Buttercup Beach

Columbiaville, Michigan · on Holloway Reservoir · Holloway Reservoir Regional Park

Verified · 4 independent sources

WATER: reservoir
ACCESS: Designated swim area
FEE: Free
SEASON: Year-round

About Buttercup Beach

Buttercup Beach is an official, free swimming beach on Holloway Reservoir within Genesee County's Holloway Reservoir Regional Park near Columbiaville, Michigan. It is a designated, county-maintained swimming hole, a straightforward lake to swim in, open seasonally from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.

The beach sits on the shore of Holloway Reservoir (roughly 2,000 acres), part of the larger 1,975-acre Holloway Reservoir Regional Park that also includes the pine-forested Wolverine Campground, an equestrian complex, boat launches, and fishing areas along the reservoir.

Swimming at Buttercup Beach

Swimming is in a designated, roped-off area of the reservoir with a sandy beach entry; the county park page and local coverage describe it as a casual family swim spot rather than a supervised destination, since there are no lifeguards on duty. It suits families and casual swimmers more than open-water or distance swimmers.

How to get to this swimming hole

The beach is located at 7130 N. Baxter Road, Columbiaville, MI 48421, within Holloway Reservoir Regional Park (park's main address is 7240 N. Henderson Road, Davison, MI).

Parking: On-site parking lot at the beach/picnic area (listed among the site's facilities by Genesee County Parks); no further detail on capacity found.

The walk in

No real hike here. The water is a short walk from where you park. Buttercup Beach is a drive-up, county-maintained beach with an on-site parking lot directly adjacent to the swim area; no hike is needed to reach the water.

Plan your visit

Bringing kids

OK with supervision

Designated sandy swim area suits families and casual swimmers, but the county park page explicitly states there are no lifeguards on duty at any time, so young kids need active adult supervision.

Parking

Free

On-site parking lot at the beach/picnic area, included with free beach admission; no capacity or fee specified. Note: the separate Walleye Pike Boat Launch elsewhere in the park charges a seasonal fee, but that does not apply to the Buttercup Beach lot.

Restrooms

Yes

Restrooms are listed among on-site facilities at the Buttercup Beach/picnic area (Genesee County Parks); exact building location within the lot not specified in official materials.

Hours

Beach: Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, 8:00am-8:00pm daily. Surrounding picnic area: 8:00am-sunset daily, year-round.

On the water

CanoesMotorboats

Holloway Reservoir Regional Park operates a dedicated 'Walleye Pike Boat Launch' (motorized boat launch, open 24/7 year-round, seasonal launch fee applies) and a separate 'Canoe Launching Site' at Holloway Dam on Carr Road (also 24/7, year-round). Both are elsewhere in the park, not at Buttercup Beach itself; the official park page does not state horsepower limits, no-wake zones, or electric-only rules, and none were found elsewhere, so restrictions are left null. Watercraft use directly within the roped-off Buttercup Beach swim area is not addressed by official sources but would be atypical for a designated swim zone.

Buttercup Beach: FAQ

Does Buttercup Beach charge a fee?

Free admission to the beach and picnic area.

Is Buttercup Beach kid friendly?

Designated sandy swim area suits families and casual swimmers, but the county park page explicitly states there are no lifeguards on duty at any time, so young kids need active adult supervision.

Do I need to hike to reach Buttercup Beach?

No significant hike is required. The swimming area is close to parking and access.

Where do I park for Buttercup Beach?

Can I bring a kayak or paddleboard to Buttercup Beach?

When is the best time to visit Buttercup Beach?

Beach is officially open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, 8:00 am to 8:00 pm daily; the surrounding picnic area is open 8:00 am to sunset year-round.

What are the rules at Buttercup Beach?

No alcohol, marijuana, or illegal substances allowed (park rangers can issue fines up to $100 for violations); no lifeguards on duty; fishing is prohibited within the designated beach area; the site has no ADA-compliant features or accessible amenities.

What water body is Buttercup Beach on?

Buttercup Beach is on Holloway Reservoir, a natural reservoir verified in USGS hydrography data.