Clinton River Park South
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Clinton River Park South is a 150-acre park located in Michigan, and is managed by the city of Sterling Heights.
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Summary
The park offers a variety of outdoor activities for visitors of all ages and interests, including hiking, fishing, picnicking, boating, and more.
One of the main attractions in the park is the Clinton River, which runs through the center of the park. Visitors can fish for a variety of species in the river, including smallmouth bass, catfish, and walleye. The park also features several picnic areas with grills, and playgrounds for children.
Additionally, Clinton River Park South is home to the Sterling Heights Nature Center, which offers educational programs and exhibits for visitors to learn about the local flora and fauna. There are also several miles of hiking trails that wind through the park, providing beautiful views of the river and surrounding landscape.
Interesting facts about the area include the fact that the park was created through a joint effort between the city of Sterling Heights and the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission. It was officially opened in 1989, and has since become a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and families alike.
The best time of year to visit Clinton River Park South is in the spring or summer, when the weather is warm and the park is in full bloom. The park is open year-round, however, and visitors can enjoy cross-country skiing or snowshoeing in the winter months.
Overall, Clinton River Park South is a beautiful and diverse park that offers something for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful nature walk, a fun family outing, or a day of fishing on the river, this park is definitely worth a visit.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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