Pontiac Lake Recreation Area

Mailing Address:
7800 Gale Road
Waterford MI, 48327

248-666-1020
TTY/TDD711 (Michigan Relay Center)

3745 (Acres)

Required

Pontiac Lake is a 3,745-acre park located in Oakland County. Camping, horseback riding, picnicking, swimming, hiking, biking, paddling, hunting, fishing and sightseeing are popular activities enjoyed by visitors. The park is home to the longest beach in southeast Michigan at just over half a mile.
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Pontiac Lake Recreation Area includes the headwaters of the Clinton, Huron and Shiawassee rivers, and the 3,745-acre park supports year-round recreational opportunities within its scenic interior. A mix of marshes, ponds, forests, old farm fields and lakes offers a variety of wildlife and excellent hunting and birding opportunities. Other outdoor activities include camping, horseback riding, picnicking, swimming, hiking, biking, paddling, fishing and sightseeing.

The park features the longest beach in southeast Michigan at just over half a mile, a model airplane flying field, a modern and rustic equestrian campground, an expansive picnic area, an off-leash, fenced area for dogs and much more. The 11-mile mountain bike trail has been ranked as one of the "Top 100 Trails" in the United States and is considered one of the most technical trails in southeast Michigan.

Thanks to the Pontiac Lake Horseman's Association for maintaining the equestrian trails.

Campgrounds

Pontiac Lake-Equestrian Rustic Campground
800-447-2757
(25)
Pontiac Lake-Group Use Sites
248-666-1020
(1)
Pontiac Lake-Modern Campground
800-447-2757
(176)
Pontiac Lake-RRM A-Frame Mini Cabin
800-447-2757
(1)
Pontiac Lake-RRM Cottage Cabins
800-447-2757
(5)

Trails

Pontiac Lake-Equestrian Trail
Trail Length: 17.00 (Miles)
Pontiac Lake-Hiking Trail
Trail Length: 1.90 (Miles)
Pontiac Lake-Mountain Bike Trail
Trail Length: 11.00 (Miles)

About the Area

Navigation: The day-use beach and picnic area is located at 2401 N Williams Lake Road, Waterford, MI 48327. Pontiac Lake-Modern Campground is located at 3480 Teggerdine Road, White Lake, MI 48386. The Gale Road address is for the Pontiac Lake Recreation Area Headquarters.

The park is easily accessible from I-75, I-96, U.S. 24 and M-59, and is located near the University of Detroit, Oakland University, Colombiere Center, Oakland Community College and Wayne State University. Dearborn's Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village are only 45 minutes away.

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Activities (Display as List)

Alcohol Restrictions Item is accessible.
Alcohol Restrictions: You may not possess or consume an alcoholic beverage at any time in the park's day-use areas (unless the park manager has granted written authorization through an event permit).
Boat Rental Item is accessible.
Boat Rental: Single kayaks are available to rent on a first-come, first-served basis from the Williams Lake Road entrance booth. All rentals are delivered to and can be picked up at the boat launch in the day-use area.
Cross-Country Skiing Item is accessible.
Cross-Country Skiing: While there are no groomed trails, cross-country skiing is a popular activity in the open areas of the park, including marshes, forests and old farm fields.
Equestrian Item is accessible.
Equestrian
Fishing Item is accessible.
Fishing: The 600-acre Pontiac Lake offers excellent fishing for bass, pike and panfish.
Hiking Item is accessible.
Hiking
Hunting Item is accessible.
Hunting: All of the park is open to hunting except for signed and safety zones. Rabbits, squirrel, grouse, woodcock, ducks, turkey, geese, raccoon and deer may be hunted during their respective seasons. This same habitat attracts numerous different birds and is an excellent area for birding.
Metal Detecting Item is accessible.
Metal Detecting: Metal detecting is recognized as a legitimate recreation activity when it is conducted in ways that neither damage natural and cultural resources in Michigan state parks nor violate applicable state statutes. This park map clearly shows where this activity can 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 Item is accessible.
Mountain Biking
Paddlesports Item is accessible.
Paddlesports: There are plenty of opportunities for kayaking, canoeing and paddleboarding on the all-sports lake. A developed boat launch is located in the day-use area, accessed from the Williams Lake Road park entrance, and an additional undeveloped gravel ramp is located on Tackles Drive. Nontrailer parking is available.
Pet-Friendly Area Item is accessible.
Pet-Friendly Area: A large, fenced-in, off-leash dog park is located near the beach and day-use parking lots, accessed from the Williams Lake Road park entrance. Dogs must be on a 6-foot leash while entering and exiting the dog park and under an owner’s immediate supervision. All pet waste must be properly disposed of in trash receptacles. Pets are not allowed on the beach.
Radio Controlled Flying Item is accessible.
Radio Controlled Flying: The RC Flying Field is located on White Lake Road. Contact the Pontiac Miniature Aircraft Club for information about utilizing the area, as membership may be required.
Snowmobiling Item is accessible.
Snowmobiling: The park is open to snowmobiling when there is appropriate snow depth, but there are no designated trails.The area open to snowmobiling is posted at the Williams Lake Road park entrance.
Snowshoeing Item is accessible.
Snowshoeing: Snowshoeing is a popular activity in the open areas of the park, including marshes, forests and old farm fields.
Swimming Item is accessible.
Swimming: A designated swim area is located in the day-use area, accessed from the Williams Lake Road park entrance. The beach is a short walk from the parking lot and connected by sidewalks.

