METROPARKS FAMILY CAMPOUTS
Join the Metroparks for Family Campouts this summer. We’re offering weekends with special activities for families to come enjoy the nostalgia of camping. Each location has its own line-up of special family-friendly activities planned. Enjoy guided wildlife walks, fire-making basics, campfire cooking, stargazing, arts and crafts, movies, concerts and more! With plenty of time to explore the parks on your own as well. You do need to bring your own tent and equipment. Spots are limited, so register early.






Family Camp Out: Hudson Mills
Join us for a night of rustic family camping, tents only, at Hudson Mills Metropark! Our activity center area will be turned into a family camp out experience and have a limited number of reservable sites with communal firepits. Your registration will include a staff led fishing program, tie dye t-shirt program, an evening movie, The Croods-A New Age, star gazing, vouchers for disc golf and much more! Our partners at Moosejaw Ann Arbor will be bringing s’mores and yard games for everyone to enjoy. Bring your bike, volleyball, basketball, and baseball/softball equipment and enjoy what the park has to offer while making camping memories. It is also Michigan’s free fishing weekend so don’t forget your poles as well!
Ages: Fun for all ages! Campsite holder must be 18 or older to register.
Time: Check In – Saturday, June 10 between 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Check Out – Sunday, June 11 by 6 p.m.
Cost: $30 per site (6 people per site)
Location: Hudson Mills Metropark, Activity Center
The details you need to know before registering:
- Rustic campsites. Tents only with a maximum of 6 campers per site. Campsites will not have electricity.
- Please bring your own tent, equipment and drinking water.
- Generators are not allowed.
- Communal firepits (not individual per site).
- Firewood will be provided at communal firepits.
- You will not be able to pick your campsite during registration. They will be assigned first-come, first-served during check in. If you are interested in camping next to another person/group, there will be a question during registration to ask for their name and we will do our best to fill those requests.
- No shower facilities available.
- Dogs are allowed but need to remain on a leash of 6 feet or less and must be cleaned up after.
- If you need a specific accessibility accommodation, please call the park office. We ask for a two-week lead time before your visit so we can best address your needs.
- An annual or daily Metropark vehicle pass is required to enter any Metropark; when staying multiple days, if you leave the park and re-enter, you will need a new daily pass. Metropark vehicle passes are an additional fee outside of camping registration.
Pre-registration is required by 4 p.m. the day before the program. Each registration is one campsite. You will be asked during registration how many people you are bringing for your campsite. To complete registration you will need to answer all questions.
Family Campout: Kensington
Join us for a weekend of rustic family camping! This special camping experience is available for families for one weekend only with special family-friendly activities planned. Enjoy an evening guided wildlife walk, fire-making basics, and a family concert on Saturday evening, as well as plenty of time to explore the park on your own. Heavner Canoe Rental will offer kayaking and canoe opportunities throughout the day on Saturday (additional fee will be charged, must pre-register, spots are limited). Every person in your camping party will receive vouchers to the Kensington Splash ‘N’ Blast upon check-in that you can use during your stay to cool off and have some fun!
Camping will be for tents only with 32 rustic sites available. There is no water or electrical hook up and Pit toilets, port-a-johns, hand washing stations and a restroom trailer, with flush toilets and running water sinks, will be available. Onsite water will be limited to hand pumps and potable water stations. Please bring your own drinking / dish water.
Ages: Fun for all ages! Campsite holder must be 18 or older to register.
Time: Check In – Friday, June 16th between 3 p.m. – 8 p.m.; Check Out – Sunday, June 18th by Noon
Cost: $60 Fee includes both nights but does not include Metroparks daily or annual vehicle pass. Additional fee for kayaking trip if desired.
Location: Kensington Metropark, Group Camp
The details you need to know before registering:
- Tents only with a maximum of 6 campers per site. You will need to bring your own tent and equipment.
- Communal firepits (not individual per site).
- Firewood will be provided at communal firepits.
- You will not be able to pick your campsite during registration. They will be assigned first-come, first-served during check in. If you are interested in camping next to another person/group, there will be a question during registration to ask for their name and we will do our best to fill those requests.
- Showers will be available during specific times at Kensington Martindale Beach.
