Visit, Explore and Camp at Waterloo State Recreation Area
Explore Waterloo State Recreation Area
This enormous State recreation area spreads out across 21, 000 acres of land. Boasting over 21,000 acres, Waterloo State Recreation Area claims the title of the largest state rec area/park in the lower peninsula of Michigan. So that means, 11 lakes and 4 campground areas, miles of trails to explore, and even equestrian trails for horse enthusiasts.
Sunsetting over Portage Lake at Waterloo
Location of Waterloo
If you take a quick glance of a map of Waterloo, you’ll notice that Waterloo lies between Jackson and Ann Arbor, which is a huge draw for people who want to enjoy nature, but stay closer to home. It lies closest to Chelsea, Michigan, a small town with a quaint downtown area.
We discovered, while camping at Waterloo State Park in Chelsea, that camping closer to home can still be quite enjoyable. We met up with family to camp for a 4 day extended weekend trip in July at Waterloo State Recreation Area, just east of Jackson.
Our main reason for booking this campground was for it’s central location in lower Michigan. We were camping with family who lived in opposite directions, this state park was just an 1.5 hour drive for each of us. Not expecting much, our family was pleasantly surprised by the campground. Many of the sites weren’t even occupied, especially for a Michigan State Park in late July-that is unheard of. Plenty of activities were available at the campground including swimming, kayaking, biking, and hiking.
Highlights
Some highlights were shaded sites at Portage Lake Campground, miles of trails and the nearby, Eddy Discovering Center, great ranger and camp host programming, a large modern playground, plus a beach just a short trail walk away. Below we’ve shared in greater detail about the many things to do at Waterloo and a review of the campgrounds.
Best Things to Do at Waterloo State Recreation Area
Spend a Day at the Beach
There are two main beaches at Waterloo that visitors utilize. The public day use is located on Portage Lake. Both campers at Portage Lake and the public can utilize the beach, which feature a narrow stretch of sandy beach area, which is raked and cleaned. One feature that our family appreciated is that there are many large shady trees and an expansive grassy open area next to the beach, so those wishing to escape direct sun can still enjoy the beach from the shade.
A pave path to the beach
Amenities include picnic tables, grills, large covered pavilions, a volleyball net, garbage’s, and concession stand. Bathrooms are located nearby at the concession stand.
A paved accessible walking path curves down the hill to help mitigate the steepness and leads from the parking lot, concessions stand and from the playground to the beach.
Monitor children closely because there is no lifeguard on duty.
A boat launch with three docks is accessible at the public parking area. Boat and kayak rentals are available on a first come/first serve basis.
NO dogs allowed in the sandy beach swimming area, but they can be on the grass and trails.
Concessions and Bathrooms at Portage Lake
Water Sport Rentals
Boat Launch at Waterloo
Enjoy the tranquil waters aboard a paddleboard, kayak or rowboat. We brought our own kayaks and lily pad. We drove from the campground and launched at the Big Portage Lake, but you can easily rent them at the beach house/concession stand. The park’s 11 inland lakes are all available for paddle sports and you can even rent rowboats at the Portage Campground near Portage Lake. If camping at Sugarloaf Campground, campers can also rent items.
Paddleboards 20/hr or $45/day
or Kayak $10/hr 35/ a day.
or black floating mats 5/hr or $25/day
Fishing at Waterloo
With a whooping 11 inland lakes on the expansive state recreation area, it’s obvious why fishing is a popular past time for many visitors. According to local anglers and park rangers the bass, bluegill, crappie, and pike are commonly caught within the lakes. Mill Lake, Green Lake, Cassidy Lake, and Clear Lake are popular spots to try your luck.
Playground Fun
Situated by Big Portage Lake, a large modern playground structure with tire swing, slides, and monkey bars will entertain the kids. Adjacent to it is a toddler play area with a smaller play structure and 4 person spring riders. Additionally an open, grassy field can you be used for playing kickball, baseball or soccer. Located nearby is the restrooms and concession stand, open hours vary.
Playground at Portage Lake at Waterloo State Recreation Area
Benches and picnic tables are situated next to the play structure, as well as the Portage Lake concession stand and Big Portage Lake Beach access are down the paved pathway. Biking to the park is convenient and recommended because there are multiple bike racks.
