Portage Lake Campground

For anyone living in Michigan, the call of the wild and the desire for a refreshing escape into nature are often strong. We are incredibly fortunate to live in a state blessed with an abundance of lakes, forests, and state parks, each offering unique opportunities to unwind and reconnect with the outdoors. Among these fantastic destinations is Portage Lake Campground, a well-regarded spot nestled within the expansive Waterloo Recreation Area near Grass Lake. It’s a place that truly embodies the spirit of Michigan camping, providing a welcoming environment for families, avid hikers, and those simply looking for a quiet retreat.

Portage Lake Campground is part of the larger Waterloo Recreation Area, which is one of the largest state parks in the Lower Peninsula, encompassing over 21,000 acres. This vast natural expanse is home to 11 lakes and miles of trails, making it a true outdoor paradise. The campground itself offers a blend of modern conveniences and natural beauty, making it suitable for a variety of camping styles, from tent camping to RV and trailer setups. It’s known for being a clean and well-maintained facility, features that are consistently praised by visitors. While it provides a peaceful setting, it also offers easy access to a wealth of activities, ensuring there's something for everyone to enjoy, whether you're seeking adventure or pure relaxation.

The charm of Portage Lake Campground lies in its ability to offer a classic Michigan camping experience without sacrificing comfort. Imagine spending your days exploring scenic trails, taking a dip in the lake, or simply enjoying a campfire under the stars. This campground provides that quintessential outdoor experience right in our backyard, making it an ideal choice for locals looking to enjoy Michigan’s natural beauty without traveling too far from home.

Portage Lake Campground is conveniently located at 11700 Seymour Rd, Grass Lake, MI 49240, USA. This address places it squarely within the Waterloo Recreation Area, a significant advantage for campers who want immediate access to a wide range of outdoor activities.

Getting to the campground is straightforward, especially for those traveling from major Michigan cities. It's situated between Grass Lake and Chelsea, and generally accessible from I-94. If you’re coming from Jackson, it's approximately a 16-minute drive, while Ann Arbor is about 22 minutes away, and Lansing around 44 minutes. This relatively short drive from urban centers makes Portage Lake Campground an appealing choice for weekend getaways or even longer stays without a lengthy commute.

The campground’s placement within the sprawling Waterloo Recreation Area means campers are immediately surrounded by natural beauty and recreational opportunities. The local area also provides convenient access to small towns like Grass Lake, which offers basic amenities such as a grocery store, local eateries, and a laundromat. This balance of being immersed in nature while still being close to essential services is a key aspect of the campground's appeal for local users. The precise location within the large recreation area means it's generally quiet, contributing to the serene camping experience often sought by visitors. While some reviews mention a gravel road leading to the campground, overall accessibility is good, and it’s well-integrated into the state park system.

Portage Lake Campground, as a modern Michigan State Park campground, offers a range of services designed to make your stay comfortable and enjoyable:

• Diverse Campsite Options: The campground features over 130 sites suitable for tents, trailers, and RVs up to 50 feet long. Many sites include electrical hookups (30-amp and 50-amp service), picnic tables, and fire pits. There are also both shaded and open sites available.
• Modern Restrooms and Showers: Each campground loop is equipped with modern toilet and shower buildings, ensuring cleanliness and convenience for all campers. These facilities are generally available from April 1 through December 1, with portable toilets available in the off-season.
• Sanitation Station: A dedicated sanitation station provides potable water and a two-lane dump station for RVs, making it easy to manage waste and replenish water supplies.
• Potable Water Access: Drinking water is available at the campground’s fill station when temperatures are above freezing, and from spigots on toilet buildings during colder months.
• Accessible Camper Cabin: For those seeking a unique camping experience or without their own RV, an accessible camper cabin is available. This cabin, overlooking Portage Lake, sleeps up to six and includes a full-size bed, a futon, and a bunk bed, along with electrical service, heat, a mini-fridge, microwave, and coffee maker.
• Boat Launch: Direct access to a boat launch on Big Portage Lake is available, meeting ADAAG standards for universal accessibility, allowing for easy watercraft entry.
• Concession/Store: 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 during the season (mid-May through early October).

Portage Lake Campground offers several key features and highlights that enhance the camping experience:

• Lakeside Location on Portage Lake: The campground is directly situated on Big Portage Lake, providing beautiful views and easy access to water activities like swimming, boating, and fishing. There's a designated swim area with a sandy beach that, while noted by some as being a bit small, is generally clean and enjoyable.
• Extensive Trail System: Being within the Waterloo Recreation Area, campers have access to numerous trails for hiking, biking (including the DTE Energy Foundation Trail), and even horseback riding. This makes it an ideal spot for outdoor adventurers who love to explore on foot or by bike.
• Family-Friendly Playground: The campground boasts a very nice playground with separate areas for younger and older children, a significant highlight for families camping with kids.
• Quiet and Clean Environment: Consistently praised by visitors, the campground is known for its quiet and peaceful atmosphere, offering a serene escape from city noise. The facilities, including bathrooms and showers, are regularly noted for their cleanliness and good maintenance.
• Variety of Sites: The availability of electric hookups, combined with sites that vary in sun and shade, caters to different preferences and camping setups. While some sites may be unlevel, many flat and spacious options are also available.
• Seasonal Activities: Depending on the season, visitors can enjoy diverse activities such as disc golf, fishing for various species like Largemouth Bass and Northern Pike, and even winter camping opportunities.

Specific promotions or special offers for Portage Lake Campground are typically not advertised independently but are part of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) state park system. As such, any discounts or special rates would generally align with state-wide park promotions, senior discounts, or off-peak season pricing available through the Michigan DNR. It is always recommended that prospective campers visit the Michigan DNR website or contact Portage Lake Campground directly at the provided phone number to inquire about current rates, reservation policies, and any special offers that might be available for their planned visit. State park campgrounds often have tiered pricing based on site type (e.g., modern vs. rustic, electric vs. non-electric) and time of year.

For inquiries, reservations, or more detailed information about Portage Lake Campground, please use the following contact details:

Address: 11700 Seymour Rd, Grass Lake, MI 49240, USA

Phone: (734) 475-8307

Mobile Phone: +1 734-475-8307

For residents of Michigan, Portage Lake Campground stands out as an exceptional choice for a camping adventure. Its location within the vast and diverse Waterloo Recreation Area means that a wealth of outdoor activities is literally at your doorstep. Whether you’re an avid hiker, a keen fisherman, or simply looking to relax by the water, the opportunities are abundant. The campground's proximity to Portage Lake, with its dedicated swimming beach and boat launch, offers fantastic options for water-based recreation, making it particularly appealing during Michigan’s warm summer months.

The consistently positive feedback regarding the campground's cleanliness, quiet atmosphere, and well-maintained facilities speaks volumes about the quality of experience you can expect. Families, in particular, will appreciate the very nice playground, which provides a safe and engaging space for children. While some sites may present leveling challenges for RVs, the overall availability of spacious, modern sites with essential hookups ensures a comfortable stay for most.

Ultimately, Portage Lake Campground offers a quintessential Michigan outdoor experience. It's a place where you can easily disconnect from daily routines, immerse yourself in nature, and create lasting memories with family and friends. Its accessibility from various parts of the state makes it a convenient and practical option for a local getaway. For anyone in Michigan yearning for fresh air, beautiful scenery, and a well-equipped basecamp for outdoor exploration, Portage Lake Campground in Grass Lake is undoubtedly a highly suitable destination.