Columbiaville's camping areas sit on the edge of Michigan's Thumb region at an elevation of approximately 820 feet. The surrounding terrain features gently rolling hills and mixed woodlands dotted with inland lakes. Spring camping often brings temperatures ranging from 45-65°F with higher humidity levels, while summer sees averages of 70-85°F, making May through September the prime camping season.
What to do
Fishing at Holloway Reservoir: Access the 1,973-acre reservoir directly from Wolverine Campground for walleye fishing. "The lake is supposed to be great for walleye fishing, even if it a tad shallow," notes Chris S. The lake depth averages 6-10 feet in most areas, making it suitable for both shore and boat fishing.
Hiking woodland trails: The area features several short to moderate hiking paths within a 20-minute drive. "There's a prayer trail" at Church Grove Park that offers a peaceful walking experience according to Deb H., who adds it's "very nice" and well-maintained. Most trails in the region range from 1-3 miles in length.
Golf and outdoor recreation: Some campgrounds offer additional activities beyond camping. At Holiday Shores RV Park, "the attached 9 hole golf course was well maintained and had some tricky holes. There were changes in elevation and multiple water hazards," reports Jamie H., who found it "a fun, mostly challenging round of golf that is worth checking out."
What campers like
Quiet, wooded settings: Many campers appreciate the natural surroundings at campgrounds like Pine Ridge RV Campground. "We enjoyed this very quiet campground. It is not a family 'resort' style campground. There is a playground, no pool. Each site has full hook-ups and are a good size. Nice shade trees at most sites," writes Mary S.
Clean facilities: Maintenance standards across RV sites near Columbiaville, Michigan vary, but several get high marks. Dawn W. notes about Pine Ridge RV Campground: "The bathrooms are key for me and are very clean. There showers are private and are quarter operated. This is our go-to when in the area."
Lake activities: Water-based recreation is popular during summer months. "You can bring a boat and tie it to shore in the rustic area which was convenient," mentions Stephanie C. about Wolverine Campground. The beach areas at several parks open from late May through early September with designated swimming zones.
What you should know
Cell service reliability: While most campgrounds offer basic connectivity, signal strength varies by carrier. At Thousand Trails St. Clair, David B. reports: "The entire facility was clean and staff couldn't have been friendlier. The only downside was the abysmal Verizon signal. I'm talking 3 mbps bad." T-Mobile generally provides better coverage throughout the region.
Extension cords needed: Some campsites have electrical hookups positioned far from standard parking areas. Jennifer notes at Wolverine Campground: "If you're in a camper, make sure you have an extension cord. The power is quite a ways away. There is no internet or WiFi access."
Seasonal openings: Most Columbiaville area campgrounds operate on limited schedules. Wolverine Campground runs from May 21 to September 4, while Pine Ridge RV Campground operates from May 1 to October 31. For year-round camping options, look toward Flint or Holly areas.
Tips for camping with families
Choose campgrounds with play amenities: Holly State Recreation Area offers multiple family-friendly facilities. "There were several playgrounds, bench swings, play fields and even a basketball court," writes Jennifer H. The recreation area also features a splash zone for children during summer months.
Consider site privacy: Select sites with natural screening if possible. Kate K. notes about Holly State Recreation Area: "This is a giant recreation area that features a campground, 3 lakes, tons of trails, and even a splash zone for kids." For families seeking more separation, Zachary S. adds: "Actually feels like camping with all the trees, not lined up in a farmer's field."
Book weekday stays when possible: Weekend occupancy rises dramatically at popular campgrounds. "On what should have been a bustling, beautiful summer weekend, the park was nearly empty, which speaks volumes," notes one camper about Pine Ridge. For larger groups, consider the arrangement at Haas Lake Park RV Campground: "The round area's with the sites on the outside and common area on the inside make for a great group type setup," suggests Gary E.
Tips from RVers
Site selection matters: Many RV sites near Columbiaville have variable dimensions. Kristin T. observes about Pine Ridge RV Campground: "Some camp sites are squished up to others. Other camp sites have plenty of room. So when you are stuck in a spot that is tight it kind of ruins the experience. Weird thing is, the bigger sites are the same price."
Pull-through accessibility: Mitchell C. notes about Pine Ridge: "Nice pull through sites, some are tight, but none are impossible. Knowledgeable and friendly staff." For easier maneuvering, request specific sites when making reservations.
Hookup variations: Not all campgrounds offer identical services. At Holts RV Sites in Flint, year-round availability includes full hookups with 50-amp service. For contrast, Washakie Golf & RV Resort provides 30-amp electric and water connections but no sewer hookups, requiring occasional visits to the dump station.
