Waterloo-Group Use Area Camp

Star0
3 reviews
Waterloo-Group Use Area Camp
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

997 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

5 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Michigan DNR site

Official Website
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Waterloo-Group Use Area Camp
No fees available
Campsite Fees
Nightly fee: Contact the park.
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Michigan
Provider
(734) 475-8307
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What Campers Say

N/A

Limited Reviews

Based on 3 reviews

1 Google reviews

Most mentioned

hiking

"Very positive — reviewer calls Waterloo Recreation Area an underutilized southeast Michigan gem with a wide range of activities."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Waterloo-Group Use Area Camp

Waterloo-Group Use Area Camp

42.3252, -84.2415

Located in the Portage Lake Unit of Waterloo Recreation Area; sources note the recreation area is close to I‑94 and nearby small towns.
Nearby places
Chelsea
Hell
Brighton (distances not provided)
Nearby supplies
Small nearby towns such as Chelsea, Hell, and Brighton are mentioned for shopping/day trips.

Best Time to Camp at Waterloo-Group Use Area Camp

Summer brings this recreation area to life, with warm days perfect for swimming, hiking, and gathering around the campfire under star-filled skies. While weekends draw crowds of fellow nature enthusiasts during peak season, the popularity is a testament to just how special this place truly is—plan ahead to secure your spot in this beloved Michigan retreat.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Summer 'brings the area to life' with swimming, hiking, and warm campfire nights noted.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Wooded hardwoods and trails imply strong fall color and hiking opportunities (explicit fall praise limited).

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Spring offers trails and wetland/wildlife viewing; seasonal specifics are limited in the description.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.0 / 5

Winter use not described; likely limited without specified winter facilities or programs.

Planning Tips

    About Waterloo-Group Use Area Camp

    Tucked within the beautiful Portage Lake Unit of Waterloo Recreation Area, this rustic group camping field offers the perfect blend of peaceful seclusion and convenient access to adventure. Your group will enjoy a primitive setting just steps from Portage Lake's shores, with modern campground amenities nearby and miles of scenic trails waiting to be explored.
    Rustic group use area in the Portage Lake unit of Waterloo Recreation Area. Designed for organized groups and located near the Portage Lake modern campground facilities.
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    Amenities available

    Vault toilets
    Group Sites

    Activities you can enjoy

    Group use field within the Portage Lake unit of Waterloo Recreation Area, providing access to the area's extensive trails, lakes, beaches and outdoor recreation. The group area itself is a rustic field but is a short drive from modern campground facilities at Portage Lake and Sugarloaf.
    HikingDry Marsh Trail (Portage Lake campground) and the Waterloo/Pinckney hiking trail are a short distance from the group use area.
    FishingFishing opportunities exist on Portage Lake and other nearby park lakes; anglers access shoreline and launch areas from the modern campgrounds and park lakeshores.
    SwimmingSwimming is available at sandy beaches on Portage Lake and at Sugarloaf campground a short drive from the group field.
    Biking
    Boating
    Wildlife viewing
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    Policies & Safety

    Hazards & AlertsTypical southern Michigan forest/wetland hazards noted in sources include mosquitoes and ticks in warmer months; no reports of large‑predator problems at this site. Cell coverage in parts of the Portage Lake/Sugarloaf area is reported as variable (Verizon and AT&T: some coverage; T‑Mobile: little to none), though exact coverage at the group field is not documented.

    Weather at Waterloo-Group Use Area Camp

    Reviews

    0.0
    3 reviews
    Limited Reviews
    Limited Reviews
    Waterloo-Group Use Area Camp has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
    Very positive — reviewer calls Waterloo Recreation Area an underutilized southeast Michigan gem with a wide range of activities.
    Review Summaries
    Based on 3 reviews

    What Campers Love

    Reviewer highlights a wide range of activities available: hiking, swimming, biking, and horseback riding.
    Based on 3 reviews

    Camper Quotes

    The Waterloo rec area is an underutilized SE Michigan gem with a wide range of activities from hiking, swimming, biking and horseback riding.
    Based on 3 reviews

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    Last updated February 2, 2026
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