Campau Lake sits in the Grand River watershed in southern Kent County. The Coldwater River County Park campground nearby suggests proximity to the Coldwater River system, a tributary network feeding into the Thornapple and ultimately the Grand River.
Campau Lake is a small, likely shallow lake in southern Kent County, so it typically freezes solidly in winter. Always check ice thickness before heading out — 4 inches minimum for foot traffic, 5+ for snowmobiles. Local conditions can vary, especially early and late in the season.
Where is Campau Lake?
Is there a public boat launch on Campau Lake?
Can you swim at Campau Lake?
Is Campau Lake good for jet skiing and boating?
Is there camping near Campau Lake?
Is there a fee to launch at Campau Lake?
Is Campau Lake busy on weekends?
Campau Lake is a small, quiet lake in southern Kent County — close enough to Grand Rapids for a quick day trip but far enough to feel removed from the city. It's a popular spot for casual boating and jet skiing, though locals note it can get crowded on summer weekends given its modest size. The single public launch has a solid 4.5-star rating but limited parking, so arrive early on busy days. A DNR Passport is required to launch.
Fishing on Campau has been a point of contention among regulars. The lake once had excellent weed beds and bottom cover, but aggressive weed treatments by shoreline residents have reportedly stripped much of the natural fish habitat. That's a real loss for anglers — those weeds were the structure that held bass and panfish. The lake still sees some fishing activity, but weekends are dominated by recreational boaters and personal watercraft, making weekday mornings the better bet if you're casting lines. The boat launch drops off quickly, so even shallow-draft boats get in easily.