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Davis Lake

Benzie County, Michigan Inland Lake Connected Water
22 ft deep1 launchRec Passport requiredIce fishing
Davis Lake Access Map 1 launch
Click markers for details
Boat Launches on Davis Lake
Davis Lake Boat Launch
Interlochen State Park · Unimproved ramp, 1 lane, 3 trailer spots
Open Motorboat Kayak Rec Passport
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Connected Waterways

Davis Lake appears to be primarily spring-fed with no major named inflows or outflows. It sits among a cluster of small inland lakes in Benzie County, including Lake Ann, Garey Lake, and Lake Dubonnet, all within the broader Betsie River watershed area.

Winter & Ice Safety

As a small, shallow lake, Davis Lake likely freezes reliably in winter. There's little information about ice fishing activity here, which tracks with recent reports of declining fish populations.

Frequently Asked Questions
What fish are in Davis Lake?
Davis Lake has historically held bass and panfish (bluegill, sunfish). Some anglers still report catching largemouth bass, particularly in the shallows on the far side of the lake. However, multiple recent reviews note that fishing quality has declined significantly over the past five years.
Can you swim in Davis Lake?
Yes — swimming is one of the main draws. The lake appears to be spring-fed, so the water stays cool even in August. Locals have been using it as a swimming hole for decades. There's no formal beach, but the launch area provides access.
Is there a boat launch on Davis Lake?
There's one launch with a 4.6-star Google rating. It's suitable for kayaks, canoes, and small non-motorized boats. The ramp surface is a bit rough. Note there's no restroom at the launch.
Can you use a motor on Davis Lake?
Davis Lake appears to be a non-motoring lake based on user reports. It's best suited for kayaks, canoes, and other paddle craft.
Where is Davis Lake in Michigan?
Davis Lake is in Benzie County in northwest Lower Michigan, near Lake Ann and not far from Glen Lake and the Sleeping Bear Dunes area.
Are there campgrounds near Davis Lake?
Several state forest campgrounds are nearby: Lake Ann State Forest Campground, Garey Lake State Forest Campground, Lake Dubonnet State Forest Campground, and Lake Dubonnet Trail Camp. Lively Acres Campground is also in the area.
Is Davis Lake spring-fed?
It appears to be — the water stays notably cool even in hot mid-August weather, which is consistent with spring-fed lakes. The cool temperatures are part of what makes it a good swimming spot.
Scout's Notes
Lake Vibe & Fishing Intel

Davis Lake is a small, quiet lake in Benzie County — shallow, spring-fed, and ringed by trees. Locals treat it as a swimming hole and kayak spot more than a fishing destination these days. The water stays surprisingly cool even in mid-August, consistent with spring-fed origins. With just one launch and no motors, this is a paddle-only kind of place.

Historically the lake held bass and panfish, and some reviews mention catching big bass in the shallows on the far side. However, multiple recent reports suggest the fishing has dropped off significantly in the last several years. The lake sits in a cluster of small Benzie County lakes — Lake Ann, Garey Lake, and Lake Dubonnet are all nearby with state forest campgrounds, making this a good area for a quiet Up North camping weekend. Glen Lake and the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore are a short drive north.

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

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