As its name suggests, Clear Lake State Park is known for its pristine water. Set along two-thirds of the lake's shoreline, the quiet park is home to a modern campground, trails, overnight lodging facilities, a designated swim beach and a disc golf course. It's a quiet destination for campers, paddlers, anglers and boaters. With its location in Michigan's elk country, it's not uncommon to hear the bugling of elk in the area.
The park is one of just a few state parks that allow the operation of an ORV between the campground and nearby ORV trails. Riders can access the Atlanta ORV route and the Michigan Cross Country Cycle Trail from the park. An ORV trailhead parking lot is located across from the park's contact station.
The park is located in the Mackinaw State Forest, which comprises the northern eight counties of the Lower Peninsula. Elk can often be seen and heard throughout the area in the early morning and evening, especially during the spring and fall.
There is an accessible boating access site in the day-use area. There are 50 parking spots for vehicles and trailers.
The course consists of nine holes; the most difficult hole is a 429-foot-par four. A universally accessible gravel walking path connects each hole along the course. View the course map
The 133-acre Clear Lake is spring-fed and has a depth of 90 feet. A variety of fish species have been planted, and the lake is excellent for trout, splake and smallmouth bass.
Metal detecting is allowed in certain park areas. Please consult the park map for designated locations and review applicable regulations. Only registered campers can metal detect in campgrounds.
Seasonal naturalists offer nature-based programming at the park during the summer and/or fall. Check the park's explorer program calendar for dates, locations and topics.
The park is one of just a few state parks that allow the operation of an ORV between the campground and nearby ORV trails. Riders can access the Atlanta ORV route and the Michigan Cross Country Cycle Trail from the park. An ORV trailhead parking lot is located across from the park’s contact station.
Canoes, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and rowboats are available to rent at the park contact station. Call 989-785-4388 for more information.
The park’s lake is popular with paddlers.
Pets are allowed along the Clear Lake lakeshore other than the designated swim beach and boating access site. Pets must always be on a 6-foot leash and under an owner’s immediate control. All pet waste must be properly disposed of in trash receptacles.
The picnic area is in the day-use area and includes picnic tables and charcoal grills that are available first come, first served.
A slide and swings are in the day-use area.
The park’s sanitation station is located just inside the modern campground. There is potable water available and two lanes.
A buoyed swim area is in the park’s day-use area.
The park is set along Clear Lake, which is known for its pristine waters.
The modern campground is divided into two loops, the upper and lower loops, with several pull-through sites. The sites vary in size, are shaded by oaks and pines, and are within view of Clear Lake. The campground has its own designated swimming beach and a boating access site. Recycling is available.
This park allows the operation of an ORV between the campground and nearby ORV trails. Riders can access the Atlanta ORV route and the Michigan Cross Country Cycle Trail from the park. An ORV trailhead parking lot is located across from the park's contact station.
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The park's tiny house is located near the boating access site and offers views of Clear Lake. It sleeps four people between a full-size sleeper sofa and a trundle bed on the main floor.
The tiny house has electricity, including air conditioning, a ceiling light and fan. There is no running water, but visitors can get water at the campground's fill station.
Amenities include a digital fireplace and a heater, a small table and two chairs, a mini fridge, a microwave and a coffee maker. There is a picnic table, a fire pit and a grill outdoors.
Guests are required to provide their own bedding and cookware.
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An accessible mini cabin, which sleeps up to four (two bunkbeds), is in the modern campground (site #196). There is a counter with barstools, a microwave and a mini fridge. A picnic table, a fire ring and a grill are outdoors. There is electric heat and a fan.
Guests must bring their own linens and cookware.
This park allows the operation of an ORV between the campground and nearby ORV trails. Riders can access the Atlanta ORV route and the Michigan Cross Country Cycle Trail from the park. An ORV trailhead parking lot is located across from the park's contact station.
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This rustic group campground is available for groups up to 30. The site provides picnic tables and a fire pit.
Reservations can be made by calling the park office.
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While there aren't any upcoming park events listed at this time, you can check out the DNR's calendar of events.
The park also offers weekly nature programs not listed in the online calendar.
