Seven Lakes State Park is a public state park in Michigan near Fenton in Oakland County. Spanning 1,434 acres and established in 1971, this park offers a peaceful retreat into nature for visitors of all ages.
Quick Facts
| State | Michigan |
| Nearest City | Fenton |
| County | Oakland |
| Park Size | 1,434 acres |
| Established | 1971 |
| Google Rating | ⭐ 4.5/5 (900 reviews) |
| Accessibility | Offers accessible Swimming. Accessible The beach house – located in the day-use area on Big Seven Lake – includes modern restrooms. available. Accessible There are accessible boating access sites on Big Seven and Dickinson lakes. No-wake rules are in place. available. Accessible An accessible fishing pier is located on Dickinson Lake. available. Accessible There are picnic shelters located in the day-use area that include picnic tables, charcoal grills, electrical service (Big Seven Lake day-use area only) and vault toilets. All of the shelters (other than Dickinson Lake day-use area) are accessible. Shelter reservations can be made in advance at MiDNRReservations.com. available. |
Location & Getting There
Seven Lakes State Park is located near Fenton, Michigan. The park’s coordinates are 42.8125, -83.6639.
Things to Do
Michigan’s state park system — one of the largest in the nation — stretches across two peninsulas surrounded by four Great Lakes, offering extraordinary variety. Activities include swimming and sunbathing on freshwater beaches that rival ocean coastlines, hiking sand dune bluffs with panoramic lake views, fishing for walleye, bass, and salmon in rivers and Great Lakes tributaries, camping in pine forests steps from the beach, kayaking along dramatic Pictured Rocks-style shorelines, mountain biking through rolling hardwood forests, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling in the Upper Peninsula, and exploring historic lighthouses dotting the coastline. Michigan’s state parks include some of the finest freshwater beaches in the world.
Best Time to Visit
Michigan’s park season centers on summer (June–August), when Great Lakes beaches warm up, trails are fully accessible, and campgrounds are buzzing with activity. Lake Michigan water temperatures peak in August (65–75°F). Fall (September–October) brings spectacular foliage — the Upper Peninsula and northern Lower Peninsula peak in late September, while southern parks follow in October. Spring (April–May) is muddy but great for wildflowers and waterfall viewing. Winter transforms many parks into Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, and ice fishing destinations. The Upper Peninsula receives 200+ inches of annual snowfall, creating a winter recreation paradise. Recreation Passport ($17) required for vehicle entry — add it to your license plate registration for the best value.
Visitor Tips
Michigan state parks require a Recreation Passport ($17 for Michigan residents, $34 for non-residents) for vehicle entry. Purchase it with your license plate renewal for automatic access all year. Camping reservations are made through the Michigan DNR reservation system up to 6 months in advance. Lakefront campsites at popular parks like Holland, Ludington, and Traverse City sell out within hours of opening. Bring warm layers even in summer — Great Lakes breezes can drop temperatures significantly near the water.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Michigan Recreation Passport?
The Recreation Passport ($17 for residents, $34 for non-residents) is required for vehicle entry to all Michigan state parks and recreation areas. It can be purchased when registering your vehicle or at park entrances.
What are the best state parks in Michigan's Upper Peninsula?
Top UP parks include Pictured Rocks (stunning cliffs), Tahquamenon Falls (second-largest waterfall east of Mississippi), Porcupine Mountains (wilderness hiking), and Copper Harbor area parks for remote beauty.
Can I camp on the beach in Michigan?
Several Michigan state parks offer beachfront or near-beach camping on the Great Lakes, including Ludington, Holland, and Sleeping Bear Dunes area campgrounds. Lakefront sites are extremely popular and sell out quickly.
When is the best time to visit Michigan state parks?
Summer (June through August) is peak season for beaches and camping. Fall brings spectacular foliage, especially along the Lake Michigan shoreline. Winter offers cross-country skiing and ice fishing at many parks.
Explore More Michigan State Parks
Seven Lakes State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Michigan. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Michigan guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
Wildlife & Nature
Seven Lakes SP — 1,434 acres in Oakland/Genesee County — has a spring-fed swimming lake (Big Seven Lake). The park’s hardwood forest, wetlands, and lakes support white-tailed deer, red foxes, and wild turkeys. Great blue herons nest in a rookery. Bald eagles fish the lakes. Painted turtles bask on every log.
Nearby Attractions
Holly — adjacent. Holly SRA — adjacent. Fenton — 10 miles north. Flint — 20 miles northeast. Detroit — 50 miles southeast.
Make it a road trip: Pair a visit with Holly Oaks ORV Park (a short drive away) or Holly State Recreation Area (a short drive away).
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Seven Lakes State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are welcome in Michigan state parks, campgrounds, harbors and state-designated trails, except designated swim beaches and other posted areas.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Pets must always be on a 6-foot leash and under the owner's immediate control.
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets are prohibited in buoyed swim areas but allowed along the shoreline outside them (on a 6-ft leash, even in the water); 50+ parks have pet-friendly shoreline or designated dog beaches.
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Up to two pets (cats and dogs only) allowed at ~12 parks' designated pet-friendly cabins, yurts and lodges; $10 per night per pet (cabins) or $15 (lodges); otherwise pets barred from overnight lodging.
- Pet fees statewide rule
- No day-use pet fee; pet-friendly lodging costs $10/night per pet (cabins) or $15/night per pet (lodges).
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Leash laws do not apply to dogs used for hunting on land open to such use; pets may not be left unattended.
Are dogs allowed at Seven Lakes State Park?
Pets are welcome in Michigan state parks, campgrounds, harbors and state-designated trails, except designated swim beaches and other posted areas. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via michigan.gov. More: Michigan state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
Plan your gear for Seven Lakes State Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
