Highland State Recreation Area Group Camping Area

For Michigan locals planning a large group outing, a youth retreat, or an unforgettable family reunion, the Highland State Recreation Area Group Camping Area in White Lake offers an ideal and unique solution. This dedicated group-use site is nestled within the sprawling 5,900-acre Highland State Recreation Area, providing a rustic and immersive outdoor experience for larger parties. It’s a place where groups can bond amidst nature, with easy access to an extensive network of trails and a diverse natural landscape, all within a convenient drive from various parts of Southeast Michigan.

Highland State Recreation Area is a true gem in Michigan's state park system, known for its rolling hills, diverse ecosystems, and over ten inland lakes. The Group Camping Area leverages this natural abundance, providing a focused space for bigger gatherings to enjoy the park's offerings. While it caters to a rustic camping style, it delivers essential amenities and a vast playground of outdoor activities, ensuring a memorable and engaging experience for everyone involved.

The feedback from visitors consistently highlights the park’s well-maintained trails and the sheer beauty of its natural setting, making it a highly recommended destination for hikers, equestrians, and cross-country skiers. This introduction aims to showcase why the Highland State Recreation Area Group Camping Area is an excellent choice for Michigan groups seeking adventure, tranquility, and a chance to connect with the great outdoors, whether for a day of exploration or an overnight stay under the stars.

Highland State Recreation Area Group Camping Area is located within the Highland State Recreation Area, with a general park address of White Lake, MI 48383, USA. The park's main office is specifically at 5200 Highland Road, White Lake, MI 48383. This expansive recreation area is situated in Oakland County, a central and populous region of Southeast Michigan, making it highly accessible for a vast number of Michigan residents.

For Michigan locals, reaching the Highland State Recreation Area is straightforward. The park is conveniently located off M-59, a major east-west thoroughfare in Southeast Michigan. From US-23, you would drive east for approximately 12 miles on M-59, or from I-75 (near Pontiac), you would drive west for about 14 miles on M-59. The main park entrance is typically found on the south side of M-59, positioned between Bogie Lake Road and Ormond Road. This strategic placement ensures that the journey from metropolitan areas like Detroit, Lansing, Ann Arbor, or Flint is manageable, allowing groups to spend less time traveling and more time enjoying the park's amenities.

Once inside the vast recreation area, the Group-Use Area Campground is specifically designated for larger parties. While it provides a sense of seclusion necessary for group activities, it remains connected to the park's extensive trail system and other key features. The park spans nearly 6,000 acres, ensuring ample space for all visitors and a true immersion in Michigan's diverse natural landscapes. The requirement of a Michigan Recreation Passport for vehicle entry, common for state parks, also supports the ongoing maintenance and accessibility of this incredible natural resource for all Michiganders.

Highland State Recreation Area Group Camping Area provides specific services tailored for larger groups seeking a rustic outdoor experience:

• Rustic Group Campsites: The campground offers dedicated rustic group-use sites, designed to accommodate large gatherings. These sites typically feature:
  • Picnic Tables: Ample picnic tables for group meals and gathering.
  • Fire Ring: A designated fire ring for campfires, cooking, and warmth.
  • Vault Toilets: Basic restroom facilities are provided through vault toilets, consistent with a rustic camping experience.
  • Hand Pump Water: Potable water is available via a hand pump.
  • Space for up to 100 people: The group-use site is capable of hosting substantial numbers of campers, making it ideal for large organizations or multiple families camping together.
• Trail System Access: Direct access to the park's extensive trail system, which includes:
  • Hiking Trails: Miles of well-maintained hiking trails (e.g., Red, Blue, Green loops, ranging from approximately 2 to 5.5 miles), suitable for various skill levels, including easy trails with gentle slopes.
  • Equestrian Trails: Over 11 miles of trails specifically open to horseback riding, often shared in sections with hiking trails.
  • Mountain Biking Trails: Access to designated biking trails, including the Cedar Creek Trail and other multi-use trails.
  • Cross-Country Ski Trails: The trail system doubles as cross-country ski trails during winter, with a dedicated trailhead.
• Nearby Park Amenities (within Highland State Recreation Area): While the group camping area itself is rustic, groups have access to other park amenities:
  • Concession/Store: Firewood and ice are available for sale at the park's main contact station.
  • Picnic Shelters: Three picnic shelters (near Teeple Lake, Goose Meadow, and Dodge #10) are available, with some offering charcoal grills and electrical service (reservations recommended).
  • Lakes and Water Access: Over 10 inland lakes within the park offer opportunities for fishing and paddling (Teeple Lake has a designated swimming beach with an accessible beach house).
  • Dog Trial Areas: Designated areas for training hunting dogs.
• Park Staff Support: While specific to inquiries, the Michigan DNR park office staff are available for reservations and general park information.

