Top 7 Lakes around Ortonville
Best lakes around Ortonville, Michigan, are situated within a landscape characterized by rolling woodlands and open fields, offering diverse natural features. The area is known for its various recreation areas, including the Ortonville and Holly State Recreation Areas, which encompass numerous lakes. These bodies of water provide opportunities for a range of outdoor activities, from tranquil paddle sports to extensive trail networks. The region's geography supports both public access lakes and quieter, private waterways.
Best lakes around Ortonville
- The most popular lakes is Holly State Recreation Area, an other_natural area spanning about 8,000 acres. It offers a range of outdoor activities such as hiking, beach outings, camping, and mountain biking.
- Another must-see spot is Wildwood Lake, a lake connected to Valley Lake. This lake is a serene sight along a trail that loops around both lakes, suitable for family rides.
- Visitors also love Ortonville State Recreation Area, a lake area within a 5,400-acre recreation area. It features miles of trails and several lakes suitable for swimming.
- Ortonville is known for its variety of lakes, including public access lakes like Big Fish Lake and those within state recreation areas, as well as quieter, private lakes. Visitors can find lakes suitable for swimming, fishing, paddling, and those with extensive surrounding trails for hiking and biking.
- The lakes around Ortonville are appreciated by the komoot community. With 2 upvotes and 3 photos, the community highlights the diverse natural features and recreational opportunities.
Last updated: June 25, 2026
Holly State Recreation Area
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McGinnis Lake
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Crooked Lake West Side Dock
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Wildwood Lake
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Ortonville State Recreation Area
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Tips from the Community
Beautiful place to see the like. If you are on your bike there are lots of pedestrians so don't really go to fast, it is more for slow rides.
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Ortonville State Recreation Area is a 5,400 acre recreation area in Oakland County. There are miles of trails that cut through the park and there are several lakes that are great for a dip to cool yourself off during a long ride.
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Spanning about 8,000 acres of rolling woodlands, lakefront access, and open fields, Holly Recreation Area offers a range of outdoor activities such as hiking, beach outings, camping, disc golf, fishing, mountain biking, and more. The campsites are large and surrounded by trees. When visiting during the summer months, it's a good idea to bring bug spray.
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Wildwood Lake is connected to Valley Lake and is a serene sight along the trail that loops around the 2 lakes. This is a great spot for a family ride.
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Holly-McGinnis Lake is one of many lakes within Holly State Recreation Area. This lake is located in the northern portion of the park and is open for water recreation. There is a campground along the lake and trails that follow the southern and eastern shorelines of the lake.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which lakes around Ortonville are best for family activities?
For families, Holly State Recreation Area and Ortonville State Recreation Area are excellent choices. Big Fish Lake, within the Ortonville Recreation Area, is particularly popular, offering a designated swimming area, picnic spots, a playground, and various boating options. Wildwood Lake, connected to Valley Lake, also features a scenic trail suitable for family rides.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do at the lakes near Ortonville?
The lakes around Ortonville offer a wide range of outdoor activities. You can enjoy swimming, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and paddle boating on lakes like Big Fish Lake. The surrounding recreation areas, such as Holly State Recreation Area and Ortonville State Recreation Area, also provide extensive trails for hiking, biking, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing.
Are there hiking trails available near the lakes?
Yes, there are numerous hiking opportunities. Holly State Recreation Area, encompassing about 8,000 acres, features many trails. Similarly, Ortonville State Recreation Area offers miles of trails. For specific routes, you can explore options like the Wildwood and Valley Lake Trail or the Holly State Recreation Area Wilderness Trail, which are detailed in the hiking guide for Ortonville.
Which lakes are best for swimming?
Big Fish Lake, located within the Ortonville Recreation Area, has a designated swimming area and is a popular choice. Several lakes within the Ortonville State Recreation Area are also suitable for swimming.
Are there any quiet or serene lakes for a more peaceful experience?
Yes, Huff Lake and Lake Louise are private, spring-fed lakes connected by a navigable canal. They are generally quieter with less boat traffic, offering a more serene waterfront experience. However, they do not have public access or DNR launch sites. For calmer public options, Davison Lake and Algoe Lake are designated as no-wake lakes.
Where can I go kayaking or paddleboarding?
Big Fish Lake is suitable for kayaking and paddle boating. Round Lake, within the Ortonville Recreation Area, is also suggested for relaxed kayaking or paddleboarding. McGinnis Lake, part of Holly State Recreation Area, is open for water recreation.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see around the lakes?
The diverse natural features around Ortonville's lakes support various wildlife. Mud Lake, in particular, is recognized as a good spot for bird watching and general wildlife viewing.
Are there campgrounds near any of the lakes?
Yes, McGinnis Lake, located within Holly State Recreation Area, features a campground along its shores. The Holly State Recreation Area itself offers large campsites surrounded by trees.
Which lakes are good for fishing?
Big Fish Lake is a popular fishing spot, known for bass, bluegill, pike, and other panfish. Mud Lake is also recognized as a good spot for fishing.
Are there any lakes with scenic viewpoints or trails?
Wildwood Lake and Valley Lake are connected and offer a scenic trail that loops around both, providing a pleasant setting for walks. Crooked Lake West Side Dock also offers beautiful views of the lake.
What facilities are available at the public lakes?
Big Fish Lake, within the Ortonville Recreation Area, provides a beach house with restrooms and changing rooms, boat launches, and picnic areas with grills and shelters. The larger state recreation areas, like Holly State Recreation Area, also offer various facilities including beaches and camping.
What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes around Ortonville?
Visitors appreciate the diverse natural features and the wide range of recreational opportunities. The komoot community highlights the extensive trails for hiking and biking, the options for swimming and paddling, and the overall family-friendly atmosphere found in areas like Holly State Recreation Area and Ortonville State Recreation Area.
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