- Dogs are allowed in Group Camp but need to remain on a leash of 6 feet or less and must be cleaned up after.
Group Camp does not have gravel or paved campsites, but if you need a specific accessibility accommodation, please call the park office. We ask for a two-week lead time before your visit so we can best address your needs. - An annual or daily Metropark vehicle pass is required to enter any Metropark; when staying multiple days, if you leave the park and re-enter, you will need a new daily pass. Metropark vehicle passes are an additional fee outside of camping registration.
Pre-registration is required by 4 p.m. the day before the program. Each registration is one campsite. You will be asked during registration how many people you are bringing for your campsite. To complete registration you will need to answer all questions.
Family Campout: Lake Erie
Come enjoy a weekend of rustic family camping at Lake Erie Metropark. This special camping experience is only available on these select dates, and there is plenty to experience during your stay. Friday, June 16 there will be a guided hike, bonfire and a scavenger Hunt. Saturday, June 17 there will be a coffee and donuts morning guided walk, a guided hike to the marsh on nature trails, and an evening guided walk searching for Sasquatch. We will also have bounce houses, bingo, and arts and crafts along with a Kids vs Parents Kickball Game.
Every campsite group will receive a delicious smores making kit upon check-in.
Ages: Fun for all ages! Campsite holder must be 18 or older to register.
Time: Check In – Friday, June 16th any time after 3 p.m., Check Out – Sunday, June 18th before 8 p.m.
Cost: $25 per campsite (maximum 8 people per site). Fee includes both nights but does not include Metroparks daily or annual vehicle pass.
Location: Lake Erie Metropark, Wave Pool Parking Lot
The details you need to know before registering:
- Both RV and Tents are permitted with a maximum of 8 campers per site. You will be asked during registration how many people you are bringing. You will need to bring your own equipment.
- There are no electrical or water hookups.
- Generators are permitted, but must be shut off during our quiet hours of 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.
- There will be a communal firepit and shelter with picnic tables to use (not individual per site).
- Firewood will be provided at communal firepit.
- You will not be able to pick your campsite during registration. They will be assigned first-come, first-served during check in. If you are interested in camping next to another person/group, there will be a question during registration to ask for their name and we will do our best to fill those requests.
- Showers will not be available.
- Dogs are allowed but need to remain on a leash of 6 feet or less and must be cleaned up after.
- If you need a specific accessibility accommodation, please call the park office. We ask for a two-week lead time before your visit so we can best address your needs.
- A RV dump station is available in a short drive to our Marina.
- An annual or daily Metropark vehicle pass is required to enter any Metropark; when staying multiple days, if you leave the park and re-enter, you will need a new daily pass. Metropark vehicle passes are an additional fee outside of camping registration.
Campers must be eighteen (18) years of age, or older, to register for a campsite. The registrant is responsible for the conduct of their camping companions, guests, and visitors to their campsite.
Pre-registration is required by 4 p.m. three days before the program. Each registration is one campsite. You will be asked during registration how many people you are bringing for your campsite. To complete registration you will need to answer all questions.
Family Camping: Lake St. Clair
What’s better than a nostalgic night under the stars and next to the water? Come enjoy tent camping on the shores of Lake St. Clair. This special camping experience will only be available for two weeks in August. Camp with us for one night or multiple nights. There is plenty to experience when camping at Lake St. Clair Metropark, enjoy a day at the beach, swim in the pool, splash in the Spray Zone, visit the Nature Center, rent a kayak, or do some hiking and biking. Every person on your campsite will receive a voucher good for free entry to the pool, adventure golf OR par 3 golf course to use during your stay.
Rustic tent camping only. Every site will have a fire pit and a picnic table to use. Restrooms and showers are available. Sites will not have electricity. Generators are not permitted, and all vehicles must return to parking lot after unloading. You will need to bring your own tent and equipment.
Ages: Fun for all ages! Campsite holder must be 18 or older to register.
Time: Check In 1 p.m., Check Out 11 a.m.
Cost: $30 per site Friday & Saturday, $20 Per site Sunday – Thursday. Fees are per night and do not include Metroparks daily or annual vehicle pass.
Location: Lake St. Clair Metropark, Day Sail Area
No day of reservations or walk-ins permitted.
