Trailside Campground

camping metamora mi

For Michigan residents seeking an authentic outdoor experience rooted in nature and recreation, Trailside Campground, located within the expansive Metamora-Hadley Recreation Area in Metamora, offers a compelling destination. This campground provides a gateway to exploring the natural beauty of Lapeer County, with a focus on traditional camping experiences complemented by a range of park amenities. This article aims to provide a clear, engaging, and informative overview of Trailside Campground, highlighting its prime location, the services it offers, and what makes it a suitable choice for locals looking to immerse themselves in Michigan's great outdoors.

Michigan is renowned for its diverse landscapes, from its pristine lakes to its dense forests, making it a beloved state for campers and outdoor enthusiasts. State recreation areas, like Metamora-Hadley, play a crucial role in preserving these natural treasures while making them accessible to the public. Trailside Campground is an integral part of this offering, providing a structured yet natural setting for various camping styles, primarily modern camping with essential hookups.

The demand for accessible and well-maintained camping facilities remains high across Michigan. Trailside Campground meets this demand by providing a welcoming environment for RVs and tents, with convenient access to a multitude of recreational activities centered around Lake Minnawanna. Whether you're planning a weekend escape, a fishing trip, or simply a peaceful retreat into nature, understanding the specific offerings of Trailside Campground is key to planning your next adventure in the Michigan region.

We will delve into the specifics of what makes Trailside Campground a noteworthy choice, covering its strategic location, the array of services and features available within the Metamora-Hadley Recreation Area, and how to get in touch. Our goal is to provide local Michigan users with a factual and professional insight into this state park campground, helping them decide if it's the perfect fit for their outdoor recreational needs. The emphasis here is on presenting a comprehensive picture, allowing you to envision your next camping trip at this cherished Michigan destination.

The tranquil surroundings and the emphasis on natural activities make Trailside Campground an ideal spot for disconnecting from daily routines and reconnecting with family and friends amidst Michigan's picturesque scenery.

Trailside Campground is situated within the Metamora-Hadley Recreation Area, located in Metamora, MI 48455, USA, specifically identifiable by the GPS coordinates XP4W+8G. This prime location places it in Lapeer County, a region celebrated for its natural landscapes and accessible recreational opportunities in Michigan's Lower Peninsula. The recreation area itself spans 723 acres and notably surrounds Lake Minnawanna, an 80-acre impoundment that forms a central feature of the park.

Accessibility to Trailside Campground is a significant advantage for Michigan residents. The recreation area is conveniently located approximately 8 miles south of Lapeer and about 20 miles southeast of Flint. Visitors can typically reach the park via M-24, taking Pratt Road west for about 2 miles to Herd Road, and then approximately 1 mile to the park entrance. This relatively straightforward drive makes it a feasible weekend getaway or a longer vacation destination for many families residing in the wider Metro Detroit area, Flint, Saginaw, and surrounding communities.

The ease of access ensures that campers can spend more time enjoying the natural environment and less time commuting. Furthermore, the park's location provides convenient access to local amenities in Metamora and nearby Lapeer, including grocery stores, gas stations, and other essential services, should campers need to stock up on supplies during their stay.

Being set within a state recreation area, Trailside Campground benefits from a protected natural environment. This ensures that campers can enjoy a peaceful and scenic setting, with opportunities to explore diverse terrains ranging from heavily wooded ridges to open fields and wetlands. The balance of being immersed in nature while still having practical access to modern conveniences makes this location highly desirable for Michigan locals seeking a genuine outdoor experience without venturing too far off the beaten path. The established road networks in the area also contribute to the overall accessibility and convenience for visitors.

• Modern Campsites: Trailside Campground offers modern campsites suitable for RVs and tents. Many sites are equipped with 20/30 amp electrical service, with some having 50-amp options. Water hookups are also available, and an enhancement project to update electrical, water, and sewer improvements has been completed for 2025.

• Camper Cabin Rentals: For those seeking a more rustic yet comfortable experience, the campground features camper cabins. These cabins typically sleep up to six, include basic amenities like a microwave, mini-fridge, lamps, and a ceiling fan, and have an outdoor deck, picnic table, fire pit, and cook grill. Modern restrooms with showers are a short walk away.

• Modern Restrooms and Showers: Well-maintained modern toilet and shower buildings are available in each loop of the campground, including accessible family restrooms with showers.

• Sanitation Station: A park sanitation station with potable water and two lanes is provided within the modern campground for convenient RV waste disposal.

• Campground Store/Concessions: The Metamora-Hadley Campground Store, located near the modern campground, sells essential camping supplies, firewood, ice, propane, ice cream, and pizza.

• Recreational Equipment Rentals: Bicycle rentals are available at the campground store from April through October. Paddling equipment, including rowboats, kayaks, paddleboards, stand-up paddleboards, and canoes, can be rented from the beach house during peak season (Memorial Day through Labor Day weekends), with off-season hours available.

