Chicago Lake Campsites
3.7720 reviews8181 US HWY 2 RAPID RIVER/MANISTIQUE RANGER DISTRICT, Rapid River, MI, USA, 49878
Chicago Lake Campsites
$8.00 - $8.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$8.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
$8 per night for standard non-electric and tent-only sites during peak season (May 15 - October 9).
About this campground
Escape to the untamed beauty of Chicago Lake Campsites, where four secluded sites await adventurous spirits seeking an authentic wilderness experience. Tucked into the heart of Hiawatha National Forest, these dispersed campsites offer a rare chance to disconnect from the modern world and reconnect with nature. Each site hugs the northern shores of pristine Chicago Lake, where morning mist dances across the water and the only sounds are rustling leaves and distant loon calls.
The Chicago Lake Campsites are suited for primitive camping. Sites are designed for tents and small trailers, with a strong emphasis on a rustic experience. Site 1 has been decommissioned, leaving three operational sites.
Weather and SeasonsThe Upper Peninsula's dramatic seasons paint Chicago Lake in ever-changing colors. Summer brings warm days perfect for paddling and hiking, though visitors should come prepared with serious insect protection—the mosquitoes here are legendary, with some campers noting they're particularly fierce during peak season. As autumn arrives, the hardwoods explode in brilliant reds and golds, creating a photographer's paradise. Winter transforms the landscape into a crystalline wonderland, though only the hardiest souls brave the deep cold and heavy snows that blanket the forest.
Natural Features and SceneryPicture yourself waking up beneath a canopy of towering pines and ancient hardwoods, with 188 acres of pristine Chicago Lake stretching before you. Each campsite offers its own unique character: Site #3 sits beneath majestic old-growth pines that whisper secrets in the breeze, while Site #4 opens to semi-cleared areas perfect for stargazing. Those seeking ultimate solitude will find sanctuary at Site #1, where dense forest creates a private woodland retreat. A public boat launch invites exploration of the lake's hidden coves and quiet fishing spots, where bass and pike lurk beneath lily pads.
Geological RegionDeep in Michigan's legendary Upper Peninsula, Chicago Lake exemplifies the raw beauty of the North Woods. This inland lake ecosystem, carved by ancient glaciers and nurtured by centuries of forest growth, represents the quintessential Northwoods experience. The mixed hardwood and coniferous forest creates a diverse habitat where the boreal meets the deciduous, resulting in a rich tapestry of flora and fauna that changes dramatically with each passing season.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are not specified, but the rugged nature of the area and the off-road access might pose challenges for visitors with mobility issues.
Sites SizeSite 2: 55 ft. x 45 ft.; Site 3: 60 ft. x 50 ft.; Site 4: 55 ft. x 50 ft.
Sites PrivacySite 1 offers significant privacy in a heavily wooded area, but it has been decommissioned. Site 3 and 4 are semi-private but can experience traffic from the nearby boat launch.
Total Campsites4 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSite 1 is highly private but requires 4-wheel drive; recommended for single families or tent camping. Site 2 offers easier trailer access and primitive toilet. Site 3—ideal for lakeside views but limited turning space for trailers.
Best CampsitesSite 3 for proximity to lakeshore and tall pine surroundings. Site 4 offers semi-open areas suitable for trailers and larger families.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
12:00 PM
Check-out
11:00 AM
Stay Limit
14-day stay limit.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Site #1 permits up to 8 guests, while Sites 2-4 allow up to 16 guests each.
Groups
Sites 2, 3, and 4 each accommodate up to 16 people.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutCampsites are dispersed and vary in size and terrain: Site 1 measures 20 ft x 15 ft; Site 2 measures 55 ft x 45 ft; Site 3 measures 60 ft x 50 ft; Site 4 measures 55 ft x 50 ft. Primitive toilets located at Site 2 and shared between Sites 3 and 4.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from May 15 to October 9. Reservations start June 21.
Reservation PlatformsReservations available via Recreation.gov website and contact center.
Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability not explicitly stated. Advance reservations are highly encouraged due to limited campsites.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled anytime before the scheduled arrival date. A $10 cancellation fee is applied. Late cancellations (less than one day before check-in) will forfeit the first night's fees along with the $10 fee.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Chicago Lake Campsites provide opportunities for swimming, fishing, boating, and berry picking. Swimming conditions vary by site: "Conditions are the best at sites 3 and 4," while Site 1 is rated poorly. The lake, covering 188 acres, offers fishing opportunities for species such as northern pike, bluegills, largemouth bass, and perch. The boat launch near Site 4 is frequently used by anglers.