Mountain Bike Trails
Add a little thrill into your day while checking out the mountain bike trails within Waterloo State Recreation Area. Snaking through woods, climb steep hills and speeding down narrow bike paths. After 3 years of construction, the DTE Energy Foundation Trail, can be enjoyed by bicyclists today. Consisting of four loop and over 20 miles of mountain bike trails, strap on your helmet and enjoy an epic time at Waterloo State Recreation Area. Trail conditions are updated on the DTE Energy Facebook page.
The hilly terrain, allowed my children to enjoy biking around the Portage Campground and riding over to the playground. We highly recommend brining bikes when camping at Waterloo.
Eddy Discovering Center
Hike the Trails
Grab a map at camp office or view this online Trail map as you hike the many trails available at Waterloo.
Eddy Discovery Center offers 15 miles of hiking trials, including nature trails with nature playscapes for kids, and observation deck of Mill Lake and an nature center with year round interactive exhibits and programming, in winter there are cross country ski trails for individuals to enjoy.
The expansive Waterloo-Pinckney Trail extends for 36 miles and connects Big Portage Lake to Green Lake and all the way into Pinckney Recreation Area.
Next to the Portage Lake Campground there are shorter trails like the Dry Marsh Nature Trail.
Not to mention, the newest addition. the DTE Energy Foundation Trail, loops through the area.
Disc Golf
Located near Portage Lake this wooded 18-hole disc golf course can be used by visitors, it’s open to both campers and the public. Disc golf course is located near the beach and is beautiful, but challenging. First tee is located by the parking lot near the boat launch at Big Portage Lake.
Horseback Riding
One of the best ways to experience the natural beauty of the area is astride a horse. While horseback riding, immerse yourself in the tranquility of Waterloo State Recreation Area. A unique feature at Waterloo is the ability to not only ride on the state land, but also camp with your horse at the Equestrian Campground, as you explore the many horse trails.
If you don’t have your own horses, Brighton or Maybury State Park Riding Stables, both provide guided trail rides. Unfortunately as of May 2024 Horse, N Around Stables no longer provides trail rides.
ACTIVITY PROGRAMMING
Park rangers and programming are very active at this park. The Gerald E. Eddy Discovery Center offers interactive nature and wildlife displays and hands on learning opportunities, plus weekly programming. During our stay some activities included: guided night hikes, archery, flower identification workshops. Curious, here is a schedule. Kids can even earn a junior ranger badge when completing a set number of activities.
Campground host provided activities and hot chocolate and coffee
During our stay the Camp Host, Peggy, was friendly and provided hot coffee and hot chocolate in the mornings, plus crafts and activities throughout the week for kids and families to enjoy. Venturing down for Bingo, our family thoroughly enjoyed spending an evening with our family, including winning some fun prizes and candy. She also had board games, ladder ball, corn hole, art supplies, and nature craft activities for kid to enjoy during select times.
Several Michigan State Parks participate in a program, including Waterloo Recreation Area, that is sponsored by Project Learning Tree. Check out an Explorer Pack, which holds gear like compasses, binoculars and Michigan species ID pamphlets to help foster learning in the outdoors. Participate in bird watching, identifying plants and animal tracks and so much more.
Geocaching is a treasure hunt game where you use a GPS find containers in a certain area. Within Waterloo Recreation Area there are also caches to be found.
PROS/CONS
CONS- Mosquitoes were horrendous when we visited, bold racoons with get into your garbage, longer walk to beach, everything is spread out and you have to drive on public lands to reach nature center, mountain bike trails, etc.
PROS- Both shaded and sunny sites, tons of trails, large playground. Eddy Discovery Nature Center, programs put on by rangers and camp hosts, boat launch, equestrian trails
CAMPGROUND SITES AT WATERLOO
Sprawling in all directions, the campground areas are spaced out throughout the state park, which consist of 4 different campgrounds, ranging from electric paved slabs to rustic group sites. Portage Lake Campground, Sugarloaf Lake Campground, Green Lake Campground, and the Equestrian Campground. Here is a brief description of each and map of Waterloo campsites from shoreline visitors center.
Site 128 at Portage Lake
*** upgrades are planned for the pier, road and playground, which means Portage Lake campground, covered shelters, boat launch and beach parking lot will be closed Aug. 18, 2024- Jan. 1 , 2025. Sugarloaf Lake campground will close Sept. 9-Oct. 15, 2024.
