Holly Recreation Area offers rustic and modern camping options within 20 miles of Auburn Hills, Michigan. The McGinnis Lake Modern Campground features 10 secluded sites on concrete pads with electrical hookups. Most camping areas near Auburn Hills remain open from late April through October, with some year-round options available. Winter temperatures average 30°F while summer averages 80°F.
What to do
Hiking and biking trails: Holly Recreation Area provides extensive trail networks for day excursions. "Lots of trails for hiking and biking. They have kids activities on the weekends, a lake for swimming, great playgrounds and everything is really clean," notes a visitor to Addison Oaks County Park.
Kayaking and canoeing: Multiple recreation areas offer rentals and lake access. "The campground has a lake for swimming, water slide, arcade, boat rentals, mini golf, biking trails and fishing. Lots for kids to do," shares a reviewer from Groveland Oaks County Park.
Winter recreation: Several parks maintain trail access during snowy months. A camper at Pinckney Blind Lake mentions, "The park is open all year, making the Blind Lake campground a popular stop for hikers in the winter."
Disc golf: Courses available at multiple parks near Auburn Hills. "The grounds are huge with bike/hike trails, a lake and a disc golf course," reports a visitor to Oakland County Addison Oaks.
What campers like
Secluded wooded sites: Many campgrounds offer shaded sites with natural privacy. "I love this place and so do my 3 dogs. We got a secluded campsite, and it's gorgeous- tucked into the woods and was easy to back into. You're far enough from people to where you don't really see a lot of them," writes a visitor to Holly State Recreation Area.
Modern bathhouse facilities: Clean restrooms with hot showers are commonly praised. "Bath house is newly built with amazing showers including large Family/Handicap showers," notes a reviewer at Proud Lake Recreation Area.
Lake accessibility: Waterfront sites available at several campgrounds. "Our site #18 I felt was spacious and not too close to the people next to us and trees behind us. We had privacy and it was quiet," shares a camper describing their lake view at Addison Oaks County Park.
Site variety: Options range from primitive tent sites to full-hookup RV spots. "We've state at this campground on and off for roughly 3 weeks staying mostly at the Cedar cabin but we also tent camped as well," mentions a Holly State Recreation Area visitor.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most parks require advance booking, especially during peak season. "Reservations can be made ahead for 1 of the 10 sites at Blind Lake. Campsite fee is $17 if done at the Ranger Headquarters. Advance reservations have an additional $8 fee," explains a backpacker at Pinckney Blind Lake.
Seasonal activities: Many parks offer organized events during holidays. "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)," reports a visitor to Camp Dearborn.
Site characteristics: Terrain varies significantly between campgrounds. "Some sites are on an incline and that made it hard to get in and out of our fifth wheel," notes a camper describing Proud Lake Recreation Area.
Water access points: Lakes have designated swimming areas with varied amenities. "The beach is nice, a little small, but clean and fun (would be nice if your pets were allowed to swim also)," mentions an Addison Oaks County Park camper.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds feature play equipment. "The staff is amazing, the campground is well maintained and quiet. Bathrooms are clean and it has hot showers and a place to do your dishes as well. We love the trails and the wildlife and the kids loved the parks," shares a Holly State Recreation Area visitor.
Water activities: Several parks offer structured water recreation beyond swimming. "Such a cool place to enjoy with the kids, we had a blast at Jump Island!" exclaims a visitor to Bishop Lake Campground, referring to the inflatable water park.
Weekend programming: Check activity schedules when booking. "We've been going to Halloween camping for the past 2 years, decorate your site and the kids get dressed up and go trick or treating in camp, there's a costume contest and hay rides, fun family atmosphere," notes a Proud Lake Recreation Area camper.
Site selection: Some loops are more family-friendly than others. "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," advises an Addison Oaks County Park visitor.
