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Holly SRA
Overview
Holly Recreation Area (SRA) offers a sprawling natural escape in Southeast Michigan, encompassing nearly 8,000 acres of rolling hills and pristine lakes. The McGinnis Lake Campground serves as the primary hub for RVers, providing a rustic yet accessible base for exploring the region. It is known for its quiet, wooded atmosphere that feels worlds away from the nearby urban centers, making it a perfect spot for those who value privacy and immersion in nature.
Location & Surroundings
Situated between Flint and Pontiac, this park is easily accessible via I-75, making it a favorite for weekend travelers from the Detroit metro area. The landscape is defined by its glacial moraine topography, featuring deep valleys and high ridges that offer scenic overlooks. The surrounding area remains largely undeveloped, preserving a sense of wilderness within Oakland County, where dense forests of oak and hickory provide ample shade and a buffer from the outside world.
Amenities & Park Features
RV travelers will find sites equipped with 20, 30, and 50-amp electric service to accommodate various rig sizes. While the park maintains a natural feel, it provides essential comforts including modern restroom facilities with hot showers and a convenient sanitation dump station. For recreation, the park features a dedicated disc golf course and the popular Whoa Zone water obstacle course on Heron Lake, offering a mix of relaxation and family-friendly excitement.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Outdoor enthusiasts can explore over 30 miles of trails suited for hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian use. The clear waters of Heron Lake are perfect for swimming at the sandy beach or launching a kayak for a quiet morning on the water. During late summer, the park is a prime location for visitors attending the Michigan Renaissance Festival, while the charming boutiques and eateries of historic downtown Holly are just a short drive away.
Who This Park Is Best For
This destination is ideal for nature-focused families and outdoor enthusiasts who prefer a state park setting over a paved commercial resort. Because it balances quiet lakeside relaxation with high-energy activities like mountain biking, it appeals to both serenity seekers and active travelers. It is also an excellent choice for local weekenders looking for a quick, scenic nature retreat that doesn't require a long drive further north.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- Hunting Nearby (within 20 miles)
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Madelaine Gout
This was a really cool spot and I've been wanting to camp here for awhile! They have great trails and it took a few hours to hike through some of them. They also have a restroom/shower and sink which is convenient.
Juan Sauceda
We went a few times this week and loved it every single day we were there! The hikes are amazing and well worth the walk and shade also easy for 5 year old and up to walk it! Lots of cool spots to stop and let the kids play in their own little lake spot!
Zee Mattingly
Had a lovely walk on the trail here! Lots of wild roses, milkweed, horsetail, and other fun plants to identify! The views were absolutely stunning, I didn't get in the water but I definitely plan to next time I go. There were a lot of people there for a Wednesday afternoon, I was pleasantly surprised! Lots of kids playing on the splash zone.
Vogel Stefany
While the teens of ours were on the Whoa Zone obstacle course- we took a walk on one of the trails and came across a table in the water! It was a nice pit stop and place for the pup to get a little wet- without disturbing others! Plenty to do and see here just didn’t get many photos!
Andrea Laurain
Bathrooms showers camping basketball Paddleboard kayak rentals blow up water bounce fun nature trails fishing dog friendly
Estefany Fonst
"This place is ideal for a family day out. Admission is free and it has different areas to enjoy the outdoors. It's perfect for a family picnic, as there are picnic tables and charcoal grills. The views are beautiful and there's plenty of green space to run and play. There are also areas designed for children and a lake where you can rent boats for family fun. The setting is peaceful and relaxing, making it perfect for disconnecting from your daily routine and enjoying nature. It's definitely a place that offers many options for fun and relaxation in a natural setting. Highly recommended for families and nature lovers!"
Coby Yaklin
Had the best hike on the Lakeshore trail. Super well-kept trails. Lots of bathrooms. Beautiful views. Really enjoyed. Will be back.
Pete Sutliff
Once we actually found where to park in this large state park we enjoyed our hike around Wildwood Lake, but good luck finding your way there by GPS if you search for Holly Recreation Area. We got sent twice to a spot on different dirt roads with no trail access whatsoever. Do a search for Wildwood Lake instead. The trail markers also were poorly maintained or vandalized (see photos) but the trail itself was very enjoyable. We saw several sandhill cranes, and our first bluebirds of the year were a thrill. Also got to see a red-bellied woodpecker working on cracking a big nut. Lots of new plants sprouting up including skunk cabbage and marsh mallow, lots of mosses, lichen and fungi. Overall, it was a lot of trouble compared to other state parks to find our way there and then find our way around, but it was well worth it!
Javon Brouwers
Holly Recreation Area and Campground was a perfect place for our entire extended family to enjoy a long week camping. The campsites are spacious and surrounded by plenty of trees, offering privacy and shade on almost every site. The lake is perfect for swimming, fishing, and boating, with a boat launch and fishing pier available for easy access.