Proud Lake Recreation Area, approximately 3,000 acres, is located on the scenic Huron River and borders Proud Lake. The park – located 40 minutes from downtown Detroit in Oakland County – is home to a modern campground, overnight lodging, boating access sites, fishing and paddling opportunities and an extensive trail system open to hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking. The park's section of the Huron River is managed as a Type I trout stream.
Do Not Eat Fish' and 'Avoid Foam' advisories have been issued for sections of the Huron River and associated water bodies in Oakland, Livingston, Washtenaw and Wayne counties because high levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (or PFAS) may be present. Find consumption guidelines for fish with elevated PFOS levels.
You may not possess or consume an alcoholic beverage in the day-use areas east of Wixom Road April 1 through Labor Day (unless the park manager has granted written authorization through an event permit).
There are four boating access sites in the park. There are two sites on the Huron River that are suitable for nonmotorized boats (no sport boats). Another site is located on Proud Lake and is suitable for sport boats. A fourth boating access site is in the modern campground and is available to registered campers only. The two bodies of water are connected.
There are trails open to equestrians and a confidence course.
Fishing is a popular activity on the Huron River and Proud Lake. The park’s section of the Huron River is managed as a Type I trout stream and is stocked each year.
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.
There is an observation platform located on the south side of the Marsh Trail.
Canoes and kayaks are available to rent in both the day-use area and modern campground (campers only) Memorial Day through Labor Day (or later). For more information, visit heavnercanoe.com or call 248-685-2379.
There are numerous paddling opportunities on both the Huron River and Proud Lake. Huron River access is available at the Huron Fishing Site and the boating access site located adjacent to kayak rentals. Proud Lake access is available in the northeastern portion of the park off Bass Lake Road.
Pets are allowed along the entire length of the Huron River and Proud Lake shoreline (other than the designated swim beach in the modern campground). 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.
The picnic area is in the day-use area and includes picnic tables and charcoal grills that are available first come, first served.
There is a picnic shelter located in the day-use area that includes picnic tables, charcoal grills, electrical service (reservations only) and vault toilets. Shelter reservations can be made 12 months in advance at MiDNRReservations.com.
The park’s sanitation station is located at the modern campground. There is potable water available and three lanes.
The park is open to snowmobiling on open land (backcountry snowmobiling). Snowmobiles are prohibited on park trails and in campground areas.
There's a buoyed swim area in the modern campground.
The park is set along the Huron River, which runs through the park and offers multiple access points, and Proud Lake. The park’s section of the Huron River is managed as a Type I trout stream.
The modern campground, set on Proud Lake, features two loops and 130 sites. Some sites have views of the lake, while others are nestled up to the woods. Generally speaking, the sites are not considered flat. The sites have 30- or 50-amp electrical service and access to a sanitation station with three lanes.
There's a buoyed swim area located in the campground.
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The park is home to two cozy mini cabins, located in the modern campground, each ideal for a simple getaway. Each cabin comfortably sleeps four with two sets of bunk beds and includes a convenient counter space. Outside, enjoy a picnic table, fire ring, and grill for outdoor cooking and relaxation
Guests must bring their own linens and outdoor cooking equipment.
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Enjoy stunning views of Powers Beach and the Huron River from two accessible camper cabins, Ivy and Trillium. Each cabin comfortably sleeps six and features a private outdoor deck. Inside, you'll find two small bedrooms with bunk beds, a living area with a full-size futon, microwave, mini-fridge, lamps and a ceiling fan. Outside, a picnic table, fire pit, and cooking grill await. A mini-split unit provides both heat and air conditioning.
A modern toilet and shower building (open May 10 - October 31) and vault toilet, shared with day-use visitors, are located approximately 300 feet away.
Guests must provide their own linens. You must also bring your own potable water when the modern toilet building is closed.
The cabin is open year-round.
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Nestled in a serene wooded setting near the Huron River, the lodge provides comfortable accommodations for up to 26 guests. The lodge is thoughtfully designed with two separate sleeping wings, each offering a complete suite of amenities. Each wing includes six double rooms (two twin beds) and one single room (one twin bed), along with private bathrooms featuring two toilets and showers. Central heating and air conditioning ensure year-round comfort.
A shared community room in each wing fosters connection with a warm wood-burning fireplace, cozy couches, tables, chairs and a Roku-equipped television. The fully equipped kitchen features a microwave, coffee pot, stove, refrigerator, and ample counter space.
To make a reservation, please call the park.
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This group-use campground area is not limited to youth groups (open to all). The site provides picnic tables, fire rings and vault toilets. There is a hand pump for water. Firewood and ice are available for sale at the campground office.
Reservations can be made by calling the park office.
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This group-use campground area is open to youth groups only. The site is broken up into two areas, the Upper and Lower Pines. Each group site provides picnic tables, fire rings, a shelter area and vault toilets. There is a hand pump for water (available to all) located in the Upper Pines. The Lower Pines is situated along the Huron River. Firewood and ice are available for sale at the campground office.
Reservations can be made by calling the park office.
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Proud Lake Recreation Area offers three distinct meeting spaces for rental:
River Hawk Cafe
Featuring a commercial kitchen and a spacious main meeting area, this building includes three restrooms, ample seating (tables and chairs) and outdoor amenities such as a fire ring and picnic tables. Central heating is provided (no air conditioning). The rental fee is $200 per day, from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., and it's available for booking mid-April through mid-November.
River Hawk Annex
Offering a comfortable, carpeted area of 40' x 60', this accessible room includes central heating and air conditioning, two restrooms, a refrigerator, ample seating (tables and chairs) and outdoor amenities such as a fire ring and picnic tables. The rental is is $200 a day, from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., and it's available mid-April through mid-November.<.
For more information and to process a reservation, please contact the park office at 248-685-2433.
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Offering a spacious 50' x 50' conference room with central heating, this venue includes two restrooms, tables and chairs and outdoor fire ring and picnic tables. For larger gatherings, a 20' x 30' mezzanine overlooks the main room. Available mid-April to mid-November, the daily rental is $350 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
For more information and to process a reservation, please contact the park office at 248-685-2433.
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