Best Campgrounds near Grass Lake, MI

The southeastern Michigan landscape surrounding Grass Lake features a mix of state recreation areas and private campgrounds, with water-based recreation as a central theme. Waterloo Recreation Area, spanning 20,000 acres, offers several camping options including Portage Lake Modern Campground directly in Grass Lake and Green Lake Rustic Campground in nearby Chelsea. Holiday RV Campground provides seasonal camping from May through October with full hookup sites for RVers. The region sits within easy driving distance of Ann Arbor (approximately 30 minutes west) and Jackson (15 minutes south), making it a convenient weekend destination for urban residents seeking lakeside recreation without long travel times.

Michigan's recreation passport system applies to most public campgrounds in the area, with an annual fee required for vehicle entry. As one camper noted, "For its proximity to bigger metropolitan areas, this site is great!" Most campgrounds in the Grass Lake vicinity operate seasonally, with peak availability from May through October, though some Waterloo Recreation Area sites remain open year-round. Summer weekends typically require advance reservations, especially for lakefront sites. Insect activity can be significant in summer months, particularly near marshy areas. Several reviewers mentioned needing bug protection, with one camper reporting, "When we rolled in, the first thing we noticed was that everyone had screen houses set up."

Waterfront access represents a major draw for campers in the Grass Lake area, with fishing, kayaking, and boating opportunities available at multiple locations. The Waterloo-Pinckney Trail system connects many recreation areas, offering hiking and mountain biking options that complement water activities. Campers frequently mention the contrast between rustic and modern facilities, with Green Lake offering more primitive experiences while Portage Lake provides shower facilities and electrical hookups. Site privacy varies considerably, with some campgrounds featuring spacious, well-separated sites and others placing campers in closer proximity. Highway noise affects some campgrounds, particularly those near I-94, though many visitors still report peaceful experiences. Cell service is generally available but can be spotty in more remote sections of the recreation areas.

Best Camping Sites Near Grass Lake, Michigan (118)

    1. Waterloo Sugarloaf Modern — Waterloo Recreation Area

    14 Reviews
    Chelsea, MI
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (734) 475-8307

    "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."

    "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."

    2. Waterloo Portage Lake Modern — Waterloo Recreation Area

    12 Reviews
    Grass Lake, MI
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (734) 475-8307

    "It is a bit of a walk to get to but is handicap accessible.
    There are two bathrooms throughout the loop and one at the beach."

    "A few bathrooms are located around the campground. The spaces are generous and the majority have electricity only. The lake has a little beach with sands. Nice place."

    3. Green Lake Rustic Campground — Waterloo Recreation Area

    14 Reviews
    Chelsea, MI
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (734) 475-8307

    "The lack of cover between sites gave everyone a nice view of the lake from our tents on our inland sites, which was beautiful."

    "I stayed at #6 and had a beautiful view of the lake. There is muddy lake access on that site and I paddled from there in my kayak. There is an official boat launch nearby."

    4. Blind Lake Rustic Campground — Pinckney Recreation Area

    18 Reviews
    Gregory, MI
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (734) 426-4913

    $17 / night

    "Nice place to camp right on the lake. It's a 7 mile hike in(can also be accessed via boat), part of the Potowatomi loop trail(~18 miles) located in Waterloo-Pinckney recreation area."

    "Camp ground is located along the Potawatomi Trail in Pinckney Recreation area. Bikers head the opposite direction from hikers. The route I followed was about 8 miles in to Blind Lake."

    5. Bruin Lake Campground — Pinckney Recreation Area

    19 Reviews
    Gregory, MI
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (734) 426-4913

    $27 - $46 / night

    "There is a new large playground structure and nice but short paved path for kids to bike or scooter around."

    "On Crooked Lake, it has 25 sites, two of which are right on the water; #7 is full sun, larger, and 20 is sun/shade and tucked away in the back of the campground."

    6. Holiday RV Campground

    5 Reviews
    Grass Lake, MI
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (517) 522-5846

    "Playground near pool is nice, and there are 2 other playgrounds. Pool is very new. Owners and other campers very friendly.
    There is a small camp store and a very nice pool."

    7. W. J. Hayes State Park Campground

    10 Reviews
    Tipton, MI
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (517) 467-7401

    "It has access to Wamplers Lake and there are several other lakes near by. The area is quiet and clean."

    "Very nice, lots to do in surrounding area. Lake is pretty. Nearby MIS. Hidden Lake Gardens are absolutely beautiful to wander around."

    8. Portage Lake Campground — Waterloo Recreation Area

    4 Reviews
    Grass Lake, MI
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (734) 475-8307

    "We purchased our new rPod 193 late in the fall and have been dying to give it a test camp and Michigan Winter Weather gave us a great opportunity the week after Christmas (2021)."

