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Chicago Lake Campsites
FSU.S. Forest Service — Rapid River · Michigan · Hiawatha National Forest
| Agency | FSU.S. Forest Service |
|---|---|
| Area | Hiawatha National Forest |
| Location | Rapid River · Michigan · Hiawatha National Forest · 46.04000, -86.59833 · Map |
| Sites | 4 public sites counted from the federal listing — 3 standard nonelectric; 1 tent only nonelectric |
| Getting a site | Reservable — the federal listing marks this campground as taking reservations. Some sites or seasons may still be first-come; the listing’s own words are below. |
| Hookups | Electric at 0 of 4 sites Water hookups at 0 of 4 sites Sewer hookups at 0 of 4 sites Full hookups (all three at one site) at 0 of 4 sites Counted site by site from affirmative reports in the federal record. A site with no report is not counted either way. |
| Max RV length | Longest reported site fits 32 ft Sites that fit at least — 25 ft: 1 sites · 30 ft: 1 sites · 35 ft: 0 sites · 40 ft: 0 sites |
| Months open | Not in federal data — the federal listing does not publish a season for this campground. Check the official description below or Recreation.gov. |
| Fees | Not reported — the federal listing carries no fee description for this campground. |
| Check-in / out | In 2:00 PM · Out 12:00 PM (most common in the listing) |
| Pets | Allowed at 4 sites, as reported |
| Accessibility | N |
| Phone | 906-474-6442 OR 906-387-2512 |
Check availability & book on Recreation.gov →
This site takes no reservations and shows no live availability. Source: Recreation.gov (RIDB export pulled November 5, 2026); this listing was last updated in the federal record on 2026-02-25.
From the official listing
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.
Directions, from the listing
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.
Nearest federal campgrounds
1 mi straight-line · Rapid River MichiganFSU.S. Forest ServiceCamp Seven Lake Campground
3 mi straight-line · Munising MichiganFSU.S. Forest ServiceGooseneck Lake Campsites
3 mi straight-line · Rapid River MichiganFSU.S. Forest ServiceLyman Lake Campsites
4 mi straight-line · Rapid River MichiganFSU.S. Forest ServiceJackpine Lake Campsites
5 mi straight-line · Rapid River Michigan
Trip Card — Chicago Lake Campsites
Rapid River · Michigan · Hiawatha National Forest
| Agency | FS · U.S. Forest Service |
|---|---|
| Location | Rapid River · Michigan · Hiawatha National Forest |
| Fees | Not reported in the federal data |
| Getting a site | Reservable |
| Hookups | None reported |
| Max RV | Up to 32 ft |
| Months open | Not in federal data |
| Sites | 4 sites |
Book: recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/273334 · Source: Recreation.gov, pulled November 5, 2026. Facility details come from federal recreation data and may be out of date — this site takes no reservations and shows no live availability; confirm details and book through Recreation.gov or the managing agency.