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Camper
Perspectives
Beaches
Pinckney State Recreation Area is only 17 miles away from Ann Arbor. There are two public beaches, on Halfmoon Lake and on Silver Lake, within the recreation area. They
are the best spots to relax after traversing some of the area’s 40 miles of trails or spending some time casting a line in these excellent fishing lakes.
Near Brighton, you’ll find a taste of “Up North” when you visit two beaches within Island Lake Recreation Area: Kent Lake and Spring Mill Pond. Spring Mill Pond is spring-
fed and has more than 100 feet of sandy beach. This park also has some great options for canoeing as well as several hiking loops of various distances.
Onsted is home to W.J. Hayes State Park, which shares a border with the southern shore of Wampler’s Lake and includes another body of water, Round Lake. The swimming area is on
Wampler’s Lake. You can enjoy a picnic at the picnic area, or put in a watercraft for some fishing or lazy rowing. This area of the state is known as the Irish Hills because of its resemblance to the Emerald Isle.
You may not be able to go swimming or lie on a sandy beach, but you can dip your toes in the stream and spring-fed ponds at McCourtie Park, Somerset Center. Historically the location of the McCourtie Estate, the park has seventeen unique bridges made of sculpted concrete that was carved to blend in with the natural elements as logs, planks, and ropes. You can easily enjoy some sunshine and quiet while being among such art.
Kayaking
Designated as a National Water Trail in late 2020 by the National Park Service – only the fifth in the state – the Shiawassee River is 88 miles of water that flows from Holly to Chesaning. The slow-moving current makes it ideal for families and novice kayakers. More experienced
paddlers can decide to get a workout and paddle upstream. Launch from Broad Street in Holly and follow the river seven miles to disembark at East Street in Fenton, a ride that takes about three hours. The best part about this river is the ever-changing, diverse natural
scenery. There are no liveries, so you need to bring your own equipment.
The Huron River near Ann Arbor is a favorite for kayakers and canoeists. The water trail starts at Proud Lake State Recreation Area. Farther south near Grand Rapids, Gallop Park is
the only universally accessible boat launch on the river. If you’re more experienced and a thrill seeker, then you can partake in the short stretches of class II whitewater at Delhi Rapids, Mill
Creek, and Argo Cascades. There are plenty of one-way trips that go with the river current, or you can choose to take an easy round-trip paddles across flat water that doesn’t require arranging multiple modes of transportation. In the upper portion of the Huron River, a favorite is Proud Lake to Hubbell Dam. According to the Huron Water Trail website, “This nearly 6-mile-long stretch is a combination of flat water and gently flowing river that can be paddled both ways. Access points include the Proud Lake Campground Boat Launch, the access site on the north side of Proud Lake, the Wixom Road Access Site or from Central Park in Milford.”
MARVAC Staff Recommendation
from Marenia Rabi, MARVAC Controller
“The Common Grill on Main Street in downtown Chelsea should be on everyone’s list of must-visit restaurants. Downtown Chelsea is a beautiful, historic downtown to begin with – but the flavors in this spot are worth a short drive from surrounding areas. I love the casual, fun atmosphere and attentive staff and I’ve never had a meal there that didn’t leave me wanting to come back soon. Try the braised short rib!”
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