The Waterloo Recreation Area spans more than 20,000 acres in southeast Michigan, offering diverse terrain for outdoor enthusiasts within an hour's drive of Jerome. This extensive recreation area connects to the neighboring Pinckney Recreation Area through a network of trails with elevations ranging from 850-1,100 feet. Summer temperatures typically reach 80-85°F during peak camping season, with cooler nights around 60°F.
What to do
Mountain biking through varied terrain: Fort Custer Recreation Area maintains extensive trail networks for cyclists of all skill levels. "Endless hiking trails and two lakes where you can fish, swim, and boat," mentions Bob B., who recommends the area for its recreational diversity.
Kayaking on quiet lakes: Bishop Lake Campground offers water recreation options beyond the equestrian trails. "Our favorite was the lake for kayaking," notes Debra B., who enjoyed the water access despite the walk from the campground to the beach.
Swimming and water play: The beach areas at Waterloo Sugarloaf Modern provide summer cooling options. "They rode bikes around the loop and loved swimming and the playground," writes Kim S. about her family's experience, highlighting the recreational facilities beyond the equestrian options.
What campers like
Secluded camping options: Many campers appreciate the privacy available at certain sites. At Fort Custer, "We found a campsite that was large with vegetation separating us from neighbors," reports Art S., noting how this provided a more natural camping experience.
Clean facilities: Pokagon State Park Campground receives praise for its upkeep. Mary H. notes, "The park is beautifully maintained. The bathroom and shower facilities were clean and updated," representing a common appreciation for the camp amenities.
Family-friendly atmosphere: The campgrounds create environments where children can enjoy outdoor activities safely. "They offer all types of camping. A lot of trails for biking and hiking," observes Melissa M. at Brighton Recreation Area, highlighting the variety of activities available for families.
What you should know
Mosquito preparation essential: Bug protection is particularly important in wooded and wetland areas. Ryan F. warns about Brighton Recreation Area: "The biggest problem was mosquito activity. The camping area sits on an inaccessible lake with a marsh area... everyone had screen houses set up."
Campsite privacy varies significantly: Open sites with limited screening are common at Hell Creek Ranch & Campground. Chad B. notes, "As a camper, it was almost impossible to see anything natural around us since we surrounded by RVs and pop-ups," though he still plans to return.
Weather contingency planning: Thunderstorms can affect camping experiences in the region. One camper at Pokagon State Park mentioned, "We stopped here for a night on our cross-country trip, wish we had 2 nights because we had lots of thunderstorms," suggesting flexibility in planning is important.
Tips for camping with families
Beach access planning: Proximity to swimming varies between sites. "The beach was nice but you have to walk a trail to get to it from the campground or drive," advises Debra B. about Bishop Lake, suggesting families plan accordingly for beach days.
Kid-friendly amenities: Look for campgrounds with dedicated play areas. "There's 500+ sites, but all nicely separated and shaded. There's an inn, restaurant, cabins, boat rentals, horseback riding, bike trails, beach, toboggan run, etc.," reports Amy K. about Pokagon State Park.
Evening activities: Families should prepare evening entertainment. At Brighton Recreation Area, one camper reported "lots of kids on bikes" in the evenings, suggesting bringing bikes and outdoor games for children.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger rigs: Beth G. cautions about Waterloo Recreation Area: "Site was a little small for our 38foot - we had to go sideways which opened us up to other campers." RVers should carefully check site dimensions when booking.
Electric hookup options: Most local campgrounds offer limited services. "Sites have electrical service only. Must use the dump station," notes VB S. about Fort Custer, a common situation in state parks throughout the region.
Level site considerations: Many sites in the area present leveling challenges. At Brighton Recreation Area, one camper mentioned, "Our site wasn't level, so we were rolling around a bit," suggesting RVers bring adequate leveling equipment.
