Waterloo Recreation Area

The DNR is seeking public input on a new draft Phase 2 general management plan for the park. Visitors, community members and others interested in sharing their feedback are encouraged to attend a Jan. 22 public meeting or review and comment on the plan online. Visit project page that includes meeting info and links.

Address

Mailing Address:
16345 McClure Road
Chelsea MI, 48118

Phone

734-475-8307
TTY/TDD711 (Michigan Relay Center)

Approximate Size

20500 (Acres)

Recreation Passport

Required

Trail Length

Trail Head

Camp Sites/Fees

The 20,000-acre Waterloo Recreation Area is the largest state park in the Lower Peninsula and home to a diverse array of camping options, 11 inland lakes, an awesome trail system, a visitor center and more.

Make a Reservation Tell Us About Your Visit

Event Information

Professional interpretive naturalists lead weekly nature-based programming (PDF) Memorial Day through Labor Day.

More Information

The Eddy Discovery Center at Waterloo Recreation Area is closed for renovations, including roof replacement, atrium renovations, HVAC installation and carpeting replacement, through Friday, July 25, 2025. A proposed $2.1 million in federal relief funding from Gov. Whitmer's Building Michigan Together Plan made these renovations possible. The visitor center will remain open for upcoming Jan. 22 public meeting

Although the park's day-use area and Portage Lake campground (open year-round) have reopened, the Sugarloaf Lake Campground remains closed through May 1, 2025 for enhancements. A proposed $2.1 million in federal relief funding from Gov. Whitmer's Building Michigan Together Plan made these renovations possible.

Due to the size of the park, you may want to view the park map and driving directions prior to your visit.

Waterloo Recreation Area is the largest state park in the Lower Peninsula and home to a diverse array of camping options (modern, rustic and equestrian campgrounds, backpack-only sites and overnight lodging facilities), 11 inland lakes, a trail system, the DTE Energy Foundation Trail, a visitor center, and excellent fishing and hunting opportunities.

The Gerald Eddy Discovery Center introduces visitors to the fascinating world of geology and to the diverse natural habitats found within Waterloo.

Thanks to our many partners and friends, including the Waterloo Natural History Association, the Waterloo Horseman’s Association and the Potawatomi Mountain Biking Association.

The park's track chair – capable of handling trails, snow, sand and shallow water – expands access beyond traditional wheelchairs. The chair is available for visitors to borrow at no cost.

Sign up to receive text alerts for Waterloo Recreation Area. We’ll send a text when there are happenings that could impact your visit, such as detours, weather events, beach or parking closures, large events and more. Find all participating parks.

Trails

Waterloo-Discovery Center Trail: Trail Length: 14.00 (Miles)
Waterloo-Dry Marsh: Trail Length: 0.50 (Miles)
Waterloo-DTE Energy Foundation Trail: Trail Length: 10.00 (Miles)
Waterloo-Equestrian Trails: Trail Length: 21.00 (Miles)
Waterloo-Hickory Hills: Trail Length: 1.00 (Miles)
Waterloo-Pinckney Trail: Trail Length: 33.90 (Miles)

About the Area

View Online Visitor's Guide.

Activities (Display as List)

Boat Rental

Boat Rental:

JR’s Concessions offers watercraft rentals at the beach house in the day-use area on Portage Lake mid-May through early October. For more info, call 231-843-1888.

In addition, watercraft rentals for campers only are available at the Sugarloaf Lake Campground. Please make reservations at the campground office. For more info, call 734-355-0784.

Cross Country Ski

Cross Country Ski: All trails are open to cross-country skiing and snowshoeing; however, they are not groomed. View the recommended cross-country ski trails.

Disc Golf

Disc Golf: An 18-hole disc golf course, located in the Portage Lake day-use area, is open all year.

Equestrian

Equestrian:

There are 20 miles of horseback riding trails easily accessible from two staging areas, one located off Loveland Road and the other located off Maute Road.

Thanks to the Waterloo Horseman’s Association, which helps support equestrian activities in the park!

Fishing

Fishing: Fishing is a popular activity in the park. Bass, panfish and pike are common in the many lakes.

Hiking

Hiking

Hunting

Hunting: Hunting is allowed in the state park; however, you should call this park directly to inquire about any special rules, concerns or considerations.

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

Interpretive Programs

Interpretive Programs: Professional interpretive naturalists lead weekly nature-based programming (PDF) based out of the Gerald Eddy Discovery Center.

Paddling

Paddling:

There are paddling opportunities on the 11 inland lakes located within the park.

JR’s Concessions offers watercraft rentals at the beach house in the day-use area on Portage Lake mid-May through early October. For more info, call 231-843-1888.

Snowmobiling

Snowmobiling: The majority of the park is open to snowmobiling. The park’s snowmobile map differentiates areas where the activity is permitted from areas closed to snowmobiling.

Snowshoeing

Snowshoeing

Swimming

Swimming: There are two designated swim areas in the park, one in the Portage Lake day-use area and the other (for campers only) in the Sugarloaf Campground.

Facilities (Display as List)

Beach House

Beach House: The beach house is in the day-use area on Portage Lake and includes restrooms, boat rentals, changing stalls and a concession store.

Boat Launch

Boat Launch:

There are public boat launches located on Big Portage, Cedar, Doyle (carry-down launch), Green, Crooked, Mill, Mud, Walsh, Sugarloaf (Sugarloaf campers only) and Winnewana lakes.

A handful of the sites are accessible, including Big Portage, Green, Crooked, Sugarloaf (Sugarloaf campers only) and Winnewana lakes.

Cabins & Lodges

Cabins & Lodges

Concession/ Store

Concession/ Store: JR’s Concessions, located at the beach house in the day-use area on Portage Lake, offers food concessions, grocery items, camping supplies and boat rentals.

Campers with horses

Campers with horses

Fishing Pier

Fishing Pier: An accessible fishing pier is located at Crooked Lake.

Group Use Area

Group Use Area

Modern Restrooms

Modern Restrooms: There is a modern restroom located at the Gerald Eddy Discovery Center.

Picnic Area

Picnic Area: There are picnic areas, located in the Crooked Lake and Portage Lake day-use areas, that include picnic tables and charcoal grills available first come, first served.

Picnic Shelter

Picnic Shelter: There are two picnic shelters located in the Portage Lake day-use area. Shelters can be reserved up to a year in advance by calling 1-800-447-2757 or visiting MiDNRReservations.com.

Playground

Playground: A playground is located in the Portage Lake day-use area.

Rustic Site

Rustic Site

Sanitation Station

Sanitation Station: The park’s sanitation stations are located at Portage Lake and Sugarloaf Lake campgrounds. Each has potable water and two lanes.

Vault Toilet

Vault Toilet

Visitor Center

Visitor Center: The Gerald E. Eddy Discovery Center, located at 17030 Bush Road in Chelsea, introduces visitors to the fascinating world of geology and to the diverse natural habitats found within Waterloo's 20,000-plus acres.

Walk-in Sites

Walk-in Sites

Water Access

Water Access: The park is home to 11 inland lakes, including Portage Lake and Sugarloaf Lake, which both offer designated swim beaches. There is a public day-use area on Portage Lake and a campers-only designated swimming beach at Sugarloaf Lake.

Yurt

Yurt

Download Map

Recreation Search