metamora-hadley state recreation area

Have been here a lot of times if you want grass for tents your better off trying to get a lot in the front of the campground the back has alot of dirt areas. Have nice trails around the lake and thru the woods. The swim area has Lil beach. If your fishing you might catch a nice bass but it's pretty much fun for the kids to catch Lil ones. All an all its a relaxing sport to go that's close to home.

This is a very clean and family friendly campground. A lovely beach and very nice and large camp sites.

Overall, this is a very nice park. We camped there over the 4th of July weekend and really enjoyed ourselves. In fact, we're booked again for the second week of August! The north section of the campground is just shy of being perfect. There is a camp store that has ice and firewood along with some of the little necessities you may have forgotten, as well as ice cream and some toys. The campsites are on the small side. Big trailers and motorhomes had a hard time fitting in. And some of the sites were very wet after it rained. But most were level and shady. Our site was perfect! We were right on the water and had a wonderful view. The lake drops off fast enough that the kids could fish from shore. My six year old granddaughter was catching bluegills and rock bass left and right. The south section of the campground is very uneven and seemed really cramped. The beach and picnic area is good. They groom the beach every morning. There are bathhouses and a concession stand. They sell snacks, drinks, ice cream and water toys. Canoes, kayaks and row boats are available to rent. (There is a boat launch too so you can bring your own.) The lake is all "no wake". They could use a few more picnic tables in the picnic area. There is no lifeguard and the water quality is NOT tested. That made me a little nervous, but we just made sure the kids didn't get much water in their mouths and made them shower when they got out. Dogs are not allowed on the beach, but can be in the grassy area around the sand. The campground is within walking distance to the beach, but it is a bit of a hike.The bathrooms and showers were clean. However, the water pressure in the showers went from being so hard it was painful to just a trickle whenever a toilet was flushed. Very friendly staff. It didn't seem as though a lot of the rules were enforced though. Such as the number of vehicles per site, no alcohol in the picnic area and no fireworks. There were cars parked in front of the bathroom all weekend as though that was over flow parking. It got really busy on Saturday and was pretty loud throughout the evening, but it was the 4th of July weekend after all. Everyone seemed to quiet down by midnight though. They have nature programs for the kids that were a lot of fun. And there are a number of trails for hiking in the woods.The good definitely outweighs the bad here. And really, nothing was really, truly bad!!

The best part of this park is the three decorated Halloween weekends (the first three of October) in the campground(s). The campgrounds are very large sites; with trees, and good views. I have never camped here, but bike thru it often during the Halloween weekends to see the crazy decorated campsites! This is a MUST do if you live in the area! Just walk or bike around (give yourself some time to enjoy!). I have hiked here as well, and really enjoy this park overall. They have a lake (haven't swam in it); and lots of areas to picnic (nicer months).

It was a nice state park, lots of trails to hike and a big lake to fish. Not too many bites from the fish. Can rent a row boat or launch your own. Camp store and small playground. Beach was clean but far from south end of campground, which is where we camped. Had a good time overall.

While looking for a campground with only a few weeks notice many of our favorites were full and stumbled onto this one as many lots were still available at this location, especially in the south campground. Upon reserving our lot, the reservation system stated our lot was grassy. Upon arriving, we found it to be 25% grass and 75% dirt. We attempted to move to the north campground but they didn't have water for showering due to a bacteria coliform issue (which was resolved prior to our departure) or available lots. The campsites were rather small and close together, but surprisingly there was not a lot of noise. The bath house was cleaned twice a day but with traffic from both campgrounds became dirty fast at one time running out of TP. The beach was a drive. It was nice and sandy but full of seagulls making it a little unpleasant. However, there were canoes and kayaks one could rent for a modest fee. There were also many walking trails which my kids loved. In addition there was a movie night and daily craft activities for the kids.We would consider returning in the future but only if we could stay on the north side were the lots are grassy. I highly recommend calling the campground directly to verify the site conditions prior to making a reservation.

Normally we feel the need to drive a couple hours for a family camping trip. We were looking for a campground and many of our favorites were full. Our site was #18 on the south campground. It was a large lot with a slight unevenness and roots coming out which took a little to get used to especially in the dark. The campground and park was beautiful. Our family enjoyed biking around the two campgrounds and all the beautiful hiking trails. We didn't get the chance to get out on the lake or at the beach. The swimming area appeared to be smaller than other state parks and quite a distance from the campgrounds. The park hosted a movie night on Friday at 8. There were many activities going on at the campground hots site (north campground). It didn't seem to stop our kids from enjoying their bikes and scooter, be aware the roads in the actual campgrounds were dirt. The bathrooms were not as clean as expected, but they get a lot of use since their is only one bathroom per campground. We were impressed overall and would gladly go back when need a last minute camping getaway.

I have camped here years ago when our kids were small and in the Fall 2 years ago. We stayed here again from July 28-Aug.1 and it was bad. None of the State Park rules were enforced such as barking dogs, joy riding too fast around the camp, and number of vehicles/tents etc on the sites. We were camped by a family that had a fold out camper, tent, canopy and a utility trailer plus 3 dogs that barked non-stop. I think the number of dogs out numbered the people this week. I did flag down a DNR employee about a kid joy riding too fast around the park and that stopped. It appears the local kids drive around to check things out. The north campground (across from the beach) is open and no privacy. I won't be camping here again.

If you want to socialize with your neighbor who is 5 feet from your campsite, this is the place for you. There are no trees, shrubbery, vines, ANYTHING to separate the camp sites. Not a place to get away from it all, because it's all still HERE.Beach was nice (crowded), but forget the camping.

Metamora-Hadley is conveniently located off I-69 and situated between Lapeer and Oxford. The feels is woodsy but you are only a few minutes away from a number of towns and things to do other than camp.The best sites are situated in the front section of the campground close to the lake. Bathroom facilities are limited so if this is something you need to use regularly, pick your site accordingly as it can be quite a hike from some sites.People and staff are friendly here, the day use area can get a bit over run by the scum of the earth, but hey what beach doesn't.

Have not camped here in years. But as a kid growing up in Detroit it was a close get away with a up north feel. Lake was better when gas motors where not allowed but still a great canoe or paddle boat lake. Lots of great memories here. From the trails, beaches, and the fishing. Nothing beats listening to Ernie and chillin by the camp fire. Great camp ground!!!!

We camped here in the fall of 2011. Pretty plave especially along the lake when the colors are in peak. Average size lots for a state park and friendly staff.

We camped here with a large group of friends that gets together every July to camp at a Michigan Campground. Metamora was what I consider "fine." Nothing major to complain about. Nothing to rave about either. The beach was nice, although far from the campground. There is a little camp store that offers snacks and a few items you may need. The bathrooms and showers are pretty much what you'd expect a campground to have. Modern and as clean as you can get in such a setting. The park rangers were all very pleasant, even with our group (which tends to be loud well after quiet hours, opps!). Beware of raccons at night, though. They are hungry and aggressive. The kids freaked out after being hissed at and there was bumping and clawing at the tents in the night. Many in our group had their food supplies ransacked. We put all of our coolers and food bins in the trunk of our car to be safe. All in all it was okay. Good enough for the group to vote going back again this summer. So, Metamora 2013 it is!

I have walked almost everywhere in this park as a nearby resident with my dogs and other friends with their dogs as well. We also camped with friends and family and had great times. The park is clean with nice sites,sandy beach,beautiful trails with bridges and streams along the way and plenty of wildlife. There is plenty to do at the park for any age.

We have a great time every camp trip. The hikes can be challenging if you are not prepared. The camp store is fun, and great ice cream. Love geocaching here.