Click the button to book your camp site or call the park office at (586)-463-4581. If you need a specific accessibility accommodation, please call the park office. We ask for a two-week lead time before your visit so we can best address your needs.
Family Campout: Stony Creek Astronomy Adventure
Rustic camping is always fun at Stony Creek Metropark but add more value to your experience and stay with us for our specialty themed, Family Camp-Out weekend. Registered campers are invited to join our staff for stories, crafts, and activities related to astronomy from 1-4 p.m. around the campground. Perfect for families with toddlers through elementary school age.
At twilight, everyone is welcome to join a guided twilight hike to look and listen for wildlife, including listening for bats with our bat detector. This hike is perfect for all ages. Please bring a flashlight or headlamp if you have one, staff will have a limited supply available to borrow.
Shortly after Dusk the Warren Astronomical Society will be welcoming guests to learn about and see the solar system through their scopes. Sound like fun? All you must do is register a campsite through our online camping reservation system, and all this fun is included in your reservation for the night. You will need to bring your own tent and camping equipment.
Ages: Fun for all ages!
Time: Check In begins at 1 p.m. on Friday or Saturday, Check Out is by 6 p.m. on Sunday
Cost: $25 regular site, $50 large site (per night)
Location: Stony Creek Metropark, Ridgewood Campground
Pre-registration is required. To reserve a campsite, click the button below. Make sure you selected a reservation date range that will include Saturday, August 12 to enjoy the fun!
Family Campout: Historic Fort Wayne
Let’s go camping! In collaboration with Detroit Outdoors, Fjällraven, Moosejaw, Black to the Land Coalition, and the City of Detroit Parks & Recreation Department, join us for our inaugural family campout at Historic Fort Wayne in Detroit.
No experience needed! We will have on-site beginner camping clinics and camping experts to teach campers how to set-up a tent, camp cooking demonstrations, & Tawodi Nature School will join us to lead fire making classes & hands-on Bushcraft activities.
Campers will enjoy community yard games and activities like arts & crafts, nature programs, campfire cooking and community fire pit with s’mores. And when you’re not learning with us, campers are able to explore the Historic Fort Wayne grounds and relax with riverfront views. It will be a great time to get your family into camping and make some summer memories.
Breakfast will be included and served on Sunday morning so you can pack up and not go home hungry.
Ages: Fun for all ages! Campsite holder must be 18 or older to register.
Time: Check In – Saturday, August 19 between3 p.m. – 4 p.m., Check Out – Sunday, August 20 by 11 a.m.
Cost: $20 per site, includes all activities
Location: Historic Fort Wayne, Detroit
The details you need to know before registering:
- Rustic campsites. Tents only with a maximum of 5 people per site. You will need to bring your own tent and equipment.
- Campsites will not have electricity or hookups.
- Generators are not allowed.
- Communal firepits (not individual per site)
- Firewood will be provided at communal firepits
- You will not be able to pick your campsite during registration. They will be assigned first-come, first-served during check in. If you are interested in camping next to another person/group, there will be a question during registration to ask for their name and we will do our best to fill those requests.
- No shower facilities available.
- No dogs are allowed.
Pre-registration is required by 4 p.m. seven days before the program. Each registration is one campsite. You will be asked during registration how many people you are bringing for your campsite. If you are a group or organization looking to register a large group for this event, please contact Katie Kowalski at 248.303.4305 (call/text) or e-mail katie.kowalski@metroparks.com.
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
CAMPING SKILLS WORKSHOPS
Looking to build up your camping skills and get your family into camping? Your Metroparks have a variety of workshops throughout the summer for all skill levels. Check them out!
Learn To Camp: Camping Basics - Lake Erie Metropark | JUNE 4
Has camping always sounded fun, but you are unsure where to start? Or maybe you have ventured out a few times but could use some advice on gear or cooking. Join us as we cover the basics of camping; from gear to campfire cooking, to hiking. You can register for one, two, or all three workshops Learn everything you need to know to get started or get your basic camping questions answered. All equipment and supplies are provided.
Ages: 8 and up.
Time:
10 a.m. – Noon Learn To Camp: Camping Basics
1 p.m. – 3 p.m. Learn To Camp: Campfire Cooking
4 p.m. – 5 p.m. Learn To Camp: Hiking Basics
Cost: $3 per child, $5 per adult – per workshop
Location: Lake Erie Metropark, Marshlands Museum
Pre-registration is required by 4 p.m. the day before the program.
