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Lake Chemung

Livingston County, Michigan Inland Lake Connected Water
325.3 acres60 ft deep1 launchRec Passport requiredIce fishing
Lake Chemung Access Map 1 launch
Depth Map → 🎣 Fishing Guide → Click markers for details
Boat Launches on Lake Chemung
Lake Chemung Boat Launch
Brighton State Recreation Area · Paved ramp, 2 lanes, 18 trailer spots
Open Motorboat Kayak Large Boat Rec Passport
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Connected Waterways

Lake Chemung sits near the Grand River corridor in Livingston County. The public launch is located close to Grand River Avenue, and the lake is part of the broader Huron River watershed area. Nearby Island Lake Recreation Area and the Huron River chain are just a short drive east.

Winter & Ice Safety

Lake Chemung's shallow profile means it generally freezes reliably in winter. Some ice fishing activity likely occurs, though it's not a marquee ice fishing destination. Always check current ice thickness before heading out — shallow lakes can also be affected by current and springs that create thin spots.

Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a public boat launch on Lake Chemung?
Yes, there's one public launch off Hughes Road near Grand River. It has a dual-sided dock ramp, two staging areas, vault toilets, and decent parking — though parking fills up by late morning on weekends. The turnaround area is tight, so you'll want to be comfortable backing a trailer. The entrance comes up fast on Hughes Road, so watch for it.
Is there a fee to launch at Lake Chemung?
Reviews don't mention a launch fee. It appears to be a free public launch, though you may need a Michigan Recreation Passport or similar state sticker depending on management — check signage at the ramp.
Can you swim in Lake Chemung?
You can, but the lake bottom is rocky and weedy in many areas, which puts some people off. The beach at Lake Chemung Outdoor Resort is a better option for swimming than trying to wade in from random shoreline spots. Brighton Recreation Area and Island Lake Recreation Area also have swim beaches nearby.
Are there campgrounds on Lake Chemung?
Lake Chemung Outdoor Resort and Lake Chemung Park both sit on the lake with camping options, cabins, a beach, pool, and summer activities. These are more seasonal/resort-style parks — some spots are owned lots with park models rather than traditional tent camping.
Where is Lake Chemung?
Lake Chemung is in Livingston County, between Howell and Brighton, just south of I-96. It's roughly 50 miles northwest of Detroit, making it one of the closer lake options for metro-area boaters looking for a quick day trip.
Is Lake Chemung good for kayaking?
Yes — the lake is well-suited to smaller craft like kayaks and canoes. Kayak fishing on weekdays when powerboat traffic is lighter is a good strategy. On weekends, boat traffic picks up and can make paddling less enjoyable.
How deep is Lake Chemung?
Lake Chemung is generally shallow with spots that come up unexpectedly. Boaters unfamiliar with the lake should use caution and keep an eye on depth, especially when exploring new areas.
Is Lake Chemung noisy?
Residents note that I-96 runs close to the lake's north side, and freeway noise carries across the water — particularly noticeable on calm mornings. It's not a remote, quiet-north-woods experience. That said, once you're out on the water with the engine running, most people don't notice.
Scout's Notes
Lake Vibe & Fishing Intel

Lake Chemung sits in Livingston County just off I-96 — close enough to the Detroit metro that it draws steady weekend traffic but small enough to feel like a neighborhood lake. It's a shallow, weedy lake with some unexpectedly shallow spots that can surprise boaters unfamiliar with the layout. The single public launch off Hughes Road has a dual-sided dock and two staging areas, but the turnaround is tight and parking fills fast on weekend mornings. Locals say get there early or deal with the zoo.

Fishing is decent but not destination-quality — reviews suggest it's been heavily pressured, and shoreline access for bank fishing is limited. Kayak anglers do well on quieter weekdays. The lake is better suited to smaller craft — pontoons, kayaks, and runabouts rather than big performance boats. Lake Chemung Outdoor Resort and Lake Chemung Park sit on the shoreline with camping, a beach, a pool, and summer activities. One thing to know: I-96 runs close to the north shore, and residents report noticeable freeway noise, especially on calm mornings. The weedy, rocky bottom makes swimming hit-or-miss depending on your tolerance for that sort of thing.

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

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