🌤 Weather at Holly Oaks ORV Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24–68 °F | 56–82 °F | 31–74 °F | 15–35 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Goodrich, 7 mi away, elevation 910 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Holly Oaks ORV Park is a local park in Michigan near Holly, run by Oakland County Parks. It is not part of Michigan’s state park system: the land is state-owned, and the park is a joint project with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR). It opened on September 17, 2020, on former and active sand and gravel mines.
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.” Terrain ranges from mud flats and water crossings to vertical cliffs of 120 feet and more, plus a concrete rock-crawling peak modeled on Moab, Utah.
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 |
|---|---|
| 🧗 Mt. Magna Rock Crawl | A 9,000-square-foot concrete peak built to replicate the massive rock formations of Moab, Utah, made possible by a donation from Magna Powertrain. (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 park also has 4×4 trails, single-track trails, steep hills, water crossings and mud flats. The “North 60” scramble area lets riders make their own paths.
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 per day (not per person), online up to five days ahead or on site. Ticket sales are capped at 300 a day. |
| 🏷️ DNR Licensing | Mandatory. Every vehicle must display a valid Michigan DNR ORV sticker AND an ORV Trail permit ($36.25 for both; sold at the park). |
| 🚩 Visibility Flag | All vehicles must carry a rectangular, international-orange dune-style flag at least 10 feet high at a standstill (8 feet in motion), so they stay visible over blind crests. |
| 🔊 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 | From December to March the park opens only on a few scheduled weekends, so check the riding calendar first. Frozen, snow-dusted obstacles bring a different set of traction challenges. | Only the solar restroom in the front parking lot is open year-round; the Flat-Top unit is open April 15 to October 31. |
Wildlife & Nature
Holly Oaks ORV Park in Oakland County sits on former and active sand and gravel mines, so it is a riding area rather than a nature destination. The ground is reworked mining terrain, from mud flats to vertical cliffs, and hazards change as the site changes; the park is ride at your own risk. For trails, lakes and wildlife watching, head to Holly State Recreation Area nearby.
Nearby Attractions
Holly — nearby — has the historic downtown. Holly SRA — nearby — has mountain biking. Seven Lakes SP — 10 miles north. Detroit — 50 miles southeast.
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 11 and under may not operate an ORV at Holly Oaks. Riders aged 12 to 16 need a DNR ORV safety course certificate, must show it to park staff, and must ride with a parent or guardian who can see them at all times.
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?
Yes, on ATVs and dirt bikes. Park rules require riders of vehicles without seat belts to wear an automotive-approved (ANSI or equal) helmet and eye protection. In vehicles with seat belts, rear-seat passengers need a roll bar behind them or a helmet, and occupants without a full windshield need eye protection.
More parks nearby: Holly State Recreation Area and Seven Lakes State Park are both a short drive away.
Camping reservations: Groveland Oaks County Park, across from Holly Oaks, is booked through Oakland County Parks, not the Michigan state park system: call 248-858-1400 or reserve via the Groveland Oaks page. Campsites, cabins and yurts can be booked up to 180 days ahead.
🚜 Test Your Limits at Holly Oaks
Whether you are after the 120-foot climbs or the Mt. Magna rock crawl, check the riding calendar and buy your vehicle ticket online before you go.
📍 Location: 14551 Shields Road, Holly, MI 48442 (Off I-75 and Dixie Hwy)
🌐 Management: Oakland County Parks (in partnership with the Michigan DNR)
📞 Information: (248) 881-3821
🎟️ Fees: $30 Entry + MI DNR ORV & Trail Permits required.
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