Guide to Metro Detroit Beaches and Parks for July 4th Weekend

Metamora: Metamora-Hadley Recreation Area

The beach area is located at the tip of a long, narrow lake. Some of the beach front faces a camp area directly across the lake’s narrow width, but a section of the beach faces down the length of the lake. The beach front has a large lawn with little shade, a fine-sand beach and a narrow swimming area. Floating islands and boats can be rented. The beach area is pretty free from power boats and accompanying noise. A concession stand and fishing pier are nearby. Metamora-Hadley Recreation Area is located off of Hurd Road.

Milford: Kensington Metropark

Maple Beach is spacious and attracts big crowds. The beach area has coarse sand and the swimming area is marked with ropes and patrolled by life guards. Floats are allowed only in the children’s area. There is a large concession area with boat rental, including kayaks and sail boats. The area plays host to several annual activities. It also has a volleyball court.

Martindale Beach is also spacious. It is similar to Maple Beach in terms of size and population. It, too, has a large, life-guarded area. It also has a concession stand, playscape and ball field.

Kensington also has the Island Queen II pontoon boat for excursions and the Splash’n’Blast waterslide. Kensington Metropark is located off of Bruno Road.

Mount Clemens: Metro Beach Metropark

Located on Lake St. Clair, the beach area is very large and the large-bodied lake has some water movement and waves. Metro Beach is actually more of an entertainment complex with marinas, a pool, volleyball court, waterslide and boardwalk. The sand is somewhat coarse with pebbles, and the beach sometimes closes when the water quality is iffy. The area is monitored by lifeguards. While a large lawn leads to the beach area, no picnicking is allowed on it. There is a large concession stand with a patio. Metro Beach is located at the end of Metropolitan Parkway.

Shelby Township: Stony Creek Metropark

Baypoint Beach on Stony Creek Lake is known to have more of a singles crowd. It has a sloping lawn leading to a nice-sized beach. Although the sand is soft, it does have some rock chips. The swimming area has clear water and is roped off by life guards. Amenities include a concession stand with food and beach merchandise, volleyball court and boat and bicycle rental. There is little Jet Ski traffic.

Eastwood Beach is similar in size and such to Baypoint, but it is more of a family destination with play areas, volleyball court, fitness trail, basketball court, disc golf course and a concession stand with patio. There is also a store and bike rental. Stony Creek is located off of Shelby Road.

Waterford: Dodge #4 State Park

Off of Cass Lake, the swimming area is long and shallow, but the short beachfront gets very crowded on holidays and weekends. The amenities include a concession stand and boat rental. Fishing is also available. Dodge #4 State Park is located off of Cass Lake Road.

Waterford: Pontiac Lake Recreation Area

The beach area along Pontiac Lake is a third-of-a-mile long. The swimming area along it is relatively narrow and the deep water means jet skis are nearby. The beach area itself has great sand, fine in texture. A large flat lawn is just beyond the sand and a large picnic area wraps around with plenty of shade for picnics. In addition to swimmers, there is a large population of swans. Amenities include a volleyball court, baseball diamond and concession area. Pontiac Lake Recreation Area is located off of Gale Road.

Whitmore Lake: Independence Lake Park

The park itself is down several miles of maze-like dirt roads. The beach area has a gravel parking lot, but once you make it through the strand of trees, there is a large sloping lawn down to the beach area. Shade and lifeguards are abundant. The beach itself has two, small dirt-like sandy areas. The water, however, is clear and shallow. It is also roped off and heavily patrolled. Amenities include boat rental, play area and water playscape.