Home › Michigan › Emmet County

Crooked Lake

Emmet County, Michigan Inland Lake Connected Water
1,133.2 acres50 ft deep1 launchRec Passport required
Crooked Lake Access Map 1 launch
Depth Map → Click markers for details
Boat Launches on Crooked Lake
Crooked Lake Boat Launch
Petoskey State Park · Unimproved ramp, 1 lane, 10 trailer spots
Open Motorboat Kayak Rec Passport
View ramp details →
Connected Waterways

Crooked Lake is the headwaters of Michigan's Inland Waterway — one of the most significant connected water systems in the state. Water flows out via the Crooked River to Burt Lake, then through the Indian River to Mullett Lake, and finally via the Cheboygan River to Lake Huron. This gives boaters on Crooked Lake navigable access to over 40 miles of interconnected waterway.

Winter & Ice Safety

Crooked Lake freezes in winter given its northern Michigan location. However, areas near the Crooked River outlet and any current-influenced sections may have thinner or unpredictable ice. Always check conditions locally before venturing out.

Frequently Asked Questions
What is Crooked Lake known for?
Crooked Lake is the headwaters of Michigan's Inland Waterway — the chain of lakes and rivers connecting to Burt Lake, Mullett Lake, and eventually Lake Huron. That navigable chain connection makes it unique among northern Michigan lakes. It's also known for clear water, good fishing, and its winding, irregular shape.
What fish are in Crooked Lake?
Residents and visitors report good fishing, though specific species aren't well documented in public data. Expect typical northern Michigan warm and cool water species. Long-time homeowners praise the fishing, but summer weekends bring heavy boat traffic that can make it tough to find quiet water.
Can you swim in Crooked Lake?
You can, but be aware that swimmers itch has been reported, especially in summer. The parasite comes from a snail/waterfowl lifecycle common in many Michigan lakes. Maple Bay State Forest Campground has a sandy swimming beach. Toweling off immediately after swimming can help reduce risk.
Is there a public boat launch on Crooked Lake?
Yes, there's one public launch on Crooked Lake. It's well-regarded with a 4.4-star Google rating from 10 reviews. Note that summer weekends can get busy with boat traffic on the lake.
Where is Crooked Lake in Michigan?
Crooked Lake is in Emmet County in the northern Lower Peninsula, near the town of Alanson. It's part of the Inland Waterway system in the Petoskey/Harbor Springs region of northern Michigan.
Can you boat from Crooked Lake to other lakes?
Yes — Crooked Lake is the starting point of Michigan's Inland Waterway. You can navigate from Crooked Lake through the Crooked River to Burt Lake, then to Mullett Lake, and eventually to Lake Huron via the Cheboygan River. It's one of the great connected waterway trips in Michigan.
Are there campgrounds near Crooked Lake?
Several options: Maple Bay State Forest Campground offers rustic state forest camping with a sandy beach right on the water. Crooked River RV Park and El Rancho Alanson RV Resort cater to RV campers. Camp Pet-O-Se-Ga is also nearby. Crooked River Lodge offers lodging-style accommodations.
Is Crooked Lake good for water sports?
The lake's winding shape with tight bends makes tubing and waterskiing more challenging than on a wide-open lake. Reviewers note it's hard to do turning maneuvers in the narrower sections. Pontoon boating and jet skiing are popular, but expect congestion on summer weekends.
Can you ice fish on Crooked Lake?
Crooked Lake is in northern Michigan and freezes in winter, so ice fishing is possible. Always check current ice conditions before heading out, as the Inland Waterway connection can affect ice formation in spots with current.
Scout's Notes
Lake Vibe & Fishing Intel

Crooked Lake (also called Crooked River in some contexts) sits in Emmet County and serves as the headwaters of Michigan's famous Inland Waterway — the chain of lakes and rivers that connects Crooked Lake to Burt Lake, Mullett Lake, and eventually Lake Huron via the Cheboygan River. That chain connection is the lake's defining feature, giving boaters access to a vast interconnected system. The lake itself is irregularly shaped with tight bends (hence the name), which makes water sports tricky but gives the shoreline plenty of character. Reviews consistently mention super clear water and gorgeous sunsets.

Fishing draws a loyal crowd — long-time residents praise it, though summer weekends can get crowded with boat traffic. The lake has some quirky depth changes, running shallow through the first bends then dropping off around the curves. Swimmers itch has been reported, particularly in summer — worth knowing before you wade in off the bike path. The town of Alanson sits nearby, and several RV parks and campgrounds line the area including Maple Bay State Forest Campground, which also has a sandy beach. One public launch serves the lake with a strong 4.4-star rating from 10 reviews.

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

Know this lake?

Share fishing tips, seasonal patterns, or hazards to help other anglers.

Share Lake Intel →