Portage Lake Campground — Waterloo Recreation Area

We had a great time here. Some very beautiful scenery. Good size lots with nice open spaces and trees for cover.

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). First word of caution, when you are putting in directions put in Portage Lake NOT Waterloo Recreation Area. We made that mistake and were directed down a dirt road! Yuck!

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. There were fire pits, picnic tables, and electric. The restrooms were closed for the season but they had a large port-a-potty.

It was quiet, due in large part to being nearly vacant this time of year. We did have one neighbor for one of our 4 nights and were surprised at how close the spots were. You don’t realize it until someone parks along side you.

We had a large snowfall the second night and it was gorgeous. With 40° temps it mostly melted the next day, but when it was coming down it was so beautiful watching it come down from inside our warm cozy trailer.

With it being off-season we didn’t get to experience any amenities to speak of, but noticed during peak season you came rent boats, shelters, and they have a concession stand.

There was some wildlife - we were greeted by a deer crossing our path. Cranes, Swans, Geese, and even a Bald Eagle soared by. I also noticed some coyote tracks in the snow as well.

We had a great view of Portage Lake from our rPod window. And we captured a sunset, some snowfall, and saw more start than we’ve seen in a long time.

Rolled in after a big storm hit the area, so the campground was without power.

They were running generators to keep the main bathroom open, but several of the other facilities had to be shut down.

Lots of branches and several big trees down, so glad I came after the storm.

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