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Crooked Lake Rustic Campground — Pinckney Recreation Area

SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

Crooked Lake Rustic Campground in Pinckney Recreation Area is surrounded by forested terrain and several lakes. Temperatures range from lows in the 20s Fahrenheit during winter to highs in the 80s during summer. Nearby attractions include the Potawatomi Trail and the Chain of Lakes Water Trail, offering opportunities for hiking and paddling.

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Warning 1 Alert is In Effect

There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!

Check in your campsite reservation and occupy your campsite no later than 3 p.m. one day after your scheduled arrival date to avoid being automatically cancelled. If you need to arrive later, you must adjust your arrival date by calling 1-800-44(PARKS) or by going on-line to www.midnrreservations.com . If you don't check in or update your arrival date, our system will automatically cancel your reservation and youll incur the loss of two nights' fees, the non-refundable reservation fee, $10 cancellation fee and the reduced-stay fee. Staff are unable to override this process.

RV Road Trip Guides

Map & DirectionsCrooked Lake Rustic Campground is located in Michigan near Pinckney

Detail location of campground
Public Campground

Directions

<br />Bruin Lake Campground and Camper Cabin:<br /> 21237 Kaiser Rd. Gregory, MI 48137<br /> <ul> <li>From US-23: Exit #49 North Territorial Rd. Travel west 14 miles to Hadley Rd. Turn right on Hadley Rd. and travel north 4 miles to Kaiser Rd. Turn right on Kaiser Rd. and travel east 1 mile. The campground is on the right.</li> <li>From I-94: Exit #159 M-52 Chelsea. Travel north on M-52 for 4 miles. Turn right on Werkner Rd., continue north across North Territorial Rd. (road name changes to Hadley Rd.) and travel another 4 miles to Kaiser Rd. Turn right on Kaiser Rd. and travel 1 mile east. The campground is on the right.</li> <li>From I-96: From the West (Lansing) Exit #122 M-52 South. Travel south on M-52 to East M-36 to Gregory. In Gregory, stay on 106 through town to D-32. Turn left (towards Hell) onto D-32 (Church Street in town.) Continue east about 2.5 miles to Unadilla Rd. Turn right on Unadilla Rd. At the end of Unadilla Road stay left onto Kaiser Rd., do not follow Hadley Rd. Campground is 1 mile east on the right.</li> </ul> <br />Glenbrook Yurt:<br /> 11800 Glenbrook Rd. Pinckney, MI 48169<br /> <ul> <li>You must first stop at the Park Headquarters to pick up your keys which are located in a lockbox to the right of the office door. Contact the office prior to your arrival to receive the lockbox combination at 734-426-4913. The address is 8555 Silver Hill Rd. Pinckney MI 48169.</li> <li>From US-23: Exit #49 North Territorial Rd. Travel west 11 miles to Dexter Town Hall Rd. Turn right on Dexter Town Hall Rd and travel 1 mile north to the Park Entrance. Turn left on Silver Hill Rd. The Park office is past the booth on the left. After you retrieve your keys go back to Dexter Town Hall Rd and turn right. Travel 1 mile south to North Territorial Rd. and turn right. Travel west approximately 1 1/2 miles to Hankerd Rd. and turn right. Travel north approximately 4 miles, road name will change to Glenbrook Rd. The yurt is just past the Portage (Hell) Creek on the left.</li> </ul> <br />Crooked Lake Campground and the Blind Lake Campground:<br /> 8555 Silver Hill Rd. Pinckney, MI 48169<br /> <ul> <li>You must first stop at the Park Headquarters to check in.</li> <li>From US-23: Exit #49 North Territorial Rd. Travel west 11 miles to Dexter Town Hall Rd. Turn right on Dexter Town Hall Rd and travel 1 mile north to the Park Entrance. Turn left on Silver Hill Rd. The Park office is past the booth on the left.</li> </ul> <br />Silver Lake Beach, Hiking and Mountain Biking Trails:<br /> 8555 Silver Hill Rd. Pinckney, MI 48169<br /> <ul> <li>From US-23: Exit #49 North Territorial Rd. Travel west 11 miles to Dexter Town Hall Rd. Turn right on Dexter Town Hall Rd and travel 1 mile north to the Park Entrance. Turn left on Silver Hill Rd.</li> </ul> <br />Halfmoon Lake Beach and Picnic Shelters:<br /> <ul> <li>From US-23: Exit #49 North Territorial Rd. Travel west approximately 12 1/2 miles to Hankerd Rd. Turn right on Hankerd Rd. and travel north 2 miles, Halfmoon Lake Beach will be on your left.</li> </ul>

