HomeMichiganKent County

Big Pine Island Lake

Kent County, Michigan Inland Lake Connected Water
225.4 acres40 ft deep1 launchRec Passport required
Big Pine Island Lake Access Map 1 launch
Depth Map → 🎣 Fishing Guide → Click markers for details
Boat Launches on Big Pine Island Lake
Big Pine Island Lake Boat Launch
Ionia State Recreation Area · Paved ramp, 1 lane, 14 trailer spots
Open Motorboat Kayak Large Boat Rec Passport
View ramp details →
Connected Waterways

Big Pine Island Lake sits in the Kent County lake region alongside nearby Wabasis Lake and Murray Lake. Specific inflow and outflow details aren't well-documented, but the area drains into the Grand River watershed.

Winter & Ice Safety

Big Pine Island Lake sees year-round fishing, and its smaller size likely means reliable ice formation in a typical Michigan winter. The boat launch area isn't always well-plowed, so access can be tricky. Always verify ice thickness yourself before heading out.

Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a boat launch on Big Pine Island Lake?
Yes, there's one public launch — the Big Pine Island Boat Ramp. It's a well-maintained ramp with a sturdy dock that can handle multiple boats at a time. There's a small launch fee. Parking is limited, so arrive early on summer weekends.
Is there a fee to launch at Big Pine Island Lake?
Yes, there's a small launch fee. Reviewers note this helps keep the facility well maintained.
Can you swim in Big Pine Island Lake?
Yes, you can swim in the lake, but there's no designated public beach. There's a beach area near the launch, and many people swim from boats or private shoreline. Nearby Wabasis Lake Park has a public swim beach if you want a sandy setup.
Where is Big Pine Island Lake?
Big Pine Island Lake is in Kent County, northeast of Grand Rapids. It's in the general area of other popular Kent County lakes like Wabasis Lake and Murray Lake.
Is Big Pine Island Lake an all-sports lake?
Yes, it's an all-sports lake — waterskiing, tubing, and general cruising are all popular. Expect boat traffic on summer weekends.
Are there campgrounds near Big Pine Island Lake?
Several campgrounds are nearby, including Wabasis Campground, Scalley Lake Park Campground, Larson's Resort, Double R Ranch, and Wabasis Lake Park. Wabasis Lake Park is probably the most established option with its own beach and lake access.
Scout's Notes
Lake Vibe & Fishing Intel

Big Pine Island Lake is a smaller all-sports lake in Kent County — close enough to Grand Rapids to be a convenient day trip but far enough out to feel like a real lake community. The lake supports bass, bluegill, sunfish, perch, and the occasional northern pike, though reviewers note the panfish tend to run small. It's a popular waterskiing and tubing lake, and locals say weekends can get crowded with boat traffic on the limited water.

The single DNR launch has a 4.8-star rating and can handle multiple boats at a time, though parking is tight — plan accordingly on summer weekends. There's no public beach, but plenty of spots to swim. The lake community is tight-knit and well-regarded; the neighborhood puts on its own fireworks show every July 3rd, which locals swear by. Nearby Wabasis Lake Park and several campgrounds give you options if you want to make a weekend of it.

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