HomeMichiganClare County

Windover Lake

Clare County, Michigan Inland Lake Connected Water
52 acres60 ft deep1 launchRec Passport requiredIce fishing
Windover Lake Access Map 1 launch
Depth Map → Click markers for details
Boat Launches on Windover Lake
Windover Lake Boat Launch
Clare Field Office · Unimproved ramp, 1 lane, 6 trailer spots
Open Motorboat Kayak Rec Passport
View ramp details →
Connected Waterways

Windover Lake is part of the Clare County watershed system in the central Lower Peninsula. Specific inflow and outflow details are limited, but the lake sits in the broader Muskegon or Tittabawassee River drainage area typical of Clare County lakes.

Winter & Ice Safety

Given the extremely warm summer surface temps and likely shallow profile, Windover Lake probably freezes relatively early and reliably in winter. However, fishing reviews suggest it's not a popular ice fishing destination either. Always check ice thickness locally before venturing out.

Frequently Asked Questions
Is Windover Lake good for fishing?
Not particularly — local reviewers are pretty candid that Windover Lake isn't a strong fishing destination. If fishing is your priority, nearby Lake George is a better bet. Windover Lake is more popular for recreational boating and jet skiing.
Is there a public boat launch on Windover Lake?
Yes, there's one public launch on Windover Lake. It carries a 4.4-star Google rating from 19 reviews, and users generally find it functional for getting watercraft in the water.
Can you jet ski on Windover Lake?
Yes — jet skiing and personal watercraft are popular on Windover Lake. Multiple reviewers specifically call it out as a great lake for jet skis and recreational water sports.
How warm does Windover Lake get in summer?
Very warm. Water temperatures have been recorded at 84°F during summer months, making it comfortable for swimming and water sports but indicative of a shallow, warm-water lake.
Where is Windover Lake?
Windover Lake is in Clare County in the central Lower Peninsula of Michigan. It's accessible from the nearby towns in the Clare–Harrison area.
Are there campgrounds near Windover Lake?
Several. Lake George Family Campground and Michigan Eagle Family Recreation Center are nearby, and Mud Lake State Forest Campground offers a more rustic, public-land option. White Birch Lakes Rec Assoc also has a campground in the area.
Can you swim in Windover Lake?
Yes. The lake gets very warm in summer (84°F has been reported), and Sandy Shores Resort nearby offers beach access. The warm temps make it a comfortable swimming lake through much of the season.
Scout's Notes
Lake Vibe & Fishing Intel

Windover Lake sits in Clare County, a modest-sized inland lake that locals gravitate to more for water sports than fishing. The single public launch pulls a solid 4.4-star rating, and reviewers consistently mention it as a good spot for jet skis and recreational boating. Water temps have been reported hitting 84°F in summer — classic shallow, warm-water profile that heats up fast. Don't expect a trophy fishery here; reviews are blunt that fishing is underwhelming compared to nearby options like Lake George.

The surrounding area has decent infrastructure — several campgrounds are within easy reach, including Lake George Family Campground and Mud Lake State Forest Campground for a more rustic option. Sandy Shores Resort is nearby for beach access. Clare County is solidly in the middle of the Lower Peninsula, making Windover Lake a reasonable drive from both the Midland–Bay City corridor and the Mt. Pleasant area.

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