With around 230 acres of water and several miles of shoreline, Seven Lakes State Park makes for a beautiful RV getaway. Located near Holly, Michigan in northwest Oakland County, the park was originally made up of seven small lakes—hence the name Seven Lakes State Park. The lakes were eventually dammed up to create the existing larger lake which can be enjoyed for swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding, fishing, and much more. Opened for use in 1992, the land was originally purchased by a development group and later sold to the state of Michigan. The state park has been largely untouched, and features mature hardwood forests, wetlands, open meadows, and a restored prairie. However, all that gorgeous blue water dominates the park experience! Big Seven Lake, and its many arms and islands, occupy the heart of the state park and are the destination of most visitors.
CAMPING
Seven Lakes is a 70-site modern campground that overlooks Sand Lake in the southeast corner of the park. Sand Lake used to be a gravel pit at one time so the campground is an open grassy area in a partially wooded bowl. There’s a swimming area on the lake and a trail that connects the campground to Spring Lake. The average cost is $22/night.
HIKING
Go for a scenic hike on the seemingly-never ending trail system that covers the entire area. Over 6.5 miles of trails are used for a variety of activities, including hiking, cross-country skiing, mountain biking, and snowmobiling in the winter.
- Green Trail Loop: 2.25 miles, multi-use
- Red Trail Loop: 3.8 miles, multi-use
- Yellow Shortcut: 200 yards, multi-use
- Dickinson/Nature Trail Loop: 1.3 miles, hiking
FISHING
Drop your line in one of the surrounding lakes and you might pull up a bluegill, bass, pike, tiger musky, or catfish. If you prefer to be on land, head on over to the pier where you can claim a spot and enjoy some relaxing fishing there.
BOAT LAUNCH
For recreational boating, check out the 170-acre Big Seven Lake and the 44-acre Dickinson Lake nearby. These lakes offer boating at no-wake speeds, so ixnay on running it wide open here!
HUNTING
A wide variety of game can be found here, including deer, turkey, waterfowl, rabbit, and squirrel. Most areas of the park are open to hunting when in season.
MOUNTAIN BIKING
If you love mountain biking, then make sure you load up your bike so you can enjoy the five-mile trail system that winds throughout the park.
PADDLE SPORTS
Get out on the water in a kayak, row boat, paddle boat, or other non-motorized craft. Rentals are available from mid-May to mid-September.
METAL DETECTING
Metal detecting is allowed inside the park as long as MI state laws are followed and the area isn’t subjected to harm or damage. Found some treasure? That’s just fine, but the park has the right to take a look at what you discovered, and they may request to hang on to your artifact if need be.
PICNIC AREA
Big Seven Lake sits on 170 acres of usable space, including a boat launch, concession store for snacks and other necessities, a family-friendly beach, restrooms, and changing areas. Nearby Dickinson Lake adds another 44 acres with many of the same amenities, notably a floating pier for fishing. Both lakes feature large grilling areas, playground equipment, horseshoe pits, and volleyball.
DIRECTIONS
Seven Lakes State Park is one mile west of Holly with an entrance off Fish Lake Road, just north of Grange Hall Road. From 1-75, take Exit 101 and head west on Grange Hall Road. Within four miles turn north on Fish Lake Road to reach the park entrance in one mile.
