Highland Recreation Area

5200 Highland Road
White Lake MI, 48383

248-889-3750
TTY/TDD711 (Michigan Relay Center)

5900 (Acres)

Required

Nestled amidst the rolling hills of southern Michigan, Highland Recreation Area is home to 10-plus inland lakes, a designated swim beach, picnic areas, a boating access site, dog trial areas, a radio-controlled flying field and much more. The park also boasts an impressive 44 miles of trails, open to equestrians, mountain bikers and hikers.
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Nestled amidst the rolling hills of southern Michigan, Highland Recreation Area is home to 10-plus inland lakes, a designated swim beach, picnic areas, a boating access site, dog trial areas, a radio-controlled flying field and much more. The park also boasts an impressive 44 miles of trails, open to equestrians, mountain bikers and hikers.

History buffs will appreciate the remnants of the Ford family estate, once a private retreat for the renowned industrialist Edsel Ford.

The park has all of southern Michigan's principal forest types within one small area and is home to a rich tapestry of plant and animal life, such as warblers, wildflowers and other unique flora and fauna. The Haven Hill Natural Area showcases the region's diverse ecosystems, from swamp forests to hardwood stands.

Thanks to the Friends of Highland Recreation Area and the Highland Trail Riders Association for their work in the park.

Campgrounds

Highland-Bass Lake Modern Lodge
248-889-3750
(1)
Highland-Group-Use Area Campground
248-889-3750
(0)
Highland-Rustic and Equestrian Campground
800-447-2757
(25)

Trails

Highland-Cedar Creek Trail
Trail Length: 2.75 (Miles)
Highland-Equestrian Trails
Trail Length: 13.00 (Miles)
Highland-Mountain Bike Trails
Trail Length: 16.00 (Miles)

About the Area

View Online Visitor's Guide

Activities (Display as List)

Biking Item is accessible.
Biking: There is biking allowed on the Cedar Creek Trail. There is a designated mountain bike trail, located west of Duck Lake Road.
Cross-Country Skiing Item is accessible.
Cross-Country Skiing
Equestrian Item is accessible.
Equestrian: There are 11 miles of trail open to horseback riding.
Fishing Item is accessible.
Fishing: The park’s 10-plus inland lakes are popular with anglers.
Hiking Item is accessible.
Hiking
Hunting Item is accessible.
Hunting: Hunting is allowed in the state park; however, you should call this park directly to inquire about any special rules, concerns or considerations.
Metal Detecting Item is accessible.
Metal Detecting: Metal detecting is recognized as a legitimate recreation activity when it is conducted in ways that do not damage natural and cultural resources in Michigan state parks nor violate applicable state statutes. This park map clearly shows where this activity is allowed to take place. Any items found must be reviewed by park staff and may be retained for further investigation. Areas located within the campground are limited to registered campers only.
Mountain Biking Item is accessible.
Mountain Biking
Paddlesports Item is accessible.
Paddlesports: The park’s 10-plus, no-wake inland lakes are popular with paddlers.
Pet-Friendly Area Item is accessible.
Pet-Friendly Area: Pets are allowed along park’s lakes except for the designated swim beach. Pets must always be on a 6-foot leash and under an owner’s immediate control. All pet waste must be properly disposed of in trash receptacles.
Radio Controlled Flying Item is accessible.
Radio Controlled Flying: The RC Flying Field is located on Teeple Lake Road, just east of Duck Lake Road. The field is often used by the United Flying Organization..
Snowmobiling Item is accessible.
Snowmobiling: The park is open to snowmobiling on open land (backcountry snowmobiling), except for the day-use areas and campgrounds.
Snowshoeing Item is accessible.
Snowshoeing
Swimming Item is accessible.
Swimming: A designated swim area is in the day-use area at Teeple Lake.

Facilities (Display as List)

Beach House Item is accessible.
Beach House: An accessible beach house, located in the day-use area on Teeple Lake, includes restrooms and a picnic shelter.
Boat Launch Item is accessible.
Boat Launch: There are boating access sites on these no-wake lakes: Teeple, Alderman, Lower Pettibone and Moore lakes.
Cabins & Lodges Item is accessible.
Cabins & Lodges
Dog Trial Area Item is accessible.
Dog Trial Area: Four dog field trial areas – designated areas where hunting dogs can be trained year-round – are in the park, including the Silo, Barn, Moore Lake and Sod Farm field trial areas.
Equestrian Camping Item is accessible.
Equestrian Camping
Fishing Pier Item is accessible.
Fishing Pier: There are fishing piers on Teeple and Alderman lakes.
Group Use Area Item is accessible.
Group Use Area
Modern Restrooms Item is accessible.
Modern Restrooms
Picnic Area Item is accessible.
Picnic Area: The picnic area is in the day-use area and includes picnic tables and charcoal grills that are available first come, first served.
Picnic Shelter Item is accessible.
Picnic Shelter: There are three picnic shelters (located near Teeple Lake, Goose Meadow picnic site and Dodge #10 unit) that include picnic tables, charcoal grills, electrical service (except the Goose Meadow site) and modern restrooms (except the Goose Meadow site). Shelter reservations can be made 12 months in advance at MiDNRReservations.com.
Playground Item is accessible.
Playground: There are horseshoe courts in the Teeple Lake day-use area and volleyball courts at Goose Meadow, Dodge #10 and Teeple Lake day-use areas.
Rustic Site Item is accessible.
Rustic Site
Vault Toilet Item is accessible.
Vault Toilet
Water Access Item is accessible.
Water Access: Enjoy the park’s 10-plus inland lakes, including Teeple, Alderman, Lower Pettibone and Moore lakes.