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Waterloo Sugarloaf Modern — Waterloo Recreation Area

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CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Waterloo Sugarloaf Modern, near Chelsea, Michigan, is a solid choice for campers looking to enjoy the great outdoors with a modern twist. This campground features well-kept sites, a beautiful swimming area with crystal-clear water, and a bathhouse that keeps things comfortable during your stay.

The campground allows alcohol, which is a nice perk for those looking to unwind by the fire after a day of exploring. Many visitors have praised the grassy sites and the family-friendly atmosphere, with plenty of space for kids to play and enjoy the nearby beach area. As one camper noted, “The kids had a blast,” highlighting the fun that families can have here.

For those who love to hike or bike, the surrounding Waterloo Recreation Area offers a network of trails to explore. Whether you’re in a tent, RV, or cabin, you’ll find a welcoming spot to set up camp. Just keep in mind that some sites can be a bit snug, so plan accordingly if you’re bringing a larger setup. With its mix of amenities and natural beauty, Waterloo Sugarloaf Modern is a great spot for a memorable camping experience.

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Location

Waterloo Sugarloaf Modern — Waterloo Recreation Area is located in Michigan

Detail location of campground

Directions

Take I-94 to exit 153, Clear Lake Rd. Go north on Clear Lake Rd 5 miles to Loveland Rd. Turn right on Loveland Rd and go 2 miles. Park entrance will be on the left.

Address

16345 Mcclure Rd
Chelsea, MI 48118

Coordinates

42.34099243 N
84.12601875 W

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Connectivity

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  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Drive Time

Presented byToyota Trucks

Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Dispersed
  • Cabins
  • Yurts
  • Equestrian

Features

For Campers

  • ADA Access
  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Firewood Available
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • Showers
  • Drinking Water
  • Electric Hookups
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump
  • Pull-Through Sites
  • 50 Amp Hookups
  • Big Rig Friendly

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Reviews

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1 Star

29%
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22%
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4.0

out of 5

14 Reviews

Reviewed Jul. 10, 2025

Excellent

We have been to this campground twice now. The property is very well maintained with a nice park and clean bathrooms. The campground has some nice full-grown trees, but isn't extremely wooded. It does not feel like you're up north, but I'm giving 5 stars because of how well it is maintained. The trees offer shade, but are spaced out enough that a group can pull their campers around for privacy

Month of VisitMay
Reviewed Feb. 24, 2024

Nice State Park Layout

This was a campground that we stayed at on our way to the northern part of the state. This for me, was a place that I would like to come back to for a longer stay. The camp sites were nice, there was a nice swimming area in crystal clear water and a beautiful bathhouse. It had a more modern layout that could accommodate many campers. My only complaint, and the reason that I'll have a hard time talking my wife into going back was the mosquitoes were pretty bad the evening that we were there. Other than that I liked it a lot.

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Waterloo Sugarloaf Modern — Waterloo Recreation Area by Kevin C., February 24, 2024
  • Review photo of Waterloo Sugarloaf Modern — Waterloo Recreation Area by Kevin C., February 24, 2024
  • Review photo of Waterloo Sugarloaf Modern — Waterloo Recreation Area by Kevin C., February 24, 2024
  • (5) View All
Reviewed Jul. 15, 2023

Family campground with beach

Nice campground. Sites are close together and sites 60-72 or so are really tent site, not level, and need extension cord for electric. No water hookups. No ATT service.

Sites68
Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed Aug. 19, 2022

Nice area, but tiny sites!

We loved the area around the campground. Waterloo is a great area! But... most of the campsites are tiny! Campers are crowded in together

SiteS31
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Waterloo Sugarloaf Modern — Waterloo Recreation Area by Laura B., August 19, 2022
  • Review photo of Waterloo Sugarloaf Modern — Waterloo Recreation Area by Laura B., August 19, 2022
Reviewed Oct. 1, 2021

Sugarloaf

Great campground sites have lots of grass and they allow alcohol.

Site45
Month of VisitSeptember
Reviewed Feb. 7, 2021

Southfork Rustic Cabin

Had the pleasure of visiting first weekend in February, on the coldest weekend of the year! Nice little cabin set in about 800’ from where you park. It has a table, wood stove, and 4 sets of bunks in a back room. Lots of trails within reach and a horse riding stable if that is your thing. Heard lots of wolves, saw lots of tracks but no animals. I’d like to go back in the spring and hike around some more! Pro tip for cold nights is to block the back room and sleep in the main area-

  • Review photo of Waterloo Sugarloaf Modern — Waterloo Recreation Area by Mike S., February 7, 2021
  • Review photo of Waterloo Sugarloaf Modern — Waterloo Recreation Area by Mike S., February 7, 2021
  • Review photo of Waterloo Sugarloaf Modern — Waterloo Recreation Area by Mike S., February 7, 2021
  • (7) View All
Reviewed Sep. 3, 2020

Nice lake and beach area

Nice flat campsites near the beach area. It has a very nice play area for the children and clean bathrooms. The boat launch was near our camp site which was nice not having to leave the campground.