    "Enjoyed a nice paddle on the lake the morning before I left!"

    9. Greenwood Acres Family Campground

    5 Reviews
    Grass Lake, MI
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (517) 522-8600

    $35 - $75 / night

    "The campground offered a haunted trail, trick or treating and crafts for the kids."

    "Pool, lake, arcade, golf, ice cream parlor. Bathrooms are clean."

    10. Hideaway RV Park

    4 Reviews
    Grass Lake, MI
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (517) 522-5858

    "Plenty to do around town, lakes everywhere just have to choose which one to go to."

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Recent Reviews near Grass Lake, MI

520 Reviews of 118 Grass Lake Campgrounds


  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 5, 2025

    Pontiac Lake Recreation Area

    Great Spot!

    Because it’s a state park, they have fresh drinking water, would for bonfires in private spots. This is one of the best areas for hiking and biking and kayaking and swimming.

  • Edward C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 22, 2025

    Seven Lakes State Park Campground

    Beautiful park

    Very pretty park. Sites and facilities are well maintained.

    Sites tend to slope towards Sand Lake so have leveling blocks if that's important to you.

  • Elizabeth M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Hidden Lakes RV Resort

    Fantastic RV Park!

    We stayed here last weekend. It was quiet and relaxing. Easy parking for the 33ft RV. Camp store is well stocked. Staff were fantastic. You need yo camp here!

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Proud Lake Recreation Area

    Amazing

    You need to know that this place is so so clean! The grounds, the sites, the bathrooms and the showers are all impeccable. It is true we were there in the middle of the week, but I’ve stayed at plenty of places during the week where things have been less than desirable. Everyone was most pleasant and helpful and the view of the lake was beautiful. If the campground had been full we probably would not have been able to see the lake from our site.

  • Noel L.
    Aug. 21, 2025

    Harbortown RV Resort

    Great kid campground

    This campground has everything! Go carts, playground, disc golf, pool, ext... Just a one night stay to visit A friend. If you have kids it is perfect! Staff was nice and very helpful

  • Shelly The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 28, 2025

    Waterloo Portage Lake Modern — Waterloo Recreation Area

    Had a good time, a little crowded

    We stayed for the weekend tent camping, getting to the site was a little crowded (alot of kids on bikes) our site was pavement but had some space to set the tent on the grass. I seen alot of sites with trees for shade. The vista walkway was across from us, it led right to the beach concessions. The beach walkway is handicap accessible. The fishing pier is new, has two benches and tables for your stuff. It is a bit of a walk to get to but is handicap accessible.
    There are two bathrooms throughout the loop and one at the beach. The park workers walk around and tell you about the activities they have that day. We enjoyed our stay there is alot to do

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 26, 2025

    Camp Dearborn

    Great for all ages!

    Lots of beach area and water to fish or swim. Activities almost every night. Paddle boats, mini golf, golf, and more. Pull behind sites were easy to access. Staff are very helpful and responsive. There is a dump station on site.


Guide to Grass Lake

Grass Lake camping options reflect the region's landscape of interconnected lakes and forest trails in southeast Michigan. Seasonal variations affect campground facilities with most rustic sites open year-round while full-service campgrounds operate May through October. Winter camping attracts a smaller but dedicated group seeking solitude on less crowded sites.

What to do

Paddling opportunities: Portage Lake offers easy lake access for kayakers and canoeists. "We had a nice paddle on the lake the morning before I left!" notes a visitor at Portage Lake Campground. The lake connects to additional waterways for extended paddling routes.

Mountain biking trails: The Waterloo-Pinckney trail system features challenging terrain for cyclists of all abilities. "The trails for Mountain Bikes that are close to the campsite are super fun!" shares a reviewer at Bruin Lake Campground. Trail difficulty varies from beginner-friendly loops to technical sections with roots and rocks.

Backcountry hiking: For overnight hiking adventures, trails connect multiple rustic camping areas. A camper at Blind Lake Rustic Campground reports, "This is a rustic campground right on beautiful blind lake. It is only accessible by foot/bike/or boat. The hike/bike is about 7 miles or 4 (depending on where you park)." Winter hiking remains popular with fewer crowds on trails.

What campers like

Lake swimming: Several campgrounds provide beach access for summer swimming. At Portage Lake, one visitor notes, "Like all the state parks this is very clean and well maintained. The lake has a little beach with sand." Water temperatures peak in July and August when swimming is most comfortable.

Stargazing opportunities: Clear nights away from urban light pollution create ideal conditions for astronomy. "We captured a sunset, some snowfall, and saw more stars than we've seen in a long time," reports a winter camper at Portage Lake Campground. Late fall through early spring offers the darkest skies.

