Pitch a Tent, Light the Bonfire

Spring is here, so it’s time to bring out your camping gear!

Oakland County’s natural splendor is on full display at the 16 campsites, 62 swimming spots, and 100 fishing holes. From Ortonville State Recreation Area down to Haas Lake Park RV Campground, the perfect wilderness getaway is always close at hand.

To find a campground or campsite near you use our interactive map or view a complete list of locations here.

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More Than A Walk In The Woods: Graham Lakes Trail

WILDER SIDE OF OAKLAND COUNTY

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Bald Mountain State Recreation Area is a 4,637-acre multi-use wildland managed by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The DNR describes the landscape accurately with their frequently used sentence of, “The Park contains some of the steepest hills and most rugged terrain in southeast Michigan and features fifteen miles of marked hiking trails.” I knew that. I thought I knew all of the Bald Mountain State Recreation Area trails very well. I did not. Somehow, in all my many adventures at Bald Mountain, I missed four miles of forested trail that circles West Graham Lake, East Graham Lake, and hidden vernal ponds. As John Muir wrote, and I have shared before, “In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks.” Once again his words were accurate, and they will be for you as well, if you walk slowly, stop often, look and listen. Continue reading

Seven Lakes State Park at the Dawn of Summer

WILDER SIDE OF OAKLAND COUNTY

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Seven Lakes State Park remains a well-kept secret for many residents of Oakland County. That is a shame, for this 1,432 acre gem of diverse topography offers excellent outdoor recreation opportunities. Located in the northwestern corner of our county, Seven Lakes has something for everyone at the dawn of summer. There is also a small mystery spawned by this park’s name. Sharp-eyed park visitors study the map, and then pause. Where is the seventh lake? Hint: Don’t look for it.

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