Woodland camping options near Leonard, Michigan provide diverse experiences for outdoor enthusiasts throughout Oakland County. Several parks within a 30-minute drive offer year-round and seasonal camping, with elevations ranging from 900 to 1,100 feet above sea level. The area experiences distinct seasonal changes with warm summers averaging 75-85°F and cooler spring and fall temperatures around 45-65°F.
What to do
Mountain biking trails: Oakland County Addison Oaks features extensive biking opportunities with 26 miles of trails. According to a visitor, "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" (Wendy K., Addison Oaks County Park).
Disc golf course: The recreation area contains a dedicated disc golf course that provides an alternative outdoor activity. As one reviewer noted, "I enjoyed the trails, disc golf and overall wonderful Park staff! Extremely clean and well-kept" (Joe S., Addison Oaks County Park).
Canoeing and kayaking: Proud Lake Recreation Area offers water-based activities on the Huron River. "It has a boat launch and a canoe/kayak livery on site," notes one camper (John F.). The park provides rental equipment for those without personal watercraft.
Seasonal water activities: During summer months, visitors can enjoy swimming beaches and boating. "The beach is nice, a little small, but clean and fun," states one camper. Many parks open these facilities from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Wildlife observation: The wooded areas provide habitat for diverse wildlife. "This park has a beautiful 2.5 mile trail around the lake that makes this campground great. We brought our own kayaks but they do rent boats. We saw deer and rabbit" (Karen C., Addison Oaks County Park).
What campers like
Modern facilities: McGinnis Lake Modern Campground at Holly Recreation Area offers well-maintained bathrooms with heated showers. "The bathrooms were clean. We loved the national forest," reports David S.
Spacious campsites: Many parks provide sites with room to spread out. "Sites were spacious, we loved the national forest," notes one visitor about Holly Recreation Area. Another camper adds, "Sites in our area were spacious. Park was clean, guests well behaved, staff helpful" (Tim & Nancy C., Addison Oaks County Park).
Natural seclusion: Some campgrounds offer wooded sites that provide privacy. "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," says Ashley F. about Holly State Recreation Area.
Weekend activities: Groveland Oaks County Park organizes special weekend programs from late April through early October. "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" (Mike N.).
Yurt accommodations: For those seeking yurt camping near Leonard, Michigan, premium yurt options include climate control systems. "Oakland County Addison Oaks is a campground that features hiking and mountain biking trails, campground, cabins, disc golf course, and a lake for boating" (Kate K., Oakland County Addison Oaks).
What you should know
Seasonal availability: Several parks have limited operating seasons. "Groveland Oaks operates from late April through first week of October," reports a camper. Confirm operating dates before planning your trip.
Reservation requirements: Popular sites fill quickly, especially during summer months and holidays. "We come for Halloween camping every year! We love this campground. There is a ton to do for all ages. The kids keep busy all day long!" notes Wendy K. about Port Huron KOA.
Site characteristics: Campsite quality varies between parks and within individual campgrounds. "My family took our RV camping here for a week here. It was very nice, 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" (BrianaLynn R., Holly State Recreation Area).
Wildlife encounters: Visitors should prepare for encounters with local wildlife. "We saw deer and rabbit. Our spot #18 I felt was spacious and not too close to the people next to us and trees behind us" (Karen C.).
Limited water hookups: Some campgrounds offer electric but not water connections. "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" (Ashley F.).
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Camp Dearborn provides multiple play areas for children. "They have activities for both children and adults, two beautiful beaches, a pool, tennis courts, and now a zip line. Options for camping range from tent sites to luxury cabins" (Teresa B.).
Educational activities: Some parks organize learning opportunities for young visitors. "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. We love the trails and the wildlife and the kids loved the parks" (Stephanie H., Holly State Recreation Area).
Swimming options: Recreation areas with beaches offer swimming opportunities. "Nice campground. Paved sites. Some are pretty secluded. Downside is that the campground and stuff to do, are far apart. Bring a bike or drive. Beach is nice. Has a water park on the lake" (Ethan R.).
Biking trails: Paved trails at many parks accommodate children's bicycles. "This has been very peaceful—and fairly inexpensive as well," notes one visitor about the recreation options.
Themed weekends: Some campgrounds host special weekend events. "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)" (Tim & Nancy C.).
