Established Camping
Chicago Lake Campsites — Hiawatha National Forest

Chicago Lake Campsites in Hiawatha National Forest offers a setting surrounded by dense forest and freshwater lakes. Temperatures range from lows in the 20s Fahrenheit during winter to highs in the 80s during summer. Nearby attractions include Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and Kitch-iti-kipi, Michigan's largest freshwater spring.
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.
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.
Location
Chicago Lake Campsites — Hiawatha National Forest is located in Michigan
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