Waterloo Recreation Area is the largest park in the Lower Peninsula and spans into multiple counties. At more than 20,000 acres, the park boasts two modern campgrounds, a rustic campground, an equestrian campground, swimming beaches, several picnic sites, 11 excellent fishing lakes, eight boat launches, 12 miles of interpretive nature trails, 47 miles of hiking trails, four rustic cabins, a yurt, numerous equestrian trails, mountain biking trails and the Gerald E. Eddy Discovery Center.

Waterloo Recreation Area is home to Portage Lake Campground and park which is one of Jackson’s two State Parks; the other is Hayes State Park in the lower half of the county.