Posted in Detroit January 28, 2022 by

6 Stunning State Parks Near Detroit Where You Can Camp All Year-Round

No matter what the weather is like, there’s something wonderful about escaping the city for a camping adventure. Whether you’re bringing along the whole family or enjoying a romantic getaway with your sweetheart among nature, a day or two spent in the great outdoors is undoubtedly good for the soul. If you’re looking for year-round options, here are six fantastic state parks (and state recreation areas) within driving distance of Detroit that will satisfy your camping cravings. Check them out!

1. Algonac State Park
8970 River Rd, Clay Township, MI 48001, USA
Google Reviews/Kenny England
If you’re looking for the most traditional year-round camping experience near Detroit, make the one hour and fifteen minute drive to Algonac State Park, which sits along the shores of the stunning St. Clair River. With options for tent camping, cabins, and RVs available for reservation in any season, there’s something here for everyone. Once you’ve settled into your campsite, take time to watch Great Lakes freighters make their way down the river. Learn more about this amazing Michigan state park in this article.
2. Bald Mountain Recreation Area
3361 S Lapeer Rd, Orion Twp, MI 48360, USA
Facebook/Bald Mountain Recreation Area
While tent and RV camping are off-limits during the chillier months at Bald Mountain, you can still enjoy an overnight stay in one of the park’s two rustic cabins: the Arrowroot Cabin and the Morel Cabin. Both cabins can accommodate up to 20 guests and are rentable for a nightly fee. During your stay, you’ll enjoy 15 miles of trails, opportunities for year-round fishing, and a lovely swimming beach. Learn more about the rec area on the official PureMichigan website./a>
3. Proud Lake State Recreation Area
2700 Glengary Rd, Commerce Charter Twp, MI 48390, USA
Facebook/Proud Lake Recreation Area
In addition to a traditional campground that operates between April and November, Proud Lake State Recreation area in Commerce Township features two camper cabins and a modern lodge that can be rented year-round. The Ivy and Trillium camper cabins can accommodate six guests each and offer visitors the chance to enjoy a camping experience regardless of outside conditions. The larger River Hawk Lodge sleeps 24 and features a modern kitchen, a community-style bathroom, and easy park access. It's especially wonderful during the autumn months.
4. Sleepy Hollow State Park
7835 E Price Rd, Laingsburg, MI 48848, USA
Facebook/Sleepy Hollow State Park
When you check out Sleepy Hollow State Park between April and October, you’ll be able to enjoy standard tent camping - but don’t let these dates keep you from dropping by during other seasons. In fact, the park offers year-round camping experiences via two on-site cabins: one modern and one rustic. For a reasonable nightly rate, the modern cabin sleeps six guests and is pet-friendly. The rustic cabin also sleeps six. Learn more about Sleepy Hollow State Park in this article.
5. Pinckney State Recreation Area
8555 Silver Hill Rd, Pinckney, MI 48169, USA
Facebook/Pinckney State Recreation Area
Looking for a truly unique camping outing? Head to Pinckney State Recreation Area in Pinckney, which sits just one hour by car from Detroit. Once there, spend the night in the park’s fascinating Glenbrook Yurt, a year-round shelter that sits along Halfmoon Lake and the Portage River. Up to five guests can sleep in the yurt with a nightly rental fee. Talk about an awesome adventure. The lake is amazing, by the way.
6. Island Lake State Recreation Area
6301 Kensington Rd, Brighton, MI 48116, USA
Google Reviews/Bill Wolak
Get ready for year-round fun at Island State Recreation Area, which offers traditional campsites during the warmer months and access to its two rustic cabins in every season. The Blue Spruce and White Pine cabins house up to 20 guests each and promise an “Up North experience” just 45 minutes from the Motor City. When you’re ready to reconnect with the great outdoors, look no further. Click here to learn more.

Have you and your family enjoyed a camping outing at one of these pretty state parks or recreation areas near Detroit? Share your memories and photos with us in the Facebook comments or recommend another awesome outdoor destination by filling out our official nomination form here.

If you’re looking for more natural fun, check out these six awesome trails near Detroit.

Address: 2700 Glengary Rd, Commerce Charter Twp, MI 48390, USA
Address: 3361 S Lapeer Rd, Orion Twp, MI 48360, USA
Address: 8555 Silver Hill Rd, Pinckney, MI 48169, USA
Address: 7835 E Price Rd, Laingsburg, MI 48848, USA
Address: 8970 River Rd, Clay Township, MI 48001, USA
Address: 6301 Kensington Rd, Brighton, MI 48116, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center

Year-Round Camping in Detroit

February 02, 2022
Tori Jane

What are some of the best state parks near Detroit?  

Did you know that there are 103 different state parks scattered all over the Mitten? Yep – 103. This makes it kind of hard to decide what to do and where to go first, but no worries – we’ve done some of the footwork for you to make it a little easier! There are lots of state parks within reasonable distance from Detroit, like Seven Lakes State Park, which is 1400 acres of absolutely amazing, breathtaking landscapes you won’t believe are so close to the big city. Milliken State Park and Harbor is a much-loved, popular state park among the locals, but outside of Motor City, people hardly realize it exists! It offers amazing lake views and lovers of lighthouses will REALLY love this one. We also love Algonac State Park, which is alongside the St. Clair River and offers great camping opportunities. Then, there’s also Lakeport State Park, near Lake Huron, where you can book a cabin! For more of our favorite, lesser-known state parks near Detroit, check this article out.  

Where can I go hiking around Detroit?  

Who says you can’t hike in or near a big city? We sure don’t – that’s a myth, anyway. Detroit just so happens to have plenty of excellent hiking, walking, and biking options, all of which have their own pros and cons. Some of our favorite hiking trails around Motor City include Paint Creek Trail, which is in Oakland County and is great for joggers, cyclists, and hikers. We also like the Clinton River Trail, which extends from Oakland County to Sylvan Lake and is positively rewarding to conquer. Then, there’s Maybury State Park, which offers an excellent six-mile trek through the park that you’re sure to love. Finally (and this list is nowhere near exhaustive, of course), for those who prefer an urban setting, check out this Dequindre Cut, which you access by taking Mack Avenue to Atwater and then from there to the Riverwalk. It’s a delight!  

Address: 2700 Glengary Rd, Commerce Charter Twp, MI 48390, USA
Address: 3361 S Lapeer Rd, Orion Twp, MI 48360, USA
Address: 8555 Silver Hill Rd, Pinckney, MI 48169, USA
Address: 7835 E Price Rd, Laingsburg, MI 48848, USA
Address: 8970 River Rd, Clay Township, MI 48001, USA
Address: 6301 Kensington Rd, Brighton, MI 48116, USA