The Gregory, Michigan area sits within southern Michigan's inland lakes region, with diverse terrain mixing deciduous forest, wetlands, and glacial formations. Camping options range from accessible drive-in sites to secluded hike-in locations, with most campgrounds situated between 800 and 900 feet elevation. Several recreation areas maintain more than 70 miles of marked trails that connect camping areas with lake access points throughout all seasons.
What to do
Kayaking chain lakes system: Portage Lake Campground offers easy lake access for paddlers looking to explore the interconnected waterways. "The campsite itself was nice... the lake was extremely muddy and murky. Not much to do around the area," reports one camper, highlighting the importance of bringing your own entertainment.
Mountain biking on dedicated trails: The Hell Creek Ranch & Campground connects directly to extensive trail systems. According to one visitor, "Direct connections to the Waterloo Pinckney trail system. Near Hell, Michigan and Chelsea, Michigan." The campground serves as a convenient base for riders of all skill levels.
Winter camping and hiking: Green Lake Rustic Campground stays open year-round for cold weather adventures. A visitor noted, "This is a wonderful campsite to check out in the off season, it does fill up quickly when camping season kicks off and spots are very close together." The area's trail system transforms for winter hiking and some cross-country skiing.
Hammock camping with lake views: Blind Lake Rustic Campground now offers dedicated hammock posts at certain sites. As one camper mentions, "The best site to get is site B3. It was perfect... Some sites now have hammock posts." This makes setup easier for those who prefer suspended sleeping.
What campers like
Secluded waterfront sites: Green Lake Rustic Campground provides peaceful lakeside camping with basic amenities. "I loved this quiet little campground! 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," shares one satisfied visitor.
Clean facilities despite rustic setting: Waterloo Sugarloaf Modern maintains higher standards than many might expect. A camper notes, "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." The balance of amenities and natural setting pleases many visitors.
Variety of site layouts: Bishop Lake Campground accommodates different camping styles. "The campgrounds restrooms and showers were clean. Our campsite had a view of the lake, but no shade. The beach was nice but you have to walk a trail to get to it from the campground or drive," reports one visitor, highlighting the campground's features.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Appleton Lake Campground provides nature encounters, sometimes too close for comfort. "The camp site itself was nice, but once it got dark, we were fighting off about 10 raccoons all night," warns one camper, suggesting secure food storage is essential.
What you should know
Mosquito preparation critical: Especially at Murray Lake in Brighton Recreation Area, insects can be overwhelming. "When we rolled in the first thing we noticed was that everyone had screen houses set up... It was pretty miserable," reports one camper who suggests, "I've since purchased a thermacell backpacker and some bug net hats... I'm looking into constructing an ultralight screen house."
Limited privacy at popular sites: Bruin Lake Campground offers convenience but lacks seclusion. "Pretty open grounds, electric hook up, flush toilets, accommodates all kinds of campers, including some hike in sites... It's a nice grounds but generally busy and open," notes one visitor, setting appropriate expectations.
Seasonal campground crowding: Green Lake fills quickly during peak season. One camper advises, "I would recommend getting a reservation before showing up... When I showed up I found site 13 open for only one night. In the morning I was told by the DNR that most weekends are booked solid."
Lake conditions vary widely: Portage Lake isn't ideal for swimming. "The beach area is very mucky and dirty. Seaweed just flats around and gets tangled around your legs and arms all the time," warns one camper, suggesting this lake is better for fishing or boating than swimming.
Tips for camping with families
Water activities for kids: Brighton Recreation Area offers rental equipment and structured water play. "The lake you can rent kayaks, paddle boards, row boats or paddle boats... The lake has water activities you can pay extra for if you would like to do that," notes one family camper.
Campground-based recreation: Waterloo Sugarloaf Modern provides dedicated play areas. "We had fun and the kids had a blast. They rode bikes around the loop and loved swimming and the playground," shares one parent, emphasizing the built-in entertainment options.
Terrain considerations: Crooked Lake Rustic Campground requires site selection planning. One visitor mentions, "We could see the lake and had an outhouse right nearby. It was a little slanted, but it didn't bother me." Checking campsite reviews for specific site recommendations helps families find level ground.
Pet policies vary: Portage Lake enforces strict pet rules. A frustrated camper reports, "The 6-foot leash rules are very clearly stated. There are many campers whose dogs remain the exception and don't abide by the rules. My leashed dog has been threatened by vicious larger unleashed dogs as I walk my dog more than once this month."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Bishop Lake Campground requires preparation for uneven terrain. "Nice flat campsites near the beach area," notes one RVer about certain sections, but others mention significant slope issues requiring blocks or levelers.
Hook-up availability: Hell Creek Ranch serves RVers with more complete services than state sites. "Mostly RV however tents are allowed. Pool, showers, restrooms are very clean, they have full hookups at most sites or at least your electric and water," reports one satisfied customer.
Larger rig limitations: Green Lake Rustic Campground accommodates smaller RVs despite being rustic. "Sites are generally first come first serve though reservations are now taken since Covid-19... Most sited are shaded and all have a fire ring. Not always 100% level ground but nothing un-tentable. 2 sites probably won't take a trailer but most are fine for small rigs."
