Pinckney State Recreation Area is a paradise for backpackers, mountain bikers, anglers, and other recreation enthusiasts. Pinckney is known for its extensive trail system and chain of excellent fishing lakes. Over forty miles of multi-use trail with remote campsites afford a backcountry experience, too. The park has multiple entrances and is a short drive to downtown Pinckney.

This recreation area has over 11,000 acres, and getting lost in the gorgeous landscapes is easy. Amongst the vast acreage, a variety of activities for the park visitor in its three primary use areas: Silver Lake Day Use Area, Bruin Lake Modern Campground, and the Halfmoon Day Use Facility. The landscape, a terminal moraine area, was formed during the last glaciation period.

Rent a canoe or kayak for the day. Paddle through ​Hell along a beautiful chain of lakes in the Pinckney Recreation Area.

Beaches:

Halfmoon Lake Beach is the place to be in the summertime. The clear water makes for the perfect swim on a hot summer’s day. You can also enjoy eating lunch at one of their picnic tables. Bring a fishing pole with you and see what you can catch! A boat launch, picnic shelters, trail access, volleyball court, horseshoe pits, and playground are available at Halfmoon Lake Beach.

Silver Lake: The Silver Lake beach and picnic area offers concessions, boat rentals, a trail system, seasonal modern toilet facilities, playgrounds, volleyball courts, horseshoe pits, and a fishing pier.

Note, Bruin Lake is only open to campers.

Boat Rentals:

Boat rentals are available at Silver Lake from Memorial Day to Labor Day for row boats, canoes, paddle boats, kayaks, and motor-on boats for fishing. Reservations can be made by calling Hell Canoe and Kayak Rentals at 734-878-2233.

Boat Launch:

Halfmoon Lake has a boat launch with 27 parking spaces available. The boat launch is located to the right when you enter the park. You can drop kayaks, canoes, boats, and paddleboards into the lake. You will need a recreation passport to drop your boat in. Halfmoon Lake is approximately 236 acres, so there’s much to do on the water.

The address for Bruin Lake Campground is 21237 Kaiser Road, Gregory, MI 48137. The Silver Hill address is for Pinckney Recreation Area Headquarters.

Overnight Stays:

Picnkney Recreation Area proudly offers several options for overnight stays in the park. Campers can choose from a variety of tent, camper, or RV sites at Bruin Lake Modern Campground. For a more rustic experience, Blind Lake Rustic Campground is located about halfway along the 17-mile Potawatomi Trail. Crooked Lake Rustic Campground features another 25 sites adjacent to Crooked Lake.

The Bruin Lake Camper Cabin provides a more homey experience in a building at the main campground. This accommodation has two bedrooms and a living area, furnished with beds to sleep five to six people. You can bring your lawn chairs and enjoy the spacious deck surrounded by beautiful trees overlooking the waters of Bruin Lake.

Two yurts inside this park are available to rent for overnight stays: Glenbrook and Bruin Lake. The Bruin Lake Yurt is on a small hill in the main campground. Please note that this yurt does not have electricity but is close to the modern bathrooms and showers. The Glenbrook Yurt is located on a ridge overlooking Portage River and Halfmoon Lake. You can get to this yurt by biking, hiking, or driving. As an added bonus, the Glenbrook Yurt is next to the Potawatomi Trail, only one mile from Hell, Michigan.

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Explore a 360° view of the Pinckney Recreation Area trails here.