HomeMichiganBaraga County

King Lake

Baraga County, Michigan Inland Lake Connected Water
418.6 acres20 ft deep1 launchRec Passport requiredIce fishing
King Lake Access Map 1 launch
Depth Map → 🎣 Fishing Guide → Click markers for details
Boat Launches on King Lake
King Lake State Forest Campground Boat Launch
Baraga State Park · Paved ramp, 1 lane, 2 trailer spots
Open Motorboat Kayak Large Boat Rec Passport
View ramp details →
Connected Waterways

King Lake sits in the Lake Superior watershed in Baraga County. Specific inflows and outflows aren't well-documented, but the lake is part of the broader drainage network feeding toward Lake Superior via the region's creek systems.

Winter & Ice Safety

King Lake's small size and UP location mean it freezes reliably in winter, though the 6-mile dirt road access could be challenging or impassable depending on snow conditions. Ice fishing is possible but you'd need to confirm road accessibility with local conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions
How do you get to King Lake in Baraga County?
You'll drive about 5-6 miles down a single-lane dirt road off US-41. The drive takes roughly 10-15 minutes. The road is passable for regular vehicles but narrow — don't expect to pass oncoming traffic easily.
Is there a boat launch on King Lake?
Yes, there's one launch on the lake. It's basic and best suited for small boats, canoes, and kayaks. Some waterfront campsites allow you to park your boat right at your site.
Is there camping at King Lake?
Yes — King Lake State Forest Campground has 6 rustic sites, first come first served. Sites have picnic tables and fire rings. Sites 4 and up are closer to or directly on the water, while sites 1-3 are on a hill. Vault toilets are available but there are no hookups or attendant. Cost is around $15-20/night with a $9 surcharge for out-of-state campers.
Can you swim in King Lake?
Yes — the State Forest Campground has beach access, and the waterfront campsites provide easy lake access for swimming. It's a natural shoreline, not a maintained swimming beach.
How remote is King Lake?
Very remote. It's 5-6 miles down a dirt road with no services, no cell reception to speak of, and only 6 campsites. If you want isolation in the UP, this delivers.
Are there mosquitoes at King Lake?
Yes — reviewers consistently warn about aggressive mosquitoes, especially in summer. Pro tip from experienced campers: apply bug spray at one of the clearings on the road before you reach the campground, so you're protected before you step out of the vehicle.
Do you need a reservation for King Lake campground?
No — it's first come, first served. With only 6 sites, weekends can fill up, but midweek and shoulder-season visits usually have availability.
Scout's Notes
Lake Vibe & Fishing Intel

King Lake is a small, remote lake in Baraga County — deep in the western Upper Peninsula and accessible only via a 5-6 mile single-lane dirt road off US-41. That isolation is the whole point. The lake has a State Forest Campground with just 6 rustic sites (first come, first served), several of which sit right on the water. There's a single boat launch, and the lake is well-suited for small boats, canoes, and kayaks. Campers consistently describe it as one of the prettiest campgrounds they've encountered, though the remoteness means services are minimal — vault toilets, no attendant, and garbage cans that can overflow.

Fishing is reportedly good, and the quiet setting means you'll likely share the lake with very few people, if anyone. The dirt road in is narrow but passable for standard vehicles. Come prepared with bug spray — reviewers warn that mosquitoes are aggressive, especially in summer. This is a true off-grid UP experience: no cell service expectations, no hookups, just a lake in the woods.

Sources: Wikipedia, Google Reviews, DNR data, campground & beach reviews, ShorelineScout enrichment