With its diverse landscapes, abundant wildlife and endless recreational opportunities, Pinckney Recreation Area is a must-visit destination for campers, mountain bikers, anglers and other recreation enthusiasts. Nestled amidst rolling hills and serene lakes, the landscape features a terminal moraine area formed during the last glaciation period.
Pinckney is known for its extensive trail system and chain of excellent fishing lakes. More than 40 miles of multi-use trail take visitors through lush forests and along sparkling lakes. For the ultimate backcountry experience, pitch a tent at one of the remote campsites scattered throughout the area.
The 11,000-acre park is a large park and fairly spread out. The park features two main day-use areas: Silver Lake and Halfmoon Lake units, where visitor enjoy picnicking, swimming, boating and relaxing by the water.
Please note: The Halfmoon Lake day-use area is closed annually from Nov. 1 to April 1. Pinckney Recreation Area is an expansive park, so please keep the following in mind:
Do Not Eat Fish' and 'Avoid Foam' advisories have been issued for sections of the Huron River and associated water bodies in Oakland, Livingston, Washtenaw and Wayne counties because high levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (or PFAS) may be present. Find consumption guidelines for fish with elevated PFOS levels.
There are boating access sites on Bruin, Halfmoon, South, North, Joslin and Portage lakes. Unimproved ramps are located on Crooked, Gosling and Hiland lakes. There are carry-down sites on Sullivan Lake and Pickerel lakes. The chain of seven lakes can be accessed from Bruin and Halfmoon.
Fishing piers are available at Silver Lake and Crooked Lake.
Two accessible hunting blinds can be reserved by calling 734-426-4913.
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.
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.
You may not possess or consume an alcoholic beverage in the 1) rented shelters in the Silver Lake and Halfmoon day-use areas and 2) within .25 miles of Pickerel Lake day-use area/parking lot April 1 through Labor Day (unless the park manager has granted written authorization through an event permit).
A beach house with change courts and showers is available at the Silver Lake Day Use Area.
The park is home to13 miles of trails, a staging area and a stable.
Pier fishing is available at Silver Lake and Crooked Lake. Shore fishing is available at Silver Lake.
An extensive trail system is available to the hiker and mountain biker. The trails all begin at Silver Lake Beach. Trailside camping is available within designated campgrounds. Please contact the park office for registration information before you camp.
The majority of the recreation area is open to hunting according to the various seasons, except for safety zones around the developed day use areas, campgrounds and office areas. There are seasonal restrictions on shooting from April 1 to September 14. Target shooting is prohibited at any time or place.
Metal detecting is allowed in certain park areas. Please consult the park map for designated locations and review applicable regulations. Only registered campers can metal detect in campgrounds.
An extensive trail system is available to the hikers and mountain bikers. The Potawatomi Mountain Biking Association (PMBA) grooms five miles of trails in the winter.
Seasonal naturalists offer nature-based programming at the park during the summer and/or fall. Check the park's explorer program calendar for dates, locations and topics.
JR’s Concession – located in the Silver Lake day-use area (near the beach) – rents kayak, canoes, stand-up paddleboard and rowboats Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Hell Canoe & Kayak Rentals – located at the Bruin Lake Campground boat launch - rents canoes and kayaks Memorial Day through Labor Day.
There are two buoyed swim areas, one at Silver Lake and one at Halfmoon Lake. The Bruin Lake beach is only open to campers.
The park is home to a handful of lakes, including Bruin, Halfmoon and Silver lakes.
This modern campground is located along a chain of seven lakes.
The campground is located at 21237 Kaiser Road, Gregory, MI 48137.
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Located on a small hill in the Bruin Lake Campground, this yurt does not have electricity but does have access to the modern bathrooms and showers in Spring, Summer and Fall.
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Glenbrook Yurt is located on a ridge overlooking Portage River and Halfmoon Lake. Accessible by biking, hiking and driving, it is just steps away from Potawatomi trail and only one mile from Hell, Michigan.
This yurt sleeps five and includes a picnic table, grill and fire circle, hand-pump water well and an outhouse outside. An indoor propane cooking stove and heater are available but you must bring your own propane canisters. Boat rentals and a chain of lakes are also nearby.
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The Blind Lake Rustic Campground is located about halfway along the 17-mile Potawatomi Trail in Pinckney Recreation Area. It's a looped trail so hikers can enjoy miles and miles of scenery (without an out-and-back). There are 10 campsites outfitted with a vault toilet, hand-pump water access and fire rings. Only dead and downed timber are to be used for firewood.
You must check in at the park office on the day of your reservation. Camping is only allowed for one-night stays.
Reservations are available at MiDNRReservations.com. Day-of arrivals are taken on a first-come, first-served basis.
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This camper cabin features two bedrooms and a living area, furnished with a set of bunk beds, one double bed and a futon to sleep five to six people. Bring your own lawn chairs and enjoy the spacious deck surrounded by beautiful maple and oak overlooking Bruin Lake.
There are no bathrooms inside, but modern bathrooms/showers and a water spigot are available nearby in the spring/summer and an outhouse and hand pump in the fall/winter. There is electric heat and ceiling fans, and a refrigerator, microwave and coffee maker. Boat rentals, a picnic table, fire pit and grill are also on site. No pets allowed inside.
This cabin is ADA accessible and located in the Bruin Lake Modern Campground.
Please note: Bruin Lake Camper Cabin is located at 21237 Kaiser Rd. Gregory, MI 48137. The Silver Hill address is for the Pinckney Recreation Area Headquarters.
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While there aren't any upcoming park events listed at this time, you can check out the DNR's calendar of events.
The park also offers weekly nature programs not listed in the online calendar.
