Get that “up north” feeling without leaving the suburbs at top-rated Stony Creek Metropark. Extending across Oakland and Macomb counties, 4,461 scenic acres abound with opportunity for outdoor recreation all year long. Spend an afternoon boating or swimming in the 500-acre Stony Creek Lake. This is prime fishing country with a state record crappie caught here. Hike, bike, run or in-line skate through lush woodlands, serene wetlands, and tallgrass prairies. In the winter, walk, cross-country ski, snowshoe or fat tire mountain bike across marked trails. A winter sports area includes snowboard, sled and toboggan hills. This Metropark also features a nature center, disc-golf course, 18-hole regulation golf course, baseball diamonds, playgrounds, soccer field, volleyball and basketball courts. Picnic areas with reservable shelters, grills and comfort stations are located throughout the park.
Biking
Bicycle or inline skate Stony Creek Metroparks a 6.1-mile paved trail circling the lake. Single speed bicycles can be rented at Eastwood Beach daily, Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day.
The Macomb Orchard Trail is accessible at the South end of the park near the park office via a connector trail. This hike and bike path is a 24-mile linear park that starts at 24 Mile Road and Dequindre in Shelby Township and travels northeast to the City of Richmond. This trail will eventually link to 180 miles of trails in southeast Michigan.
Birding
The thick woodlands, tall-grass prairies, wetlands and lake water attract a wide variety of birds. Hike along nature trails in the spring and summer for a chance to see scarlet tanagers, indigo buntings, and yellow-billed cuckoos. In fall and winter, spy tufted titmice, golden-crowned kinglets, and dark-eyed juncos. Nature interpreters maintain a park bird species list and host a variety of birding programs throughout the year. For more information, contact the Nature Center at (586) 781-9113.
Boating
Reward yourself with panoramic vistas and a day of boating on 500-acre Stony Creek Lake at Stony Creek Metropark. A 6-ramp boat launch gives access to the water. A separate sailboard area is located near Eastwood Beach. Safe operation and a 10 mph speed limit are enforced. A Metroparks boat permit is required and can be purchased at the park office, toll booth
Camping
Ridgewood Campground in Stony Creek Metropark offers a secluded up-north experience with large sites and fire rings. Camping is Weekends Only, from Memorial Weekend to September 16. Cost for a regular site is $25/night. Two extra-large camp sites exist. The cost for an extra-large campsite is $50/night. Check-in time is at 1 p.m. on Friday and Check-out time is at 6 p.m. on Sunday. Preregistration with a full non-refundable payment is required along with standard vehicle entry fees. Must be 18 years or older to reserve. Stony Creek Metropark is located near Rochester/Washington Township. For additional information and reservations, contact Stony Creek Metropark at (586) 781-4242.
In an effort to maintain the natural beauty of the campground area and protect trees from soil compaction, campsites are limited to one (1) camping vehicle (ie: motorhome, travel trailer, pop-up camper, truck camper) or two (2) tents. Once campers are unhooked & camp supplies are unloaded, motor vehicles must be parked in the parking lot next to the campground.
Disc Golf
Play on one of the most challenging disc golf courses in Michigan at Stony Creek Metropark. The Buckhorn disc golf course is a 36-hole championship course with serene wetlands, tallgrass prairies, dense thickets and wooded fairways. It’s located adjacent to the Gladeview Picnic Area.
An annual bag tag, which gives unlimited play at all Metropark courses, or a daily wristband is required to play.
Fishing
Anglers love 500-acre Stony Creek Lake, teeming with bass, pike, walleye and panfish. The state record crappie was caught here. Fish on a barrier-free fishing pier, located on the west side of the boat launching area. Enjoy ice-fishing on both sections of Stony Creek Lake below 28 Mile Road in the winter. Fishing from bridges is prohibited.
Ice Fishing
Ice fishing is available at both sections of Stony Creek Lake below 28 Mile Road. Ice shanties must be marked on all four sides with names and addresses and must be registered at the Park Office if left overnight. Ice shanties must be removed before sundown the first Sunday in March and on a daily basis thereafter, or earlier if the ice becomes unsafe. A Michigan Fishing license is required.
Golf
This 6,928-yard, par-72 course gives an “up north” feel with separated, heavily wooded fairways. Water hazards add to the challenge. Senior rates are available for guests age 55 and older. Junior rates are available for guests age 20 and younger. Stony Creek Metropark golf course is one of ten Huron-Clinton Metropark courses in southeast Michigan.
