HomeMichiganMontcalm County

Dickerson Lake

Montcalm County, Michigan Inland Lake Connected Water
200.4 acres48 ft deep1 launchRec Passport required
Dickerson Lake Access Map 1 launch
Depth Map → 🎣 Fishing Guide → Click markers for details
Boat Launches on Dickerson Lake
Dickerson Lake Boat Launch
Newaygo State Park · Paved ramp, 1 lane, 22 trailer spots
Open Motorboat Kayak Large Boat Rec Passport
View ramp details →
Connected Waterways

Dickerson Lake sits in Montcalm County in the central Lower Michigan watershed. Specific inflows and outflows are not well-documented, but it's in the general vicinity of other Montcalm County lakes including nearby Pearl Lake and Montcalm Lake.

Winter & Ice Safety

Dickerson Lake's smaller size means it typically freezes solid in winter, though the steep drop-offs suggest some deeper areas that may take longer to set up. Always check ice thickness, especially early and late season. No specific ice fishing reports available, but panfish lakes like this often produce through the ice.

Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a public boat launch on Dickerson Lake?
Yes, there's one public boat launch with a gravel ramp, restroom, and plenty of parking. It's well-maintained and rarely crowded. The gravel on the hill leading down can be loose, so take it easy on the approach.
Is Dickerson Lake good for swimming?
Yes — the water is notably clean and clear. There is a public beach area at Dickerson Lake. Just be aware of the steep drop-offs; the bottom goes from shallow to deep quickly, which is worth knowing if you have kids wading.
Where is Dickerson Lake?
Dickerson Lake is in Montcalm County, near Stanton in central Lower Michigan. It's a relatively easy drive from Grand Rapids or Lansing.
Is there a fee to launch at Dickerson Lake?
The public launch is a DNR-managed site. No specific fee is mentioned in reviews, but you may need a Michigan Recreation Passport on your vehicle as with most state-managed access sites.
Can you kayak on Dickerson Lake?
Absolutely. The lake's smaller size, clear water, and generally calm conditions make it well-suited for kayaking and canoeing. Multiple reviewers mention it as a great spot to relax on the water in a kayak.
Are there campgrounds near Dickerson Lake?
Yes — Three Seasons Family Campground and Four Seasons Family Campground are both located nearby, giving you options for weekend camping trips with lake access.
Is Dickerson Lake busy?
Generally no — reviewers consistently describe it as quiet and peaceful. The launch usually has plenty of open parking. Summer weekends can bring more boat traffic on this smaller lake, but it's nothing like the big recreation lakes in the area.
Scout's Notes
Lake Vibe & Fishing Intel

Dickerson Lake is a smaller, clear-water gem in Montcalm County near Stanton. What stands out here is the dramatic depth profile — reviewers describe it going from super shallow to surprisingly deep in a short distance, with tall weed beds but limited hard structure. The water clarity is excellent, which combined with the steep drop-offs makes it an interesting fishery. Shoreline fishing after dark reportedly produces nonstop panfish action on jigs.

The vibe here is quiet and residential — cottage families, kayakers, and the occasional bass boat. The single public launch is well-maintained with a gravel ramp, restroom, and plenty of parking. The gravel on the approach hill can wash loose, so use some caution backing down. Despite the 4.9 Google rating, it doesn't draw heavy crowds most days, though summer weekends can get busy on this smaller body of water. A couple of family campgrounds sit nearby for anyone looking to make a weekend of it.

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