Holly State Recreation Area, located within the northern portion of Oakland County between Pontiac and Flint, is less than an hour drive from the Detroit metropolitan area.
The park's more than 8,000 acres of rolling woodlands and open fields provide opportunities for a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, camping, boating, disc golf, fishing, mountain biking and much more. WhoaZone at Heron Lake (water park) , offers two unique courses, where visitors of all ages can climb, jump or slide on easy-to-challenging water obstacles. An additional ticket fee applies.
The accessible beach house is in the day-use area on Heron Lake and includes restrooms, food concessions and rentals (umbrellas, beach chairs, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, paddleboats and canoes).
There is an accessible fishing pier located at Heron Lake.
An accessible hunting blind can be reserved by calling 248-634-0240.
There are three picnic shelters (Oak Flats and Sunset Ridge are accessible) located in the day-use area that includes picnic tables and charcoal grills. Electrical service is available for those with reservations in both the Oak Flats and Sunset Point shelters. There is no electrical available at the Overlook shelter
Shelter reservations can be made 12 months in advance at MiDNRReservations.com
There is an accessible playground in the day-use area on Heron Lake. It all sits on a rubberized surface that makes access easier for those of all mobility levels.
Most vault toilets are accessible with the exception of a few in the day use area.
You may not possess or consume an alcoholic beverage in the day-use areas south of McGinnis Road April 1 through Labor Day (unless the park manager has granted written authorization through an event permit).
The Flint Town Flyerz disc golf club sponsors league play nights and a number of tournaments, including Professional Disc Golf Association-sanctioned tournaments.
A variety of fish species, such as bass, bluegill, walleye, northern pike and crappie, can be found in the park’s lakes.
Hunting is allowed in the state park; however, you should call this park directly to inquire about any special rules, concerns or considerations.
Metal detecting is allowed in certain park areas. Please consult the park map for designated locations and review applicable regulations. Only registered campers can metal detect in campgrounds.
Seasonal naturalists offer nature-based programming at the park during the summer and/or fall. Check the park's explorer program calendar for dates, locations and topics.
Whoa Zone at Heron Beach provides kayak, stand-up paddleboard, paddleboat and canoe rentals Memorial Day through Labor Day. Call 866-946-2966 for more information.
Paddling is a popular activity in Heron, Valley, Wildwood and Crotched lakes.
A section of pet-friendly shoreline is available south of the designated swim beach on Heron Lake. Pets must always be on a 6-foot leash and under an owner’s immediate control. All pet waste must be properly disposed of in trash receptacles.
There are picnic areas in the day-use area that provide picnic tables and charcoal grills that are available first come, first served.
The RC Flying Field is located on Mackey Road, approximately .25 miles south of Grange Hall Road. The field is often used by the Holly Cloud Hoppers.
The park’s sanitation station is located in the modern campground. There is potable water available and two lanes.
The day-use area, bordered by McGinnis Road to the north, Wildwood Road to the east and Dixie Highway to the southwest, is open to snowmobiling on open land (backcountry snowmobiling). Snowmobiles are prohibited on trails and in campground areas.
A buoyed swim area is in the park’s day-use area on Heron Lake. There are accessible walkways to the beach house and beach.
The park is home to Heron, Valley, Wildwood and Crotched lakes, as well as a number of smaller lakes.
The McGinnis Lake Campground is often compared to those found "up north." The East Campground (Maple, Oak and Aspen loops) offers a mix of trees and grass. The West Campground (Trillium and Hickory loops) is densely forested.
Throughout the entire campground, there are plenty of large campsites offering enough elbow room for everyone. The majority of sites have either 30- or 50-amp service. Sites 147-161 do not have electricity.
Please Note: The 8100 Grange Road address is for park headquarters. The campground entrance is at 5300 McGinnis Road. Driving directions are also available.
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Accessible deluxe camper cabins – named Wildwood and Valley – are located on Wildwood Lake. Both cabins sleep up to six and have private lake access. The cabins have two bedrooms (a bunkbed and full-size bed), a futon with mattress, kitchen equipment (a microwave, mini fridge, coffee maker and toaster), a living room and a bathroom.
Canoes, paddle and lifejackets are available seasonally at the cabins. A picnic table, fire ring (on the beach) and grill are located outdoors.
Guests must bring their own linens and cookware.
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The are two mini cabins (Elm and Cedar) located within the McGinnis Lake Modern Campground. Both mini cabins sleep up to four (two bunkbeds) and have a counter with barstools, a microwave and mini fridge. A picnic table, fire ring and grill are outdoors.
Guests must bring their own linens and cookware.
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The group-use campground is in a more private location and includes two vault toilets, picnic tables, firepits, a hand pump for water and access to the park's trail network. Sites are available to organized youth groups, including schools, church groups or scouting groups.
Reservations can be made by calling the park office.
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While there aren't any upcoming park events listed at this time, you can check out the DNR's calendar of events.
The park also offers weekly nature programs not listed in the online calendar.
