Waterloo Recreation Area, one of Michigan's largest state parks, includes Sugarloaf Campground as its modern, electric-hookup option for campers passing through or settling in for several nights near Chelsea. Managed by the Michigan DNR, the campground runs from May through October and accepts rigs up to 65 feet, with a dump station on site. Reservations are available and worth booking ahead, particularly for summer weekends when the campground fills quickly.
Site character here leans open rather than wooded. Most sites sit in full or partial sun, with mature trees spaced throughout but not densely enough to feel like a forest camp. Several reviewers note that the layout can feel exposed, with neighbors in clear view from most sites. That said, Jonah H. points out that the trees are "spaced out enough that a group can pull their campers around for privacy," which makes it a reasonable choice for multi-family trips booking adjacent sites. Mosquitoes have come up as a notable issue on warm evenings, so repellent is worth packing.
The campground's draw is its beach access. A sandy swimming area with a playground and volleyball net sits close to the sites, and a boat launch is nearby. Dirt trails for hiking and biking run through the broader park, and a horse riding stable is available for those interested. For a different overnight experience within the same park, Waterloo Recreation Area Cabins and the Rustic Equestrian Campground are both within a few miles. Campers who want a quieter, less developed setting might also consider Pines Rustic Campground or Farmlane Campground, both part of the same recreation area. Broader campgrounds around Waterloo Recreation Area vary considerably in hookup availability and site density.
Nightly rates run from $35 to $160 depending on site type and season. Cell coverage is limited at the campground, so download any maps or trail information before arriving.
Description
Michigan Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into state parks and recreation areas, state boat launches, state forest campgrounds and state trail parking lots. The Michigan Recreation Passport does not cover local, county, municipal, or metropolitan parks or recreation areas. Learn more: https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/buy-and-apply/rec-pp
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
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 & DirectionsSugarloaf Campground is located in Michigan near Chelsea
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
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 8/5/26
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 8/5/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 8/5/26
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 8/5/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
- Boat-InSites 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
- 30 Amp Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Contact
General Info
Reservations
Drive Time
- 21 min from Jackson, MI
- 22 min from Ann Arbor, MI
- 46 min from Lansing, MI
- 59 min from Monroe, MI


