Portage Lake Campground
136 electric sites with large trees that created shade. Minimal vegetation between sites so you can see other campers. opt for outer loops that back up to the woods for more privacy. We camped at site 128 in a 27 ft trailer and found it was quite spacious. We had trees that were great for multiple stacked hammocks.
Amenities: Bathrooms were clean and showers were hot, with decent pressure. Handicap showers were available with benches. Water and Dump Station, Recycling
Warning: Secure your garbage because racoons and chipmunks love to get into your trash at night.
Cabin at Waterloo Portage Lake Campground
Sugarloaf Lake Campground
Containing a private camper’s swimming beach and boat launch on Sugarloaf Lake, there are several loops with campsites containing 30/50 amp electric, including 10 paved sites, plus 4 handicap sites are available. Sites are spacious, mostly sunny without much shade. The campground is only 15 minute to Eddie Outdoor Discovery Center.
Amenities: Modern bathrooms with hot showers and flushing toilets. Sanitation dump station, trash and recycling.
Green Lake Campground
This rustic campground is situated on Green Lake, with 25 spacious sites, including a handful which back up to the Green Lake. The campground is conveniently situated near Waterloo Pinckney Trail and the DTE Energy Foundation Trail. In addition, the Green Lake Yurt is located with water views, is handicap accessible and sleeps 5 people, including 2 full size futon beds and a twin bunk bed and two full-size futon beds.
Equestrian Campground
The rustic campground has 25 sites, which connect to the horse trails. Amenities: vault toilets, hand pumps, manure pits and dumpster.
NEARBY ATTRACTIONS
Fairy Forest in Chelsea
Although we tend to camp to get far, far away from the city, the draw of camping near Waterloo is that you don’t have to travel hours away to escape, plus the town of Chelsea is nearby if you want to grab a bite to eat.
Fairy Forest
Visit a delightful fairy forest hidden in Grass Lake Village, Michigan. For young children, this magical place is a quick stop when visiting the town.
Pickney Recreation Area Located nearby, this large park contains 11,000 acres for outdoor enthusiast to enjoy.
Phyllis Haehnle Audubon Sanctuary Lying adjacent to Waterloo State Recreation Area, catch sight of Sand Hill Cranes within the audubon sanctuary. The best time to view these regal creatures is from late August to early November. The Crane Festival occurs in the fall, find more details here.
NEARBY RESTAURANTS
The Grateful Crow Stop in for burgers or sushi and enjoy live music Wednesday and Thursday nights.
Ugly Dog Distillery Relax with a beer or some food.
Portage Lake Parlor Got a craving for BBQ, this is the place to eat.
Lakehouse Bakery Fresh baked goods
FAQ’s
How is the Cell Reception at Waterloo? The park is massive and cell service was hit or miss at the park.
Are dogs allowed at Waterloo? Yes, dogs are allowed at the campground and trails, but cannot be on the designated swimmers beach area. All pets must be on a 6 foot leash.
Where can you fish near Waterloo? With 11 lakes located in the state recreation area there are plentiful opportunities to fish. In addition, there are multiple fishing docks located on the lakes at Waterloo Recreation Area.
Can you bring alcohol into Waterloo Recreation Area? Yes, alcohol is permitted.
Is Waterloo handicap accessible? Waterloo State Recreation area is great place for those needing handicap accommodations. You will find handicap showers with benches, paved handicap accessible campsites, an accessible yurt, a paved path to the beach, and a track chair for use at the Eddy Discovery Center Trails, which is completely free to utilize.
Can you have a campfire at Waterloo? Yes, at the designated campfire rings at the campground. Do not leave fires unattended.
What things can you do in the winter at Waterloo?
During the colder winter months, you can still enjoy the beauty of Waterloo by cross-country skiing and snow shoeing through 40 mile of ungroomed trails. Here is a map of the recommended cross-country ski trails.
Additionally Waterloo allows snowmobiling in a specific area, check the map here for specific details.
Is Hunting allowed at Waterloo?
Yes, Waterloo Recreation Area is open for hunting Hunting is available for deer, wild turkey and various small game make sure to secure proper licenses and follow state regulations here.
CLOSING THOUGHTS
Group Picture while Camping at Waterloo State Recreation Area
As you begin planning your next camping trip, make sure to Pin and Save for later. If you found this guide helpful, follow Discovering Anew for more campground reviews and Michigan adventures. From our family to yours. HAPPY CAMPING!
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