Holly State Recreation Area

About

Located in Oakland County between Pontiac and Flint, Holly State Recreation Area's McGinnis Lake campground provides a northern Michigan camping experience less than an hour from Detroit. The campground spans two distinct areas: the densely forested West Campground with Trillium and Hickory loops, and the East Campground featuring Maple, Oak, and Aspen loops with a mix of woodland and grassy sites. Most campsites have 30- or 50-amp electric service, though sites 147-161 are non-electric. Water spigots are distributed throughout the campground rather than at individual sites. Modern amenities include toilet and shower buildings, a dump station, trash service, and fire rings and picnic tables at each site. Nearby recreation includes hiking trails, mountain biking, disc golf, fishing, and boating on McGinnis Lake. The surrounding 8,000-acre recreation area offers extensive trail systems through rolling woodlands and open fields. Due to critical dam repairs in 2026, water levels at Heron, Valley, and Wildwood lakes are lowered approximately four feet, closing the public beach and boat launch through October, though the campground remains fully operational.

Directions

Park headquarters: 8100 Grange Hall Road, Holly, MI 48442. Campground entrance: 5300 McGinnis Road.