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Access Site MI

Chicago Lake

Chicago Lake Fishdam River

Source: michigan_department_of_natural_resources Updated 1 year ago

City: Garden Township, MI
County: Delta County
Type: Boat Ramp
Location: 46.04133212, -86.60278289
Air Temp: --
Location
Nearby Gauge Conditions
About This Access Site
Chicago Lake offers a rustic inland lake access point in the heart of the Hiawatha National Forest in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. The boat ramp provides launch access for kayakers, canoeists, and small motorboats looking to explore this peaceful forest lake. The site is located in Garden Township, Delta County, approximately 8.4 miles north of Forest Highway 13 on County Road 442.

The Chicago Lake Campsites facility is reservable through Recreation.gov and offers a serene camping experience in a rustic forest setting, making it ideal for overnight trips. Note that there is no drinking water available at the site. For more information or to make reservations, contact the Munising and Rapid River/Manistique Ranger Districts at 906-474-6442 or 906-387-2512. Multiple additional campgrounds are located within 10 miles, including Lyman Lake, Camp Seven Lake, and Swan Lake—all offering alternative camping options if Chicago Lake is full.

**Directions:** From the intersection of US-2 and Forest Highway 13 (14 miles east of Rapid River or 22 miles west of Manistique), drive north 8.4 miles on Highway 13 to County Road 442, then turn right (east) and drive 5 miles to County Road N-3.
Federal Facility Information
906-474-6442 Free Access Reservations Available

Overview
The Munising and Rapid River/Manistique Ranger Districts of the Hiawatha National Forest offer a variety of camping experiences. Many are located on inland lakes in a rustic forest environment with no drinking water. The rustic environment offers a wonderfully serene and peaceful setting for your next camping experience.Recreation
Visitors will be able to enjoy swimming, berry picking,...

Overview
The Munising and Rapid River/Manistique Ranger Districts of the Hiawatha National Forest offer a variety of camping experiences. Many are located on inland lakes in a rustic forest environment with no drinking water. The rustic environment offers a wonderfully serene and peaceful setting for your next camping experience.Recreation
Visitors will be able to enjoy swimming, berry picking, and fishing at these campsites. Licenses are required for fishing in Michigan waters. 
Swimming conditions vary by site.

Conditions are the best at sites 3 and 4. 
Conditions at site 2 are considered fair.

The road leading to sites 3 and 4 are shared by anglers using the public boat launch into Chicago Lake. This boat launch is located adjacent to Site 4 and features an improved gravel ramp for accessing the abundant population of northern pike and bluegills. Largemouth bass and perch are present in smaller quanities.
Facilities
There are primitive toilets available at site 2 and between sites 3 and 4.
There is NO drinking water.
Lake Name: Chicago Lake
Number of Sites: 3
Maximum Number of People Per Site: 16
Toilets: Yes
Boat Access: Back - In
Lake Size (acres): 188
Natural Features
Chicago Lake (188 acres) hosts four campsites and an improved boat launch, all clustered around its north end. 

Site #1 is Decomissioned
Site #2 is a larger site in an open area, measuring 55 ft. by 45 ft. It can accommodate 2 families and trailers. There is a primitive toilet at this site. 
Site #3 is a larger site surrounded by tall pines and is near the lakeshore. It measures 60 ft. by 50 ft. and is suitable for two families. However, trailer access is difficult because of limited turning area. 
Site #4 is a semi-open area that measures 55 ft. by 50 ft. It can accommodate two families and trailers. A primitive toilet is shared with site #4. 

There is a boat launch located adjacent to site #4 and features an improved gravel ramp for accessing Chicago Lake.

Contact Info
For local information, please call (906) 474-6442 or call (906) 387-2512 for general information.
Nearby Attractions
There are a number of horse, bike, and hiking trails within minutes of several of the sites. Within 20 miles from these campsites, visitors can expect to find: bait shops, general and grocery stores, gas, a pay phone, trailheads, a fishing pier, biking, and kayak/canoe rentals. 

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Nearby Campgrounds (16 within 10 miles)
Lyman Lake Campsites
On-site Reservable
CAMP SEVEN LAKE CAMPGROUND
On-site Reservable
Swan Lake Campsites
On-site Reservable
Bear Lake Campsite
On-site Reservable
Leg Lake Campsites
On-site Reservable
Camp Cook Campsite
On-site Reservable
FLOWING WELL CAMPGROUND
On-site Reservable
Ironjaw Lake Campsite
On-site Reservable
Minerva Lake Campsite
On-site Reservable
Jackpine Lake Campsites
On-site Reservable
Carr Lake Campsite
On-site Reservable
Gooseneck Lake Campsites
On-site Reservable
Chicago Lake Campsites
On-site Reservable
Carr Lake Campsites
On-site
Mowe Lake Campsites
On-site Reservable
Lake Nineteen Campsite
On-site Reservable