HomeMichiganMontmorency County

Jackson Lake

Montmorency County, Michigan Inland Lake Connected Water
30.9 acres25 ft deep1 launchRec Passport requiredIce fishing
Jackson Lake Access Map 1 launch
Depth Map → 🎣 Fishing Guide → Click markers for details
Boat Launches on Jackson Lake
Jackson Lake State Forest Campground Boat Launch
Clear Lake State Park · Carry-in only ramp, 0 lane
Open Kayak Rec Passport
View ramp details →
Connected Waterways

Jackson Lake sits in Montmorency County's state forest land north of Atlanta. Specific inflow and outflow data is limited, but the lake is in the broader Thunder Bay River watershed area that characterizes much of Montmorency County.

Winter & Ice Safety

Jackson Lake is a small lake in northern Lower Michigan that likely freezes reliably in winter. No specific ice fishing reports were available, but the lake's size and location suggest it would support ice fishing. Always check current ice conditions before venturing out.

Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Jackson Lake in Michigan?
Jackson Lake is in Montmorency County, just a few minutes north of Atlanta, Michigan along M-33. It's in the northern Lower Peninsula, surrounded by state forest land.
Is there a boat launch on Jackson Lake?
Yes, there's one public boat launch about 100 yards south of the campground on M-33. It's a simple launch suitable for small boats and kayaks. The launch has a 4.9 rating from visitors.
Is there camping on Jackson Lake?
Yes — the Jackson Lake State Forest Campground is right on the lake. It's rustic/primitive with outhouses, hand-pump water wells, fire pits, and picnic tables. About half the sites are directly on the water. Sites are first-come, first-served. The campground has recently been upgraded with new outhouses, graded sites, and replaced fire rings and tables.
Can you use ORVs near Jackson Lake?
Yes — the Jackson Lake State Forest Campground connects directly to the Atlanta-area DNR ORV trail system via a short trail from the back of the campground. It's a popular base camp for off-road riding.
Is Jackson Lake good for kayaking?
Yes, it's a small, quiet lake that's well-suited for kayaking and canoeing. The boat launch on M-33 provides easy water access, and the lake's calm, uncrowded character makes for relaxed paddling.
Are pets allowed at Jackson Lake campground?
Yes, the Jackson Lake State Forest Campground allows leashed pets.
Can you hear road noise at Jackson Lake?
Some reviewers mention you can hear M-33 from the campground, but most say it's not too loud and doesn't ruin the peaceful atmosphere.
What other parks are near Jackson Lake?
Clear Lake State Park and Clear Lake State Campground are both nearby, giving you additional options for camping, swimming, and fishing in the area.
Scout's Notes
Lake Vibe & Fishing Intel

Jackson Lake is a small, quiet lake in Montmorency County just a few minutes north of Atlanta off M-33. It's the kind of place people describe as feeling far away from the world — rustic, no-frills, and peaceful. The Jackson Lake State Forest Campground sits right on the shore with about half its sites on the water, and a boat launch is located just 100 yards south on M-33. The campground is primitive — outhouses, hand-pump wells, fire pits, and picnic tables — but well-maintained and recently upgraded with new facilities and graded sites.

Fishing draws people here, though details on species are limited — expect typical northern Lower Michigan warm-water fare. The lake is small enough that a kayak or small boat is ideal. A notable bonus: the campground connects directly to the Atlanta-area DNR ORV trail system, making it a solid base camp for off-road riders. Clear Lake State Park is nearby for a change of scenery. Reviews consistently praise the quiet, the privacy between sites, and the overall rustic character — this is a "get away from everything" spot, not a resort lake.

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