Holly Oaks ORV Park
Opened to the public on September 17, 2020, Holly Oaks ORV Park represents a “dream come true” for motorized off-road enthusiasts in Michigan and across the Midwest. Developed on 235 acres of former and active sand and gravel mines, this premier destination is a uniquely collaborative project operated by Oakland County Parks in direct partnership with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
Located conveniently off I-75 (at the Grange Hall Road exit) near Holly, Michigan, the park abandons the concept of traditional, quiet nature walks in favor of high-octane engineering. The deeply excavated landscape provides the perfect foundational topography for extreme terrain. Whether you’re driving a heavily modified full-size 4×4, a nimble Side-by-Side (SxS), an ATV, or a dirt bike, Holly Oaks promises a world-class playground scaled from “mild to wild.” From 120-foot vertical hill climbs to custom-sculpted rock crawling courses designed to simulate Moab, Utah, this park has quickly become a recognized Jeep Badge of Honor destination.
The Off-Road Experience: Terrain & Features
Holly Oaks ORV Park isn’t just a trail system; it’s a meticulously crafted obstacle course engineered to test machines and drivers alike.
| Zone / Feature | Description & Difficulty |
|---|---|
| 🧗 Shotcrete Rock Crawl | A 25,000-square-foot artificially sculpted concrete mountain designed exclusively to simulate the high-friction, massive boulder crawling found in Moab, Utah. (High Difficulty) |
| 🏜️ The “North 60” Freeride Zone | A massive, open “scramble area” featuring deep sand, flat plains, and rock gardens where riders can forge their own paths. (Variable Difficulty) |
| ⛰️ 120-Foot Vertical Cliffs & Hill Climbs | Intense, steep ascents up the walls of the old gravel mines. Requires momentum, power, and precise throttle control. (Extreme Difficulty) |
| 🏁 The Endurance Trail | A 2-mile continuous loop that circumnavigates the entire park perimeter. (Moderate Difficulty) |
The park also features designated deep water crossings, mud flats, log crawls, and a dedicated Youth Riding and Skill Oasis where younger riders can develop their abilities safely away from full-size vehicle traffic.
Rules, Requirements, and Fees
Safety and compliance are deeply enforced at Holly Oaks to ensure the park remains operational and enjoyable for everyone.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| 💰 Park Entry Fee | $30 per vehicle (available online or on-site). Daily ticket sales are capped at 300 vehicles to prevent dangerous overcrowding. |
| 🏷️ DNR Licensing | Mandatory. Every vehicle must display a valid Michigan DNR ORV sticker AND an ORV Trail permit (approx. $36.25 combined). |
| 🚩 Visibility Flag | All vehicles must mount a 10-foot, bright orange/red dune-style safety flag to be visible over blind crests and hills. |
| 🔊 Sound & Spark Arresters | Vehicles must not exceed a 94 dBa sound limit. A USFS-approved spark arrester with intact baffles is strictly required for all exhaust systems. |
Alcohol Policy: Holly Oaks ORV park maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy for alcohol. It is completely prohibited in both the ORV park itself and the associated parking lots.
Camping at Groveland Oaks
Because Holly Oaks is dedicated entirely to riding, there is no camping inside the ORV park. However, incredibly convenient accommodations are located quite literally right across the street.
| Facility | Distance | Features & Amenities |
|---|---|---|
| ⛺ Groveland Oaks County Park & Campground | Across the street | Features massive 50’x50′ full-hookup RV sites, group camping areas, and rentable cabins and yurts. Perfect for setting up a basecamp for the weekend. |
| ⛺ The Holly Campground | Under 2 miles away | A slightly quieter, private alternative nearby offering traditional camping amenities. |
Note: You cannot legally drive your unplated ORV on the public roads connecting the campgrounds to the park—all non-street-legal vehicles must be trailered between the locations.
Best Times to Visit
| Season | Experience highlights | Important Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| 🌸 Spring | The mud flats are at their deepest; water crossings provide maximum splash potential for Jeeps and ATVs. | The 300-vehicle cap is often hit quickly on the first warm weekends of the year. Buy tickets online in advance. |
| ☀️ Summer | Peak riding condition. Dust can be intense in the “North 60” freeride zone. | Bring plenty of your own shade and water, as the expansive gravel pits offer zero natural canopy cover. |
| 🍂 Fall | Cooler ambient temperatures keep engines running smoothly on the 120-foot hill climbs. | Arguably the best weather for riding dirt bikes and full-size rigs in heavy gear. |
| ❄️ Winter | The park remains open year-round. Riding the frozen, snow-dusted obstacle courses provides an entirely new set of traction challenges. | Only one solar-powered restroom unit remains open during the deeply frozen months. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Are dirt bikes and quads allowed?
Yes. The park is open to the entire spectrum of off-road vehicles. This includes motorcycles, ATVs (quads), side-by-sides, and full-size street-legal 4x4s.
What are the rules for youth riders?
Children under 11 are strictly prohibited from operating any ORV. Operators aged 12-16 must hold a valid DNR ORV Safety Course Certificate and must be under direct visual supervision by a parent or guardian at all times.
Is there an air-up station?
Yes, the park provides an air-up station near the exit so you can re-inflate your tires for highway use before heading home.
Can I just show up and pay?
While on-site ticket sales are available, the park strictly caps entry at 300 vehicles per day. Once this capacity is reached, no one else is permitted inside. It is highly recommended to purchase your $30 entry ticket online ahead of time.
Are helmets required?
Helmets and eye protection are required by Michigan law for all operators and passengers of ATVs, motorcycles, and side-by-sides (unless the SxS is equipped with a roof that meets roll-over protection standards, though helmets are still strongly recommended in such extreme terrain).
🚜 Test Your Limits at Holly Oaks
Whether you are looking to conquer the 120-foot vertical climbs or test your suspension on the 25,000-square-foot Shotcrete rock crawl, Holly Oaks ORV Park is Michigan’s ultimate playground for motorized adventure.
📍 Location: 14551 Shields Road, Holly, MI 48442 (Off I-75 and Dixie Hwy)
🌐 Management: Oakland County Parks & MI DNR
📞 Information: (248) 653-0710
🎟️ Fees: $30 Entry + MI DNR ORV & Trail Permits required.
