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Portage Lake Campground — Waterloo Recreation Area

4 Reviews

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CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Portage Lake Campground, located near Grass Lake, MI, offers a setting with forests and lakes. Temperatures range from lows around 20°F in winter to highs near 80°F in summer. Campers can explore the nearby Waterloo Recreation Area and enjoy activities at Portage Lake.

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Location

Portage Lake Campground — Waterloo Recreation Area is located in Michigan

Detail location of campground

Address

16345 Mcclure Rd
Grass Lake, MI 49240

Coordinates

42.3252042 N
84.2416564 W

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Detours Nearby

LOCAL FAVORITES PRESENTED BYToyota Trucks
Myers Lake Camping & Cabins

Myers Lake Camping & Cabins

1 hr 1 min away

Camp Agawam

Camp Agawam

1 hr 11 min away

Drive Time

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Access

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

Connectivity

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  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
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    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage

Site Types

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

Features

For Campers

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

For Vehicles

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

Contact

General Info

Reservations

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Reviews

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4 Reviews

Fxcking T.
Reviewed Mar. 29, 2025

Fort cluster

A wonderful place to pop in for a day or 3 and just relax in nature, beware of bugs though!

Sitea3
Month of VisitJune
GThe Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Oct. 16, 2022

Nice park

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

Site13
Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Portage Lake Campground — Waterloo Recreation Area by Gary E., October 16, 2022
Rodger M.
Reviewed Jan. 3, 2022

Winter Wonderland Retreat from our RPod

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.

Site#28
Month of VisitDecember
  • Review photo of Portage Lake Campground — Waterloo Recreation Area by Rodger M., January 3, 2022
  • Review photo of Portage Lake Campground — Waterloo Recreation Area by Rodger M., January 3, 2022
  • Review photo of Portage Lake Campground — Waterloo Recreation Area by Rodger M., January 3, 2022
  • (5) View All
Tucker B.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Aug. 25, 2021

Arrived After a Big Storm!

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!

Site85
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Portage Lake Campground — Waterloo Recreation Area by Tucker B., August 25, 2021
  • Review photo of Portage Lake Campground — Waterloo Recreation Area by Tucker B., August 25, 2021
  • Review photo of Portage Lake Campground — Waterloo Recreation Area by Tucker B., August 25, 2021
  • (8) View All
Showing results 1-4 of 4 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make reservations at Portage Lake Campground in Waterloo Recreation Area?

Reservations for Portage Lake Campground can be made through the Michigan Department of Natural Resources reservation system. Sites can be booked up to six months in advance of your arrival date. It's recommended to reserve early for summer weekends and holidays as the campground can fill quickly during peak season. When making your reservation, be sure to enter "Portage Lake Campground" specifically, not just Waterloo Recreation Area, to ensure you're booking the correct location within the park.

What are the rates and fees for camping at Portage Lake Campground?

Portage Lake Campground in the Waterloo Recreation Area requires standard Michigan state park camping fees. You'll need a Michigan Recreation Passport or daily entrance permit to access the park, plus nightly camping fees which vary by season and site type. Prices are typically in line with other Michigan state parks, with different rates for modern versus rustic sites. For current and specific fee information, contact the campground directly or check the Michigan DNR website before planning your trip.

Where is Portage Lake Campground located in Michigan?

Portage Lake Campground is located within the Waterloo Recreation Area near Chelsea, Michigan. When navigating to the campground, it's important to enter "Portage Lake Campground" specifically into your GPS rather than just Waterloo Recreation Area to arrive at the correct location. The campground sits along the shores of Portage Lake in southeast Michigan, not far from Jackson. It's conveniently situated within a reasonable drive from both Ann Arbor and Detroit.

What recreational activities are available at Portage Lake Campground?

Portage Lake Campground offers numerous recreational opportunities for visitors. The lake provides excellent swimming, fishing, and paddling options with beautiful scenery. Hiking trails wind through the surrounding Waterloo Recreation Area, giving access to diverse landscapes and wildlife viewing. The campground features good-sized lots with a mix of open spaces and tree coverage, creating a balance of sun and shade. There are bathroom facilities on-site, though availability may be affected during power outages. Visitors can enjoy peaceful nature experiences, but should come prepared for insects, especially during warmer months.

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