Fishing
The lake features northern pike, bluegills, largemouth bass, and perch. "The boat launch is located adjacent to Site 4 and features an improved gravel ramp for accessing the abundant population of fish." User reviews suggest fishing success varies seasonally: "Fishing was not great, but I don't believe we were there at the ideal time for bass/pike fishing."Swimming
Swimming is available, with Site 3 and Site 4 offering the best conditions. Site 2's conditions are fair, and Site 1's are poor.Biking
Biking opportunities exist within a short drive, but no direct trails are specified within the campground.Boating
The boat launch allows back-in access and is located near Site 4. It features an improved gravel ramp. The lake is 188 acres in size, making it suitable for small boating activities.Wildlife viewing
The area is surrounded by dense forest, which could offer opportunities for observing local wildlife, although this is not explicitly detailed in the reviews.Beach activities
Some sites provide lakefront access that may be suitable for activities like lounging by the water.Winter Activities
No specific winter activities are mentioned, and the campground appears to be primarily operational during warmer seasons.Water Sports
The lake is suitable for non-motorized water sports like canoeing and kayaking, as inferred from the boat launch description.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Dead and down firewood collection permitted. Firewood from outside the area is prohibited due to invasive species.
Hazards
General hazardsMosquitoes and biting black flies are extreme during warmer months. "Beekeeping suits recommended," per Caitlin C.
Weather forecast
60
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 53%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 9.4 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Hospitals, police stations in Rapid River and Manistique are approximately 14-22 miles away.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 15 - October 9.
Trash and recyclingVisitors are required to follow a pack-in, pack-out policy. Trash and recycling facilities are not available.
Proximity to water featuresAdjacent to Chicago Lake with a public boat launch at Site #4. Lake features northern pike, bluegills, largemouth bass, and perch.
Common complaintsChallenges with biting insects, lack of clear signage, challenging road access, and missing picnic tables/grates. "The cooking grate was busted and no picnic table to be seen," Caitlin C; "No TP when we arrived," Kathryn D.
Campground Map
8181 US HWY 2 RAPID RIVER/MANISTIQUE RANGER DISTRICT, Rapid River, MI, USA, 49878
Driving directionsFrom 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.
Road access is primarily dirt with varying conditions. User reviews highlight challenging terrain for standard vehicles, especially during rain. It is described as a 'dirt road but perfectly navigable with any typical vehicle unless it is after/during torrential downpours.' However, other reviews state challenges even for experienced drivers ('off-road trail').Nearby places
Rapid River (approx. 14 miles east), Manistique (approx. 22 miles west)
Nearby supplies
There are groceries, gasoline, fishing and camping supplies, ice, and deli located seven miles northeast on County Road 437 in the Thunder Lake Area.
Camper Reviews
3.8
20 reviews
Chicago Lake Campsites has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews are mixed, with many appreciating the remote and rustic nature of the campground but highlighting challenges such as mosquitoes and difficult access roads.
Review Summaries
Based on 20 reviews
What Campers Love
'Great rustic and remote campsites.' - 'Very secluded. We felt like we had our own private lake.' Many users appreciated the serene environment and fishing opportunities.
Based on 20 reviewsCommon Concerns
Mosquitoes and black flies are a major issue, with one user stating, 'Not even DEET will deter these bugs.' Access roads are also a common complaint: 'It is an off-road trail,' one user noted, making...
Based on 20 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Bring bug spray or even 'bee keeping suits' for insect protection. Use 4WD vehicles for easier access to the sites. Sites 3 and 4 are recommended for better swimming conditions.
Based on 20 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Summer reviews emphasize mosquito issues but praise the fishing and boating opportunities. Winter and off-season reviews are absent, indicating minimal use during colder months.
Based on 20 reviewsCamper Quotes
'Very nice public boat launch that gets regular use but isn't overly busy.' - 'Even 98% DEET didn't quite do the job.' - 'Great rural camping and good fishing.'
Based on 20 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
Site 1: Decommissioned. Site 2: 'Very nice!' but signage to the site is lacking. Site 3: More private and good for swimming. Site 4: Conveniently located near the boat launch but can feel busy due to...
Based on 20 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
No reviews specifically address accessibility features.
Based on 20 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, but there are no specific reviews highlighting pet-related experiences.
Based on 20 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025