Parks & Recreation

Important Announcements

Cross Country Ski Trail Conditions at Deerfield Nature Park
Trails were groomed this morning and conditions are Excellent!
Updated 12/11/25
Click here to learn more about Cross Country Skiing at Deerfield Nature Park.

Deerfield Nature Park Camping Limited to 14 Consecutive Nights
As adopted by the Parks and Recreation Commission’s Regular Meeting on October 1, 2025, a camper may not camp for more than 14 consecutive nights in Deerfield Nature Park’s campground. If a camping party is required to leave the campground upon reaching the 14-night limit, the party is not eligible to return until 5 nights have elapsed.

As of October 6, 2025, both Coldwater Lake Family Park and Herrick Recreation Area campgrounds and day-use areas are closed for the 2025 season.

Both Coldwater’s and Herrick’s day-use areas are still accessible.
To access Herrick day-use area:
Visitors may park along Herrick Road on the day-use side as long as the main gate is not blocked. Utilize the pedestrian gate to walk through to the day-use side. Visitors may also park on the campground side in the parking spaces near the gatehouse. Running water and bathrooms will be unavailable. Vault toilets are available on the campground side of the park.
To access Coldwater day-use area:
Visitors may still access Coldwater Lake Family Park to utilize the day-use area and playground by driving to the end of Parkview Drive off of Littlefield Road and turning left to drive through the North Gate. Running water and bathrooms will be unavailable, but vault toilets are available on site.

Coldwater Lake Family Park Campground
Open Friday, May 1 – Sunday, October 4, 2026
Herrick Recreation Area Campground
Open Friday, May 1 – Thursday, October 1, 2026
Deerfield Nature Park
Open Year-Round

Annual Park Entrance Permits for your vehicle are available for purchase ONLY at Deerfield Nature Park in the off-season. The Deerfield Gatehouse is open Fridays 3-7 pm, Saturdays 9 am – 5 pm, and Sundays 12-4 pm (dependent on staff availability; hours may vary).
Permits are not available at the Parks Main Office.
Isabella County Residents: $25 | Non-Residents: $35

MAKE A RESERVATION ONLINE
Pavilion reservations for the 2026 season can be made starting Monday, December 1, 2025. Standard camping reservations for the 2026 season can be made online starting Tuesday, February 10, 2026.

Sign Up to Be Notified of Cancellations
If you’re unable to secure the campsite you want, don’t forget that the “Notify Me” feature on the reservation website (isabellacounty.goingtocamp.com) allows you to sign up for an email notification when a site becomes available for selected dates.

The last day to be added to the 2026 lottery list for 30 or more consecutive nights, including full season, for camping at Coldwater Lake Family Park is Monday, December 1, 2025 by 4:30pm.

Reservations, including changes to existing reservations, can be completed online, or by calling the Parks Main Office. All policies apply to both online and phone call reservations. Full payment is due at time of reservation. When making your pavilion reservation, be sure to fill out and submit the Special Event Form linked in your confirmation email to complete your reservation. If you did not create an online account in 2023 or 2024, you must create a new account to make online reservations.
Reserve Online
Log In to Online Account

CUSTOMERS CAN NOW MAKE CHANGES TO AND CANCEL RESERVATIONS ONLINE:
1) Log in to your online camping account
2) Click My Reservations
3) Click Change Reservation or Cancel Reservation

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