Addison Oaks County Park and Groveland Oaks County Park offer glamping close to Rochester Hills, Michigan with various accommodation types. Both parks maintain designated camping areas with access to well-maintained trail systems. Addison Oaks features 2.5 miles of paved trail surrounding a lake, while Groveland Oaks provides a more open camping environment with fewer trees but extensive recreational amenities. Seasonal availability typically runs from late April through October.
What to do
Disc golf courses: Several parks near Rochester Hills feature well-maintained disc golf courses. At Addison Oaks County Park, one visitor noted, "I enjoyed the trails, disc golf and overall wonderful Park staff! Extremely clean and well-kept." The course winds through wooded areas providing both challenge and scenic views.
Kayaking and boating: The lakes at parks like Proud Lake Recreation Area offer excellent paddling opportunities. As one camper described, "Great lake to kayak on. Trails to hike on! We will go again for sure!" Many parks provide rental equipment if you don't bring your own.
Hiking trail networks: The numerous parks within 30 minutes of Rochester Hills feature interconnected trail systems. A visitor to Proud Lake mentioned, "When I need a weekend get away but don't want to drive to far this here is the spot! The facilities are kept up quite well and the campgrounds are secluded enough. As for the trails, that's what I love the most. Many types of grounds within a short hike. Tall pines, lakes, creeks."
Mountain biking: Both paved and dirt trail options exist for cyclists of varying skill levels. One reviewer at Holly Recreation Area observed, "This is a giant recreation area that features a campground, 3 lakes, tons of trails, and even a splash zone for kids." Some parks designate specific mountain biking trails separate from hiking paths.
What campers like
Spacious campsites: Many parks offer sites that provide adequate room between neighbors. At Holly State Recreation Area, a camper mentioned, "Sites were spacious, we loved the national forest." Another noted, "Pretty park with several well marked trails. We stayed in the Maple loop which had several semi-private sites screened from neighbors by trees."
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathhouses and shower facilities receive consistent praise. One visitor to Bishop Lake Campground stated, "The bathrooms are clean and the showers were warm." Another camper at Holly State Recreation Area noted, "Bathrooms are clean and it has hot showers and a place to do your dishes as well."
Wildlife viewing: Many campsites offer opportunities to spot local wildlife. A camper at Addison Oaks shared, "This was our first time camping. The 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. Our spot #18 I felt was spacious and not too close to the people next to us and trees behind us."
Weekend activities: Scheduled events provide additional entertainment options, especially during peak season. A camper at Addison Oaks County Park noted, "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). There 26 miles of bike trails and hiking."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds near Rochester Hills require advance booking, especially during summer months and holidays. The online reservation system makes this process straightforward, as noted by one camper at Oakland County Addison Oaks: "We love coming to Addison Oaks. It is a quick drive from home. But a great little get away spot. Very convenient now also with online booking."
Site variations: Different camping loops within the same park can offer vastly different experiences. A visitor to Holly State Recreation Area explained, "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 glamping options near Rochester Hills operate from late spring through early fall. Some parks like Addison Oaks specifically note operation "from late April to late October." Water features may have limited access during shoulder seasons.
Electrical capacity: Some parks experience power issues during peak usage. During renovation periods, capacity may be reduced. Campers should check current status when making reservations and consider bringing backup power for essential devices.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple parks feature play structures for children. A visitor to Groveland Oaks County Park shared, "This campground has a lake for swimming, water slide, arcade, boat rentals, mini golf, biking trails and fishing. Lots for kids to do... also skate park and 2 playgrounds."
Water activities: Swimming beaches and splash areas provide cooling options during summer months. A camper noted about Bishop Lake Campground, "Such a cool place to enjoy with the kids, we had a blast at Jump Island!" Another visitor explained, "It's connected but costs money. $15 for a 45 minute jump session. Follow on Facebook for coupons."
Halloween events: Several parks offer special Halloween-themed weekends in fall. A camper at Proud Lake shared, "We've been going to halloween camping for the past 2 years, decorate your site and the kids get dressed up an go trick or treating in camp, there's a costume contest and hay rides, fun family atmosphere."
Bike-friendly paths: Paved trails provide safe cycling options for younger riders. A visitor to Addison Oaks noted, "There are 26 miles of bike trails and hiking. Many in park are paved."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Some campgrounds have uneven terrain that requires preparation. A camper at Lakeport State Park advised, "I love that it is close to home. We live in Fort Gratiot so when I have a work weekend we can just hook up and pull the camper up to the lakeside campground and enjoy some peace. The sites are very spacious in size and a few provide full hookups."
Hookup variations: While most parks offer electric service, full hookups are limited. A camper at Groveland Oaks noted, "Liked having full hook ups. But not many trees. We like the small swimming hole, the beach, the parks and putt putt."
Navigating larger rigs: Some loops are better suited for bigger RVs than others. At Camp Dearborn, a visitor advised, "Pull behind sites were easy to access. Staff are very helpful and responsive. There is a dump station on site."
Dump station access: Parks have varying dump station configurations. Some may require driving through camping loops to access facilities, while others have more direct routes. Plan additional time during peak checkout periods when lines may form.
