Best Campgrounds near Gregory, MI

The Pinckney and Waterloo Recreation Areas form the core of camping options near Gregory, Michigan, with several established campgrounds spread across these public lands. Bruin Lake Campground in Pinckney Recreation Area provides modern camping with electric hookups, while rustic options like Blind Lake and Crooked Lake campgrounds offer more primitive experiences. Hell Creek Ranch & Campground serves as a private alternative with full hookups and amenities. The region includes both drive-in sites suitable for RVs and hike-in or boat-in locations for tent campers seeking more seclusion, with accommodations ranging from basic tent sites to cabins and yurts at select locations.

Access to campgrounds varies seasonally, with most facilities fully operational from April through October. Winter camping is available at several locations including Bruin Lake and Green Lake, though with reduced services. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for summer weekends when waterfront sites fill quickly. As one camper noted, "This place is super close to where we are living so I'll probably schedule it next spring and come prepared. There are lots of nearby lakes and recreational trails so it's a fun place to be with family." The Michigan Recreation Passport is required for entry to state recreation areas, with an additional fee for non-residents. Most campgrounds feature vault toilets year-round, with modern restrooms and showers available at developed sites during peak season.

Waterfront camping represents a significant draw throughout the area, with multiple lakes providing opportunities for swimming, fishing, and paddling. Green Lake Rustic Campground receives positive reviews for its peaceful setting and lake views. According to visitor feedback, "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." The interconnected trail systems between Pinckney and Waterloo Recreation Areas are another highlight, allowing hikers and mountain bikers to explore over 35 miles of backcountry trails. Blind Lake Rustic Campground, accessible only by hiking or biking approximately 7 miles along the Potawatomi Trail, offers a more remote experience for those willing to make the journey. Wildlife viewing opportunities are abundant throughout the area, with many campers reporting diverse bird and plant species.

Best Camping Sites Near Gregory, Michigan (100)

    1. Blind Lake Rustic Campground — Pinckney Recreation Area

    18 Reviews
    Gregory, MI
    5 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."

    2. Bruin Lake Campground — Pinckney Recreation Area

    19 Reviews
    Gregory, MI
    3 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."

    3. Bishop Lake Campground

    28 Reviews
    Brighton, MI
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (810) 229-6566

    $17 - $90 / night

    "Campground Review: Bishop Lake is a great campground located in the middle of the Brighton Rec Area. The upper and lower campgrounds are both modern, with every site including electric."

    "Great family place with paved and dirt biking/hiking trails. Very nice beach with grass and sand. There are 2 areas of inflatables, one of them is for the little kids 48 in. and under."

    4. Green Lake Rustic Campground — Waterloo Recreation Area

    14 Reviews
    Chelsea, MI
    7 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."

    5. Waterloo Sugarloaf Modern — Waterloo Recreation Area

    14 Reviews
    Chelsea, MI
    8 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."

    6. Hell Creek Ranch & Campground

    10 Reviews
    Pinckney, MI
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (734) 878-3632

    $20 - $35 / night

    "Direct connections to the Waterloo Pinckney trail system. Near Hell, Michigan and Chelsea, Michigan. Large pool in season. Priced reasonably."

    "Wow.. what a nice little getaway in Hell, Michigan area! Camp host, “Lightening” is a friendly and helpful guy who NEVER stopped working (except to chat with campers here and there)."

    7. Waterloo Portage Lake Modern — Waterloo Recreation Area

    12 Reviews
    Grass Lake, MI
    12 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."

    8. Appleton Lake Campground

    8 Reviews
    Brighton, MI
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (810) 229-6566

    "Close by but up north feel."

    "Picnic table pit ring outside toilets best site was 24 17$ dollars a night 3 parks Brighton recreational is for Rv and electric sites indoor plumbing hot showers Murry is only for weekend visits Appleton"

    9. Brighton Recreation Area

    5 Reviews
    Brighton, MI
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (810) 229-6566

    "This was our first camping experience in Michigan, so we weren’t exactly prepared. My rating takes this into consideration."

    "Large campsite with trees, lit path to the bathroom, and easy access to hiking trails and raft/boat launch."

    10. Crooked Lake Rustic Campground — Pinckney Recreation Area

    2 Reviews
    Pinckney, MI
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (734) 426-4913

    $20 - $28 / night

    "We could see the lake and had an outhouse right nearby."

    "The views of the lake are awesome, it’s a great slice of wilderness in this part of the state. Wish there were better noise restrictions and the campgrounds were more separated."

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Recent Reviews near Gregory, MI

536 Reviews of 100 Gregory 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.

  • Ethan R.
    Aug. 13, 2025

    McGinnis Lake Modern Campground — Holly Recreation Area

    In the woods

    Nice campground. Paved sites. Some are pretty secluded. Downside is that the campground and stuff to do, are far apart. Bring a bike or drive. Beach is nice. Has a water park on the lake.

  • 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.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 20, 2025

    Pontiac Lake Recreation Area

    Clean & convenient

    Had a nice stay here. The campground was full but quiet. The bathrooms and showers were nice and clean with hot water. Site 71 wasn’t the most private but still nice. The spots are all pretty private due to trees and vegetation. Nice fire pit. Water hookup and dump on site.


Guide to Gregory

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."

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Gregory, MI?

According to TheDyrt.com, Gregory, MI offers a wide range of camping options, with 100 campgrounds and RV parks near Gregory, MI and 1 free dispersed camping spot.

Which is the most popular campground near Gregory, MI?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Gregory, MI is Blind Lake Rustic Campground — Pinckney Recreation Area with a 4.7-star rating from 18 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Gregory, MI?

According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Gregory, MI.