WATERLOO RECREATION AREA
Waterloo Recreation Area is the largest park in the Lower Peninsula. At more than 20,000 acres, the park boasts two modern campgrounds, a rustic campground, an equestrian campground, a swimming beach, several picnic sites, 11 excellent fishing lakes, eight boat launches, 12 miles of interpretive nature trails, 47 miles of hiking trails, three rustic cabins, numerous equestrian trails and the Gerald E. Eddy Discovery Center.
Big Portage Lake Beach Area has vending machines at the beach building with snacks and pop. The park also sells firewood and ice.
The Gerald E. Eddy Discovery Center, located on Bush Road at (F10) is open year-round. It introduces visitors of all ages to the fascinating world of geology and the diverse natural wonders found at the Waterloo Recreation Area. Groups can schedule a guided experience by calling 734-475-3170. The center is located on Bush Road between Pierce and McClure roads in Chelsea. To get there, take I-94 to exit 157 (Pierce Road) and go north to Bush Road. Take Bush Road west to the center. The center is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday-Sunday and closed Mondays except for Memorial Day and Labor Day.While visiting, be sure to visit the gift shop and check out programming organized by the Waterloo Natural History Association which is dedicated to helping support the education mission of the Discovery Center and the park.
Waterloo Green Lake-Rustic(734) 475-8307 25 site(s)Boat Launch, Fishing, Hiking, Rustic Site, Vault Toilet
Waterloo Portage Lake-Modern(800) 447-2757 136 site(s)Campsites with 50 amp Service, Electrical Service, Modern Restrooms, Swimming
Waterloo Sugarloaf-Modern(800) 447-2757 164 site(s)Boat Launch, Campsites with 50 amp Service, Electrical Service, Modern Restrooms, Playground, Swimming
Waterloo-Equestrian(734) 475-8307 25 site(s)Campers with horses, Equestrian, Rustic Site, Vault Toilet
Waterloo-Group Use Area(734) 475-8307 5 site(s)Playground, Rustic Site, Swimming, Vault Toilet
Waterloo-Rustic Cabins(800) 447-2757 3 site(s)Cabins & Lodges, Vault Toilet
A public beach is located at Big Portage Lake, E4. Hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. with a beach store open during the summer. A beach is also located for campers only at the Sugarloaf Campground, G8.
Public boat launches are located on Big Portage(E4), Cedar(F10), Green(D10), Crooked(F8), Mill(E9), Mud(E8), and Walsh(E10) lakes and the Winnewana Impoundment(D9).
Access by foot across state land is available at Clear(E7), Doyle(F9), Cassidy(E10), Little Portage(D4) and Merkle(C6) lakes. Only the launch site at Big Portage Lake meets ADAAG standards for universal accessibility.
Access is limited to registered campers at Sugarloaf Lake(E8) because it is located within the campground.
We love camping here with the kids. The lake is great for swimming!
Big Portage Lake is excellent for swimming and boating.
The campground roads are paved which make biking and skating great for kids.
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