This is a nice state park and campgrou nd on clear lake near Atlanta, MI. About 45 minutes from Gaylord. The lake was absolutely beautiful and super blue and clear. The beach at the state park was nice but not really a natural beach but the lake itself is naturally sandy.
Stayed here for two nights on the 4th of July weekend to celebrate a friends birthday. We got lucky with an end spot so there we weren’t back to back with another site. The sites were fairly large and the lake was beautiful! We went into town for coffee at “the elk house” and had some great pizza and drinks at “chatters bullpen”.
We got back from our 5 year anniversary trip, and this time we stayed at Clear Lake State Park!
It was a beautiful campground. It’s was busy but not too busy, if you know what I mean? There’s electricity, full bathrooms with showers, private beach access, and they had wood and ice for sale. There were definitely a lot of kids around, and it appeared like there was a lot of group camping (which this campground’s layout was perfect for)!
We stayed on site 271 in the Lower Campground. The site itself was a good size, big enough for our tent, canopy, our Ford Escape, plus the provided picnic table and fire ring. There were significantly more RV’s and trailers than there was tent campers, but that’s not that’s not a huge deal. It wasn’t really buggy, which is always an added bonus while camping. We were very close to the beach, which was so amazing and convenient. At night, it was so dark and so clear that you could faintly see the Milky Way!!
The beach was beautiful too. It wasn’t busy until closer to noonish, but that makes sense. The water we was clear, and really there wasn’t a lot of debris. The lake allows for paddle boarding, kayaking, canoeing, fishing, and swimming. It also allows for motorized boats, though in my opinion the lake isn’t big enough for that (besides a motorized fishing boat)…
Our neighbors weren’t crazy loud, the general environment was peaceful, and overall it was a super relaxing trip! We would definitely go back again!
Quick get away for a long weekend. Had a site next to the woods. Nice walking paths. Lots of orv's in other sites.
Came up here to sneak away on a warm weekend in November as this is one of the few State Park campgrounds open year round. We were really impressed.
The lake is crystal clear and has beautiful turquoise waters. We were able to take the canoe out and were the only ones on the water that afternoon. Cute beach front and seems like it would be a great family spot for the summer.
We stayed in site 122 but definitely recommend site 126 which had awesome views of the water.
The trails in the park were nice too but not very long. Pretty much only downsides were that the water spigots were turned off for winter (someone told us that there was a hose available back by the office somewhere) and shower house was closed (but vault toilets still open a d pretty clean).
The campground is nice. There is an upper and lower area, the upper is for larger units and has more space per site. No water hookups but water spickets available throughout with spring fed water. Bathrooms well kept. The lake is the best feature and holds up to its name! Can see the bottom it’s so clear.
Almost like home. Just a relaxing place by the lake if you dress right! Cool in the late summer/early fall but beautiful!
Have to get site six months before thru DNR site. Beautiful turquoise lake. Nearest store in Atlanta. Freddie’s. Has everything u need Sites on outer edges bigger w woods. Stayed in the lower area near lake.
For a weekend getaway, we picked a random state campground. We never have been here and we didn't know what to expect...
The campground is nicely shaded with huge oak trees and full white pines. Camp site was very level, having a picnic table and bonfire pit at each site. The bathrooms here are very well maintained as well as the showers. The Guest Host is a character and extremely friendly and will be happy you chose Clear Lake State Park. He has plenty of games from cornhole to frisbee to playing cards, etc... it doesn't end here.
The lake itself is probably the cleanest lake in Michigan. It's spring-fed, and you can easily see the blue hues and the bottom of the lake in 30 feet deep of water. There is a nice-size beach with soft, natural sand for relaxing. Boat rentals and kayak rentals are available. This lake is purely beautiful and pristine.
Besides the swimming and camping, Clear Lake State Park has beautiful groomed hiking and biking trails. The trails are densely wooded and you'll get a great feel of 'Upnorth' Michigan. We saw deer, turkey, eagle, birds, and of course chipmunks.
I highly recommend Clear Lake State Park. It truly is a hidden gem and you will be happy you visited.
