Hiawatha National Forest holds Chicago Lake Campsites within a stretch of forested and open terrain near both a river and a lake, managed by the US Forest Service at a nightly rate of $8. Reservations are available, which is worth noting for anyone planning a summer weekend trip. The campground is drive-in accessible and accommodates RVs up to 32 feet. Drinking water is on-site, campfires are permitted, and pets are welcome, making it a practical base for anglers. Those traveling with dogs can also explore pet-friendly campgrounds around Hiawatha National Forest across the broader area. Nearby, Chicago Lake Dispersed Campsite offers a more primitive alternative just 0.2 miles northwest.
Description
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.
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.
Contact Info
For local information, please call (906) 474-6442 or call (906) 387-2512 for general information.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsChicago Lake Campsites is located in Michigan near Nahma
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. Turn right (east) and drive 5 miles to County Road N-3. Turn left (north) on N-3 and drive 0.1 mile to FR 2422 turning left (northwest) on to 2422 and continuing about 0.25 mile to the campsites.
Address
RAPID RIVER/MANISTIQUE RANGER DISTRICT
8181 US HWY 2
Rapid river, MI 49878
Coordinates
46.04 N
86.598333 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Pull-Through Sites
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 35 min from Green Bay, WI
- 2 hrs 54 min from Appleton, WI
- 3 hrs 46 min from Wausau, WI
- 4 hrs 7 min from Traverse City, MI