Pre-registration is required by 4 p.m. the day before the program.
Learn To Camp: Campfire Cooking - Lake Erie Metropark | JUNE 4
Has camping always sounded fun, but you are unsure where to start? Or maybe you have ventured out a few times but could use some advice on gear or cooking. Join us as we cover the basics of camping; from gear to campfire cooking, to hiking. You can register for one, two, or all three workshops Learn everything you need to know to get started or get your basic camping questions answered. All equipment and supplies are provided.
Ages: 8 and up.
Time:
10 a.m. – Noon Learn To Camp: Camping Basics
1 p.m. – 3 p.m. Learn To Camp: Campfire Cooking
4 p.m. – 5 p.m. Learn To Camp: Hiking Basics
Cost: $3 per child, $5 per adult – per workshop
Location: Lake Erie Metropark, Marshlands Museum
Pre-registration is required by 4 p.m. the day before the program.
Pre-registration is required by 4 p.m. the day before the program.
Learn To Camp: Hiking Basics - Lake Erie Metropark | JUNE 4
Has camping always sounded fun, but you are unsure where to start? Or maybe you have ventured out a few times but could use some advice on gear or cooking. Join us as we cover the basics of camping; from gear to campfire cooking, to hiking. You can register for one, two, or all three workshops Learn everything you need to know to get started or get your basic camping questions answered. All equipment and supplies are provided.
Ages: 8 and up.
Time:
10 a.m. – Noon Learn To Camp: Camping Basics
1 p.m. – 3 p.m. Learn To Camp: Campfire Cooking
4 p.m. – 5 p.m. Learn To Camp: Hiking Basics
Cost: $3 per child, $5 per adult – per workshop
Location: Lake Erie Metropark, Marshlands Museum
Pre-registration is required by 4 p.m. the day before the program.
Pre-registration is required by 4 p.m. the day before the program.
Shakedown Hikes: Stony Creek Metropark | JUNE 17
Are you getting ready to hit the trail this summer? Are you planning your first backpacking trip or preparing to head out after a hiatus? Let’s get some miles in and test out our packs and gear. This hike is intended to get us some pre-trip mileage while enjoying Stony Creek’s rolling terrain and 15+ miles of trails. Feel free to bring your packed pack and we’ll head out for 6-8 miles of hiking. Pack a snack and plenty of water! Have gear questions? Bring those, too, and we’ll even take time at the end to practice setting up tents, get assistance with pack weight and balance, and using our backcountry stoves. This is a great opportunity to get some mileage for fitness or training, connect with like-minded locals, and solve your camping conundrums.
Ages: 13 and up. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Time: 9 a.m. – Noon
Cost: $6 per child, $6 per adult
Location: Stony Creek Metropark, Nature Center
Pre-registration is required by 4 p.m. the day before the program.
Campfire Cooking: Lake Erie Metropark | JULY 15
Cooking on the campfire can be more than just roasting hot dogs over the fire or making pizzas in a pie iron. With the proper techniques and tools, you can make so much more! Join us to learn about cooking over the fire and enjoy some delicious campfire food!
Ages: 8 and up.
Time: 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Cost: $6 per child, $8 per adult
Location: Lake Erie Metropark, Marshlands Museum
Pre-registration is required by 4 p.m. the day before the program.
Fire Building: Stony Creek Metropark | SEPTEMBER 10
During this hands-on program, you’ll get a chance to discover what materials you could use to start a fire. It’s all a chain reaction, so come out and see what you begin with and what you will end with. You’ll get a chance to try to build your own little fire using different fire-starting techniques, and then try to roast a marshmallow. This program will take place along a compacted gravel trail then ends behind the nature center.
Ages: 8 and up. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult.
Time: 1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Cost: $3 per child, $5 per adult
Location: Stony Creek Metropark, Nature Center
Pre-registration is required by 4 p.m. the day before the program.
PUBLIC CAMPGROUNDS
Or if your just looking to reserve a campsite close to home, consider your two Metroparks Campgrounds! You can make camping reservations all summer long and enjoy all the amenities the parks have to offer.