The best camping near Hayes State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Hayes State Park adventure.

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Hayes State Park

Hayes Campground

184 sites · RVs, Tents In Hayes State Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Hayes State Park

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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.

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Breathe in Silence & Serenity

10 sites · Tents23 acres · 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. 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 6 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. Amananda Retreat Center also features a large community space for gathering, doing yoga, dance, meditation, sound healing etc.

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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.

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Bracy Gold Bison Ranch

10 sites · RVs, Tents85 acres · Swanton, OH

Welcome to our working bison ranch, where a unique experience awaits you. 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. 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.

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Carlandia CannaCamp

4 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Manchester, MI

At Carlandia CannaCamp our mission is to spread a message of sustainability, renewal, and stewardship for the Earth, and for life here. We hope to do this by setting an example through low impact and sustainable lifestyle, products, and processes. We believe in promoting natural areas and encouraging formation of habitat. We are here. 🌎☮️❤️ Learn more about this land: Nearly 42.0 acres of rolling hills, alfalfa fields, organic herb garden, and trails! See hawks, sandhill cranes, 20+ songbirds, deer and maybe fox, bald eagle, osprey, or coyote! Minutes to waterfowl preserve, lake life, antiquing, mountain or road bicycling, kayak lakes and streams, disc golf onsite... Lots to do!

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Waymeet Homestead

2 sites · Lodging, Tents10 acres · Ann Arbor, MI

A gorgeous shared homestead with native Michigan woods, pastures grazed by North American Heritage Yak, an ancient orchard, a natural swimming pond, and free ranging chickens. Lounge by the pond, wander the woods, and relax, or meet a chicken, pet a yak, and get the small farm experience by following us through morning chores.

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Uncle Chuck's Cabin

1 site · Lodging6 acres · 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.

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Songdog Meadows

1 site · RV, Tent10 acres · Angola, IN

Home Sweet Home, tucked in the heart of agriculture and lake life, Angola is a wonderful small town in the north east corner of Indiana. Songdog Meadows is our little piece of joy, from morning swims in the pond, long walks with our retrievers and sunsets to take your breath away, it is truly and deeply a treasure we cherish. The property host a variety of apple trees, open grass land, and a large cluster of trees surrounding a 3/4 acre pond, while being surrounded by wood lots on three sides and open fields to the west. It is truly a peaceful haven in a rural country area. Learn more about this land:Hang your hammock or pitch a tent just outside our 3/4 acre pond. There are two basins with a channel and a peaceful tree filled grass area between. The pond is in the corner of the 10 acre lot where we live at the end of a dirt road with only a small amount of traffic. The camp site is walk in on mowed pathways, with the driveway and parking area less than 200 yards away. There is a security light so you will never be in complete darkness. A stone fire pit and picnic table sit just off shore of the swimming area of the pond. There are several wide mowed pathways surrounded by prairie grasses, shaded by large trees. The area can easily handle several tents, hammocks and small RVs. The area is rural farm land with a handful of houses on the short dirt road. But this property is surrounded by wood lots and open fields. Two neighbors houses are visible but separated by trees. Our house is visible from the pond and camping area.

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Boone Farm & Forest

2 sites · Tents600 acres · Dexter, MI

Come set up camp at this beautiful wooded site in the middle of our 600+ acre farm. Your site rests along a secluded stream surrounded by woods away from any noise of the city or road. It's back to the basics camping at Boone farm, no bathroom or water is available. However, we have firewood for purchase. **If you bring your own wood please take any unburned logs with you when you leave** While the farm is sprawling, there are multiple houses across the property so stay on established trails only and keep your noise levels down. This is a working farm, so you may occasionally see trucks or tractors. Please be respectful of nature and our home by following the Pack It In Pack It Out protocol - what ever you bring to the site, please take it with you when you leave.

