River, stream, or creek camping near Pontiac with wildlife watching

Head out of Detroit to peaceful Pontiac campgrounds and Michigan’s longest lakeshore.

96% (192 reviews)
96% (192 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Pontiac

Under $50

8 top river, stream, or creek campgrounds near Pontiac with wildlife watching

90%
(31)

Thousand S.’s Land

18 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents84 acres · Lapeer, MI
Welcome to Thousand Suns, a unique 84-acre sanctuary where the land is intentionally cultivated and vibrantly alive. Unlike any ordinary campground, our space is designed to support both traditional and non-traditional ceremonies, fostering a profound connection to oneself and the natural world. At Thousand Suns, guests and members can explore 84 acres of scenic trails, pristine spring-fed waters, and a flowing river, offering an immersive experience in nature's tranquility. Whether you're seeking solitude or community, our land provides a serene environment for personal growth and reflection. Depending on the timing of your visit, you may have the opportunity to participate in private sessions with our skilled facilitators. Our offerings include yoga, bodywork, and other holistic practices designed to enhance your well-being. Additionally, we host various events throughout the month, providing diverse experiences that nurture your mind, body, and spirit. Join us at Thousand Suns with your Fishing poles swim trunks and a desire to relax and enjoy the land while you embark on a journey of self-discovery and connection in a space where nature and intention come together harmoniously.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from 
$50
 / night
99%
(71)

White Pine Farm HipCamping

6 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Ann Arbor, MI
EVENTS; 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: we can work with you on a reasonable price. IMPORTANT NOTICE 1 - If you book a site for the Labor Day Weekend, please be advised that a neighbor holds a camping event at the same time and there will be some noise from 4 wheelers on their property. If this kind of activity wouldn't bother you then feel free to come stay with us! We'd love to have you. IMPORTANT NOTICE 2: 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.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Trash
from 
$45
 / night
99%
(78)

Tom and Julie's Place

4 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · MI
9/7/2024 NOTE: The State of MI Brighton Rec Area Bishop Lake Campground is now closed through at least May 2025 for upgrades and road construction! Camping season is still in full swing, but with one less campground available. As far as we know, Bishop Lake is still available for day use & swimming. All 4 campsites are open and available to book until the end of the season which is Sunday, November 2, 2024. The deer are moving around, and we see them several times a day currently. Bunnies, birds, and turkeys are plentiful. Book your trip now and start making plans to explore the area! We look forward to your visit. For the preservation of our property, our septic system, the privacy of other campers, all arrivals MUST be prior to dark setting in. If you can't see the signs and posts, you can damage our property AND your vehicle/equipment. Please see the site rules for the current specific time for check-in. (With the changing daylight hours, this time limit will change throughout the camping season.) ***The property has a lot of wildlife; Deer, Turkey, Rabbits, Coyote, Birds, and Fox. ***A small creek runs across the back of 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, or you can purchase firewood bundles onsite. ***Potable water is available to fill fresh water tanks and containers. It is softened from the house system. Sewer dump station is 5 miles away at Brighton Recreation Area (there is a fee). NOTE: The campground is going to be closed August 11, 2024–May 2025 for upgrades and maintenance work. Pets are allowed (cats and dogs only). They must be leashed at all times (15 ft. max). Guests that are not part of the Hipcamp Reservation, are not allowed on-site. Guests will need to be met at a location other than our Hipcamp. There are numerous places nearby to gather instead. This assures maximum privacy for all sites and for our family. Summer activities: These are a few of the larger festivals... ***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.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Trash
from 
$34
 / night
93%
(23)

EarthWell Retreat Center

7 sites · Lodging, Tents40 acres · 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
Showers
Trash
from 
$30
 / night
89%
(33)

