Onaway State Park
Overview: One of the Original 13 on Michigan’s 7th-Largest Lake
Occupying 158 acres of rugged, cedar-shaded shoreline on the southeast corner of Black Lake in Presque Isle County, Onaway State Park is one of Michigan’s oldest and most character-rich parks—dedicated in 1921 as one of the original 13 parks established when the Michigan State Park Commission was created. Added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2009, the park preserves an exceptional collection of Civilian Conservation Corps structures from the 1930s alongside a wild, rocky shoreline and a two-section campground that offers both waterfront and bluff-top camping on Michigan’s seventh-largest inland lake.
Black Lake—10,130 acres of cold, clear water renowned for its musky, walleye, and northern pike fishing—is the park’s defining resource. The lake’s size, depth, and relatively light development compared to southern Michigan lakes give it a distinctly northern Michigan character: wild, quiet, and genuinely uncrowded even during peak summer months.
Black Lake: 10,130 Acres of Premier Fishing
Black Lake is one of the most productive fishing lakes in northern Michigan, supporting a diverse fishery that draws anglers from across the state.
- Muskellunge (Musky): Black Lake is one of the premier musky lakes in Michigan, with trophy-class fish regularly caught by experienced anglers
- Walleye: Excellent walleye fishing, particularly during spring and fall
- Northern Pike: Abundant pike throughout the lake, providing consistent action for anglers of all skill levels
- Smallmouth and Largemouth Bass: Strong populations on rocky structures and weedy shallows
Two Campgrounds: Waterfront and Bluff-Top
Lower Campground (Est. 1923)
The original campground, established just two years after the park was dedicated. Sites are nestled among towering cedar trees with direct access to Black Lake’s shoreline. The lower campground’s waterfront sites are the park’s most coveted—offering the experience of camping directly on the shore of one of northern Michigan’s wildest large lakes.
Upper Campground (Est. 1942)
Established nearly two decades later atop a bluff overlooking the lake. Sites are shaded by magnificent white pines with filtered lake views from the elevated vantage point. The upper campground offers a different character—more spacious, breezier, and with the sense of elevation that the bluff-top position provides.
An ADA-accessible camper cabin is also available for visitors seeking sheltered overnight lodging.
CCC Architecture: National Register (2009)
Onaway’s CCC-era structures—built during the 1930s by young men employed through President Roosevelt’s conservation program—are exceptionally well-preserved and earned the park its National Register listing in 2009.
- Overlook Shelter: A historic stone shelter overlooking Black Lake, built from locally sourced materials with the craftsmanship characteristic of the best CCC work
- Infrastructure: Stone walls, staircases, and drainage systems that demonstrate Depression-era durability and design philosophy
The Shoreline
Onaway’s Black Lake shoreline is distinctly different from the sandy beaches typical of most Michigan state parks. The shore alternates between cobblestone sections, sandy stretches, and dramatic rock outcroppings—creating a wild, rugged character that feels more like Lake Superior than a typical inland lake. A buoyed swim area provides a designated swimming zone on one of the sandier sections.
Trails: 3 Miles
A 3-mile nature trail loops through the park’s interior, passing through cedar groves, hardwood forest, and along sections of the rocky shoreline. The trail provides wildlife observation opportunities and access to quieter sections of the park away from the campground.
Seasonal Guide
Spring (April–May)
Walleye fishing intensifies. Campground opens. Wildflowers under cedar canopy.
Summer (June–August)
Peak season. Swimming, fishing, camping. Black Lake water reaches comfortable temperatures by late June.
Autumn (September–October)
Fall color. Musky fishing at its peak. Upper campground views at their most dramatic with autumn light.
Winter (November–March)
Ice fishing on Black Lake. Snowmobiling on regional trails. The park takes on a wild, solitary character.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Onaway one of the original state parks? Yes. Dedicated in 1921, it is one of the original 13 parks established by the Michigan State Park Commission.
What kind of fish are in Black Lake? Black Lake is renowned for muskellunge (musky), walleye, northern pike, and both largemouth and smallmouth bass. It is one of Michigan’s premier musky lakes.
Is this on the National Register? Yes. Added in 2009 for its exceptionally preserved CCC-era architecture from the 1930s.
