Clear Lake State Campground

For Michigan residents seeking a refreshing escape to the great outdoors, Clear Lake State Campground in Atlanta, MI, presents an inviting and well-regarded option. Nestled within the expansive Mackinaw State Forest, this campground is celebrated for its pristine spring-fed lake and the overall pleasant atmosphere it provides. Whether you're looking for a lively summer vacation spot or a quieter, off-peak retreat, Clear Lake State Campground offers a versatile experience that caters to various camping preferences.

Reviews from actual visitors consistently highlight the campground's appealing qualities. It’s described as a "nice campground in a very small town," which immediately evokes a sense of peaceful, small-town charm. The star of the show is undoubtedly the lake itself: "The lake is beautiful with a nice swimming area." This clear water, known for its "turquoise hues and the soft, sandy beach," creates an idyllic setting for swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, and simply lounging in the sun.

While one reviewer playfully noted it "seemed like kind of a party campground lol" during peak season, this suggests a vibrant and social atmosphere in July, which can be a huge draw for families and groups looking for fun. Conversely, visiting in early September offered a much quieter experience, proving its adaptability for different preferences throughout the season. Crucially, the "Bathrooms were clean and nice," a vital detail for any camper. With its blend of natural beauty, well-maintained facilities, and a flexible atmosphere, Clear Lake State Campground stands out as a top choice for Michigan locals planning their next outdoor adventure.

Clear Lake State Campground is strategically located at 33 State St, Atlanta, MI 49709, USA. This address places it squarely within Atlanta, the "Elk Capital of Michigan," in Montmorency County, part of the northeastern Lower Peninsula. The campground is situated within the Mackinaw State Forest, offering a truly immersive natural experience that is characteristic of "Up North" Michigan.

Accessibility to Clear Lake State Campground is straightforward for Michigan residents. Atlanta is reachable via state highways, such as M-33, which provides direct access to the park. For those traveling from various parts of Michigan, popular drive times include:

• Approximately 1 hour 47 minutes from Traverse City.

• Around 1 hour 59 minutes from Bay City.

• Roughly 2 hours 8 minutes from Saginaw.

• About 2 hours 9 minutes from Midland.

The campground itself is easily accessible by vehicle, described as "Drive-In." It features a modern campground divided into two loops (upper and lower), with several pull-through sites designed to accommodate various RV and trailer sizes, including "Big Rig Friendly" options. Additionally, for outdoor enthusiasts, the park is uniquely positioned to allow ORV operation directly between the campground and nearby ORV trails, including access to the Atlanta ORV route and the Michigan Cross Country Cycle Trail. An ORV trailhead parking lot is conveniently located across from the park's contact station, making it a prime destination for motorized trail users.

This blend of serene natural setting and practical accessibility, coupled with diverse recreational access, makes Clear Lake State Campground a highly convenient and appealing destination for Michigan locals looking for a varied outdoor experience.

Clear Lake State Campground, as a modern Michigan State Park facility, offers a comprehensive range of services designed to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable camping experience for its visitors. Based on official information and customer reviews, here’s a breakdown of what campers can expect:

• Modern Campsites with Electrical Service: The campground boasts approximately 200 modern campsites across two loops (upper and lower). All sites are equipped with either 30-amp or 50-amp electrical service, catering to various RV and trailer needs. Sites are described as spacious, shaded by oaks and pines, and many offer views of Clear Lake.

• Clean Modern Restrooms and Showers: A significant highlight for campers is the presence of "clean and nice" modern toilet and shower buildings centrally located within the campground. These facilities are crucial for comfort, especially after a day of swimming or outdoor activities.

• Designated Swimming Beach: A major draw is the beautiful "campers-only designated swim area" with a sandy beach and crystal-clear waters. This provides a safe and enjoyable environment for swimming and sunbathing.

• Boat Launch and Lake Access: The park provides an accessible boat launch located in the day-use area, offering direct access to the 133-acre spring-fed Clear Lake. The lake is suitable for motorized boats (though some suggest it's better for fishing boats due to size), paddleboarding, kayaking, canoeing, and fishing.

• Sanitation Station: A convenient sanitation station with potable water and two lanes is available just inside the modern campground, allowing RVs to dump waste and refill water tanks.

