Waterloo Green Lake Campground

About

Green Lake Rustic Campground is a primitive camping destination located within Waterloo State Recreation Area, the largest state park in Michigan's Lower Peninsula at over 20,000 acres. The campground occupies a scenic position on the eastern shore of Green Lake, approximately 6 miles north of Chelsea. Each of the 25 sites includes a fire ring and picnic table, with three vault toilets and a hand-pump well providing basic facilities throughout the campground. The location offers excellent access to recreational opportunities. A small boat dock accommodates canoes and kayaks for exploring Green Lake's waters. Trail enthusiasts can connect to an extensive network including the DTE Energy Foundation Trail, Waterloo-Pinckney Trail, and the Border-to-Border Trail. The surrounding recreation area features 11 inland lakes, hunting opportunities, and the Gerald Eddy Discovery Center for nature education. As a rustic campground, Green Lake provides a quieter, more primitive experience compared to the modern campgrounds in the recreation area. Sites are generally spacious with decent tree cover, though terrain can be uneven. The remote feel and minimal light pollution make it a popular spot for stargazing.

Directions

From Chelsea, head north on M-52 for approximately 5 miles. Turn west into Waterloo Recreation Area and follow signs to Green Lake Campground.