Lakeville area campgrounds feature extensive hiking and mountain biking trails with varying difficulty levels. Many facilities are operational only from April through October, with limited winter camping available at Pontiac Lake Recreation Area. Campsites in Oakland County parks typically include paved pads and full hookups at select locations, though terrain conditions can vary significantly depending on recent weather.
What to do
Disc golf courses: Addison Oaks County Park offers an established course surrounded by wooded terrain. "I enjoyed the trails, disc golf and overall wonderful Park staff! Extremely clean and well-kept," notes Joe S., who visited in early 2020.
Mountain biking: The 26 miles of trails at Pontiac Lake Recreation Area include both paved and off-road options. "Extensive mountain biking trails and the lake is open to boating, kayaking, and other water sports. Park offers lots of private sites," reports Mary H., who stayed at site 118.
Children's activities: Holiday weekends feature organized events at Groveland Oaks County Park. "We joined a group site and meet up every major holiday at Groveland. We feel like we went up North without the driving four hours. The park is well laid out and includes a ton of fun activities for young and old," according to Mike N.
What campers like
Private wooded sites: Sites at McGinnis Lake Modern Campground offer separation from neighbors through natural screening. "Actually feels like camping with all the trees, not lined up in a farmer's field. Lots of trails and great beach with a dog friendly area," writes Zachary S. about site 118 in the Trillium loop.
Year-round camping options: Select parks maintain winter operations despite seasonal closures elsewhere. "Quiet campground and well maintained. Two different loops to choose from for camping. Only drawback is the distance from the lake. The lake is not within walking distance, you would need to drive," explains Renee R. about Pontiac Lake Recreation Area.
Clean facilities: Many campers note the well-maintained bathroom facilities. "The bathrooms were clean. We had so much fun. The bathrooms and showers were clean, there were a lot of activities for the whole family, and the camp site was nice and shaded," shares BrianaLynn R. after visiting Holly State Recreation Area.
What you should know
Varying site conditions: Site quality can differ significantly based on location and recent weather. "Our site was a little difficult to get into because it was on a curve and there was a seasonal camper with a Class A right across from our site which didn't allow for a lot of space to maneuver our 26 ft travel trailer," notes Debbie H. from Groveland Oaks County Park.
Bug protection essential: Insects can be numerous, particularly in wooded areas. "There are tons of mosquitoes and ticks, so make sure you bring bug spray. Also make sure that all food and garbage is secure at night, the raccoons have no fear," warns Kristina J. from Pontiac Lake Recreation Area.
Distance to amenities: At Camp Agawam, campsites are separated from activity areas. "This park is great! It has campsites, a playground, swimming, fishing, an outdoor amphitheater (with concerts!), pavilion rentals, and disc golf! Not to mention Oakland Paintball is in the middle of it," explains James P.
Tips for camping with families
Seasonal activities: Halloween camping is popular at several campgrounds. "We stayed in area A in a water/electric site. It was a Boo Fest weekend. Lots of socially distanced activities for the kids and a scavenger hunt (finding clues on signs in park to solve a mystery)," shares Tim & Nancy C. from Addison Oaks County Park.
Water recreation: Several parks feature swimming areas for children. "Groveland Oaks has a lake for swimming, water slide, arcade, boat rentals, mini golf, biking trails and fishing. Lots for kids to do... also skate park and 2 playgrounds," describes Debbie H.
Group camping options: Addison Oaks County Park offers dedicated group sites. "We stayed in one of the group sites and it was beautiful. Less tree cover than we would have liked, you're basically in a giant grassy field, but it was perfect for a large group," Jennifer O. explains about her experience at one of the best places to camp near Lakeville, Michigan.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: McGinnis Lake Modern Campground offers diverse site types. "I stayed in the rustic Aspen loop and it was fine for early season but come peak season, the sites lack privacy and are kind of small. It's not a bad walk to modern restrooms and it was very quiet," advises Ashleigh M.
Hookup considerations: Many parks offer electrical but not always water or sewer. "Nice quick weekend retreat campground. Cement pads, water, and electric. Loop C is spacious with some trees," notes Ron E. about Addison Oaks County Park.
Maneuverability challenges: Large rigs may face difficulties at certain sites. "Not all sites have full hook ups. Most are missing sewer. Not all sites have 50 amp available. I got put into a very tight and very unlevel spot. Additionally the spots are close together," shares George H. about The Holly Campground, suggesting careful planning for those with larger RVs looking for the best camping near Lakeville, Michigan.
