HomeMichiganBarry County

Baker Lake

Barry County, Michigan Inland Lake Connected Water
1 launchRec Passport requiredIce fishing
Baker Lake Access Map 1 launch
🎣 Fishing Guide → Click markers for details
Boat Launches on Baker Lake
Baker Lake Boat Launch
Yankee Springs State Recreation Area · Unimproved ramp, 1 lane, 8 trailer spots
Open Motorboat Kayak Rec Passport
View ramp details →
Connected Waterways

Baker Lake sits within the Yankee Springs Recreation Area in Barry County, which contains several small lakes including Deep Lake and Gun Lake to the south. The broader area drains into the Gun River watershed, a tributary of the Kalamazoo River system.

Winter & Ice Safety

Baker Lake is a small, likely shallow lake that should freeze reliably in a typical Michigan winter. Ice fishing is plausible here, though it's not a well-known ice fishing destination. Always check current ice conditions before heading out.

Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a boat launch on Baker Lake?
Yes, there's one public access launch on Baker Lake with free parking. It's a basic launch — no restrooms or other amenities on site.
Is there a fee to launch at Baker Lake?
Parking at the launch is free, though you may need a Recreation Passport for your vehicle since the lake is within Yankee Springs Recreation Area.
Can you swim in Baker Lake?
There's no designated swimming area or beach at Baker Lake. You can get in the water, but there are no lifeguards, roped-off areas, or bathhouse facilities.
Is Baker Lake crowded?
No — Baker Lake is known for being peaceful and lightly used. Multiple visitors describe it as one of the quieter lakes in the area, a stark contrast to busy Gun Lake just to the south.
Are there campgrounds near Baker Lake?
Yes, several. Baker Lake sits within Yankee Springs Recreation Area, which has Deep Lake Rustic Campground, the main Yankee Springs campgrounds, and Sharp Park Campground nearby. It's one of the better camping clusters in southwest Michigan.
Where is Baker Lake in Michigan?
Baker Lake is in Barry County, inside Yankee Springs Recreation Area, roughly between Hastings and Middleville. It's about 20 miles east of Gun Lake and around 30 miles southeast of Grand Rapids.
Are there hiking trails near Baker Lake?
Yes — Yankee Springs Recreation Area has an extensive trail system for hiking and mountain biking. Trails connect through the campgrounds and pass near the lake, though direct waterfront access along the trails is limited.
Scout's Notes
Lake Vibe & Fishing Intel

Baker Lake is a small, quiet lake tucked inside Yankee Springs Recreation Area in Barry County — one of Michigan's best state recreation areas for hiking, mountain biking, and rustic camping. The lake has a single public launch with free parking, and by all accounts it's a peaceful spot that doesn't draw crowds. Anglers speak highly of the fishing here, and the low traffic means you can work the water without competing for space.

There's no designated swimming area and no public restrooms at the launch — this is a no-frills access point in a rustic setting. The surrounding Yankee Springs trail system connects to the lake, so you'll see hikers passing through. Deep Lake Rustic Campground and other Yankee Springs campgrounds are nearby, making Baker Lake a solid side trip if you're already in the recreation area. Gun Lake, the much larger and busier lake in the area, is just a few miles south.

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