stays. Each adorable cabin is equipped with space for up to six guests, a mini kitchenette, comfortable living space, and easy access to a communal bathroom facility. When you’re not unwinding in your cabin, you’ll enjoy opportunities to ride your bike, embark on a nature hike, boat on Pontiac Lake, or try your hand at fishing.
Bald Mountain State Recreation Area, 3361 S Lapeer Rd, Orion Twp, MI 48360, USA
Make the 45-minute journey from the Motor City to Bald Mountain State Recreation Area in Orion Township, where you’ll encounter natural beauty galore and seemingly endless opportunities for family fun and adventure. There are two options for overnight stays available here: the Arrowroot Cabin and the Morel. Both of these rustic yet comfortable cabins can sleep up to 20 guests, so they’re perfect for Detroiters who want to host larger gatherings, family reunions, or fun weekends with loved ones in tow.
Pinckney Recreation Area, 8555 Silver Hill Rd, Pinckney, MI 48169, USA
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to spend the night in a yurt? Pinckney Recreation Area offers the perfect opportunity to do just that – and it’s only one hour away from Detroit. When you book a stay here, you’ll have an elevated camping experience within the Waterloo Green Lake Yurt. With a twin-size loft bed and two full-size futon beds, it’s got plenty of space for a family adventure, not to mention a cozy vibe, an on-site picnic table, and unbeatable access to the park’s many charms. Get ready to have a blast!
Groveland Oaks County Park, 14555 Dixie Hwy, Holly, MI 48442, USA
While we’re on the topic of yurts, we’d be remiss not to mention Groveland Oaks County Park in Holly. This gem within driving distance of Detroit is another great option for camping that reaches outside the norm, offering both yurts and charming cabins that will make you feel right at home. If the accommodations themselves weren’t enough, Groveland Oaks offers access to boating and fishing on Stewart Lake, loads of green space, a private beach, and so much more. You’ll want to return to this spot time and time again.
So, now you’ve had a chance to explore some of the best campgrounds near Detroit for those who hate camping. Did any of your favorite spots make our list? We’re always learning from our readers, so share your thoughts in the Facebook comments or recommend another unique campground near Detroit by completing our official nomination form.
Searching for another fun adventure? You’ll want to embark on this historical site road trip through Detroit.
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More to Explore
Campgrounds Near Detroit
What are the best cabin rentals near Detroit?
If you're looking to level up your camping experience with a stay at a cozy cabin, you'll find lots of marvelous options for amazing cabin rentals near Detroit, including:
- Rooftop Cabins at El Moore. Looking for a unique "cabin" getaway in Detroit? Look no further! El Moore Lodge has set up four cabins with a great view of downtown Detroit. Sleep in comfort in this hidden getaway above El Moore. El Moore was built in 1898, and has gone through its fair share of renovations. Though these 21st century structures are newly built, they feature materials reclaimed from the original building parts. Recycling is always a grand idea, and it sparks creativity everywhere. There are four cabins available for renting out, each with a queen or king bed, and two with an optional pullout if you have an extra guest. Housekeeping comes daily, and there's free wifi and a kitchenette to keep you comfortable and entertained here.
- In terms of luxurious cabin getaways near Detroit, Hideaway Cove Log Cabins & Resort is pretty darn perfect. You'll find this resort located on Breyman Highway in the town of Tipton. This delightful spot can be accessed by car from downtown Detroit in just one hour and fifteen minutes. There are five rustic log cabins available on-site. No matter which site you select, you’re guaranteed to have a blast. Hideaway Cove prides itself on offering top-notch access to the shores of Evans Lake. When temperatures are warm and school is out, we truly can’t imagine a more wonderful place to escape with the whole family!
- Looking for a classic camping experience? Camp Dearborn is located at 1700 General Motors Rd. in Milford, approximately 45 minutes by car from Detroit. The camp is owned by the city of Dearborn, hence its name. This sprawling recreational facility is the perfect place to explore when you’re ready to dive headfirst into an entirely new side of the traditional campground experience. When you opt for a stay at Camp Dearborn, you’ll feel as if you’ve checked into a summer camp with the entire family in tow. Talk about an unforgettable summer getaway!