Camper submitted image from Pontiac Lake Recreation Area - 1
View All
Camper submitted image from Pontiac Lake Recreation Area - 2
Nature
Camper submitted image from Pontiac Lake Recreation Area - 3
Facilities
Camper submitted image from Pontiac Lake Recreation Area - 4
Camping
Camper submitted image from Pontiac Lake Recreation Area - 5
Buildings

Established Camping

Pontiac Lake Recreation Area

Review Campground Win Gear

Do you own or manage this property?

Claim Your Listing

Pontiac Lake Recreation Area, near Waterford, Michigan, is a fantastic destination for those seeking a peaceful camping experience without straying too far from home. With a mix of spacious sites and a friendly atmosphere, it’s perfect for families and solo adventurers alike.

The campground boasts well-maintained facilities, including clean restrooms and hot showers, which visitors appreciate after a day of outdoor activities. Many campers have noted the privacy of the sites, with plenty of trees and space between them, making it feel more secluded. As one happy camper put it, “It’s quiet there, it’s more peaceful than HOME.”

Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty to do here. The area features extensive mountain biking and horseback riding trails, plus access to Pontiac Lake for kayaking and boating. If you’re up for a little hike, the beach is about a 1.8-mile trek from the East loop, offering a nice escape into nature.

Whether you’re looking to unwind by the campfire or explore the scenic surroundings, Pontiac Lake Recreation Area has a welcoming vibe that keeps campers coming back. With its combination of natural beauty and convenient amenities, it’s a great choice for a quick getaway or a longer stay.

Description

State Park

Michigan Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into state parks and recreation areas, state boat launches, state forest campgrounds and state trail parking lots. The Michigan Recreation Passport does not cover local, county, municipal, or metropolitan parks or recreation areas. Learn more: https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-350-79134_79210---,00.html

Suggest an Edit

Location

Pontiac Lake Recreation Area is located in Michigan

Detail location of campground

Directions

From jct US 23 & Hwy 59: Go 13 mi E on Hwy 59, then 2-1/2 mi N on Teggerdine Rd.

Address

7800 Gale Rd
Waterford, MI 48327

Coordinates

42.68627953 N
83.47273097 W

Open in Google Maps

The Dyrt Alerts

Get reservations at sold-out campgrounds.

Learn More

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Fair
  • Verizon
    Good
  • AT&T
    Good
  • T-Mobile
    Good

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group
  • Cabins
  • Equestrian

Features

For Campers

  • Market
  • ADA Access
  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Firewood Available
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • Showers
  • Drinking Water
  • Electric Hookups
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump
  • Pull-Through Sites
  • 30 Amp Hookups
  • Big Rig Friendly

Drive Time


Reviews

Add Review

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

44%
50%
10%
0%
0%

4.5

out of 5

16 Reviews

Reviewed Apr. 29, 2024

A great getaway that's not too far

A very quiet campground. The sites are spread out and only 2 vehicles per site are allowed. The East campground is more open and had 3 small cabins that can be rented. The West camping is more wooded and isolated. An extensive horse back riding trail system and MTB trails are easily accessible.

Site138
Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Pontiac Lake Recreation Area by Howard M., April 29, 2024
Reviewed Apr. 30, 2022

Nice Michigan State Park

Camped here opening weekend of 2022 (April 29). Nice park with several sites for our bigger rig. Leveling would be more of the challenge. But, we eventually got to 145 which was pretty good and very doable from leveling Stand point. Large well kept grassy site. Nice fire ring. No water or sewer at site but fill and dump available in park. Our Verizon WiFi coverage was good as was our TMobile. Staff was very accommodating and helpful. Seemed there to serve. We experienced no issues with our 30 amp (20 & 30 only available). Didn’t need air conditioning but electric heat was our main heat source and worked fine.

Site145
Month of VisitApril
Reviewed Mar. 19, 2022

I think it's a pretty good campground!

I would go there for a weekend, or even a night to just get away from the Rick raff of work and stuff. I think it's very well maintained! You hear people say they are dissatisfied about this, or dissatisfied about that. It's a CAMPGROUND people! Not a hotel! If you want to be catered to; go stay in a hotel! I think this campground is one of the best I've stayed in! People should learn to be thankful, for the amenities that they're given. It's quiet there, it's more peaceful than HOME. You hear people complain about their time at campgrounds, but only a few people tell how good of an experience they've had! I think it was great there!! I'm going again!!

SiteI don't remember the site number.
Month of VisitApril
Reviewed Sep. 2, 2021

beautiful

I think this is the prettiest campground I have ever seen. Lots of space and hills and trees.