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Tails and Trails Horse Farm

3 sites · Tents80 acres · 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 guided trail rides, horseback riding lessons, and 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 do offer our services to bring larger items to the site by utility vehicle upon request. 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.

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34Long Haul Flower Farm

3 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Chelsea, MI

Long Haul Farm is an organic flower farm in Chelsea, MI dedicated to sustainably growing plants, family, community, and soil biology for generations, the long haul! --- 2024 update ---- R We are doing less flower growing that we did before, as life has taken us to work outside of our own space. However, we've shifted to more stewardship on our property and the adjacent preserve. We'd love to guide you on a hike and teach about the local ecology, flora, and fauna too! The goats and chickens continue to provide joyful entertainment as well. --- AN OFFERING --- Acknowledging that this land was unceded by the people who previously occupied it, we're offering that anyone with indigenous ancestry can stay for reduced rates, just message us and ask! -------- History -------- Growing up, I used to come here to visit my great-aunt & uncle's horse ranch. My great uncle grew up visiting his great uncle who was one of the first in our family on this land. They were animal and nature lovers, and in their retirement, sold 130 acres to The Nature Conservancy, all of which is now protected as a county nature preserve. Unfortunately, 11 years ago, my great-uncle and aunt had passed, and we had to sell the family land. Serendipitously, as we were looking for a farm homestead to move to, we reconnected with the owners of the land, and they were just deciding to sell it. My family was able to buy back the family land and continue the legacy. -------- Onwards ---- Kathryn and I are restarted our cut-flower farm and hoping to develop a permaculture inspired orchard and keep chickens and pigs. We love living here surrounded by extensive state and county parks and recreation land, while still being close enough to Chelsea and Ann Arbor for all that they provide. Our aim is to create a safe, inclusive, and enjoyable atmosphere for our visitors. We hope to provide a refuge in nature and perhaps even some education of flowers or wildlife. Join us in carrying on the legacy of family land stewardship and love for natural spaces! - Doug (he/him/his) & Kat (she/her/hers) & Phoebe (3yr old - She/they TBD)

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The Jolly Treehouse

2 sites · Lodging5 acres · Grass Lake, MI

Wake up to tranquility. On our 5 acres sits a pond with a bridge that leads to a beautiful rock stairway then transforms into the fireplace where you can cook your meals over an open flame and enjoy a bug free meal or sip your morning coffee in the treehouse which is made out of materials from local farm houses and has a panoramic view of the property. Extras to purchase include: yoga. S'mores basket. Bedding basket. Firewood bundles This property is great for getting lost in nature. Completely rustic setting. Tons of lakes for boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, or just for a nice swim. Museums in surrounding areas Close to Ann Arbor and Jackson

The best camping near Hayes State Park guide

Overview

About

Treat yourself to a taste of Ireland! Set in the aptly and intentionally named Irish Hills of Michigan, Hayes State Park is more than 600 acres of classic vacation awesomeness. The lush rolling landscape and inland lakes create a vivid collage of blue and green gorgeous enough to make anyone flip, but throw in nearby wine-tasting, restaurants and antique shops, and visitors who crave quaint local color may go certifiably bananas for this place. Boaters and anglers will adore 780-acre Wamplers Lake, and treasure hunters can geocache and metal detect to their hearts’ content. Close to Michigan International Speedway, with modern camping and activities for both kids and adults, Hayes State Park is a family vacation favorite for a reason.

When to go

The ideal time to visit Hayes State Park is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild and the natural scenery is at its peak. Summer months can be quite busy and hot, while winter may bring closures due to inclement weather. Plan your visit between April and October for the best experience.

Know before you go

Ensure you have a Recreation Passport for park entry, as it's required for all visitors.
Check trail conditions and weather forecasts before your visit to stay safe and prepared.
Accessibility varies across different areas of the park, so inquire ahead if you have specific needs.
Remember to pack out all your trash and respect the park's natural beauty.
Facilities may vary seasonally, so confirm the availability of restrooms and other services before you go.