Clear Lake State Park
Overview: Crystal Waters in Elk Country
Nestled within the Mackinaw State Forest in Montmorency County—the heart of Michigan’s “elk country”—Clear Lake State Park occupies 290 acres along roughly two-thirds of the shoreline of its namesake: a 133-acre, spring-fed lake famous for water clarity that reaches to 90-foot depths and creates a swimming, fishing, and paddling experience more reminiscent of a Northwoods trout lake than a typical state park swimming hole.
Clear Lake’s exceptional water quality—the result of spring-fed origins and a forested, undeveloped watershed—supports a cold-water fishery of trout and splake alongside warm-water smallmouth bass, making it a productive and versatile fishing destination. But the park’s real magic may be acoustic rather than visual: during autumn evenings, visitors can hear the eerie, prehistoric bugling of Michigan’s reintroduced elk herd echoing from the surrounding state forest—a sound that connects this quiet campground to wild Michigan in a way that few other parks can match.
The Lake: 90 Feet of Clarity
- Depth: Up to 90 feet—unusually deep for a 133-acre lake
- Water Source: Spring-fed, producing exceptional clarity
- Swimming: Two sandy beaches with shallow entry—one in the campground, one in the day-use area
- Fishing: Trout, splake, and smallmouth bass in clean, cold water
- Boating: Boat launch within the park. Kayaks and canoes ideal for the clear, calm water
178 Campsites
The campground features sites in upper and lower loops, shaded by mature oaks and pines. Electrical hookups, modern restrooms, and shower facilities serve the modern campground. An accessible mini-cabin and the “Elk Tiny House” provide roofed accommodations.
Elk Country
Montmorency County and the surrounding region constitute Michigan’s elk range—home to a herd of approximately 1,000 Eastern elk, the largest free-roaming elk herd east of the Mississippi River. While elk sightings from within the park itself are uncommon, the autumn bugling season (September–October) fills the surrounding forest with the distinctive calls of bull elk, and dedicated elk-viewing areas are located within a short drive. The Michigan DNR’s Elk Viewing Area on County Road 612 is the primary viewing destination.
ORV Access
Clear Lake is one of the few Michigan state parks that permits ORV (off-road vehicle) operation between the campground and nearby trail systems, including the Atlanta ORV route—making it a popular base camp for motorized trail riding in the Mackinaw State Forest.
Disc Golf
An on-site disc golf course provides an additional recreation option for campers, winding through the park’s forested terrain.
Seasonal Guide
Spring (May–June)
Trout fishing opens. Lake still cold but crystal clear. Wildflowers in the surrounding state forest.
Summer (July–August)
Peak season. Swimming from both beaches. Fishing, kayaking on the clear water. ORV riding.
Autumn (September–October)
ELK BUGLING SEASON. Fall color. The most atmospheric time to visit—listen for the prehistoric calls of bull elk at dawn and dusk.
Winter (November–March)
Campground closed. Ice fishing on Clear Lake. Snowmobiling on regional trails.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I see elk? Elk range throughout the surrounding Mackinaw State Forest. Sightings from the park are uncommon, but the autumn bugling can be heard from camp. Dedicated elk viewing areas are a short drive away.
Why is the water so clear? Spring-fed origins and an undeveloped, forested watershed produce exceptional water clarity with depths visible to 90 feet.
Can I ride my ORV from camp? Yes. Clear Lake permits ORV operation between the campground and nearby trail systems, including the Atlanta ORV route.
