Pinckney Recreation Area

To upgrade the sanitation station, north toilet/shower bldg & park roads, the Bruin Lake modern & Crooked Lake rustic campgrounds will remain closed for a portion of the 2025 season. Once a reopening date is set, we'll announce the date when reservations become available 2 weeks in advance. A proposed $4.4M in federal relief funding from Gov. Whitmer's Building MI Together Plan was made available.

Address

8555 Silver Hill Road
Pinckney MI, 48169

Phone

734-426-4913
TTY/TDD711 (Michigan Relay Center)

Approximate Size

11000 (Acres)

Recreation Passport

Required

Trail Length

Trail Head

Camp Sites/Fees

Bruin Lake Modern Campground is located at 21237 Kaiser Rd. Gregory, MI 48137. The Silver Hill address is for the Pinckney Recreation Area Headquarters.

Pinckney Recreation Area is a paradise for backpackers, mountain bikers, anglers and other recreation enthusiasts. Pinckney is known for its extensive trail system and chain of excellent fishing lakes. Over forty miles of multi-use trail with remote campsites afford a backcountry experience. Pinckney is also a short drive from the Gerald E. Eddy Discovery Center in Waterloo Recreation Area.

No alcoholic beverages allowed in park April 1 - Sept. 30.

Make a Reservation Tell Us About Your Visit

Event Information

Explorer Programs: Seasonal naturalists offer weekly nature-based nature programming Memorial Day through Labor Day. View weekly programming calendar (PDF).

More Information

'Do Not Eat' and 'Avoid Foam' advisories have been issued for a section of the Huron River and associated water bodies in Oakland, Livingston, Washtenaw and Wayne counties because high levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (or PFAS) may be present. Consumption guidelines for fish with elevated PFOS levels.

Please be aware that Pinckney has over 11,000 acres and it is easy to go to the wrong location. The address for Bruin Lake Campground is 21237 Kaiser Road, Gregory, MI 48137. The Silver Hill address is for Pinckney Recreation Area Headquarters.

Halfmoon Lake day-use area closes Nov 1-April 1 each year.

With its diverse landscapes, abundant wildlife and endless recreational opportunities, Pinckney Recreation Area is a must-visit destination for campers, mountain bikers, anglers and other recreation enthusiasts. Nestled amidst rolling hills and serene lakes, the landscape features a terminal moraine area formed during the last glaciation period.

Pinckney is known for its extensive trail system and chain of excellent fishing lakes. More than 40 miles of multi-use trail take visitors through lush forests and along sparkling lakes. For the ultimate backcountry experience, pitch a tent at one of the remote campsites scattered throughout the area.

The 11,00-acre park is a large park and fairly spread out. The park features two main day-use areas: Silver Lake and Halfmoon Lake units, where visitor enjoy picnicking, swimming, boating and relaxing by the water.

See all 360 degrees of this site through Google’s Street View at www.michigan.org/googletrekker/.

Campgrounds

Pinckney-Blind Lake Rustic Hike-in: 734-426-4913
(10)
Pinckney-Bruin Lake Camper Cabin: 800-447-2757
(1)
Pinckney-Bruin Lake Modern: 800-447-2757
(161)
Pinckney-Bruin Lake Yurt: 800-447-2757
(1)
Pinckney-Crooked Lake Rustic: 800-447-2757
(25)
Pinckney-Glenbrook Yurt: 800-447-2757
(1)

Trails

Pinckney-Crooked Lake Trail: Trail Length: 5.10 (Miles)
Pinckney-Equestrian Trails: Trail Length: 13.00 (Miles)
Pinckney-Losee Lake Trail: Trail Length: 3.30 (Miles)
Pinckney-Potawatomi Trail: Trail Length: 17.40 (Miles)
Pinckney-Silver Lake Trail: Trail Length: 2.00 (Miles)
Waterloo-Pinckney Trail: Trail Length: 33.90 (Miles)

About the Area

View Online Visitor's Guide

Parking Areas in Pinckney Recreation Area

Activities (Display as List)

Alcohol Restrictions

Alcohol Restrictions: You may not possess or consume an alcoholic beverage in the 1) rented shelters in the Silver Lake and Halfmoon day-use areas and 2) within .25 miles of Pickerel Lake day-use area/parking lot April 1 through Labor Day (unless the park manager has granted written authorization through an event permit).

