Chicago Lake Campsites

Star3.74
28 reviews
8181 US HWY 2 RAPID RIVER/MANISTIQUE RANGER DISTRICT, Rapid River, MI, USA, 49878
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

791 ft

Price

$8/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

4 campsites

Season

Open from May 15 to ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Rapid River/Manistique Ranger District site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Chicago Lake Campsites
$8.00 - $8.00 / night
Campsite Fees
$8 per night for standard non-electric and tent-only sites during peak season (May 15 - October 9).
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

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Provider
906-474-6442
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What Campers Say

3.74

Mixed Reviews

Based on 28 reviews

5 Google reviews

Most mentioned

lakesites

"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."

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Campground Map

8181 US HWY 2 RAPID RIVER/MANISTIQUE RANGER DISTRICT, Rapid River, MI, USA, 49878

Chicago Lake Campsites

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.

Best Time to Camp at Chicago Lake Campsites

The 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.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.5 / 5

Summer good for paddling, fishing and boating; many reviews note severe mosquitoes in summer.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

UP's dramatic seasons suggest strong fall colors and fewer insects; open through Oct 9.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Open from May 15; late-spring conditions variable and insects may be an issue early in season.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed outside May 15–Oct 9; minimal winter use noted.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 15 - October 9.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open from May 15 to October 9. Reservations start June 21.

About Chicago Lake Campsites

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.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
12:00 PM
Check-out
11:00 AM
Stay Limit
14-day stay limit.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Group Sites

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.
FishingThe 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."
SwimmingSwimming is available, with Site 3 and Site 4 offering the best conditions. Site 2's conditions are fair, and Site 1's are poor.
BikingBiking opportunities exist within a short drive, but no direct trails are specified within the campground.
BoatingThe 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 viewingThe area is surrounded by dense forest, which could offer opportunities for observing local wildlife, although this is not explicitly detailed in the reviews.
Beach activitiesSome sites provide lakefront access that may be suitable for activities like lounging by the water.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsMosquitoes and biting black flies are extreme during warmer months. "Beekeeping suits recommended," per Caitlin C.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Chicago Lake Campsites

Reviews

3.7
28 reviews
Mixed Reviews
Mixed 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 28 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 28 reviews

Common 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...
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Based on 28 reviews

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 28 reviews

Seasonal 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 28 reviews

Camper 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 28 reviews

Site-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...
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Based on 28 reviews

Accessibility Features

No reviews specifically address accessibility features.
Based on 28 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but there are no specific reviews highlighting pet-related experiences.
Based on 28 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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