Chicago Lake Campsites

Show on map 906-474-6442 OR 906-387-2512

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

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.

Camp site features

Across 4 camp sites:

Pets allowed: all 4 sites
Longest RV: 32 ft
Largest party: 16 people

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.

Stay Limit

Check in from 2 PM, check out by 12 PM.

Reviews

31 reviews

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

Mollie C

Loop:Chicago Lake Campsite

Site:

Reviewed 24 days ago

#3 camping spot was absolutely beautiful! Large and right on the water. We were there mid October and no bug issues. It is not a drive through as noted on website. We have a little 20’ RPod trailer and had to pull in, back up several times to get turned around so that we could easily pull out when leaving. Very hard to find the camp spot! There is no signage other than a little #2 on a tree with an arrow pointing left. #3 and 4 are also on the left. We found out the hard way!

Jennifer M

Loop:Chicago Lake Campsite

Site:

Reviewed a month ago

The site was beautiful. large enough for more than just the one camper, great for larger groups and has an okay bathroom. Didn't put 5 star because the fire ring was a little on the unfortunate side and did not have a cooking grate. The view off the lake was amazing in the morning, but the winds off of it were wicked as well.

Jennifer S

Loop:Chicago Lake Campsite

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

It was a bit of adventure. We had a blast riding our SxS on the trails. Hiked Brunos Run. Fished the lake. Kids swam the little beaches are nice. Sat around the campfire after an emergency run to Midway General store on FF13 for Hershey bars for s’mores. Ate breakfast at Jacks in Rapid River a must stop they have amazing food.

Jennifer S

Loop:Chicago Lake Campsite

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

The campground was very clean and well maintained. The vault toilet was clean. Only issue(s) were when we got there people were in site 3 with a huge 5th wheel. Even though per their own words they were told at camp 7 that the sites at Chicago Lake were ALL BOOKED UP. Then we had a gentleman show up Saturday night wanting site three. I had my proof of reservation. Funny thing is, so did he. SOMEHOW IT DOUBLE BOOKED. He stated they go in chronological order. So whoever had the lower number must have booked first. I was agreeable to this. After we found I had the lower he didn’t want that and wanted me to move. I said no. Then decided he wanted a ranger. I told him go find one. Then he was going to camp at the boat launch I told him in no uncertain terms he would NOT be camping there as it is the boat launch. So be prepared for human issues and possible computer glitches. Make sure to print your reservation out have it handy.

Dennis T

Loop:Chicago Lake Campsite

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

The Campsites 3 & 4 were exceptionally clean. The new restroom facility was great. The only negative was from Mother Nature, who provided 20+ mph winds for 2 of our days. Fishing was great, 70's each day. 16 years going there, and each year is better than the last.

Dylan A

Loop:Chicago Lake Campsite

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

I hate to write such an amazing review for this site because it is a little slice of heaven and I don’t want others to find out about it. Site was clean, very spacious, beautiful lake and the outhouse was not bad. Road into it was fine, even wet and during a thunderstorm. Wind got very strong at times so make sure you things are secured. I will definitely be coming back to this site yearly.

Availability

See the Camp Sites section below to find detailed booking availability.

Reserve