Boat Rental

Boat Rental:

JR’s Concession – located in the Silver Lake day-use area (near the beach) – rents kayak, canoes, stand-up paddleboard and rowboats Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Hell Canoe & Kayak Rentals – located at the Bruin Lake Campground boat launch - rents canoes and kayaks Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Cross-Country Skiing

Cross-Country Skiing

Equestrian

Equestrian: The park is home to13 miles of trails, a staging area and a stable.

Fishing

Fishing: Pier fishing is available at Silver Lake and Crooked Lake. Shore fishing is available at Silver Lake.

Hiking

Hiking: An extensive trail system is available to the hiker and mountain biker. The trails all begin at Silver Lake Beach. Trailside camping is available within designated campgrounds. Please contact the park office for registration information before you camp.

Hunting

Hunting: The majority of the recreation area is open to hunting according to the various seasons, except for safety zones around the developed day use areas, campgrounds and office areas. There are seasonal restrictions on shooting from April 1 to September 14. Target shooting is prohibited at any time or place.

Metal Detecting

Metal Detecting: Metal detecting is recognized as a legitimate recreation activity when it is conducted in ways that do not damage natural and cultural resources in Michigan state parks nor violate applicable state statutes. This park map clearly shows where this activity is allowed to take place. Any items found must be reviewed by park staff and may be retained for further investigation. Areas located within the campground are limited to registered campers only.

Mountain Biking

Mountain Biking: An extensive trail system is available to the hikers and mountain bikers. The Potawatomi Mountain Biking Association (PMBA) grooms five miles of trails in the winter.

Nature Programs

Nature Programs: Seasonal naturalists offer weekly nature-based nature programming Memorial Day through Labor Day. View weekly programming calendar (PDF).

Paddlesports

Paddlesports

Swimming

Swimming: There are two public beaches, one at Silver Lake and one at Halfmoon Lake. The Bruin Lake beach is only open to campers.

Watchable Wildlife

Watchable Wildlife

Facilities (Display as List)

Beach House

Beach House: A beach house with change courts and showers is available at the Silver Lake Day Use Area.

Boat Launch

Boat Launch:

Boaters and anglers will find great opportunities on the many lakes throughout the recreation area. There are improved boat launches on Bruin, Halfmoon, South, North, Joslin and Portage lakes. Unimproved ramps are located on, Crooked, Gosling and Hiland Lakes. There are hand-carry access sites onto Sullivan Lake and Pickerel Lake. The chain of seven lakes can be accessed from Bruin and Halfmoon.

Bruin Lake access site is open to the public for launch, however the beach at Bruin Lake is only open to campers and their visitors. There is a day-use beach and picnic area at Halfmoon and Silver Lake (Silver Lake does not have boating access).

Cabins & Lodges

Cabins & Lodges

Electrical Service

Electrical Service

Fishing Pier

Fishing Pier

Modern Restrooms

Modern Restrooms

Picnic Area

Picnic Area: Boat rentals, a trail system, seasonal modern toilet facilities, playground, volleyball courts, horseshoe pits and a fishing pier are available at Silver Lake beach and picnic area. A boat launch, picnic shelters, trail access, volleyball court, horseshoe pits and playground are available at Halfmoon Lake beach and picnic area.

Picnic Shelter

Picnic Shelter: Two picnic shelters are available at Half Moon Lake. These shelters can be reserved up to a year in advance by calling 1-800-447-2757 or visiting www.midnrreservations.com.