Clear Lake State Park

20500 M- 33 North
Atlanta MI, 49709

989-785-4388
TTY/TDD711 (Michigan Relay Center)

290 (Acres)

Required

Located in elk country, the quiet park is home to a modern campground, trails, overnight lodging facilities, a designated swim beach and a disc golf course.

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Event Information

Explorer Programs: Seasonal naturalists offer weekly nature-based nature programming Memorial Day through Labor Day. View weekly programming calendar (PDF).

More Information

As its name suggests, Clear Lake State Park is known for its pristine water. Set along two-thirds of the lake’s shoreline, the quiet park is home to a modern campground, trails, overnight lodging facilities, a designated swim beach and a disc golf course. It’s a quiet destination for campers, paddlers, anglers and boaters. With its location in Michigan’s elk country, it’s not uncommon to hear the bugling of elk in the area.

The park is one of just a few state parks that allow the operation of an ORV between the campground and nearby ORV trails. Riders can access the Atlanta ORV route and the Michigan Cross Country Cycle Trail from the park. An ORV trailhead parking lot is located across from the park’s contact station.

Campgrounds

Clear Lake - Elk Tiny House
800-447-2757
(1)
Clear Lake Mini Cabin
800-447-2757
(1)
Clear Lake-Group Use Area
231-347-2311
(1)
Clear Lake-Modern Campground
800-447-2757
(178)

Trails

Clear Lake - Jackson Lake Pathway
Trail Length: 7.50 (Miles)
Clear Lake-Canada Creek Nature Trail
Trail Length: 4.50 (Miles)

About the Area

View Online Visitor's Guide

The park is located in the Mackinaw State Forest, which is comprises the northern eight counties of the Lower Peninsula. Deer, elk, turkey and small game are plentiful. Elk can often be seen and heard throughout the area in the early morning and evening, especially during the spring and fall.

Rain or shine, Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary creates lasting memories! Explore interactive exhibits or embark on a glass-bottom boat tour over shipwrecks. Visit Visit thunderbay.noaa.gov.

Activities (Display as List)

Boat Rental Item is accessible.
Boat Rental: Canoes, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and rowboats are available to rent at the park contact station. Call 989-785-4388 for more information.
Cross-Country Skiing Item is accessible.
Cross-Country Skiing
Disc Golf Item is accessible.
Disc Golf: The course consists of nine holes; the most difficult hole is a 429-foot-par four. A universally accessible gravel walking path connects each hole along the course. View the course map.
Fishing Item is accessible.
Fishing: The 133-acre Clear Lake is spring-fed and has a depth of 90 feet. A variety of fish species have been planted, and the lake is excellent for trout, splake and smallmouth bass.
Hiking Item is accessible.
Hiking
Metal Detecting Item is accessible.
Metal Detecting: Metal detecting is recognized as a legitimate recreation activity when it is conducted in ways that do not damage natural and cultural resources in Michigan state parks nor violate applicable state statutes. This park map clearly shows where this activity is allowed to take place. Any items found must be reviewed by park staff and may be retained for further investigation. Areas located within the campground are limited to registered campers only.
Mountain Biking Item is accessible.
Mountain Biking
Nature Programs Item is accessible.
Nature Programs: Seasonal naturalists offer weekly nature-based nature programming Memorial Day through Labor Day. View weekly programming calendar (PDF).
ORV Trails/Routes Item is accessible.
ORV Trails/Routes: The park is one of just a few state parks that allow the operation of an ORV between the campground and nearby ORV trails. Riders can access the Atlanta ORV route and the Michigan Cross Country Cycle Trail from the park. An ORV trailhead parking lot is located across from the park’s contact station.
Paddlesports Item is accessible.
Paddlesports: The park’s lake is popular with paddlers.
Pet-Friendly Area Item is accessible.
Pet-Friendly Area: Pets are allowed along the Clear Lake lakeshore other than the designated swim beach and boating access site. Pets must always be on a 6-foot leash and under an owner’s immediate control. All pet waste must be properly disposed of in trash receptacles.
Snowshoeing Item is accessible.
Snowshoeing
Swimming Item is accessible.
Swimming: A designated swim area is in the park’s day-use area.
Winter Camping Item is accessible.
Winter Camping

Facilities (Display as List)

Boat Launch Item is accessible.
Boat Launch: There is an accessible boating access site in the day-use area. There are 50 parking spots for vehicles and trailers.
Cabins & Lodges Item is accessible.
Cabins & Lodges
Group Use Area Item is accessible.
Group Use Area
Mini Cabin Item is accessible.
Mini Cabin
Modern Restrooms Item is accessible.
Modern Restrooms
Picnic Area Item is accessible.
Picnic Area: The picnic area is in the day-use area and includes picnic tables and charcoal grills that are available first come, first served.
Picnic Shelter Item is accessible.
Picnic Shelter: There is a picnic shelter located in the day-use area that includes picnic tables, charcoal grills, electrical service (reservations only) and vault toilets. Shelter reservations can be made 12 months in advance at MiDNRReservations.com.
Playground Item is accessible.
Playground: A slide and swings are in the day-use area.
Sanitation Station Item is accessible.
Sanitation Station: The park’s sanitation station is located just inside the modern campground. There is potable water available and two lanes.
Some Campsites with 50 amp Service Item is accessible.
Some Campsites with 50 amp Service
Vault Toilet Item is accessible.
Vault Toilet
Water Access Item is accessible.
Water Access: The park is set along Clear Lake, which is known for its pristine waters.