Craft & Seasonality
✓
Motorboat ✓
Kayak / Canoe ✓
Jet Ski / PWC ✓
Large Boat ✗
Winter Access Site Details
Conditions change rapidly due to water levels, prop wash, and weather. Always visually inspect before backing down.
RampPaved, 1 lane
Dock1 boating pier
Trailer Parking13 spots · gravel
FeeMI Recreation Passport (annual, on vehicle registration)
Hours4 AM – 11 PM
RestroomsVault toilet (1)
PierYes
AccessibilityAccessible restroom
Not Available Fish cleaning · Fishing pier
Scout's Notes
Ramp Quirks & Etiquette
Parking Is Tight
Only 13 trailer spots and the lot layout doesn't use the space well. On a warm Saturday morning you can find it full by 9 AM — there's really no overflow option, so plan accordingly or go midweek.
Beach Crowding Issue
The northeast corner attracts swimmers even though it's posted no swimming. During summer weekends you'll see people wading and hanging out near the ramp area, which can make launching awkward. It's worse on hot holiday weekends.
Rec Passport Required
This is administered by Ionia State Recreation Area, so you need a Michigan Recreation Passport on your vehicle. Don't forget it — there's no pay station, and you will get ticketed.
Small Lake, Low Pressure
Campau is a quiet little lake and that's the charm. You're not fighting tournament traffic or jet ski wakes. One lane is plenty here because you're rarely waiting behind anyone. Great spot to put in a pontoon or a small bass boat and just have the water mostly to yourself.
Sources: DNR GIS data, Google Reviews, Google Street View
About This Lake
Campau Lake →