Top 6 Lakes in Holly State Recreation Area
Lakes in Holly State Recreation Area span over 8,000 acres of rolling woodlands and open fields in Michigan. The area features 17 lakes and several creeks, offering diverse water-based recreation. It is characterized by its natural landscape, providing opportunities for activities such as hiking, camping, and paddling. The recreation area serves as a natural feature for outdoor enthusiasts.
Best lakes in Holly State Recreation Area
- The most popular lakes is Wildwood Lake, a lake that is connected to Valley Lake and is a serene sight along the trail that loops around the 2 lakes. It is excellent for paddling and offers a scenic trail for family rides.
- Another must-see spot is Holdridge Lakes, a chain of small lakes. These lakes are primarily notable for their integration into the park's mountain biking trails.
- Visitors also love McGinnis Lake, a lake located in the northern portion of the park and open for water recreation. It features a campground along its shore and trails that follow its southern and eastern shorelines.
- Holly State Recreation Area is known for its large lakes like Heron Lake, smaller chains like Holdridge Lakes, and interconnected systems such as Valley and Wildwood Lakes. The park offers a variety of lakes to see and explore, each with distinct features and activities.
- The lakes in Holly State Recreation Area are appreciated by the komoot community, with 2 upvotes and 3 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 8, 2026
Holly State Recreation Area
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McGinnis Lake
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Tips from the Community
Wildwood Lake is connected to Valley Lake and is a serene sight along the trail that loops around the 2 lakes. This is a great spot for a family ride.
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Holly-McGinnis Lake is one of many lakes within Holly State Recreation Area. This lake is located in the northern portion of the park and is open for water recreation. There is a campground along the lake and trails that follow the southern and eastern shorelines of the lake.
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Spanning about 8,000 acres of rolling woodlands, lakefront access, and open fields, Holly Recreation Area offers a range of outdoor activities such as hiking, beach outings, camping, disc golf, fishing, mountain biking, and more. The campsites are large and surrounded by trees. When visiting during the summer months, it's a good idea to bring bug spray.
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Wildwood Lake is connected to Valley Lake and is a serene sight along the trail that loops around the 2 lakes. This is a great spot for a family ride.
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Holly-McGinnis Lake is one of many lakes within Holly State Recreation Area. This lake is located in the northern portion of the park and is open for water recreation. There is a campground along the lake and trails that follow the southern and eastern shorelines of the lake.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best lakes for swimming and family activities in Holly State Recreation Area?
For swimming and family activities, Heron Lake is a central hub with a public beach, restrooms, food concessions, and rentals for kayaks, paddleboards, and paddleboats. It also has an accessible fishing pier and a pet-friendly shoreline section. However, note that due to critical dam repairs, water levels will be significantly lowered from April to October 2026, leading to the closure of the public beach and boat launch.
Which lakes are ideal for a quiet paddling experience?
Valley Lake and Wildwood Lake are connected and offer a serene environment, excellent for paddling. McGinnis Lake is also noted as a wake-less lake, providing a peaceful setting for water recreation.
Are there lakes suitable for camping in Holly State Recreation Area?
Yes, McGinnis Lake features a campground along its shore in the northern part of the park. It offers both modern sites with electrical hookups and rustic sites, making it RV-friendly and a great choice for lakeside camping.
Where can I find mountain biking trails that incorporate lakes?
The Holdridge Lakes are a chain of smaller lakes primarily notable for their integration into the park's mountain biking trails, such as the challenging Gruber's Grinder trail, within the Holly-Holdridge Mountain Biking Area.
What kind of fish can I expect to catch in the lakes?
Many of the park's lakes are suitable for fishing. Common species found across lakes like Heron, Valley, Wildwood, and McGinnis include bass, bluegill, walleye, northern pike, and crappie.
Are there hiking trails around the lakes?
Yes, a scenic trail loops around Valley Lake and Wildwood Lake, which is great for family rides and walks. Additionally, trails follow the southern and eastern shorelines of McGinnis Lake, and the nearly 6-mile Wilderness Trail winds around it. You can find more hiking options in the area by checking out the Hiking in Holly State Recreation Area guide.
What should I know about visiting the lakes in 2026?
From April to October 2026, water levels in Heron Lake, Valley Lake, and Wildwood Lake will be significantly lowered due to critical dam repairs. This will result in the closure of Heron Lake's public beach, buoyed swim area, and boat launch, as well as the WhoaZone water park.
Are there accessible options for visitors with mobility challenges?
Heron Lake features a public beach with an accessible beach house and an accessible fishing pier, providing options for visitors with mobility challenges to enjoy the lake.
What outdoor activities are available near the lakes besides swimming and fishing?
Beyond swimming and fishing, you can enjoy paddling on lakes like Heron, Valley, Wildwood, and Crotched. The area also offers extensive opportunities for mountain biking, with trails integrated around the Holdridge Lakes. For more ideas, explore the Gravel biking in Holly State Recreation Area guide and Running Trails in Holly State Recreation Area guide.
What amenities are available at the lakes?
Heron Lake offers a public beach with restrooms, food concessions, and rentals for watercraft. Wildwood Lake has deluxe camper cabins. McGinnis Lake features a campground with both modern and rustic sites.
Are dogs allowed at the lakes?
Yes, Heron Lake has a pet-friendly section of shoreline located south of the designated swim beach, allowing visitors to enjoy the water with their dogs.
What is the best time of year to visit the lakes in Holly State Recreation Area?
The lakes are popular during the warmer months for swimming, paddling, and camping. However, it's important to be aware of the planned dam repairs from April to October 2026, which will impact water levels and activities on Heron, Valley, and Wildwood Lakes during that period.
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