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Corey Lake

Cass County, Michigan Natural Freshwater Lake Connected Water
610.5 acres73 ft deep1 launchRec Passport required
Corey Lake Access Map 1 launch
Depth Map → Click markers for details
Boat Launches on Corey Lake
Corey Lake Boat Launch
Cassopolis Field Office · Unimproved ramp, 1 lane, 6 trailer spots
Open Motorboat Kayak Rec Passport
View ramp details →
Connected Waterways

Corey Lake is fed by Harwood Lake via a dammed connection. It drains artificially into Kaiser Lake and Curtis Creek. The lake sits in the St. Joseph River watershed in southwestern Michigan.

Winter & Ice Safety

Corey Lake freezes in winter, but the 73-foot maximum depth means ice thickness can vary significantly between shallow bays and the deep basin. Always check ice conditions carefully over deeper water. Ice fishing happens but the lake draws far more attention in summer.

Frequently Asked Questions
How deep is Corey Lake?
Corey Lake has a maximum depth of 73 feet, making it one of the deeper lakes in Cass County. The depth contributes to excellent water clarity, especially in early spring.
What fish are in Corey Lake?
Smallmouth bass are the most commonly mentioned catch. The fishing overall is considered fair — multiple reviewers note it's more of a boating and watersports lake than a fishing destination. Heavy recreational boat traffic during summer weekends can make fishing tougher.
Is there a public boat launch on Corey Lake?
Yes, there's one DNR launch with a single ramp, a dock/pier, and restrooms. The catch: parking is very limited for vehicles with trailers, and you can only load or unload one boat at a time. On busy summer weekends, expect long waits and congestion. It rates 4.5 stars on Google but the complaints are almost all about crowding.
Can you swim in Corey Lake?
Yes. The water is clean and clear — reviewers describe it as crystal clear in early spring. There are beach areas around the lake, and the summer camps have their own waterfront. The sandbar is a popular hangout spot.
Where is Corey Lake?
Corey Lake is in Cass County in southwestern Michigan, located just outside Three Rivers. It's roughly 30 miles south of Kalamazoo.
Are there campgrounds on Corey Lake?
Yes — Roberts Corey Lake Campground and Rocky's Hideaway are both on the west side of the lake. There's also Corey Lake Marina for boaters needing fuel or services.
How big is Corey Lake?
Corey Lake has about 7 miles of shoreline. It's the largest lake in the Three Rivers area — a natural freshwater lake fed by Harwood Lake and draining into Kaiser Lake and Curtis Creek.
Is Corey Lake good for kayaking or paddling?
Yes. Multiple reviewers recommend it for paddling, and the 7-mile shoreline gives you plenty to explore. Best to go early morning or on weekdays to avoid powerboat traffic.
What is Camp Eberhart on Corey Lake?
Camp Eberhart is a YMCA summer camp on Corey Lake that's been operating for decades. Camp Wakeshma is the other camp on the lake. Both give Corey Lake a strong summer-camp identity — reviewers call it 'like every summer camp movie lake.'
Can you ice fish on Corey Lake?
The lake freezes in winter, though the 73-foot depth means ice conditions can vary — always check thickness before heading out, especially over the deeper basin. Ice fishing is possible but the lake isn't particularly known for it.
Scout's Notes
Lake Vibe & Fishing Intel

Corey Lake sits just outside Three Rivers in Cass County — a natural freshwater lake with about 7 miles of shoreline and a max depth of 73 feet. That's surprisingly deep for southwestern Michigan, and early spring visitors note tropical-level clarity before algae kicks in. The shoreline is mostly residential with a few waterfront restaurants accessible by boat, plus two summer camps — YMCA Camp Eberhart and Camp Wakeshma — that give the lake a classic summer-camp identity. Watersports dominate in season: skiing, jet skis, and tubing are all popular, which means it can get loud on summer weekends.

Fishing is honest but not the main draw. Reviews consistently call it "fair" — you'll find smallmouth bass, and the deep basin could hold some decent fish, but heavy boat traffic during peak hours pushes serious anglers to early mornings or weekdays. The single DNR launch is the bottleneck: one ramp, limited trailer parking, and on busy days the line to launch gets tense. If you're paddling or dock fishing, the launch works fine. Two campgrounds on the west side (Roberts Corey Lake Campground and Rocky's Hideaway) and a marina round out the access. Corey Lake Orchard nearby is worth a stop for fresh produce, apple picking, and wine tastings.

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

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