  • Review photo of Waterloo Sugarloaf Modern — Waterloo Recreation Area by Debra B., September 3, 2020
  • Review photo of Waterloo Sugarloaf Modern — Waterloo Recreation Area by Debra B., September 3, 2020
  • Review photo of Waterloo Sugarloaf Modern — Waterloo Recreation Area by Debra B., September 3, 2020
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Aug. 30, 2020

Nice Beach Busy

Nice beach but super busy on the weekend. Site was a little small for our 38foot - we had to go sideways which opened us up to other campers. Not my favorite. No WiFi or sprint service. Only one pic of the dog enjoying our trip.

  • Review photo of Waterloo Sugarloaf Modern — Waterloo Recreation Area by Beth G., August 30, 2020
Reviewed Aug. 7, 2020

Great family trip

Spent 4 nights and 5 days camping with my husband and 2 kids. We had fun and the kids had a blast. They rode bikes around the loop and loved swimming and the the playground. Facilities were nice and clean and many sites had trees to give shade at certain times of day.

  • Review photo of Waterloo Sugarloaf Modern — Waterloo Recreation Area by Kim S., August 7, 2020
  • Review photo of Waterloo Sugarloaf Modern — Waterloo Recreation Area by Kim S., August 7, 2020
  • Review photo of Waterloo Sugarloaf Modern — Waterloo Recreation Area by Kim S., August 7, 2020
Reviewed Aug. 22, 2019

A Wonderful Winter Getaway

We stayed in the Southfork Rustic Cabin at the end of Feb and it was lovely much needed get away. The cabin was semi modern (solar lighting) but only a wood stove for heat. Small kitchen unit with table for eating. You had to hike in about a quarter mile to get there, and it sleeps four people with two bunk beds. There is an outside vault toilet behind the cabin. Lots of trails connecting the cabin to the rest of the park. Cheap too! Only $68 per night.

  • Review photo of Waterloo Sugarloaf Modern — Waterloo Recreation Area by Kate K., August 22, 2019
  • Review photo of Waterloo Sugarloaf Modern — Waterloo Recreation Area by Kate K., August 22, 2019
  • Review photo of Waterloo Sugarloaf Modern — Waterloo Recreation Area by Kate K., August 22, 2019
  • (6) View All
Reviewed Oct. 15, 2018

Very Open Campground - Not many trees

This campground was what we needed for squirrel hunting, however, it is very open and not very private. It is another one of those "parking lot campgrounds" where you can see all of your neighbors at all times. That being said, the park was very well kept and quiet at night which was nice.

Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Waterloo Sugarloaf Modern — Waterloo Recreation Area by Sarah P., October 15, 2018
  • Review photo of Waterloo Sugarloaf Modern — Waterloo Recreation Area by Sarah P., October 15, 2018
  • Review photo of Waterloo Sugarloaf Modern — Waterloo Recreation Area by Sarah P., October 15, 2018
Reviewed Sep. 5, 2018

Great Family Campground

This is a nice place to camp if you dont mind the bigger parks. There is electrical on each site and is mostly a place for campers and RVs. There are fire pits and picnic tables at each site. It is usually easy to get multiple sites next to each other with reservations.

There is a decent sandy beach here with a playground and volleyball net. Also in the park are some small dirt trails for hiking and biking. There are enough loops here to go for walks as well.

Most of the sites are in the sun, but there are a few sites with more shade and tree cover.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a map of Sugarloaf Campground in Waterloo Recreation Area?

Yes, maps of Sugarloaf Campground are available. A campground map shows the layout of sites, location of amenities like the beach, playground, boat launch, and bathhouse facilities. Maps are typically provided through the Michigan Department of Natural Resources website and the state's camping reservation system. When planning a visit, obtaining a map is helpful for selecting suitable sites, especially since some sites (particularly 60-72) are noted as better for tents than RVs due to levelness and electrical access considerations.

What do reviews say about Sugarloaf Campground in Waterloo Recreation Area?

Sugarloaf Campground receives generally positive feedback for its well-maintained facilities, clean bathrooms, and family-friendly atmosphere. The beach and playground are popular features, especially for families with children. Many appreciate the flat, grassy sites and electric hookups. However, the campground is described as somewhat open with limited privacy between sites, which some find too crowded, particularly for larger RVs. The campground is praised for being quiet at night despite its popularity. Visitors also note the surrounding recreational opportunities in Waterloo Recreation Area as a major plus.

What amenities are available at Sugarloaf Lake Campground?

Sugarloaf Lake Campground offers electrical hookups at each site but no water hookups. Sites include fire pits and picnic tables. The campground features clean bathrooms and showers, a playground for children, and a swimming beach with crystal clear water. There's also a boat launch within the campground. Sites are generally flat with grassy areas, though some sites (particularly 60-72) are better suited for tents and may require extension cords for electricity. Cell service can be spotty, with limited AT&T coverage noted.

Are there photos available of Sugarloaf Lake Campground?

Yes, photos of Sugarloaf Lake Campground are available. These images typically showcase the campground's layout, the lake with its beach area, the playground, and various campsite options. Photos help potential visitors see the semi-open setting with some shade trees, the relatively close proximity of sites to each other, and the modern bathhouse facilities. To view current official photos, check the Michigan Department of Natural Resources website or camping reservation platforms where the campground is listed.

Where is Sugarloaf Campground located in Michigan?

Sugarloaf Campground is located within Waterloo Recreation Area near Chelsea, Michigan. This campground sits beside a lake with beach access and is part of one of the larger state recreation areas in the Lower Peninsula. The location offers access to numerous trails and outdoor recreation opportunities, making it a popular destination for both local and traveling campers.