Jackson is best known for its close proximity to Michigan’s massive Waterloo State Recreation Area. With over 20,000 acres of space and over 40 miles of multi-use trails, this park is the largest park in Michigan’s lower peninsula, and it’s the perfect destination for anyone looking to explore the natural beauty of south central Michigan. Visitors to the park can swim at one of two beaches, rent a rowboat or kayak, fish, hunt in season, and mountain bike down some of the best trails in Michigan. Off-season visitors shouldn’t despair, either - the park offers cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing during the winter. On the northeastern edge of the park, you can check out the Pinckney Recreation Area, another massive park with over 10,000 acres of multi-use space. Like Waterloo, this recreation area offers a variety of activities, including swimming, hiking, and kayaking. Visitors to Jackson can also head southeast of the city to Hayes State Park. Situated in the heart of the Irish Hills on the shores of Wamplers Lake, this park has plenty of water recreational opportunities, from on-site boat rentals to swimming beaches in addition to your standard array of hiking trails. You can also check out the Meridian-Baseline Historic State Park in Leslie , which contains two monuments to Michigan’s land surveyors. If you’d like to stay a bit closer to town, check out the Kate Palmer Sanctuary or Ella Sharp Park. The Kate Palmer Sanctuary is just outside of the city, and although it’s scenic all year round, you should try to time your visit when the wildflowers bloom. Ella Sharp Park, on the other hand, sits in the center of the city, offering walking trails and plenty of traditional and disc golf courses. When you book a rental RV in Jackson, you’ll easily be able to explore all of the gorgeous areas of central Michigan.