Lyanna B.’s Land

4 sites · Tents2 acres · Superior Charter Township, MI
Learn more about this land:Set up your tent on the spacious property, enjoy sitting next to the large bonfire pit, and wake up to the beautiful sounds of nature. There is plenty of sight seeing on the gorgeous wetlands. The Lefurge nature center is just across the street which offers hiking and photo taking opportunities. It is ten minutes from historic depot town Ypsilanti, the Matthai Botanical Gardens, and EMU's football stadium.
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
Trash
Cooking equipment
from 
$20
 / night

St. Hubert's Holdings

4 sites · RVs, Tents90 acres · MI
We have two beautiful properties totaling about 90 acres. Enjoy camping in peace and quiet, solitude, nature and wildlife in the fields, wood, and along the creek. Enjoy campfires (except during burning bans), star gazing, wild berry picking, walks along the paths, or we can help you plan your special occasion stay. There are many opportunities for excursions nearby we may be able to help with as well.
Pets
from 
$30
 / night
100%
(2)

Camp WhistleStop

2 sites · Tents31 acres · Flint, MI
Camp WhistleStop sits on what's known locally as the "old johnson farm". It was a working farm for generations of johnson's.  They were known far and wide for their u-pick Strawberries and "Huckleberry" Blueberries.  The big barn was filled with cows and horses; most famous of which was "Showtime Sam" the Johnson's show horseLearn more about this land:This site is our hidden gem!  Secluded in the "back field" you will feel like you're all alone out here. Vehicles are permitted in the back field as weather allows may-octoberFacing west, the back field is ideally placed to take in our breathtaking sunsets.  Explore the forest, walk along the creek, become one with nature. A short drive or a nice walk to Crossroads Village and Huckleberry Railroad, Bluebell Beach, Stepping Stone Falls, Mott Lake, the Flint River Trail, biking, hiking, fishing and much more!
Pets
Trash
from 
$29.75
 / night
Saved 3 times

Pennell Farms

18 sites · RVs, Tents90 acres · Vassar, MI
Come out and enjoy a natural rustic getaway. We have 90 acres that feature two ponds, 1 1/2 miles of stream, wooded trails and more. During farm season our farm is gleaming with strawberries, zinnias, sunflowers, pumpkins, corn, and beautiful fall leaves. While you are here visit our barnyard animals, enjoy some of our u-pick crops when in season, bike, fish, swim, kayak, and more. We are a working/learning farm and love to share farm experiences with our guest. We prefer minimal use of vehicles on our farm once you are set up. There is a large parking lot near the front entrance. Please contact us for discount rates of 4 or more nights stay. We are conveniently located two minutes from Downtown Vassar and twelve minutes from Frankenmuth.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from 
$42
 / night

Dog-friendly getaways

Available this weekend

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

Value Prop
Value Prop

River, stream, or creek camping near Pontiac with wildlife watching guide

Overview

If you're looking for a camping experience near Pontiac, Michigan, Hipcamp has over 270 options to choose from. With accommodations ranging from cozy cabins to spacious campsites, there's something for everyone. Explore top-rated campsites like Long Haul Flower Farm (129 reviews), Rusty's Loft (74 reviews), and EarthColors Farm (73 reviews). Enjoy popular amenities like potable water, showers, and campfires, and engage in activities such as paddling, exploring historic sites, or even snow sports. With an average price per night of $48 and options as low as $20, camping near Pontiac, Michigan has never been more accessible.

Safety at Hipcamp

Inclusion Policy
Inclusion Policy
Inclusion Policy
Hipcamp Hand

Safety partners

Recreate Responsibly

About us

Camp Your Way™

Find the perfect site to match your camping style. Explore the largest collection of private campsites, RV parks, cabins, and glamping—including 120,000+ sites you won’t find anywhere else. Explore our maps, filter by your camping style, read real camper reviews, and book directly in our app. Hipcamp is the simplest way to find yourself outside under the stars.

Download the Hipcamp App

© 2024 Hipcamp, Inc. All rights reserved.
Hipcamp is created with ❤️ and hope for our future.