Known by locals as “Railroad City,” Durand, MI is located about 40 miles northeast of Lansing and has a population of a little under 3,500. While the city itself is small and does not attract many visitors, it is not far from several excellent nature reserves and camping spots where you can enjoy an adventurous weekend away from the routine with your friends and family. Pack your things and check out these wonderful destinations.
1. Waterloo State Recreation Area
Spanning an area of more than 21,000 acres, the Waterloo State Recreation Area is the third largest park in the entire state of Michigan, featuring a combination of wetlands, lakes, and thick forests. This is a popular spot for visitors from Jackson, Lansing, Detroit, and other cities in the southern part of the state, being a great spot for outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding, as well as boating and fishing at its various lakes.
Getting to the Waterloo State Recreation Area from downtown Durand takes a little over an hour by car, driving 50 miles south along route M-52 S. For those planning to spend the night within the grounds of the park, there are over 400 different campsites spread across two different campgrounds, as well as 13 cabins for rent. The campsites are well-equipped and not far from picnic spots, boat launches, fishing areas, and hiking trails.
2. Brighton State Recreation Area
Located just 30 miles south of the Durand city center, the Brighton State Recreation Area can be reached in about 40 minutes by car, driving along Oak Grove Road. This nature reserve spans an area of almost 5,000 acres in Livingston County and is known for its hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding trails, which attract thousands of visitors primarily from Detroit, Lansing, and Ann Arbor. The place is managed by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
If you are looking for a great spot to camp without having to drive too far from Durand, the Brighton State Recreation Area is an excellent idea. The largest campground within the limits of the recreation area is located along the shores of Bishop Lake, featuring 144 campsites equipped with electrical hookups, as well as well-maintained restrooms and showers. Other smaller and more rustic campgrounds can be found close to Appleton Lake and Murray Lake.
3. Pontiac Lake State Recreation Area
Boasting almost 4,000 acres of territory, the Pontiac Lake Recreation Area is located just 45 miles away from downtown Durand and can be reached in less than an hour by car. This place features 176 different campsites and is a popular spot for various outdoor sports and activities, including horseback riding, hunting, mountain biking, hiking, boating, and fishing. Visitors are advised to book their preferred campsites in advance at the website of the recreation area.
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