Stony Lake County Park

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Stony Lake County Park is a beautiful destination located in Oceana County, Michigan.


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Summary

Situated near the small town of Shelby, this park offers visitors a multitude of reasons to explore its picturesque landscapes and serene atmosphere.

One of the main attractions of Stony Lake County Park is its stunning shoreline along Lake Michigan. With breathtaking views of the lake, visitors can relax on the sandy beach, swim in the crystal-clear water, or enjoy a picnic with family and friends. The park also provides excellent opportunities for boating, fishing, and kayaking, making it a favorite spot for water enthusiasts.

One notable point of interest within the park is the Stony Lake Channel, which connects Stony Lake to Lake Michigan. This channel serves as a hub for various water activities and creates a unique ecosystem that attracts an abundance of wildlife. Birdwatchers will be delighted to spot a diverse range of bird species, such as bald eagles, herons, and sandhill cranes, which frequent the area.

Another fascinating feature of Stony Lake County Park is the presence of the iconic Little Point Sable Lighthouse. Considered one of Michigan's tallest lighthouses, it stands at an impressive height of 107 feet and offers panoramic views of Lake Michigan and the surrounding area. Visitors can climb to the top of the lighthouse and marvel at the stunning vistas, making it a must-see attraction within the park.

Aside from its natural beauty, Stony Lake County Park also boasts several amenities for visitors to enjoy. The park provides well-maintained camping facilities for those who wish to experience the great outdoors. Additionally, there are picnic areas, playgrounds, and hiking trails, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the tranquility of nature.

When planning a visit to Stony Lake County Park, it is crucial to consider the best time of year to fully enjoy its offerings. Michigan's summers, specifically July and August, are the most popular months to visit due to the warm weather and ideal conditions for water activities. The fall season, particularly September and October, is also a great time to visit, as the park becomes adorned with vibrant fall foliage.

In order to ensure accuracy, it is recommended to verify the information provided by consulting multiple independent sources, such as the official website of Oceana County Parks and Recreation Department, local tourism websites, and reputable travel guides.

       

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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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