The Pinckney and Brighton Recreation Areas create a diverse camping landscape around Wolverine Lake, Michigan. These areas feature wooded terrain ranging from 850-1050 feet in elevation with numerous inland lakes and hiking trails. Winter temperatures can drop below 20°F while summer averages range from 70-85°F, making seasonal preparation essential for campers seeking yurt accommodations or traditional sites.
What to do
Trail biking: Proud Lake Recreation Area offers mountain biking trails suitable for various skill levels. As one visitor notes, "The trails available here are where I learned to mountain bike, they're not the easiest but they are not so challenging that you won't have fun" (Syed M.).
Water recreation: Bishop Lake Campground features Jump Island, an inflatable water park. "It's connected but costs money. $15 for a 45 minute jump session. Follow on Facebook for coupons. You can also just swim at the lake- nice area with shade trees beach and nice lake water" (Beth G.).
Disc golf: Addison Oaks County Park maintains a disc golf course throughout the camping season. "I enjoyed the trails, disc golf and overall wonderful Park staff! Extremely clean and well-kept" (Joe S.). The course is accessible from most campsites with a short walk.
Backcountry hiking: Blind Lake Rustic Campground connects to the 35-mile Waterloo-Pinckney Trail system. "We hiked the complete potawatomi trail (18 miles) great site for lakeview but #3 looked to be the best with swimming access... Great place to train and get your trail legs as well as test out new gear" (Michael S.).
What campers like
Private wooded sites: Holly Recreation Area provides secluded camping options. "I 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" (Ashley F.).
Clean facilities: Bishop Lake Campground maintains high standards for bathrooms and showers. "The campgrounds restrooms and showers were clean. Our campsite had a view of the lake, but no shade. The beach was nice but you have to walk a trail to get to it from the campground or drive" (Debra B.).
Yurt camping: Addison Oaks County Park offers yurt accommodations that provide shelter while maintaining a connection to nature. Yurts include wooden floors, lockable doors, and screened windows for comfort in all seasons. "We stayed in one of the group sites and it was beautiful" (Jennifer O.).
Winter accessibility: Proud Lake Recreation Area remains open year-round for cold-weather camping. "You need to know that this place is so so clean! The grounds, the sites, the bathrooms and the showers are all impeccable" (Laura M.). Winter yurt camping near Wolverine Lake provides a unique off-season opportunity.
What you should know
Mosquito conditions: Brighton Recreation Area has significant mosquito activity, particularly near marsh areas. "The camping area sits on an inaccessible lake with a marsh area. When we rolled in the first thing we noticed was that everyone had screen houses set up" (Ryan F.). Bug protection is essential during summer months.
Reservation requirements: Camp Dearborn is often booked months in advance. "Tough to get in but we love it" (Beth G.). Reservations should be made 3-6 months ahead for summer weekends.
Seasonal limitations: Groveland Oaks County Park operates from late April through early October only. "Large campground with lots of trails and activities (although we camped in early May so many activities were not open). We would think that different times of year provide different experiences" (Carol W.).
Site privacy variations: Holly Recreation Area has varying degrees of privacy between loops. "Sites were spacious, we loved the national forest" (David S.) while another camper noted "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" (Ashleigh M.).
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Groveland Oaks County Park specializes in family camping. "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" (Debbie H.).
Halloween camping: Proud Lake Recreation Area offers special Halloween events. "Fun family atmosphere" with activities like "decorate your site and the kids get dressed up an go trick or treating in camp, theres a costume contest and hay rides" (Justin G.).
Swimming options: Camp Dearborn features multiple swimming areas. "Camp Dearborn has a lot for the kids, outdoor fun, night dance parties, cement for bike rides or rollerblading" (Melissa M.).
Playgrounds: Holly Recreation Area provides multiple play areas. "There were several playgrounds, bench swings, play fields and even a basketball court. The ADA sites had pavement surrounding the fire rings and space at the picnic tables for a wheel chair" (Jennifer H.).
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Hell Creek Ranch has varying site types and quality. "Very clean campground with rustic, elec, water/elec (30 amp), and concrete pad sites" (Jason F.). The concrete sites are most level and recommended for larger RVs.
Hookup availability: Pinckney Recreation Area offers limited water hookups. "Sites were pretty secluded, not lined up in a farmer's field. Lots of trails and great beach with a dog friendly area" (Zachary S.).
Accessibility concerns: Proud Lake Recreation Area requires careful site selection. "There are a few sites on an incline and that made it hard to get in and out of our fifth wheel" (Stephanie C.).
Dump station locations: Brighton Recreation Area provides convenient sanitation facilities. "Easy location. 30 amp service. Kayaking, fishing and kid friendly" (Mary J.). The dump station is located near the main entrance for easy access when departing.
