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Avalon Lake

Montmorency County, Michigan Inland Lake Connected Water
387.8 acres74 ft deep1 launchRec Passport required
Avalon Lake Access Map 1 launch
Depth Map → 🎣 Fishing Guide → Click markers for details
Boat Launches on Avalon Lake
Lake Avalon Boat Launch
Clear Lake State Park · Paved ramp, 1 lane, 10 trailer spots
Open Motorboat Kayak Large Boat Rec Passport
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Connected Waterways

Lake Avalon is spring-fed, which accounts for its exceptional clarity and cold water temperatures. Specific inflow and outflow details aren't well-documented, but the lake sits in the broader Thunder Bay River watershed in Montmorency County. Ess Lake is nearby but not directly connected.

Winter & Ice Safety

Lake Avalon's spring-fed source keeps water colder year-round, but northern Montmorency County winters are harsh enough that the lake likely freezes reliably. Always check ice thickness locally before venturing out, as spring-fed lakes can have inconsistent ice near inflow areas.

Frequently Asked Questions
How clear is the water in Lake Avalon?
Extremely clear — it's spring-fed with a sandy bottom and virtually no weeds. Visitors regularly report visibility of 20-30 feet on the east side. Multiple reviewers call it one of the clearest lakes in Michigan, with one claiming it's the 7th clearest in the state. The spring-fed source also makes the water noticeably colder than typical northern Michigan lakes.
Is there a public boat launch on Lake Avalon?
Yes, there's one DNR boat launch on the east side of the lake. It's well-maintained and has a boat wash station where an attendant cleans boats before they enter the water. The ramp is short, though — pontoon owners in particular report difficulty launching and docking. It has a 4.9 Google rating from 84 reviews.
Can you swim in Lake Avalon?
Yes, there's a public swimming spot at the boat launch area. However, there is no dedicated public swimming beach, which disappoints some visitors. The water is crystal clear with a sandy bottom, but it runs cold due to the spring-fed source — great on hot days, bracing on cool ones.
Do you need a pass to use Lake Avalon?
Some visitors have reported needing a pass to access the lake, though the specifics are unclear. It's likely a Recreation Passport (Michigan state parks pass) is needed for the DNR launch. Check with the DNR or local authorities before your trip to avoid surprises.
Where is Lake Avalon located?
Lake Avalon is in Montmorency County in northern Lower Michigan. It's in a quiet, rural area with a cabin-community feel. Nearby camping includes Ess Lake State Forest Campground and Thunder Bay Resort RV Park.
Is Lake Avalon crowded?
Generally no. Reviewers consistently describe it as quiet, calm, and never overly crowded. It has enough room for water-skiing and tubing without feeling packed. The lake has a loyal but relatively small cabin community and isn't a high-traffic tourist destination.
Are there campgrounds near Lake Avalon?
Yes — Ess Lake State Forest Campground is nearby and offers rustic state forest camping. Thunder Bay Resort RV Park and Emerick Park are also in the area. There are no campgrounds directly on Lake Avalon.
Is it Lake Avalon or Avalon Lake?
Locals strongly prefer "Lake Avalon." You'll see both versions on maps and online, but if you want to sound like you belong, go with Lake Avalon.
Scout's Notes
Lake Vibe & Fishing Intel

Lake Avalon (locals insist on "Lake Avalon," not "Avalon Lake") is a spring-fed gem in Montmorency County that consistently gets called one of the clearest lakes in Michigan — multiple visitors claim you can see 20 to 30 feet down on the east side. The spring-fed source keeps the water noticeably colder than surrounding lakes, with a sandy bottom and virtually no weeds. It's deep enough for water-skiing and tubing, and big enough that it doesn't feel crowded, but small enough to feel private and quiet. Loons are a regular presence.

The single DNR boat launch on the east side gets a 4.9 rating but has a notably short ramp — pontoon owners report difficulty launching and loading. A boat wash attendant checks watercraft before entry, which helps explain why the lake stays so clean. There's a public swimming spot at the launch, but no dedicated public beach, which frustrates day visitors. The lake has a loyal cabin community — some families go back generations — and the vibe skews toward "best-kept secret" rather than tourist destination. Nearby camping options include Ess Lake State Forest Campground and Thunder Bay Resort RV Park. Some access may require a pass, so check with the DNR before heading out.

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

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