Camp Wilderness

Camp Wilderness is a 10-acre primitive campground nestled within 1,286-acre Independence Oaks County Park. It is currently closed for the season and will reopen on May 1, 2026. Call 248-625-0877 for information and reservations.

Camping area features

• Two group areas - 40 campers and 100 campers
• Fire rings, benches, grills and picnic tables
• One platform tent in each camping area
• Heated, modern bathhouse offers showers and restrooms

From the campground, youth can access:

• Nearly 10 miles of hiking trails
• 2.2-mile River Loop Trail which includes a boardwalk over wetlands
• Fishing and boating on 68-acre Crooked Lake - bring your own canoe, kayak or boat (no gas motors)

From the campground, youth can also access Wint Nature Center:

• Wint Nature Center exhibits, programs and wildlife feeding area
• Appointments may be made for a naturalist to come to your campsite to lead a hike or give a nature presentation
• Naturalist-guided, educational field trips may also be scheduled to take place at Wint Nature Center
• More information on naturalist appointments, field trips and fees
• Call 248-625-6473 to make an appointment

Fees

• Campsite 1: $100/night
• Campsite 2: $150/night
• Both campsites: $225/night

Prices include vehicle entry, one group area, heated modern bathhouse with showers and restrooms, water, electricity, pavilion, charcoal grills, fire rings, flag poles, picnic tables and trash containers.

Ground fires are permitted in designated fire circles only. Firewood is available for $7/bundle or $25/four bundles. No firewood is to be gathered from any park ground area. It is unlawful to cut, injure, destroy or pick any plant, tree, flower or shrub or to damage any property operated by the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission.

Additional Information

Camp Wilderness must be reserved in advance. Because this is a youth campground, there must be a ratio of one adult to five children. The buddy system must be enforced with groups of children. There is a curfew after dark when all persons will be restricted to the campsites. Quiet hours are observed from 11 p.m.-7 a.m. All visitors must leave the park by closing time.

There will be no refunds for cancellations due to inclement weather. Should there be severe weather while camping, take cover in the restroom building.

These rules must be observed at all times: 

• No clotheslines can be left up overnight. They cannot be tied to small trees where they may cause damage
• Vehicles are prohibited at the camp site. They must be parked in the designated parking lot and any gear must be walked into Camp Wilderness (wagon available)
• For medical emergencies, call 911 and provide your location as:
  • Independence Oaks County Park, Camp Wilderness, 9501 Sashabaw Road, Clarkston
• If additional assistance is needed, contact the Supervisor on Duty at 248-941-3860

• Camp Wilderness Info. Card
• Printable Camp Wilderness Campground Rules