Fishing access: Multiple lakes in the area support diverse fish populations. At Green Lake Rustic Campground, one visitor mentioned, "The campground has a small boat dock, no swimming area." Another camper noted they "had a beautiful view of the lake. There is muddy lake access on that site and I paddled from there in my kayak."

What you should know

Seasonal facility changes: Winter camping comes with reduced amenities. A visitor to Portage Lake reports, "The restrooms were closed for the season but they had a large port-a-potty... With it being off-season we didn't get to experience any amenities to speak of." Always check current facility status before visiting.

Highway noise: Several campgrounds experience traffic sounds despite their natural settings. A Hideaway RV Park visitor noted, "Biggest downfall is the never ending traffic noise from the expressway." At Green Lake, a camper shared, "You can hear highway traffic from the campground, but otherwise it was a pleasant experience."

Insects: Bug activity varies by season and location. "When we rolled up after a rain, mosquitoes were abundant near wooded areas," reports one camper. A visitor to Green Lake mentioned, "I took one star off for the dense population of ground bees that were in front of all 3 vault toilets, and along the main path."

Reservation requirements: Once-optional reservations now increasingly essential. "When I booked this camp site, I was originally looking at the Rustic camping on the app," shares a Green Lake visitor. Another notes, "While you technically don't need a reservation, we made our reservations through the DNR website about a month in advance. The campsite was listed as 'full' when we arrived."

Tips for camping with families

Playgrounds and activities: W.J. Hayes State Park Campground offers structured recreation for children. "Nice place to camp... There are fire pits and picnic tables at each site. It is usually easy to get multiple sites next to each other with reservations," notes one visitor. Another mentions, "The beach walkway is handicap accessible. There are two bathrooms throughout the loop and one at the beach. The park workers walk around and tell you about the activities they have that day."

Site selection for kids: Choose sites with open play areas but sufficient shade. A camper at Waterloo Sugarloaf Modern shares, "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."

Lake safety: Watch for varying lake conditions and water clarity. One visitor cautions, "Good, but not great! The campground is great, but the beach area is very mucky and dirty. Seaweed just floats around and gets tangled around your legs and arms all the time."

Tips from RVers

Site surfaces: Different campgrounds offer varying parking surfaces for RVs. "The best part of this campsite was the fact that it was paved! It was so easy setting up and tearing down. No mud, muck, or dirt," reports a winter visitor at Portage Lake. Another camper mentions, "We like to stay in the north campground because most of the sites are black topped."

Site spacing: Density varies significantly between campgrounds. At Waterloo Sugarloaf Modern, a visitor observes, "The campground has some nice full-grown trees, but isn't extremely wooded. The trees offer shade, but are spaced out enough that a group can pull their campers around for privacy." Another reports, "This campground was what we needed for squirrel hunting, however, it is very open and not very private."

Length restrictions: Larger RVs face limitations at some campgrounds. "If your longer than 40ft be aware most sites will not work for you here, they do have some but the wood line, privacy and nature is great," warns a W.J. Hayes visitor. At Waterloo Sugarloaf, one camper noted their "site was a little small for our 38foot - we had to go sideways which opened us up to other campers."

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Grass Lake Campground located and how do I get there?

Grass Lake Campground is located in Jackson County, Michigan, near the village of Grass Lake. For easy access from I-94, take exit 150 and follow the signs south toward the lake. If you're looking for other excellent camping options in the area, Portage Lake Campground — Waterloo Recreation Area is nearby and provides a convenient base for exploring the region. The campground is easily accessible by road and sits within the larger Waterloo Recreation Area, making it an ideal spot for outdoor enthusiasts visiting the Grass Lake region.

What amenities are available at the 4 Lakes Campground at Grass Lake?

4 Lakes Campground at Grass Lake offers a range of amenities similar to other quality campgrounds in the region. For comparison, Lake Hudson Recreation Area provides secluded sites separated by young forest for privacy, with easy road access. Meanwhile, Sleepy Hollow State Park Campground offers electrical hookups (though posts may serve multiple sites), access to a large lake for fishing and recreation, and proximity to shopping centers. At 4 Lakes, you can expect similar basics like designated campsites, water access, and nature trails, though specific amenities may vary seasonally.

Are reservations required for camping at Grass Lake County Park?

While specific reservation policies for Grass Lake County Park may vary by season, it's generally recommended to secure reservations, especially during peak camping months. For context, Green Lake Rustic Campground — Waterloo Recreation Area technically doesn't require reservations, but campers often make them through the Michigan DNR website to guarantee a spot. Similarly, Holiday RV Campground near Grass Lake accepts reservations to ensure availability. For the most current reservation requirements at Grass Lake County Park, check with Jackson County Parks or visit their official website before your trip.