Facilities (Display as List)

Beach House Item is accessible.
Beach House: The beach house is in the day-use area, accessed from the Williams Lake Road park entrance, and includes restrooms and changing areas.
Boat Launch Item is accessible.
Boat Launch: The all-sports lake is popular for cruising, water-skiing, tubing and fishing. A developed boat launch is located in the day-use area, accessed from the Williams Lake Road park entrance. An additional undeveloped gravel ramp is located on Tackles Drive.
Cabins & Lodges Item is accessible.
Cabins & Lodges
Equestrian Camping Item is accessible.
Equestrian Camping
Fishing Pier Item is accessible.
Fishing Pier: Two universally accessible fishing piers are located near the beach in the day-use area, accessed from the Williams Lake Road park entrance.
Group Use Area Item is accessible.
Group Use Area
Mini Cabin Item is accessible.
Mini Cabin
Modern Restrooms Item is accessible.
Modern Restrooms: Modern restrooms are located in the day use area, accessed from the Williams Lake Road park entrance.
Picnic Area Item is accessible.
Picnic Area: An expansive picnic area is located in the day-use area, accessed from the Williams Lake Road park entrance. It includes picnic tables and charcoal grills with a baseball field, playground and fenced, off-leash dog park nearby. The beach is not located directly next to the parking lot, but sidewalks provide access to the beach. Wagons are recommended for bringing in picnic supplies from the parking area.
Picnic Shelter Item is accessible.
Picnic Shelter: Four picnic shelters including picnic tables, charcoal grills and a water spout are available to rent in the day-use area, accessed from the Williams Lake Road park entrance. Shelter reservations can be made 12 months in advance at MIDNRReservations.com. The beach is not located directly next to the parking lot, but sidewalks provide access to the beach. Wagons are recommended for bringing in picnic supplies from parking area.
Playground Item is accessible.
Playground: A playground with slides and swings is located in the picnic area of the day-use area, accessed from the Williams Lake Road park entrance.
Rustic Site Item is accessible.
Rustic Site
Sanitation Station Item is accessible.
Sanitation Station:

A single-lane sanitation station with potable water is located near the campground office.

The Seven Lakes and Pontiac Lake sanitation stations are closed to non-campers. The septic system cannot handle additional pressure and could fail if capacity is overloaded. The nearest sanitation stations are located at Metamora-Hadley (expect long lines on Sundays), Holly and Proud Lake recreation areas. Campers must present a camping permit that expired within the last 24 hours or the $10 sanitation station use fee will be applied.

Shooting Range Item is accessible.
Shooting Range: The DNR-staffed Pontiac Lake shooting range includes a rifle/pistol, hand trap, archery and knife range. There is a user fee in addition to the Recreation Passport.
Vault Toilet Item is accessible.
Vault Toilet
Water Access Item is accessible.
Water Access: The longest beach in southeast Michigan at just over half a mile long. Located in the day-use area on the all-sports lake, the beach is accessed from the Williams Lake Road park entrance. It is located 2 miles from the modern campground.