Holly Recreational Area

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Parks

Michigan

Nearby: Groveland Oaks County Park Karl Shultz Park

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Holly Recreation Area is located in the state of Michigan and offers a variety of outdoor recreational activities for visitors.

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Summary

The area is known for its beautiful landscapes, lakes, and trails. Some of the good reasons to visit Holly Recreation Area include camping, hiking, fishing, picnicking, and hunting.

There are several points of interest to see in the area, including the Holly Lake Campground, which offers 144 campsites and cabins for visitors. Other points of interest include the McGinnis Lake, the Groveland Oaks Nature Center, and the Holly Hills Disc Golf Course. Additionally, the area is home to many species of wildlife, including deer, foxes, and various bird species.

Interesting facts about Holly Recreation Area include that it was once used as a military training ground during World War II. The area was purchased by the state of Michigan in 1959 and was officially opened to the public in 1965. It covers an area of approximately 7,817 acres and is one of the largest state parks in Michigan.

The best time of year to visit Holly Recreation Area is during the spring and summer months when the weather is mild and the outdoor recreational activities are in full swing. However, the area is also popular during the fall when the leaves change colors, and visitors can witness the beautiful scenery.

In conclusion, Holly Recreation Area is a must-visit destination for outdoor enthusiasts in Michigan. With its beautiful landscapes, lakes, and trails, visitors will surely have a memorable experience.

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
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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