Groveland Twp. – If you’re looking for some wide open camping, check out the Holly State Recreation Area.
Park Manager Sean Speaker said the overnight camping numbers are lower compared to last year. He said the number of people traveling to state parks up north are even lower.
However, Speaker said the daily attendance for the park is very good.
‘When it’s hot and sunny, we are full on the weekends. Our beaches get full and there are a lot of people coming and going. People especially like coming to Lake Heron Beach.?
‘Residents can come here and get an up north experience without the drive. This park is the seventh largest park among 97 state parks in Michigan. We have seven lakes and 8,000 acres of park, with just about every kind of activity imaginable.?
Camper Scott Hopper said he came to the Holly State Recreation Area from Fenton with his family to avoid the high cost of gas.
‘Almost everyone we have spoken to out here lives locally. Most of them said they just couldn’t afford the gas. I know my family can’t afford to drive to the upper peninsula right now, gas is too much money.?
Heron’s beach, Speaker said, was voted as one of the top 10 beaches in the state in Detroit’s ‘Hour? magazine.
‘The beach has 800 feet of sand,? said Speaker. ‘It’s really easy to bring the family. There is no need to pack a picnic lunch, because the beach has a great concession stand that sells ice cream, drinks and sandwiches. The boat rental has canoes, paddle boats and kayaks to get visitors out on the lake. There are also volleyball nets and a swingset for the kids.?
Burton resident Gary Crawford brought his family to Heron Beach for a day of relaxation and fun.
‘My family is here from Kentucky, so I brought them to the lake to spend the day,? he said. ‘I used to come here all of the time when I was a kid. I forgot just how beautiful it is. I plan on coming back more often.?
Besides the 30 miles of hiking, fishing piers and biking, the park has many organized activities. Speaker said one of the most popular is the ‘Explorer Ranger? program. ‘We meet at a location in the park that is close to hiking trails. It’s for all age groups and is designed to educate people about Michigan’s natural resources,? said Speaker.
One of the upcoming activities Speaker said will be all day long on Aug. 16. ‘Summerfest 2008? – summertime family activities and contests including sack races, tug-o-war, sock-hop dance, and a kids? carnival at the park.
The Holly State Recreation Area is located at 8100 Grange Hall Road in Groveland and Holly Townships, 15 minutes from Ortonville.
For $24, a family can get a yearly pass and access to all 97 state parks in Michigan. A daily motor vehicle permit is $6 for residents and $8 for non-residents.
For more information, log on to www.michigan.gov.dnr or call the Holly State Recreation Area – (248) 634-8811.