• Concession/Store: Firewood and ice are available for sale at the campground office, providing essential camping supplies on-site.

• Mini Cabin Rental: For those who prefer a more rustic cabin experience without bringing their own RV or tent, a mini cabin is available for rent within the park.

• ORV Trail Access: Uniquely, Clear Lake State Park allows the operation of ORVs between the campground and nearby ORV trails, including access to the Atlanta ORV route and the Michigan Cross Country Cycle Trail. An ORV trailhead parking lot is available across from the park's contact station.

• Recycling: Recycling facilities are available within the campground, encouraging environmentally responsible practices.

• Winter Camping: While bathrooms/showers and running water are unavailable from October through April, the campground remains open year-round, with potable water accessible at headquarters for winter campers.

These services demonstrate Clear Lake State Campground's commitment to providing a full-service, modern camping experience for diverse outdoor enthusiasts.

Clear Lake State Campground is rich with features and highlights that consistently draw campers from across Michigan, offering a blend of natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and comfortable amenities:

• Crystal-Clear Spring-Fed Lake: The most prominent feature is the stunning 133-acre Clear Lake itself. Renowned for its "crystal-clear waters," "turquoise hues," and the ability to "easily see the blue hues and the bottom of the lake in 30 feet deep of water," it’s often touted as one of the cleanest lakes in Michigan. This pristine water is ideal for swimming, fishing, and non-motorized boating.

• Beautiful Sandy Beach: The campground boasts a "nice swimming area" with a "beautiful" and "soft, natural sand" beach. This designated campers-only swim area provides a perfect spot for relaxation, sunbathing, and family fun, rarely being busy until closer to noon even in peak season.

• Clean and Modern Facilities: Campers consistently praise the "clean and nice" bathrooms with showers, a significant comfort highlight for a state park campground. The presence of a modern sanitation station is also a convenience for RV users.

• Spacious and Shaded Campsites: The modern campground features "fairly large" sites, many of which are well-shaded by oak and pine trees. The "plenty of space between sites," especially in the upper loop for larger units, ensures a more private and peaceful camping experience.

• Diverse Water Activities: Beyond swimming, the lake allows for paddleboarding, kayaking, canoeing, and fishing. The paved boat launch provides easy access for various watercraft. The lake is excellent for trout and smallmouth bass fishing, with various fish species having been planted.

• ORV Trail Accessibility: A unique feature for a state park, Clear Lake allows ORV riders to operate between the campground and nearby ORV trails, including the Atlanta ORV route and the Michigan Cross Country Cycle Trail. This makes it a prime base camp for motorized trail enthusiasts.

• Extensive Hiking and Biking Trails: The park offers "beautiful groomed hiking and biking trails" that wind through densely wooded areas, providing a true "Upnorth" Michigan feel. These trails offer opportunities to spot local wildlife like deer, turkey, and eagles.

• Wildlife Viewing: Located within the Mackinaw State Forest, the area is rich in wildlife. Campers often spot deer, turkey, eagle, birds, and chipmunks. Elk sightings are also common in the Atlanta area, especially during early mornings and evenings in spring and fall.

• Small-Town Charm of Atlanta: Being in Atlanta, the "Elk Capital of Michigan," adds to the appeal. Visitors can enjoy the friendly atmosphere of a small town while having access to outdoor adventures.

• Stargazing: With low light pollution, the area offers fantastic stargazing opportunities, with one reviewer noting they could "faintly see the Milky Way."

These combined features make Clear Lake State Campground a highly recommended "hidden gem" for a wide range of outdoor enthusiasts in Michigan.

As a Michigan State Campground managed by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Clear Lake State Campground operates under a standard fee structure that prioritizes broad public access and park maintenance. Direct commercial "promotions" or "special offers" in the traditional sense (like discounts or package deals) are not typically offered. Instead, the value comes from its well-maintained facilities and access to natural resources, along with the convenience of state park passes.

For Michigan residents, the most significant "special offer" or cost-saving measure related to state parks like Clear Lake State Campground is the Michigan Recreation Passport.

