Nestled amidst a mix of marshes, ponds, forests, old farm fields and lakes, Pontiac Lake Recreation Area offers a diverse range of outdoor activities for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. Spanning an impressive 3,745 acres, t
One of the park's most notable features is its 11-mile mountain bike trail, which has earned a well-deserved spot on the "Top 100 Trails" list in the United States. This challenging trail is considered one of the most technical in southeast Michigan, attracting experienced riders from far and wide.
Navigation: The day-use beach and picnic area is located at 2401 N Williams Lake Road in Waterford. Pontiac Lake-Modern Campground is located at 3480 Teggerdine Road in White Lake.
Two universally accessible fishing piers are located near the beach in the day-use area, accessed from the Williams Lake Road park entrance.
Modern restrooms are located in the day use area, accessed from the Williams Lake Road park entrance.
A spacious picnic area with tables, grills, and a baseball field is located near the park entrance. A playground and fenced dog park are also nearby. The beach is accessible via sidewalks, and wagons are recommended for carrying supplies.
Four picnic shelters including picnic tables, charcoal grills and a water spout are available to rent in the day-use area, accessed from the Williams Lake Road park entrance. The beach is a short walk away via sidewalks. Wagons are recommended for bringing in picnic supplies from parking area. Shelter reservations can be made 12 months in advance at MIDNRReservations.com.
The DNR-staffed Pontiac Lake Shooting Range includes rifle/pistol, hand trap, archery and knife ranges. There is a user fee in addition to the Recreation Passport.
You may not possess or consume an alcoholic beverage at any time in the park's day-use areas (unless the park manager has granted written authorization through an event permit).
The beach house is in the day-use area, accessed from the Williams Lake Road park entrance, and includes restrooms and changing areas.
The all-sports lake is popular for cruising, water-skiing, tubing and fishing. A developed boat launch is located in the day-use area, accessed from the Williams Lake Road park entrance. An additional undeveloped gravel ramp is located on Tackles Drive.
While there are no groomed trails, cross-country skiing is a popular activity in the open areas of the park, including marshes, forests and old farm fields.
The 600-acre Pontiac Lake offers excellent fishing for bass, pike and panfish.
All of the park is open to hunting except for safety zones. Rabbits, squirrel, grouse, woodcock, ducks, turkey, geese, raccoon and deer may be hunted during their respective seasons.
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.
Single kayaks are available to rent on a first-come, first-served basis from the Williams Lake Road entrance booth. All rentals are delivered to and can be picked up at the boat launch in the day-use area.
Enjoy kayaking, canoeing, or paddleboarding on the all-sports lake. A boat launch is located near the park entrance, and there's an additional gravel ramp on Tackles Drive. Parking is available for those without trailers.
A large, fenced-in, off-leash dog park is located near the beach and day-use parking lots, accessed from the Williams Lake Road park entrance. Dogs must be on a 6-foot leash while entering and exiting the dog park and under an owner's immediate supervision. All pet waste must be properly disposed of in trash receptacles. Pets are not allowed on the beach.
A playground with slides and swings is located in the picnic area of the day-use area, accessed from the Williams Lake Road park entrance.
The RC Flying Field is located on White Lake Road. Contact the Pontiac Miniature Aircraft Club for information about utilizing the area, as membership may be required.
A sanitation station with potable water is located near the campground office. Due to capacity issues with the septic system, the Seven Lakes and Pontiac Lake sanitation stations are closed to non-campers. The nearest alternatives are Metamora-Hadley, Holly and Proud Lake. Campers must show a valid permit or pay a $10 fee.
The park is open to snowmobiling when there is appropriate snow depth, but there are no designated trails. The area open to snowmobiling is posted at the Williams Lake Road park entrance.
Snowshoeing is a popular activity in the open areas of the park, including marshes, forests and old farm fields.
A buoyed swim area is located in the day-use area, accessed from the Williams Lake Road park entrance. The beach is a short walk from the parking lot and connected by sidewalks.
The longest beach in southeast Michigan at just over half a mile long. Located in the day-use area on the all-sports lake, the beach is accessed from the Williams Lake Road park entrance. It is located 2 miles from the modern campground.
The modern campground is divided into an east loop and west loop. A variety of sites, ranging from open and sunny to wooded and shady, are available along with cabins and a mini cabin. The campground is a 2-mile hike or drive from the designated swimming beach, boat ramp, fishing pier and picnic area in the day-use area. There is 20- and 30-amp service available at most sites, and a sanitation station is available.
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Featuring 25 rustic campsites for equestrian visitors, Pontiac Lake's equestrian campground is sunny and open to accommodate larger trailers, and each site has a fire ring and picket poles. Other amenities include a vault toilet, water from a hand pump and a pavilion for group gatherings. The campground connects to 17 miles of gorgeous equestrian trails, which wind and climb through a variety of terrain including old farm fields, heavily forested areas, marshes and lakes.
Thanks to the Pontiac Lake Horseman's Association for maintaining the equestrian trails. Follow PLHA on Facebook.
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Recreation Resource Management, a private operator and DNR partner, manages this mini cabin that sleeps two. Guests may bring another tent to accommodate up to four additional guests. The mini cabin is outfitted with two single beds and one dining table for two. The site also includes a picnic table and fire grill/pit combo to help round out the outdoor camping experience! This rental is electric-only, providing a ceiling fan for cooling.
There is no running water, but campground restroom facilities are a short distance away.
Please bring your own cooking essentials and linens. No smoking. Pets are not allowed.
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The group-use area can accommodate up to 50 people and offers covered shelter camping on an elevated platform with open sides as well as hammock camping through a network of hexagon poles arranged in a grid. Other amenities include a vault toilet, hand pump for water, picnic tables and fire circle.
To make a reservation, please call the park.
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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.
