Chicago Lake Campsites
Closed — Closed for the season. Opens May 15 and operates through Columbus Day with reservation-only camping at $8 per night. After Columbus Day through May 15, the area is accessible with no services, no reservations, and no fees.
Temporary Area Closure for Big Pines Picnic Area
The Big Pines Picnic Area will be temporarily closed due to timber harvest. Activities in the area may include logging trucks and other equipment. For your safety, please stay alert while in the vicinity and choose another location for recreation.
Hiawatha National Forest Seeks Public input on Grand Island Visitor Use Management Project
The Hiawatha National Forest is seeking input on the development of a management plan for the Grand Island National Recreation Area.
Forest Supervisor's Orders
As a visitor to the National Forest, you are asked to follow certain rules designed to protect the Forest, natural resources and to provide for public safety of visitors. These rules are available to you on-line below or at any office of the Hiawatha National Forest.
Restricting Public Entry to Stonington Quarry
Persons with a valid permit; Federal, State, or Local members of rescue or fire fighting force in the performance of official duties; Forest Service employees conducting surveys or monitoring and as approved by the Forest Supervisor.
Haymeadow Trail and Bridge Closed
The Haymeadow Creek Hiking Trail Bridge is closed until it can be repaired or replaced. -- Located on the hiking loop near Haymeadow Creek Dispersed Campsites, the bridge failed an inspection due to significant rot. We will update this notice as repairs are implemented.
About
Chicago Lake Campsites offers a serene, rustic camping experience on the shores of 188-acre Chicago Lake in the Hiawatha National Forest. The campground features four dispersed campsites clustered around the north end of the lake, each nestled among hardwood trees and pines. Site 1 is small and heavily wooded, best suited for tent camping and those seeking privacy. Site 2 is a larger open area that can accommodate two families and trailers, with a primitive toilet on-site. Site 3 is surrounded by tall pines near the lakeshore, suitable for two families though trailer access is difficult due to limited turning space. Site 4 is a semi-open area that accommodates two families and trailers, sharing a primitive toilet with site 3. Chicago Lake is known for its excellent fishing, with abundant northern pike and bluegills, plus smaller populations of largemouth bass and perch. An improved gravel boat launch adjacent to site 4 provides easy lake access for motorized and non-motorized boats. Swimming conditions vary by site, with the best conditions at sites 3 and 4 and fair conditions at site 2. Visitors can also enjoy berry picking in the surrounding forest. This is a pack-in, pack-out facility with no drinking water available. Campers must bring adequate water supplies. The campground operates on a reservation-only basis during the main season, with walk-ins not permitted. Dead and down firewood collection is allowed from the area surrounding your campsite. The remote location offers a wonderfully peaceful setting with opportunities to see and hear loons even on this busy lake.
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) and continuing about 0.25 mile to the campsites.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $8 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 32ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 32ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (906) 474-6442 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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