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Campgrounds near Detroit, Michigan
Michigan Camping Near Detroit, Without the Six-Hour Drive North
Up north is a long drive from metro Detroit. Walnut Hills Family Campground is under two hours away in Durand, with 201 grassy sites on the Shiawassee River, a water park and cabins.
76 milesfrom Detroit
Under two hourstypical drive
201 siteson 42 acres
Riverfronton the Shiawassee
Why Detroit families camp at Walnut Hills
Metro Detroit families pick Walnut Hills because they get the full campground weekend without losing a day in traffic. Leave Friday after work, float the river Saturday, and still be home Sunday in time for dinner.
Every site has a fire pit and picnic table, check-in is no-wait so you drive straight to your site, and the camp store has firewood, ice, groceries and scooped ice cream. See the full list of amenities and activities.
What’s waiting for you
Wibit water park
An inflatable water park on our swimming beach, open Tuesday through Sunday, and free for campers Tuesday through Thursday. Day visitors are welcome too.
Shiawassee River trips
Kayak, canoe and tubing trips on the river that runs along the campground, plus fishing and a boat launch.
Sites, cabins and RVs
201 grassy sites with fire pits and picnic tables, 50/30 amp full-hookup and waterfront sites, and camping cabins to rent.
Weekends bring themed events for kids and families, from Christmas in July and beach parties to haunted trail weekends in the fall. See this season’s campground events calendar.
Seasonal sites for Detroit-area campers
For Detroit-area campers, a seasonal site turns an under-two-hour drive into the easiest weekend of the year. Your camper is already set up, so you just pack the cooler and go.
Make a weekend of it
Pair a few days at the campground with a stop in or near Detroit:
- The Detroit Zoo in Royal Oak
- Belle Isle Park
- The Henry Ford in Dearborn
Then come back to the river for a sunset float and a campfire.
Questions from Detroit campers
How far is Walnut Hills from Detroit?
About 76 miles, or under two hours. Most metro Detroit guests take US-23 or I-75 north to I-69 west. Plan on an hour and a half to an hour and 45 minutes, depending on where you start.
Is there camping closer to Detroit than up north?
Yes. Walnut Hills is about 76 miles from downtown Detroit, roughly half the drive to most northern Michigan campgrounds.
Do you have seasonal campsites?
Yes. Walnut Hills offers seasonal RV sites for the full camping season. See seasonal site availability and the site map.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes. Dogs are welcome on a leash, can run off leash in our fenced dog park, and can swim in the river (not the swim lake or beach). Check the campground map and rules for the current pet policy before you come.
Plan your stay
Walnut Hills Family Campground, 7685 Lehring Road, Durand, Michigan. Call (989) 634-9782 or book online. Rates and site types are on our rates page.
Serving families from across mid-Michigan
Walnut Hills Family Campground · 7685 Lehring Road, Durand, MI 48429 · (989) 634-9782 · GPS 42.840426, -84.008742
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