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Arfelin Lake

Marquette County, Michigan Inland Lake Connected Water
1 launchRec Passport required
Arfelin Lake Access Map 1 launch
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Boat Launches on Arfelin Lake
Arfelin Lake Boat Launch
Van Riper State Park · Unimproved ramp, 1 lane, 7 trailer spots
Open Motorboat Kayak Rec Passport
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Connected Waterways

Specific inflow and outflow data for Arfelin Lake is limited. The lake is situated in the Michigamme area of western Marquette County, which is part of the broader Lake Superior watershed.

Winter & Ice Safety

As an inland lake in Marquette County, Arfelin Lake likely freezes reliably given the Upper Peninsula's long, cold winters. The remote location means you should be self-sufficient on the ice — don't expect a crowd or nearby services. Always check ice thickness before heading out.

Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Arfelin Lake?
Arfelin Lake is in Marquette County in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, near the Michigamme area. Expect a back-roads drive through the woods to reach it — that's part of the appeal.
Is there a boat launch on Arfelin Lake?
Yes, there's one launch on the lake. It's rated 4.9 stars on Google, though with only 10 reviews — a reflection of how few people know about the spot.
What fish are in Arfelin Lake?
Reviewers mention catching a variety of fish species. The clear water and low fishing pressure suggest decent fish populations, though specific species data is limited. Expect a mix typical of Upper Peninsula inland lakes.
Is Arfelin Lake crowded?
No — isolation is the defining feature here. Multiple reviewers highlight how few people know about it. The remote location and single launch mean you're unlikely to share the water with many other boats.
Is the water clear in Arfelin Lake?
Yes. Reviewers specifically call out the water clarity, describing it as very clear — notable even by Upper Peninsula standards.
Are there campgrounds near Arfelin Lake?
Michigamme Shores Campground is nearby, offering a base camp option if you want to spend multiple days exploring the lake and surrounding area.
Scout's Notes
Lake Vibe & Fishing Intel

Arfelin Lake sits in Marquette County's backcountry — the kind of place people love precisely because it's hard to find. Reviews consistently mention the isolation and the drive through the woods to reach it, which keeps pressure low. The water is reportedly very clear, and anglers report catching a variety of fish species. With a 4.9 Google rating across 10 reviews, the people who do find it tend to come back.

There's a single launch on the lake and a marina (Lake Arfelin), so boat access exists but this isn't a high-traffic destination. Michigamme Shores Campground is nearby, suggesting the lake is in the Michigamme area of western Marquette County — classic Upper Peninsula backcountry. If you're looking for a quiet, clear lake where you might not see another boat all day, Arfelin fits the bill.

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