Chicago Lake Campsites

Hiawatha National Forest

There are many campsites on the Munising and Rapid River/Manistique Ranger Districts of the Hiawatha National Forest. Many are located on inland lakes and are in a rustic forest environment with few to no amenities and no drinking water. The rustic environment offers a wonderfully serene and peaceful setting for your next camping experience. All of these sites are nestled in hardwood trees and pines. All of them are on small inland lakes, which offer a wide variety of fishing opportunities.

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: 4

Maximum Number of People Per Site: Site 1 (8), Sites 2-4 (16)

Toilets: Yes

Boat Access: Back - In

Lake Size (acres): 188

Need to Know

Natural Features

Chicago Lake (188 acres) hosts four campsites and an improved boat launch, all clustered around its north end. 

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

Nearby Attractions

There are a number of horse, bike, and hiking trails within minutes of several of the sites. In over a mile 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.

Groceries, gasoline, fishing and camping supplies, ice and deli are available seven miles Northeast on County Road 437 in the Thunder Lake Area.

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.

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.

Contact Information

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RAPID RIVER/MANISTIQUE RANGER DISTRICT 8181 US HWY 2 Rapid River MI 49878

Phone Number

For campground inquiries, please call: 906-474-6442 OR 906-387-2512

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip

Driving Directions

From the Intersection of US-2 and Forest Highway 13 (about 14 miles east of Rapid River or 22 miles west of Manistique): drive north 8.4 miles on Highway 13 to CR 442. 

Available Campsites

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