Pinckney Recreation Area
Pinckney Recreation Area is a public state park in Michigan near Pinckney in Livingston, Washtenaw County. Spanning 11,000 acres and established in 1944, this park offers a peaceful retreat into nature for visitors of all ages.
Quick Facts
| State | Michigan |
| Nearest City | Pinckney |
| County | Livingston, Washtenaw |
| Park Size | 11,000 acres |
| Established | 1944 |
| Google Rating | ⭐ 4.5/5 (400 reviews) |
| Accessibility | Accessible Boaters and anglers will find great opportunities on the many lakes throughout the recreation area. There are improved boat launches on Bruin, Halfmoon, South, North, Joslin and Portage lakes. Unimproved ramps are located on, Crooked, Gosling and Hiland Lakes. There are hand-carry access sites onto Sullivan Lake and Pickerel Lake. The chain of seven lakes can be accessed from Bruin and Halfmoon. Bruin Lake access site is open to the public for launch, however the beach at Bruin Lake is only open to campers and their visitors. There is a day-use beach and picnic area at Halfmoon and Silver Lake (Silver Lake does not have boating access). available. Accessible available. Accessible Boat rentals, a trail system, seasonal modern toilet facilities, playground, volleyball courts, horseshoe pits and a fishing pier are available at Silver Lake beach and picnic area. A boat launch, picnic shelters, trail access, volleyball court, horseshoe pits and playground are available at Halfmoon Lake beach and picnic area. available. Accessible Two picnic shelters are available at Half Moon Lake. These shelters can be reserved up to a year in advance by calling 1-800-447-2757 or visiting www.midnrreservations.com. available. Accessible The Glenbrook Yurt is located on a ridge overlooking the Portage River and Halfmoon Lake and is on the shortcut on the Potawatomi Trail. available. |
Location & Getting There
Pinckney Recreation Area is located near Pinckney, Michigan. The park’s coordinates are 42.4261, -83.9708.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Michigan Recreation Passport?
The Recreation Passport ($17 for residents, $34 for non-residents) is required for vehicle entry to all Michigan state parks and recreation areas. It can be purchased when registering your vehicle or at park entrances.
What are the best state parks in Michigan's Upper Peninsula?
Top UP parks include Pictured Rocks (stunning cliffs), Tahquamenon Falls (second-largest waterfall east of Mississippi), Porcupine Mountains (wilderness hiking), and Copper Harbor area parks for remote beauty.
Can I camp on the beach in Michigan?
Several Michigan state parks offer beachfront or near-beach camping on the Great Lakes, including Ludington, Holland, and Sleeping Bear Dunes area campgrounds. Lakefront sites are extremely popular and sell out quickly.
When is the best time to visit Michigan state parks?
Summer (June through August) is peak season for beaches and camping. Fall brings spectacular foliage, especially along the Lake Michigan shoreline. Winter offers cross-country skiing and ice fishing at many parks.
Explore More Michigan State Parks
Pinckney Recreation Area is one of many outstanding state parks in Michigan. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Michigan guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