Hiking
Explore more than 27 miles of trails hiking through thick woodlands, expansive fields, and wetlands at Stony Creek Metropark. Discover six miles of trails with moderately hilly terrain, near the Nature Center, for ample bird and wildlife viewing opportunities. Explore Black Trail to reach the highest point of Macomb County, with stunning views of downtown Detroit on a clear day. Traverse 14 miles of hilly, heavily wooded dirt trails on the southwest side of the Metropark. Walk or run around scenic Stony Creek Lake on the paved 6.2 mile (10K) hike/bike trail. The trails vary from flat to hilly terrain.
Check out our newly opened “Trolley Trails” located across from Eastwood Beach. These trails are a multi-use system of trails enjoyed by both bikers and walkers. The Trolley Trails use a portion of the old interurban light rail system created in the early 1900’s to move people and goods to and from Detroit and the surrounding area.
If you are looking for something a bit more rustic, hike the “Inwood Trails” located in the northern section of the park. These are primitive trails for foot traffic only. Expect to find and traverse wet or muddy areas, moderate grades and side slopes, narrow boardwalks and minor obstacles.
While we are a pet-friendly park system we do have areas in the park where pets are not allowed. Pets are not allowed at Baypoint Beach, Eastwood Beach or north of the Stony Creek river in the Nature Center area. All pets must be on a six-foot leash and under control at all times.
Kiteboarding/Snowkiting
Kiteboarding is a relatively new sport that is a mix between windsurfing, surfing, and wakeboarding. In the summer, bring your kiteboards and enjoy riding across the lake on a nice breeze. In the winter, snowkiting comes alive after a fresh snowfall. Using skis or snowboards, glide through the snow and ice on the lake. A staging area can be found at Eastwood Beach in the Day Sail Area. Whether you ride or just want to watch, come to Stony Creek Lake all year long!
Paddleboarding
Jump on board and try something new as Stand Up Paddleboards (SUPS) are now available for rent at Eastwood Beach at Stony Creek Metropark, near Rochester/Washington Township.
Hailed as the world’s fastest growing water sport, stand up paddleboarding has quickly gained a reputation as a fun activity that is not very hard to learn. Stand up paddleboarding consists of standing on a 9- to 12-foot SUP while using a long paddle to navigate through the water.
Stand up paddleboards can be rented when the beach is open, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily (Last Rental 7 p.m.), through Labor Day. The boards cost $12 per hour to rent.
Picnicking
Picnic with family or friends amidst expansive fields, thick woodlands, and scenic Stony Creek Lake. Picnic areas with rentable shelters, grills, playgrounds, baseball diamonds and soccer, volleyball and basketball courts are located throughout the Metropark. Groups of 50 or more persons are requested to register at Stony Creek Metropark in advance by contacting (586) 781-4242.
Swimming
Enjoy a summer day in the water at Baypoint and Eastwood Beaches at Stony Creek Metropark. Beaches are open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. throughout the summer, Memorial Day Weekend to October 1st. Comfort stations are offered at each beach. Food bars and first aid facilities are available everyday at Eastwood Beach. Fires, alcohol and glass containers are not permitted at the beaches.
Beaches at Stony Creek Metropark are no longer guarded. Both Baypoint and Eastwood beaches are swim at your own risk facilities.
Cross-Country Skiing
Escape the winter blues by walking, snowshoeing or cross-country skiing at Stony Creek Metropark. Enjoy great cardiovascular exercise as you glide across 13 miles of marked and groomed traditional cross-country ski trails, covering level to hilly terrain. Coast over snow-glazed trails on the golf course or mountain bike routes.
Mountain Biking
The Mountain Biking trails on the West Branch trails system are closed to biking and hiking in the winter and converted to groomed cross-country ski trails. A Fat Tire Mountain Biking trail is offered on the Trolley Trails each winter, across from Eastwood Beach.
Ice Skating
An ice skating rink is located on Stony Creek Lake near the boat launch area. A warming room has a heated lobby, vending machines, and restrooms. Hockey is allowed in designated areas next to the large general skating rink. No skate rentals.
Sledding
Experience a winter wonderland while sledding at Stony Creek Metropark. Dash down sledding hills located at the Gladeview and West Branch Picnic Areas.
Snowboarding
Test your skills and enjoy a snowy, winter day while snowboarding at Stony Creek Metropark. Snowboards must be tethered to ankles.
