Chicago Lake Campsites

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 — a wonderfully serene and peaceful setting for your next camping experience. Chicago Lake covers 188 acres, with its campsites and an improved boat launch clustered around the north end. Site 1 is decommissioned. Site 2 is a larger site in an open area, measuring 55 by 45 feet, that can accommodate two families and trailers. Site 3 is a larger site surrounded by tall pines and near the lakeshore, 60 by 50 feet and suitable for two families, though trailer access is difficult because of the limited turning area. Site 4 is a semi-open area measuring 55 by 50 feet that can accommodate two families and trailers. There are primitive toilets available at site 2 and between sites 3 and 4. There is no drinking water. The maximum party size is 16 people per site. Visitors will be able to enjoy swimming, berry picking and fishing. Licenses are required for fishing in Michigan waters. Swimming conditions vary by site: they are best at sites 3 and 4, and fair at site 2. The road leading to sites 3 and 4 is shared by anglers using the public boat launch into Chicago Lake, located adjacent to site 4, which features an improved gravel ramp for accessing the abundant population of northern pike and bluegills; largemouth bass and perch are present in smaller quantities. There are a number of horse, bike and hiking trails within minutes of several of the sites. Within 20 miles, visitors can expect to find bait shops, general and grocery stores, gas, a pay phone, trailheads, a fishing pier, biking, and kayak/canoe rentals.