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Chicago Lake Campsites

Hiawatha National Forest, Michigan

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As of October 2026, Chicago Lake Campsites is a campground in Hiawatha National Forest, Michigan with 3 campsites. Chicago Lake Campsites is booked through Recreation.gov.

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Chicago Lake Campsites is located at 46.0400° N, 86.5983° W.

people allowed on each site: 16

Chicago Lake Campsites reservations and next available dates

October 2026

November 2026

open, tap to book on Recreation.govsold outin your alert

Stay and booking rules

Tribal discount available

Published by Recreation.gov for Chicago Lake Campsites, read on September 30, 2026.

Campsites at Chicago Lake Campsites

234

Standard 3

What an RV fits

24 ft2 sites
32 ft1 site

Amenities

restrooms
potable water

At a glance: Setting: Forest · Access: Gravel road.

Things to do: fishing, boating, swimming, hiking, biking, horse riding.

All sites at Chicago Lake Campsites, as listed by Recreation.gov

Every site is in the CHICAGO LAKE CAMPSITE loop.

Site	Type	Sleeps	Max RV
002	Standard	16	24 ft
003	Standard	16	24 ft
004	Standard	16	32 ft

About Chicago Lake Campsites

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.

Rules and notices at Chicago Lake Campsites

Recreation.gov does not date these notices. We last read them on September 30, 2026. Check Chicago Lake Campsites on Recreation.gov

Notices from Recreation.gov

Pack-In, Pack-out policy

There is a 14-day stay limit.

No drinking water provided.

Campsite must be occupied the first night.

Campsite cannot be left unattended for more than 24 hours.

You are welcome to collect firewood from the area surrounding your campsite. Just remember that any firewood that you collect must be DEAD AND DOWN

Click here for more information on the Hiawatha National Forest

Don't move firewood: To limit the spread of invasive tree-killing pests, firewood from outside the area is not permitted. Some states have quarantines and may confiscate your firewood. Please help protect our forests from invasive species by obtaining your firewood at or near your camping destination and burning it on-site. Visit dontmovefirewood.org for more information.

Recreation.gov permit and campground cancellations →

Chicago Lake Campsites FAQ

How hard is it to get a campsite at Chicago Lake Campsites?

Chicago Lake Campsites is rated "Hard to Book" based on historical demand. This campground is popular and often books out weeks in advance. Your best strategy is to monitor cancellations.

How do I find last-minute availability at Chicago Lake Campsites?

Cancellations happen frequently at Chicago Lake Campsites, especially 1-2 weeks before check-in dates. PermitSnag monitors availability 24/7 and sends instant alerts when sites open up due to cancellations. This is often the best way to snag popular campsites.

How many campsites does Chicago Lake Campsites have?

Chicago Lake Campsites has 3 campsites.