Holly Recreation Area offers year-round camping options within a diverse landscape of woodlands, lakes, and marshes. Located in southeastern Michigan, the area features multiple water bodies and extensive trail systems across varying terrain. Sites range from secluded wooded spots to more open layouts depending on which camping loop you select.
What to do
Hiking trails: Holly Recreation Area contains numerous well-marked paths through forest settings. "Pretty park with several well marked trails. We stayed in the Maple loop which had several semi-private sites screened from neighbors by trees," notes Jennifer H. from McGinnis Lake Modern Campground.
Water activities: The recreation area includes several lakes for swimming, fishing, and boating. At Bishop Lake Campground, one visitor explains, "Our favorite was the lake for kayaking." Debra B. adds, "The beach was nice but you have to walk a trail to get to it from the campground or drive."
Sports and recreation: Beyond water and trails, the area offers additional recreational options. Kate K. mentions that McGinnis Lake Modern Campground "is a giant recreation area that features a campground, 3 lakes, tons of trails, and even a splash zone for kids. The campground has it all, electric, cabins, playgrounds, basketball courts, etc."
What campers like
Wooded privacy: Unlike more open campgrounds, many sites in the Holly area feature tree cover that creates a true camping atmosphere. Zachary S. appreciates that McGinnis Lake Modern Campground "actually feels like camping with all the trees, not lined up in a farmer's field."
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds in the region maintain well-kept bathhouses. At Proud Lake Recreation Area, campers find "a new bathhouse that is beautiful. They must have been recently renovated because they are spacious, tiled, well maintained, and very modern feeling for a campground," according to Jennifer O.
Multiple camping options: The Holly area accommodates various camping preferences from rustic to glamping. Addison Oaks County Park provides "modern and submerged in nature" experiences according to Wendy K., who notes there are "tons of trails for hiking and biking. They have kids activities on the weekends, a lake for swimming, great playgrounds and everything is really clean."
What you should know
Site selection matters: Campsites vary significantly within the same campground. At Brighton Recreation Area's rustic sites, Ryan F. advises, "I'd examine the map carefully because some of the sites were horrendously open and basically on the road. Maybe good for a vehicle with a rooftop tent or a trailer of some sort."
Bug preparation: Marshy areas can have significant mosquito activity, particularly in spring and summer. "The biggest problem was mosquito activity. The camping area sits on an inaccessible lake with a marsh area," warns Ryan F. about Brighton Recreation Area, adding "When we rolled in the first thing we noticed was that everyone had screen houses set up."
Seasonal differences: Many facilities have limited operations outside summer months. Groveland Oaks County Park operates from "Last week of April through first week of October," while Carol W. notes that "we camped in early May so many activities were not open. We would think that different times of year provide different experiences."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Many campgrounds offer features specifically for children. At Camp Dearborn, "They have activities for both children and adults, two beautiful beaches, a pool, tennis courts, and now a zip line," according to Teresa B.
Seasonal events: Several campgrounds host special weekend activities. Gary E. mentions, "We had a great weekend even with out Truck or treating. Due to Covid-19. But still able to have a great weekend with family" at Groveland Oaks County Park, which regularly hosts themed weekends.
Glamping options near Holly: For those seeking more comfort, glamping accommodations provide an alternative to traditional camping. Teresa B. explains that Camp Dearborn has "options for camping range from tent sites to luxury cabins. We usually get a platform tent, which sleeps six people and comes with a kitchen cabana."
Tips from RVers
Site levelness: Be prepared for uneven terrain at some campgrounds. Ryan F. from Brighton Recreation Area warns, "Our site wasn't level, so we were rolling around a bit. If I went there again I'd try to find a spot towards the end of the loop by the exit. These sites were higher."
Access challenges: Some campgrounds have sections that can be difficult to reach with larger rigs. Carol W. shares her experience at Groveland Oaks County Park: "We travel in a 42 ft motorhome and suggest if you are traveling in a large rig, drive through the park to find an appropriate site. We had called ahead but the site they had reserved for us would not have worked."
Hookup variations: Not all sites offer the same amenities. At Proud Lake Recreation Area, one reviewer notes there is "no water hookup- but you can fill up and dump at the front of the campground. No store- but you can stop and get firewood when you check in."