Address

8555 Silver Hill Road
Pinckney, MI 48169

Coordinates

42.42211249792371 N
83.98033669645343 W

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Connectivity

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Connectivity

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Firewood Available
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Pets
  • Fires

Contact

General Info

Reservations

Drive Time


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Reviews2 Camper Reviews - Crooked Lake Rustic Campground

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4.5

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2 Reviews

Reviewed Sep. 17, 2024

Rustic & Friendly

The staff were so kind and helpful. I visited in my off-grid ready camper van, and staff helped us choose a site that had good views and felt private (SITE #22). It was a little slanted, but it didn't bother me. We could see the lake and had an outhouse right nearby.

Site22
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Crooked Lake Rustic Campground — Pinckney Recreation Area by Cathy E., September 17, 2024
  • Review photo of Crooked Lake Rustic Campground — Pinckney Recreation Area by Cathy E., September 17, 2024
  • Review photo of Crooked Lake Rustic Campground — Pinckney Recreation Area by Cathy E., September 17, 2024
Reviewed Aug. 13, 2022

Lake views

The views of the lake are awesome, it’s a great slice of wilderness in this part of the state. Wish there were better noise restrictions and the campgrounds were more separated.

SiteC25
Month of VisitAugust

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at Crooked Lake Rustic Campground?

Crooked Lake Rustic Campground offers basic amenities consistent with its rustic designation. The campground provides outhouse facilities located conveniently near campsites. While amenities are minimal, the natural setting with beautiful lake views compensates for the lack of modern facilities. Site #22 offers particularly good views of the lake. The campground is suitable for self-sufficient campers, including those with off-grid ready vehicles. Be prepared for possibly uneven terrain at some sites. As a rustic campground, visitors should bring their own water, food supplies, and other camping necessities.

How do I make reservations for Crooked Lake Rustic Campground in Pinckney Recreation Area?

Reservations for Crooked Lake Rustic Campground can be made through the Michigan Department of Natural Resources reservation system. The campground has staff available to help visitors select appropriate sites based on their needs and preferences. For the best experience, consider discussing your camping setup when making reservations so staff can recommend suitable sites like #22, which offers lake views but may have slightly slanted terrain. A Recreation Passport is required for entry into Pinckney Recreation Area. Contact the Michigan DNR or visit their website for current reservation policies, fees, and availability.

What activities can visitors enjoy at Crooked Lake in the Pinckney Recreation Area?

Visitors to Crooked Lake can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities in a beautiful wilderness setting. The lake itself is a focal point for recreation, with opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, fishing, and swimming. The surrounding Pinckney Recreation Area offers hiking trails through diverse natural landscapes. Wildlife viewing and bird watching are popular due to the natural setting. Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the scenic lake views, especially at sunrise and sunset. The area provides a peaceful retreat for nature lovers seeking a wilderness experience in southern Michigan, with numerous opportunities to enjoy outdoor pursuits in all seasons.

What do campers say in their reviews of Crooked Lake Rustic Campground?

Campers consistently highlight the beautiful lake views as a standout feature of Crooked Lake Rustic Campground, appreciating the wilderness experience it offers in southern Michigan. Many find site #22 particularly appealing for its lake views and relative privacy, though it has a slightly slanted terrain. The helpful and kind staff receive positive mentions for their assistance in selecting appropriate campsites. Some visitors note that campsite separation could be improved, and there's occasional mention of noise carrying between sites. Overall, the campground is valued for providing a genuine rustic outdoor experience with direct access to natural beauty.