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. Pinckney is also a short drive from the Gerald E. Eddy Discovery Center in Waterloo Recreation Area.

Please be aware that Pinckney has over 11,000 acres and it is easy to go to the wrong location. The address for Bruin Lake Campground is 21237 Kaiser Road, Gregory, MI 48137. The Silver Hill address is for Pinckney Recreation Area Headquarters.

Pinckney Recreation Area provides a wide variety of activities for the park visitor in its three major 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.

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

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 summer time. 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: Concessions, 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.

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 your-motor-on boats for fishing. Reservations are available 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 in 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 a lot of exploring to do on the water.