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Little Brevort Lake

Mackinac County, Michigan Inland Lake Connected Water
2 launchesRec Passport requiredIce fishing
Little Brevort Lake Access Map 2 launches
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Boat Launches on Little Brevort Lake
Little Brevort Lake South Boat Launch
Straits State Park · Unimproved ramp, 1 lane, 4 trailer spots
Open Motorboat Kayak Rec Passport
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Little Brevort Lake State Forest Campground North Boat Launch
Straits State Park · Unimproved ramp, 1 lane, 1 trailer spots
Open Motorboat Kayak Rec Passport
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Connected Waterways

Little Brevort Lake sits a few miles inland from Lake Michigan in Mackinac County. It's distinct from the larger Brevort Lake nearby. The lake is surrounded by state forest land and sits within the Lake Michigan watershed.

Winter & Ice Safety

Located in the eastern Upper Peninsula, Little Brevort Lake gets reliably cold winters and should freeze solidly for ice fishing. Pike and panfish are the likely winter targets. Always check local ice conditions before heading out.

Frequently Asked Questions
Are motors allowed on Little Brevort Lake?
No — Little Brevort Lake is a no-motors lake. Not even electric trolling motors are permitted. This makes it ideal for canoes, kayaks, and rowboats, and keeps the lake exceptionally quiet.
What fish are in Little Brevort Lake?
Northern pike are the most commonly reported catch, along with largemouth bass, yellow perch, bluegill, and crappie. Reviews describe the fishing as productive but sometimes challenging — pike seem to be the star species here.
Is there camping at Little Brevort Lake?
Yes. The Little Brevort Lake North State Forest Campground sits on the north shore with rustic sites — vault toilets, fire rings, picnic tables, and an artesian well for fresh water. No electricity. Sites are nicely spaced and mostly wooded. There's also a Brevort Lake Campground nearby on the larger Brevort Lake.
Where is Little Brevort Lake?
Little Brevort Lake is in Mackinac County in Michigan's eastern Upper Peninsula, roughly 20 minutes west of St. Ignace and just a few miles inland from Lake Michigan.
Can you swim in Little Brevort Lake?
Yes. There's a small beach area on the north shore near the campground that's popular for swimming. The no-motors rule means the water stays calm and free of boat traffic.
Is there a boat launch on Little Brevort Lake?
There are two boat launches — one on the north end accessed through the state forest campground, and another on the south end (Little Brevoort Lake South Boat Landing). Remember: no motors of any kind are allowed.
Is there a fee to launch at Little Brevort Lake?
The boat launches are on state forest land. There's no specific launch fee mentioned, but you may need a Recreation Passport on your vehicle to access state-managed sites in Michigan.
Are there hiking trails at Little Brevort Lake?
Yes. The Switchback Ridge Pathway trailhead is at the north campground. There's also a trail that loops around the lake, though reviews note sections can be overgrown and difficult to navigate. Lake Michigan beaches and dunes are a short drive away for additional walking.
What is the artesian well at Little Brevort Lake?
The campground has a natural artesian well that produces fresh spring water. It's locally famous — on weekends, expect a steady stream of visitors filling multiple bottles and jugs. Avoid camping directly across from the water pump if you want privacy.
Can you ice fish on Little Brevort Lake?
The no-motors restriction applies to open water boating, and the lake likely freezes solidly given its location in the eastern UP. Ice fishing for pike and panfish would be feasible, though it's not specifically highlighted as a major ice fishing destination.
Scout's Notes
Lake Vibe & Fishing Intel

Little Brevort Lake is a no-motors lake in Mackinac County — not even electric trolling motors are allowed, which makes it one of the quieter paddle-and-fish lakes in the eastern Upper Peninsula. It sits just a few miles from Lake Michigan and about 20 minutes west of St. Ignace, surrounded by state forest land. The lake holds northern pike, largemouth bass, yellow perch, bluegill, and crappie. Reviews consistently describe the fishing as productive but sometimes challenging, with pike being the most commonly mentioned catch.

The north shore has a state forest campground that's a local favorite — rustic sites with vault toilets, fire rings, and an artesian well that draws people from all over to fill jugs on weekends. A small beach area provides swimming access, and the Switchback Ridge Pathway trailhead is right at the campground. A second boat landing sits on the south end of the lake. The campground loop on the north side dates back to a former, larger state forest campground that was downsized in 2009 budget cuts — the old road still provides access to the boat ramp and swimming area. The proximity to Lake Michigan beaches and sand dunes adds another dimension if you want to mix freshwater paddling with Great Lakes shoreline.

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

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