• Michigan Recreation Passport: This annual pass provides vehicle access to all Michigan state parks and recreation areas, including Clear Lake State Campground, for a single annual fee. It is generally purchased when renewing your vehicle license plate. For frequent visitors to Michigan's state parks, this pass offers substantial savings compared to paying daily entrance fees. It effectively acts as an annual "all-access" promotion for the entire state park system.

• Camping Fees: While the Recreation Passport covers vehicle entry, separate camping fees apply per night for individual campsites or cabins. These fees are set by the DNR and can vary slightly based on site type (e.g., electrical hookup availability) and time of year. Booking in advance, especially for peak season, is highly recommended to secure a spot.

• Senior and Accessibility Discounts: The Michigan DNR may offer discounts on camping fees for Michigan residents who are seniors or those with certain disabilities. It's always advisable to check the official DNR website or contact the park directly for eligibility and details on these potential rate reductions.

To get the most accurate and up-to-date information on camping fees, availability, and to make reservations, prospective campers should visit the official Michigan DNR Reservations website (often midnrreservations.com) or contact the park directly. The value of Clear Lake State Campground lies in the high quality of its facilities and the natural beauty it offers at a state-managed rate, enhanced by the affordability of the Recreation Passport for frequent users.

For inquiries, reservations, or more detailed information about Clear Lake State Campground in Atlanta, MI, you can use the following contact details:

Address: 33, State St, Atlanta, MI 49709, USA (This is the official address for the park.)

Phone: (989) 785-4388 (This is the direct phone number for Clear Lake State Park.)

Toll-Free Reservations: (800) 447-2757 (This number is likely for general Michigan DNR park reservations.)

Email: DNR-ParksAndRecreation@michigan.gov (General email for Michigan DNR Parks and Recreation, which oversees Clear Lake State Park.)

For the most efficient way to check availability and make reservations, especially for modern campsites with electrical hookups, it is highly recommended to use the Michigan DNR's online reservation system, typically found at midnrreservations.com. However, for specific questions about park rules, facilities, or current conditions, a direct call to the park office at (989) 785-4388 would be beneficial.

For Michigan locals, Clear Lake State Campground in Atlanta offers an exceptionally suitable and highly desirable camping destination, embodying the very best of what the state's outdoor recreation has to offer. Its suitability stems from its blend of natural beauty, modern conveniences, and diverse recreational opportunities, making it a perfect getaway for families, adventurers, and those simply seeking peace.

Firstly, the centerpiece of the campground – the "beautiful" and "crystal-clear" Clear Lake – is an undeniable draw. For Michigan residents, who are deeply connected to their state's freshwater resources, a spring-fed lake with "turquoise hues" and a "nice swimming area" provides an idyllic setting for summer fun. The clean sandy beach and safe swimming conditions make it ideal for families with children, ensuring a worry-free day by the water. Whether it's swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, or simply relaxing on the shore, the lake offers pristine conditions for all.

Secondly, as a modern state park campground, Clear Lake provides amenities that balance rustic charm with essential comfort. The "clean and nice" bathrooms with showers, along with electrical hookups at all sites and a convenient sanitation station, mean that campers, including those with RVs, can enjoy nature without sacrificing basic necessities. This level of comfort makes it accessible and appealing to a wider range of Michigan campers, from seasoned tent users to those with larger travel trailers.

Furthermore, the campground's location within the Mackinaw State Forest and its unique ORV trail access cater to Michigan's diverse outdoor enthusiast base. Locals who own ORVs will appreciate the rare convenience of being able to ride directly from their campsite to extensive trail systems. Beyond that, the "beautiful groomed hiking and biking trails" provide opportunities to explore the "Upnorth" Michigan woods, offering wildlife viewing and a genuine sense of being deep in nature, even while close to the amenities of Atlanta, the "Elk Capital." This means whether you're into motorsports, peaceful walks, or just want to spot some Michigan elk, there's something here for you.

In conclusion, Clear Lake State Campground is perfectly tailored for Michigan locals. It provides a clean, welcoming, and versatile environment, making it an ideal spot for creating cherished memories, enjoying Michigan's stunning natural beauty, and indulging in a wide array of outdoor activities, all within a reasonable drive for many across the state.