Oakland County provides several camping options within a 30-mile radius of Lake Orion, Michigan. The region features rolling hills and mature forests with elevations between 900-1,100 feet above sea level. Seasonal temperature variations create distinct camping experiences, with summer highs averaging 82°F and winter temperatures often below freezing.
What to do
Mountain biking trails: Addison Oaks County Park features extensive trail systems popular with cyclists. "We especially enjoy the intermediate level mountain bike trails. Showers are hot. Lots of deer to see at dusk," notes one visitor to Addison Oaks County Park.
Kayaking and canoeing: Multiple lakes provide water recreation options throughout the region. "The park houses a serene lake where visitors can rent boats, kayaks, and canoes for peaceful water exploration," says a camper who enjoyed Proud Lake Recreation Area. "When I need a weekend get away but don't want to drive to far this here is the spot! As for the trails, that's what I love the most. Many types of grounds within a short hike. Tall pines, lakes, creeks."
Disc golf courses: Several parks offer established disc golf courses. At Addison Oaks, one visitor mentions, "I enjoyed the trails, disc golf and overall wonderful Park staff!" The activity remains popular during all non-winter months.
What campers like
Privacy levels: Some campgrounds offer more secluded sites than others. At Holly State Recreation Area, campers appreciate the natural setting: "We stayed on site 118 in the trillium loop. 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," according to one Holly State Recreation Area visitor.
Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention well-maintained bathrooms and showers. "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. 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."
Wildlife viewing: The mature forests provide habitats for diverse wildlife. One camper at Groveland Oaks County Park mentioned, "We saw deer and rabbit. Our spot #18 I felt was spacious and not to close to the people next to us and trees behind us. We had privacy and it was quiet."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds near Lake Orion require advance booking, especially for weekend stays. "We go here twice a year with friends and kids. It's probably one of my favorite places. The drive is short and there are plenty of amenities to keep the kiddos busy all day," notes a visitor to KOA Campground Emmett.
Site variations: Campsite quality and privacy vary significantly within each campground. "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."
Seasonal considerations: Most campgrounds operate from April through October, with limited winter options. "I've stayed at Addison Oaks campground many times over a few decades. It's clean and mostly quiet. A nice relaxing park. The park offers nice holiday activities - we were last there for Halloween camping."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds feature dedicated play areas. "This 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... Ideal for families and people who like to camp but aren't into the 'rustic' part."
Organized activities: Weekends often feature scheduled events for children. At Metamora-Hadley Recreation Area, "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). There 26 miles of bike trails and hiking. Many in park are paved."
Swimming options: Several parks offer beaches with designated swimming areas. "We 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 or hear them that often besides people walking by."
Tips from RVers
Site access considerations: Some campgrounds have challenging site approaches. At Bishop Lake Campground, "This is a larger state park with full size sites for RVs. There is electric on each site along with fire rings and picnic tables. Some good spots have some shade to stay out of the sun."
Hookup availability: Full-service sites are limited at some campgrounds. "Nice quick weekend retreat campground. Cement pads, water, and electric. Loop C is spacious with some trees."
Leveling challenges: Some sites require significant leveling. "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). Sites in our area were spacious."
