🌤 Weather at Clear Lake State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20–64 °F | 51–79 °F | 28–70 °F | 12–31 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Atlanta 5 Wnw, 7 mi away, elevation 1,180 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Clear Lake State Park wraps around two-thirds of the shoreline of a spring-fed, 133-acre lake in Montmorency County, in the northern Lower Peninsula of Michigan. The 290-acre park sits inside the Mackinaw State Forest between Onaway and Atlanta, and the lake lives up to its name — clear, cold and sandy-bottomed, which is why the beach and the boat launch carry most of the summer traffic.
Quick Facts
| State | Michigan |
| County | Montmorency County |
| Address | 20500 M-33, Atlanta, MI 49709 |
| Size | 290 acres |
| Lake | 133 acres, spring-fed |
| Established | 1966 |
| Facilities | Swimming beach, boat launch, campground, hiking trails, picnic area, playground |
| Managed by | Michigan Department of Natural Resources |
Area, lake size, founding year and facilities from the park’s Wikipedia entry; address as listed by Google Maps for the park’s verified place record. Checked 10 September 2026 — the Michigan DNR page blocked automated retrieval, so confirm campsite availability and current fees there before booking.
Location & Getting There
The park is on M-33 about ten miles north of Atlanta and south of Onaway, at 45.1278, -84.1833. A Michigan Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry to state parks.
On the Water and in the Woods
The lake is the point: a sandy swimming beach, a launch for small boats, and fishing in water clear enough to watch the bottom fall away. Because it is spring-fed rather than river-fed it stays cold well into summer, and it rarely turns green.
Beyond the shore the park is second-growth state forest with hiking trails, a picnic area and a playground near the beach. Camping is available; the campground sits close to the water, and the surrounding Mackinaw State Forest adds miles of quieter trail and forest road for anyone who wants to get away from the beach crowd.
Explore More Michigan State Parks
Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Michigan guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Clear Lake State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are welcome in Michigan state parks, campgrounds, harbors and state-designated trails, except designated swim beaches and other posted areas.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Pets must always be on a 6-foot leash and under the owner's immediate control.
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets are prohibited in buoyed swim areas but allowed along the shoreline outside them (on a 6-ft leash, even in the water); 50+ parks have pet-friendly shoreline or designated dog beaches.
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Up to two pets (cats and dogs only) allowed at ~12 parks' designated pet-friendly cabins, yurts and lodges; $10 per night per pet (cabins) or $15 (lodges); otherwise pets barred from overnight lodging.
- Pet fees statewide rule
- No day-use pet fee; pet-friendly lodging costs $10/night per pet (cabins) or $15/night per pet (lodges).
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Leash laws do not apply to dogs used for hunting on land open to such use; pets may not be left unattended.
Are dogs allowed at Clear Lake State Park?
Pets are welcome in Michigan state parks, campgrounds, harbors and state-designated trails, except designated swim beaches and other posted areas. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via michigan.gov. More: Michigan state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
Plan your gear for Clear Lake State Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
Top Tours & Activities Near Mackinaw City
from $128
from $95
from $12