State Recreation Area · Michigan

Waterloo State Recreation Area

Location: Jackson County, Michigan
Nearest town: 6.2 miles south of Stockbridge
Type: State Recreation Area

About Waterloo State Recreation Area

Built by the federal government during the Great Depression and leased long-term to the state, this recreation area covers more than 21,000 acres of forest, lakes and wetlands, ranking as the third-largest park in Michigan and the largest in the Lower Peninsula. Moraines, kettle lakes, swamps and bogs left by retreating glaciers shape the terrain, including the Black Spruce Bog Natural Area, a National Natural Landmark. Visitors have access to 11 lakes, four campgrounds, a nature center and over 50 miles of trails for hiking, biking, horses and cross-country skiing.

Hours, fees, camping, reservations and closures are set by the park and change often. Check the official park site before you go.

Getting there

Waterloo State Recreation Area is in Jackson County, Michigan, 6.2 miles south of Stockbridge. The Directions button takes you to the park's mapped location; the entrance may be elsewhere, so check the official site for the address to use.

State parks near Waterloo State Recreation Area

Within 60 miles, closest first, straight-line. All 80 in Michigan →

Towns near Waterloo State Recreation Area

State parks near Jackson, State parks near Ann Arbor, State parks near Lansing, State parks near Adrian, State parks near Livonia, State parks near Owosso

Facts from Wikidata, checked September 25, 2026. Distances are straight-line.