It's important to note that the group camping area itself is rustic, meaning it does not have modern restrooms (flush toilets/showers) directly at the sites or electrical hookups. Groups should plan accordingly.

Highland State Recreation Area Group Camping Area boasts several features and highlights that make it an attractive choice for groups in Michigan:

• Expansive and Diverse Natural Setting: The park covers nearly 6,000 acres, encompassing a rich tapestry of ecosystems including forests, marshes, and over 10 inland lakes. This diverse landscape provides a beautiful backdrop for group activities and opportunities for wildlife viewing, from wildflowers to various bird species.
• Extensive and Well-Maintained Trail System: A major highlight is the park's impressive 44 miles of trails. These trails are "very well maintained with trail markers and maps regularly," making them easy to navigate. They cater to a variety of uses:
  • Hiking: Offering "easy trail for hiking" with "pretty flat with slopes here and there, which aren't too crazy to climb." Different loops (Red, Blue, Green) provide varied lengths (around 2 miles to 5.5 miles).
  • Equestrian: Dedicated trails for horseback riding.
  • Mountain Biking: Multi-use trails suitable for mountain biking, and some specific biking trails like the Cedar Creek Trail.
  • Cross-Country Skiing: Trails transform into excellent cross-country ski routes in winter.
• Dedicated Group-Use Area: The specific "Group-Use Area Campground" is designed to accommodate up to 100 people, providing a designated space for large gatherings that ensures privacy while still having access to park amenities. This is ideal for scout troops, church groups, school groups, or large family reunions.
• Rustic Charm with Essential Amenities: While primitive (vault toilets, hand pump water), the campground offers the core necessities for an authentic outdoor experience. The presence of well-maintained vault toilets is a notable positive for rustic facilities.
• No Excessive Bugs/Mosquitoes: A reviewer noted, "There weren't too many bug/mosquitoes that's a good thing," which significantly enhances the comfort of an outdoor stay, particularly during warmer months.
• Historical Significance: The park includes remnants of the Edsel Ford estate and the Haven Hill Natural Area, a National Natural Landmark. This area contains all of southern Michigan's principal forest types, offering educational and historical interest.
• Color Blind Scenic Viewers: A unique and inclusive feature at Teeple Beach and Goose Meadow, allowing colorblind visitors to experience the full spectrum of colors, thanks to a donation by Friends of Highland Recreation Area.
• Abundance of Wildlife: The park is home to a rich variety of flora and fauna, offering opportunities for nature observation and photography.
• Accessible Sites: The Rustic and Equestrian Campground has two accessible sites with concrete pads (sites 20 and 21), indicating a consideration for accessibility.

For inquiries, group camping reservations, or to learn more about the Highland State Recreation Area Group Camping Area and the broader park, you can use the following contact information:

Park Office Phone: (248) 889-3750

Michigan DNR Reservations (for group sites): (800) 447-2757 or online at MiDNRReservations.com

Address (General Park Address): 5200 Highland Road, White Lake, MI 48383, USA

Note: The phone number (248) 625-9112 provided in the initial prompt is for Pontiac Lake State Recreation Area, a different park. For Highland State Recreation Area, please use the 248-889-3750 number for general park inquiries and the 800-447-2757 for reservations.

Highland State Recreation Area Group Camping Area is an exceptionally suitable choice for Michigan locals, particularly for large groups, youth organizations, and extended families seeking an immersive and active outdoor experience. Its location in White Lake, within Oakland County, makes it highly accessible from major metropolitan areas across Southeast Michigan, minimizing travel time and maximizing opportunities for enjoyment of the park.

For Michiganders, the park’s extensive and well-maintained trail system is a significant draw. Whether your group is into leisurely hikes on "easy trail," challenging mountain bike rides, or embarking on equestrian adventures, the 44 miles of multi-use trails offer diverse terrain and scenic beauty. This versatility ensures that all members of a group, regardless of their preferred activity level, can find something engaging to do. The positive feedback on trail conditions and clear markers further enhances its appeal for local outdoor enthusiasts.

Furthermore, the dedicated rustic group-use sites provide the perfect setting for larger gatherings. This allows groups to have their own space for bonding, activities, and campfires, fostering a stronger sense of community than individual campsites. While the amenities are rustic, the provision of vault toilets and potable water ensures basic comfort, aligning with the desire for an authentic camping experience that many Michigan locals cherish. The overall commitment to maintaining a beautiful and accessible natural environment, as reflected in visitor reviews, makes Highland State Recreation Area Group Camping Area a prime and highly recommended destination for any Michigan group seeking a memorable and enriching outdoor adventure in their home state.

Highland State Recreation Area Group Camping Area

White Lake, MI 48383, USA