HomeMichiganCharlevoix County

Nowland Lake

Charlevoix County, Michigan Inland Lake Connected Water
1 launchRec Passport requiredIce fishing
Nowland Lake Access Map 1 launch
Click markers for details
Marinas 3
Northwest Marine Yacht Club ☎ +1 231-547-5552
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Ironton Cove Landings & Marina ☎ +1 231-547-2006
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Boat Launches on Nowland Lake
Nowland Lake Boat Launch
Young State Park · Unimproved ramp, 1 lane, 9 trailer spots
Open Motorboat Kayak Rec Passport
View ramp details →
Connected Waterways

Nowland Lake is a small inland lake in the Charlevoix County watershed. Specific inflow and outflow details aren't well documented, but the lake sits in the broader Lake Michigan drainage basin, with the town of Charlevoix and its Round Lake/Pine River channel connecting to Lake Michigan just a few miles to the west.

Winter & Ice Safety

Nowland Lake is small and likely freezes reliably in a typical Charlevoix County winter. Ice fishing pressure is probably minimal given the lack of formal access. Always check ice thickness before heading out.

Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a boat launch on Nowland Lake?
There's one access point, but it's not a formal launch — no ramp, no dock. It's suitable for carrying in a kayak, canoe, or small lightweight boat. Don't plan on trailering anything significant.
Can you kayak on Nowland Lake?
Absolutely — this is one of the best uses of the lake. It's small, quiet, and sees very little motorized traffic. Paddlers report loons, cranes, and abundant wildlife along the shoreline.
Where is Nowland Lake?
Nowland Lake is in Charlevoix County in the northwestern Lower Peninsula, not far from the town of Charlevoix and within a few miles of Fisherman's Island State Park on Lake Michigan.
Are there campgrounds near Nowland Lake?
Fisherman's Island State Park is nearby and offers rustic camping right along Lake Michigan's shoreline — one of the better campground settings in the area. There's no camping directly on Nowland Lake.
Is Nowland Lake good for fishing?
The lake is small and not widely known as a fishing destination, but quiet lakes like this in Charlevoix County typically hold panfish and bass. The lack of boat traffic and abundant wildlife suggest decent water quality and habitat.
Can you use a motorboat on Nowland Lake?
The access point has no formal ramp, so getting a motorboat in would be very difficult. This lake is best suited for non-motorized watercraft — kayaks, canoes, and small inflatables.
Is Nowland Lake crowded?
No. Reviewers describe it as a hidden gem with no commercialization. The lack of a formal launch keeps traffic extremely low. Expect solitude, especially on weekdays.
Scout's Notes
Lake Vibe & Fishing Intel

Nowland Lake is a small, quiet lake tucked into Charlevoix County — the kind of spot that doesn't show up on most fishing maps but draws kayakers and wildlife watchers who know about it. There's one access point but no formal launch or dock, so you're looking at a carry-in situation for canoes, kayaks, or small boats you can drag to the water. Reviewers consistently mention loons, herons, and other wildlife, which tells you the lake sees very little motorized traffic and has good shoreline habitat.

The lake sits within range of Fisherman's Island State Park, which offers camping right on Lake Michigan's shoreline just a few miles west. Charlevoix and the Walloon Lake area are nearby, so Nowland Lake functions as a peaceful escape from the heavier boat traffic on those bigger waters. If you want solitude and birds instead of jet skis, this is the move.

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