About Highland State Recreation Area
Highland State Recreation Area covers nearly 5,900 acres of rolling oak-hickory hills, kettle lakes, and open meadows in Oakland County, preserving a landscape that feels far more rugged than its close proximity to metro Detroit suggests. The park is a favorite among equestrians, hikers, and mountain bikers, with roughly 17 miles of trail winding through some of the more scenic terrain in southeast Michigan.
Camping here is intentionally low-key: a small rustic campground with 25 sites, no electric hookups, that appeals to campers who want a quieter, simpler stay close to the trail network rather than a full-service RV experience.
| Campground | Sites | Hookups | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Highland Rustic Campground | 25 sites | None (vault toilets) | Tent camping, hiking, equestrian access |
Rolling Hills & Trail Network
PHOTO PLACEHOLDER
The park's signature feature is its terrain — unusually hilly and varied for southeast Michigan, shaped by glacial activity and covered in mature oak-hickory forest. The trail network supports hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding across the park's rolling landscape and past several small lakes.
How to Get a Reservation
The 6-Month Booking Window
Like all Michigan DNR campgrounds, Highland State Recreation Area opens reservations exactly 6 months in advance through MiDNRReservations.com.
Set a CampDrop Alert
If your dates are sold out, CampDrop monitors MiDNRReservations.com around the clock and texts you the moment a site opens up at Highland.
What to Know Before You Go
Hookups & Site Types
All 25 sites are rustic — no electric, water, or sewer hookups, with vault toilets serving the campground.
Season
The park typically operates April through November; confirm exact dates on MiDNRReservations.com.
Pets
Pets are welcome throughout the park on a 6-foot leash.
Equestrian Use
Highland is a popular equestrian destination with dedicated horse trails — expect to share some trails with riders, particularly on weekends.
Directions
Highland State Recreation Area is located at 5200 E Highland Rd, White Lake, MI 48383, in Oakland County, about 10 miles northwest of Novi.