It’s summer … time for fresh air, sunshine, biking, hiking and s’mores by the campfire. It’s time to relax by the lake, listen to the birds and just breathe. It’s time for the great outdoors! Michigan has the best trails, lakes and streams in the country and you can find perfect examples in and around Genesee County. So, throw on the hiking boots, break out the tent and enjoy as My City Magazine takes you
Into the Great Outdoors!
Leave the phone, the TV and social media behind and become one with nature, once again. Get rustic and away from it all. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing weekend or a multi-week excursion, Michigan and the Genesee County area has your space. Hook up your RV or pack a tent – it’s time to camp! My City pounds in the tent stakes and unrolls the sleeping bag to find you the campgrounds that will make you feel a world away in your own backyard (and beyond).
Wolverine Campground
7698 N. Baxter Rd. Columbiaville
810.736.7100
Drive time: Approx. 27 minutes
Owned and operated by Genesee County Parks, this campground is situated on the shores of the Holloway Reservoir near popular Buttercup Beach. Family friendly and perfect for experiencing nature, it’s mere minutes from your own backyard. Enjoy swimming, fishing, kayaking or read a book by the calm waters of Holloway Reservoir. Sit back, relax by the fire and leave your troubles at home. Commune with nature at Wolverine Campground.
Metamora-Hadley Recreation Area
3871 Herd Rd. Metamora
810.797.4439
Drive time: Approx. 27 minutes
Lake Minnewanna is the jewel of the Metamora-Hadley Recreation Area. This natural lake sets the scene for all of nature’s beauty. Hike the six miles of marked trails, take a swim or sunbathe on the sandy beach, rent a canoe or boat and explore the lake, or simply tie up a hammock and take a nap in the soft breeze. This recreation area certainly gives you a feeling of being “Up North” mere minutes from home.
Lake of Dreams Campground
1000 S. Fenmore Rd., Merrill
989.643.0403
Drive time: Approx. 1hr, 8 minutes
Another great family environment, Lake of Dreams holds plenty of fun. The kids will love the large beach, mini-water park, basketball court, softball field, game room and miniature golf. Adults will love the two available fishing ponds, paddle boats and multiple biking and hiking trails. The whole family will enjoy each other’s company around the warmth of a fire at night. Toast some s’mores or bring a guitar for singing songs beneath a star-filled sky. You just can’t miss! This campground offers a great outdoor experience for the family on the go.
Clearwater Campground
1140 Ortonville Rd. Ortonville
248.627.3820
Drive time: Approx. 30 minutes
Located just off of the main drag through Ortonville, this campground will make you feel like your north of the Mackinac Bridge. Enjoy the beach on Grass Lake, a widely popular rope swing, a lovely walk around the water and a petting zoo that has been a hit for kids of all ages. “Our main goal is to create a place that families can come and enjoy a safe and fun time, away from the everyday bustle of day-to-day life and make memories.” The Neadows Family Owners
Krystal Lake Campground
5475 Washburn Rd., Vassar
989.843.0591
Drive time: Approx. 45 minutes
Surrounded by Turtle, Bass and Krystal Lakes, this campground offers a family- friendly place to enjoy the splendor of nature. Set up your tent right on the lakeshore, enjoy a beautiful view and relax. The campground features a game room, miniature golf course, horseshoe pits, basketball court, beach and heated swimming pool. If that isn’t enough, rent a boat, pick a lake and go fishing. Krystal Lake Campground is located mere minutes from downtown Frankenmuth for even more activities and amenities.
Taylor’s Beach Campground
6197 N. Burkhart Rd., Howell
517.546.2679
Drive time: Approx. 45 minutes
Located on the shores of gorgeous Cook Lake, campers will enjoy a large sandy beach, basketball and volleyball courts, horseshoe pits, shuffleboard, mini-golf, an arcade, boat rental and great fishing. Taylor’s Beach also offers a one-of-a-kind surprise: a gigantic, community fire pit – the largest in Michigan! Voted as one of the state’s most beautiful family campgrounds, Taylor’s Beach offers a great family experience.
Covenant Hills Camp & Retreat
10359 Farrand Rd., Otisville
810.631.4531
Drive time: Approx. 30 minutes
This campground offers year-round activities. Owned and operated by the East Michigan Free Methodist Church, it was built to provide kids with summer camp opportunities but was expanded to accommodate campers of all ages. The family-friendly campground offers unique fun experiences such as bounce-houses, horse & wagon rides, swimming and boating. Try your hand at archery, climb the 42-ft tower, ride the zipline or play in the Ga-Ga Ball Pits. The camp also offers basketball and volleyball courts and over seven miles of hiking and biking trails! Two areas are provided with high-speed WIFI access, if you must “plug in.”
Sleepy Hollow State Park
7835 East Price Rd. Laingsburg
517.651.6217
Drive time: Approx. 50 minutes
A main attraction for Michigan birders, this State Park offers a great outdoor experience less than an hour away. The park is located just north of Lansing, in and around beautiful Lake Ovid. It boasts 16 miles of biking/hiking trails, 6.5 miles for horseback riding and a metal-detection area. Lake Ovid offers ample fishing opportunities and the campground includes a beautiful beach and many amenities. And, if you would like to continue your adventure, Sleepy Hollow rests 20 minutes from the Rose Lake State Wildlife Research Area
Tahquamenon Falls State Park
Dennis Caskey/stock.adobe.com
41382 W. M-123, Paradise
906.492.3415
Drive time: Approx. 4 hrs., 36 minutes
One of Michigan’s most beautiful places, this State Park is a nature lover’s dream. Camp at either the upper or lower falls, but make sure to visit both. Spanning 200 feet and dropping 50 feet to the river below, the upper falls is the biggest in Michigan and one of the five largest east of the Mississippi. The lower falls consists of multiple smaller falls, each one unique. The area boasts a bevy of trails, wildlife and adventure; the campgrounds are less than ten minutes away from the shores of Lake Superior and 32 minutes from Whitefish Point. Make sure to find time for dinner at the Tahquamenon Falls Brewery! (Tahquamenon Falls challenge: hike the trails from the lower falls to the upper, or vice-versa.)
Hill & Hollow Campground
8915 N. Business 31, Pentwater
231.869.5811
Drive time: Approx. 3 hrs.
Located just north of the village of Pentwater, this campground was built for family fun. Kids of all ages will love the go-cart track, arcade and adventure golf at AJ’s Fun Center. The campground also features two-heated pools, playgrounds, basketball and volleyball courts. For a much larger swimming experience, Lake Michigan is just a stone’s throw away. Head south to the village of Pentwater for some small-town dining and amenities, or take a 20-minute drive north and enjoy the beach, restaurants and shopping in Ludington. Hike the trails at Ludington State Park and then, take the kids for a cone at House of Flavors. The possibilities are endless!
