Waterloo Recreation Area
Waterloo Recreation Area is a public state park in Michigan near Chelsea in Jackson, Washtenaw County. Spanning 21,000 acres and established in 1935, this park offers a peaceful retreat into nature for visitors of all ages.
Quick Facts
| State | Michigan |
| Nearest City | Chelsea |
| County | Jackson, Washtenaw |
| Park Size | 21,000 acres |
| Established | 1935 |
| Google Rating | ⭐ 4.5/5 (450 reviews) |
| Accessibility | Accessible The beach house is in the day-use area on Portage Lake and includes restrooms, boat rentals, changing stalls and a concession store. available. Accessible There are public boat launches located on Big Portage, Cedar, Doyle (carry-down launch), Green, Crooked, Mill, Mud, Walsh, Sugarloaf (Sugarloaf campers only) and Winnewana lakes. A handful of the sites are accessible, including Big Portage, Green, Crooked, Sugarloaf (Sugarloaf campers only) and Winnewana lakes. available. Accessible JR’s Concessions, located at the beach house in the day-use area on Portage Lake, offers food concessions, grocery items, camping supplies and boat rentals. available. Accessible An accessible fishing pier is located at Crooked Lake. available. Accessible There is a modern restroom located at the Gerald Eddy Discovery Center. available. Accessible The Gerald E. Eddy Discovery Center, located at 17030 Bush Road in Chelsea, introduces visitors to the fascinating world of geology and to the diverse natural habitats found within Waterloo’s 20,000-plus acres. available. |
Location & Getting There
Waterloo Recreation Area is located near Chelsea, Michigan. The park’s coordinates are 42.3614, -84.1908.
Things to Do
Michigan’s state park system — one of the largest in the nation — stretches across two peninsulas surrounded by four Great Lakes, offering extraordinary variety. Activities include swimming and sunbathing on freshwater beaches that rival ocean coastlines, hiking sand dune bluffs with panoramic lake views, fishing for walleye, bass, and salmon in rivers and Great Lakes tributaries, camping in pine forests steps from the beach, kayaking along dramatic Pictured Rocks-style shorelines, mountain biking through rolling hardwood forests, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling in the Upper Peninsula, and exploring historic lighthouses dotting the coastline. Michigan’s state parks include some of the finest freshwater beaches in the world.
Best Time to Visit
Michigan’s park season centers on summer (June–August), when Great Lakes beaches warm up, trails are fully accessible, and campgrounds are buzzing with activity. Lake Michigan water temperatures peak in August (65–75°F). Fall (September–October) brings spectacular foliage — the Upper Peninsula and northern Lower Peninsula peak in late September, while southern parks follow in October. Spring (April–May) is muddy but great for wildflowers and waterfall viewing. Winter transforms many parks into Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, and ice fishing destinations. The Upper Peninsula receives 200+ inches of annual snowfall, creating a winter recreation paradise. Recreation Passport ($17) required for vehicle entry — add it to your license plate registration for the best value.
Visitor Tips
Michigan state parks require a Recreation Passport ($17 for Michigan residents, $34 for non-residents) for vehicle entry. Purchase it with your license plate renewal for automatic access all year. Camping reservations are made through the Michigan DNR reservation system up to 6 months in advance. Lakefront campsites at popular parks like Holland, Ludington, and Traverse City sell out within hours of opening. Bring warm layers even in summer — Great Lakes breezes can drop temperatures significantly near the water.
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
Waterloo 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.
