Wooded sites spread across two distinct loops create a surprisingly private camping experience despite the campground's proximity to metro Detroit. The West loop offers more isolation among dense trees, while the East loop provides slightly more open sites with better access to facilities. Both areas maintain the quiet atmosphere that draws repeat visitors seeking a quick escape from urban life.
Site privacy stands out as a defining feature here. Mary H. notes that from site 118, "could not see neighboring sites" due to the thick vegetation between spots. Most sites include paved pads, picnic tables, and fire rings, though electrical hookups sometimes require long extension cords to reach RV parking areas. The campground accommodates rigs up to 40 feet, with some sites offering better leveling than others.
Mountain biking trails wind throughout the recreation area, connecting to extensive equestrian paths and hiking routes. The lake itself sits 1.8 miles from the East loop campground via a narrow trail not suitable for strollers or wagons. Boating, kayaking, and swimming happen at the beach, though campers must drive 5.3 miles by road to reach the water access. The recreation area also features a remote control airplane field and shooting range.
Facilities include clean restrooms with hot showers, drinking water, and a dump station, though individual sites lack water and sewer hookups. Cell coverage works well for most carriers. The campground operates year-round with reservations available, and the two-vehicle limit per site helps maintain the quiet environment that reviewers consistently mention.
For campers wanting closer lake access, Highland State Recreation Area sits 5 miles southwest with waterfront camping options.
Description
Michigan Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into state parks and recreation areas, state boat launches, state forest campgrounds and state trail parking lots. The Michigan Recreation Passport does not cover local, county, municipal, or metropolitan parks or recreation areas. Learn more: https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-350-79134_79210---,00.html
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundPontiac Lake Recreation Area is located in Michigan
Directions
From jct US 23 & Hwy 59: Go 13 mi E on Hwy 59, then 2-1/2 mi N on Teggerdine Rd.
Address
7800 Gale Rd
Waterford, MI 48327
Coordinates
42.68627953 N
83.47273097 W
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 4/1/26
- Verizon5GExcellent Coverage
- AT&T5GExcellent Coverage
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 4/1/26
- Verizon5GExcellent Coverage
- AT&T5GExcellent Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Cabins
- Equestrian
Features
For Campers
- Market
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Showers
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- 30 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 27 min from Flint, MI
- 40 min from Ann Arbor, MI
- 43 min from Detroit, MI
- 1 hr 1 min from Monroe, MI



