• Fishing and Boating Access: Lake Minnawanna is popular for bluegill, largemouth bass, and pike, with an accessible fishing pier in the day-use area. There is also a boat launch for easy access to the lake (no-wake rules apply).

• Picnic Areas and Shelters: Designated picnic areas with tables and charcoal grills are available on a first-come, first-served basis. A picnic shelter with modern restrooms can be reserved in advance.

• Nature Programs: Seasonal naturalists offer nature-based programming at the park during the summer and/or fall, providing educational and engaging activities for visitors.

• Pet-Friendly Facilities: Pets are welcome along the Lake Minnawanna shoreline (excluding the designated swim beach) and on trails, provided they are on a 6-foot leash and waste is properly disposed of.

• Scenic Lake Minnawanna: The campground's central feature is the beautiful 80-acre Lake Minnawanna, offering opportunities for fishing, paddling, and a designated swim beach. The trails also encircle the lake, providing scenic views.

• Extensive Trail System: Metamora-Hadley Recreation Area boasts 6 miles of trails, consisting of three loops. These trails wind through hardwood and pine forests, open meadows, and offer scenic views, perfect for hiking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing in winter.

• Variety of Camping Options: From modern RV sites with electrical hookups to rustic tent sites and comfortable camper cabins, Trailside Campground caters to a range of camping preferences.

• Family-Friendly Amenities: The park features playgrounds, sand volleyball courts, and Gaga ball courts near the swim beach, ensuring entertainment for children and families. Nature programs also add an educational element for younger visitors.

• Convenient Rentals: The availability of bicycle and various paddlesport rentals directly on-site makes it easy for visitors to engage in activities on both land and water without bringing their own equipment.

• Well-Maintained Facilities: Customer feedback frequently highlights the well-maintained bathrooms and overall cleanliness of the park, contributing to a comfortable camping experience.

• Accessibility Features: The park offers accessible facilities, including an accessible fishing pier and wheelchair-accessible restrooms, making it inclusive for all visitors.

• Quiet Hours and Rules: The park enforces quiet hours from 10 p.m. to 8 a.m. and other specific rules, aiming to maintain a peaceful environment for all campers.

• Year-Round Recreation: While camping is seasonal, the park offers activities like cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in winter, extending its utility beyond the warmer months.

For reservations, inquiries, or more detailed information about Trailside Campground and the Metamora-Hadley Recreation Area, you can reach out through the following channels:

Address: XP4W+8G, Metamora, MI 48455, USA (within Metamora-Hadley Recreation Area)

Primary Park Phone: (810) 797-4439

Toll-Free Reservations: 1-800-44-PARKS (1-800-447-2757)

Online Reservations: Reservations for campsites, overnight lodging, and picnic shelters can be made at MiDNRReservations.com.

Campground Store Phone (for rentals and store info): (810) 797-2300

It is highly recommended that prospective campers utilize these contact methods to get the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding site availability, specific amenities for their desired site type, current park regulations (such as alcohol restrictions during certain periods), and any ongoing maintenance or seasonal changes. Speaking directly with park staff or checking the official Michigan DNR reservation website will provide the best planning resources for your visit to Trailside Campground.

Trailside Campground, nestled within the picturesque Metamora-Hadley Recreation Area, offers an ideal escape for Michigan locals seeking a versatile and accessible outdoor experience. Its location in Metamora, Lapeer County, provides a perfect balance: a peaceful natural setting that feels genuinely removed from urban bustle, yet remains conveniently reachable for residents across the Lower Peninsula. This easy accessibility means less time spent traveling and more time enjoying the array of activities the park offers.

For families and individuals who value direct engagement with nature, Trailside Campground's primary suitability lies in its extensive recreational opportunities centered around Lake Minnawanna. Whether it's fishing for bluegill, paddling in a kayak, swimming at the designated beach, or exploring the miles of hiking trails, there's something for every interest. The availability of on-site rentals for bikes and watercraft further enhances this appeal, making it easy for anyone to participate in these activities without needing to own specialized gear.

The variety of camping options, including modern RV sites with electrical hookups and comfortable camper cabins, caters to diverse preferences, ensuring that different comfort levels are accommodated. The presence of well-maintained modern restrooms and showers, along with a convenient campground store, adds to the comfort and practicality of staying at a state park.

While some reviews suggest sites can be close together at peak times, the overall consensus points to a well-kept facility and courteous fellow campers. The natural beauty of the surrounding woods and Lake Minnawanna, combined with activities like nature programs, makes it a rich environment for learning and relaxation. For Michigan locals looking for a reliable, amenity-rich campground that truly embraces the state's outdoor spirit, Trailside Campground within Metamora-Hadley Recreation Area stands as a prime choice for creating lasting memories in nature.

Trailside Campground

XP4W+8G, Metamora, MI 48455, USA