Pontiac Lake State Recreation Area
Southeast Michigan’s Top Mountain Bike Trail — 11-Mile National Top 100, Half-Mile Sandy Beach, 3,745 Acres, Equestrian Campground, 600-Acre Lake, Oakland County
Pontiac Lake State Recreation Area is a state recreation area in White Lake Township, Oakland County, Michigan. The area features an 11-mile mountain bike trail rated among the Top 100 trails in the United States and considered the most technical in southeast Michigan, the longest beach in southeast Michigan stretching over half a mile along the 600-acre Pontiac Lake, a 25-site rustic equestrian campground with 17 miles of equestrian trails, 3,745 acres of diverse terrain, and extensive hunting opportunities.
Pontiac Lake’s 11-mile mountain bike trail is the crown jewel of southeast Michigan riding — rated among the Top 100 trails in the United States, it features technical singletrack with tight switchbacks, rock gardens, root sections, and elevation changes that challenge intermediate to advanced riders. For metro Detroit mountain bikers, this is the go-to trail.
The half-mile sandy beach on the 600-acre Pontiac Lake is the longest in southeast Michigan — a genuine sandy shoreline that rivals Lake Michigan beaches without the drive north. The 25-site equestrian campground with 17 miles of horse trails makes this Oakland County’s equestrian headquarters.
Trails
| Trail | Distance | Use | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mountain Bike Trail | 11 miles | MTB | Top 100 US — most technical in SE Michigan |
| Equestrian Trails | 17 miles | Horseback | Dedicated equestrian network |
| Hiking Trails | Multiple | Foot | Rolling terrain through forests/meadows |
Things to Do
- Mountain biking — 11-mi Top 100, technical singletrack
- Beach — longest in SE Michigan, half-mile sandy
- Horseback riding — 17 mi equestrian, 25-site camp
- Fishing — 600-acre Pontiac Lake
- Hunting — 3,745 acres diverse terrain
- Swimming — sandy lake beach
- Cross-country skiing — winter trail use
Camping
| Type | Sites | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Modern Campground | Multiple | Electric, shower/restroom buildings |
| Equestrian Campground | 25 rustic | Fire rings, picket poles |
Park Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | White Lake Twp, Oakland County, MI |
| Size | 3,745 acres |
| Lake | 600-acre Pontiac Lake |
| Beach | Longest in SE Michigan — half mile |
| MTB Trail | 11 mi — US Top 100 |
| Managed By | Michigan DNR |
| Coordinates | 42.6755° N, 83.4705° W |
Frequently Asked Questions
Wildlife & Nature
Pontiac Lake SRA — 3,745 acres northwest of Detroit — has lakeside camping and extensive trails. White-tailed deer and coyotes are common. Bald eagles fish the lake. Wild turkeys forage the forest.
Nearby Attractions
Waterford — adjacent. Highland SRA — adjacent. Detroit — 35 miles east.
How long is the mountain bike trail at Pontiac Lake?
The mountain bike trail at Pontiac Lake State Recreation Area is 11 miles of technical singletrack, rated among the Top 100 trails in the United States. It features tight switchbacks, rock gardens, and root sections suited for intermediate to advanced riders. The 3,745-acre recreation area in Oakland County also has 17 miles of equestrian trails, the longest beach in southeast Michigan, and camping.
Is there a beach at Pontiac Lake Michigan?
Yes — Pontiac Lake State Recreation Area has the longest beach in southeast Michigan, stretching over half a mile along the 600-acre Pontiac Lake. The sandy beach is ideal for swimming and sunbathing. The recreation area in White Lake Township, Oakland County, also features an 11-mile Top 100 mountain bike trail and a 25-site equestrian campground.
Last updated: May 2026