Site128
Month of VisitAugust
Reviewed Jul. 25, 2021

Toto I don't think we in Kansas anymore

The staff were very friendly and helpful. Other campers were also very friendly and helpful...We didn't get to experience much of the campground because we were only there long enough to set the camper up and really it wasn't even fully up when a tornado went through. Campground was basically not navigateable by foot or car. The beach had already been closed because of water conditions. The pads for campers seemed on the narrow side my small camper barely fit on it. I never made it to the rest rooms or showers to say anything about them.... It looked like the camp is well maintained when we got there but ......wellll....They did give refunds to everyone because they ended up closing the camp to clean up the mess

Site125
Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed Jun. 15, 2021

Nice sites close to home

Close to the house if I need a quick camping fix. Very clean restrooms and hot showers. The campsites on the hilltop used to be our favorite in the fall. They put cabins on them last year which for us is disappointing. Lots of trails throughout. Have even hiked in from the beach to camp for a night.

Reviewed Oct. 8, 2020

Camping close to home

Clean campground and well maintained. Two different loops to choose from for camping. Only drawback is the distance from the lake. The lake is not within walking distance, you would need to drive.

Reviewed Aug. 16, 2020

Private camping

Very private sites. I was surprised at how well each site was hidden from the others. Restrooms can be a bit far from some sites. Nice little dog park by the beach too.

  • Review photo of Pontiac Lake Recreation Area by Kelly G., August 16, 2020
  • Review photo of Pontiac Lake Recreation Area by Kelly G., August 16, 2020
Reviewed Jul. 14, 2019

Quick get away

Wonderful place for a quick get away. Park is clean. Beach is a 1.8 mile hike from the East loop in the campground but is well worth the walk. (Trail is not stroller/wagon friendly) If you are hoping to hook up to electrical, bring extension cords; some hook ups are exceptionally far away from the designated RV parking pad. Extensive mountain biking trails and the lake is open to boating, kayaking, and other water sports. Park offers lots of private sites! We stayed in site 118 and could not see neighboring sites! The site was very spacious and offered picnic table, fire ring, paved pad, and electrical hook up. (hook up in this specific site was considerably far away.)

  • Review photo of Pontiac Lake Recreation Area by Mary H., July 14, 2019
  • Review photo of Pontiac Lake Recreation Area by Mary H., July 14, 2019
  • Review photo of Pontiac Lake Recreation Area by Mary H., July 14, 2019
  • (4) View All
Reviewed May. 29, 2019

Hidden Gem

Very nice sites. Wooded and up north feel. Great hiking and world class mountain bike trails. Nice big lake. Only drawback is you must drive to the lake or hike 1.8 miles through the woods on a trail to get there. No camp store. Equestrian trails and I hear they have a remote control airplane field and shooting range.

  • Review photo of Pontiac Lake Recreation Area by Christie V., May 29, 2019
  • Review photo of Pontiac Lake Recreation Area by Christie V., May 29, 2019
  • Review photo of Pontiac Lake Recreation Area by Christie V., May 29, 2019
Reviewed Oct. 15, 2018

Private sites

This campground is my FAVORITE in Oakland County. The sites aren't super far away from each other but there are trees between sites so from most of the sites you can't really see your neighbors. The camping loops also link to a one mile trail which will lead you to the beach if you like hiking!

Reviewed Jul. 8, 2018

wonderful campground!

There are tons of mosquitoes and ticks, so make sure you bring bug spray. Also make sure that all food and garbage is secure at night, the raccoons have no fear.

Reviewed May. 31, 2018

Nice sites but tons of bugs

We go here every year with friends and the staff is so nice. The spots are big and well maintained. The biggest drawback is the enormous amounts of mosquitos and ticks in the sites. Every night we had to triple check each other and our pets for ticks. We found at least 1a night on us. Last trip I came home with over 30 mosquito bites.

Site82
Month of VisitMay

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How much does it cost to camp at Pontiac Lake Recreation Area?

    Camping at Pontiac Lake Recreation Area can starts at $22.00.

  • Does Pontiac Lake Recreation Area have RV hookups?

    According to TheDyrt.com, Pontiac Lake Recreation Area has 30 amp electric hookups.

  • What is the max vehicle length at Pontiac Lake Recreation Area?

    Pontiac Lake Recreation Area allows vehicles up to 40 feet.

  • Are fires allowed at Pontiac Lake Recreation Area?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Pontiac Lake Recreation Area, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Is there cell phone reception at Pontiac Lake Recreation Area?

    According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is good, AT&T is good, and T-Mobile is good.