Waterloo Recreation Area extends across 20,000 acres of rolling glacial terrain in southeast Michigan, offering campers diverse options within a 30-minute drive of Tecumseh. The area includes interconnected lakes, hardwood forests, and over 50 miles of multi-use trails. Winter overnight stays remain available at Green Lake Rustic Campground which operates year-round, while many surrounding campgrounds close seasonally between November and April.
What to do
Water activities on smaller lakes: Green Lake Rustic Campground features a small boat dock for anglers and paddlers, though swimming isn't recommended. "The lake is not good for swimming as it is very mucky and covered in Lilly pads," notes one Green Lake Rustic Campground visitor. For better swimming, head to one of the larger lakes nearby.
Mountain biking on dedicated trails: The DTE mountain bike trail connects to Green Lake Campground, providing technical riding opportunities. "Trails are well maintained and offer varied terrain," explains a camper who visited Blind Lake Rustic Campground. Serious riders can challenge themselves on the full 17.5-mile Potawatomi Trail.
Hiking to remote sites: The Waterloo-Pinckney Trail system offers long-distance hiking with overnight options. "Serious hikers can connect the Potawatomi Trail to the Waterloo-Pinckney Hiking trail to bring their total trip to over 35 miles of back country hiking," according to a reviewer who explored Blind Lake Campground.
What campers like
Peaceful camping away from crowds: The rustic campgrounds offer a quieter experience than the more developed sites. "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," shares one visitor to Waterloo Sugarloaf Modern.
Spacious sites with lake views: Many sites offer direct lake access or views. "We ended up on sites 5 and 3. Both sites seemed larger then most suburban house lots. Site 5 had a decent view of the lake," reports a Green Lake Rustic Campground reviewer. These larger sites allow for comfortable glamping close to Tecumseh, Michigan.
Wildlife observation opportunities: The wetlands and forests provide excellent birding. "We checked out the waterloo-pickney trail, located off the Campground access road. I believe it was the west trail after Cassidy road we experienced some steep inclines. We also were able to see some awesome stars at night," mentions a camper who stayed at Green Lake.
What you should know
Limited privacy at some sites: The openness varies significantly between campgrounds and specific sites. "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," cautions a visitor to Waterloo Sugarloaf Modern.
Seasonal insect challenges: Mosquitoes can be problematic, particularly in early summer. At Bishop Lake Campground, one camper notes: "Our campsite had a view of the lake, but no shade," making bug protection essential during warmer months.
Rustic means truly rustic: Some sites have minimal facilities. "It is rustic with just vault toilets. Each site has a picnic table and a fire ring," explains a Green Lake visitor. For luxury glamping options near Tecumseh, Michigan, look to the more developed campgrounds with modern amenities.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly water features: Several campgrounds offer swimming beaches and water play areas. "Nice flat campsites near the beach area. It has a very nice play area for the children and clean bathrooms," recommends a Waterloo Sugarloaf Modern visitor who camped with family.
Accessible biking routes: Flat terrain makes for easy family cycling at many locations. "It is also a great place to ride bikes, everything is flat and there are also plenty of bike paths," shares a reviewer from Maumee Bay State Park, which makes a good day trip from the Tecumseh area.
Playgrounds and organized activities: Some campgrounds offer structured recreation. "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 playground," reports a Waterloo Sugarloaf camper.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger rigs: Choose carefully as not all sites accommodate big RVs. "Very poorly maintained, difficult to back into spaces as road is narrow and very large poles in ground that keep you from doing a decent back in," warns a camper at Covered Wagon Camp Resort.
Full hookups limited but available: Reserve early for sites with water and sewer. "Campsite B6 was large, nice big tree for shade, full hookup and last minute availability on a holiday all great," mentions a Covered Wagon Camp Resort visitor.
Seasonal access considerations: Some roads become difficult in wet conditions. "The campsites were very clean and the pit toilets were clean. We really appreciated having a water pump near our campsite," notes a Blind Lake camper, highlighting the importance of water access for RV travelers looking for glamping experiences near Tecumseh.
