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Lodge Lake

Ogemaw County, Michigan Inland Lake Connected Water
16.9 acres16 ft deep1 launchRec Passport requiredIce fishing
Lodge Lake Access Map 1 launch
Depth Map → Click markers for details
Boat Launches on Lodge Lake
Lodge Lake Boat Launch
Rifle River State Recreation Area · Unimproved ramp, 1 lane, 2 trailer spots
Open Motorboat Kayak Rec Passport
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Connected Waterways

Lodge Lake is a small lake in the Rifle River watershed in Ogemaw County. The Rifle River Recreation Area is nearby, and the Rifle River itself flows east to Saginaw Bay. Specific inflows and outflows for Lodge Lake are not well documented.

Winter & Ice Safety

Lodge Lake is small and likely freezes reliably in a typical Michigan winter, but there's little online discussion of ice fishing here specifically. Always check ice thickness yourself before venturing out.

Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Lodge Lake in Michigan?
Lodge Lake is in Ogemaw County in the northeastern Lower Peninsula, not far from the Rifle River Recreation Area. The nearest town of any size is West Branch, about 10-15 minutes away.
Is there a public boat launch on Lodge Lake?
There is one boat launch on Lodge Lake. Given the lake's small size, it's best suited for small boats, pontoons, and kayaks rather than high-horsepower setups.
Can you rent a boat on Lodge Lake?
Yes — Palmer Lake Lodges on the lake rents pontoon boats. Multiple reviews mention the pontoon rentals as a highlight, especially for families with kids.
What fish are in Lodge Lake?
Reviews mention casual fishing from the dock and from boats, but Lodge Lake isn't a well-known destination fishery. Expect typical small-lake warm-water species like panfish and bass. For more serious fishing, nearby lakes and the Rifle River offer better options.
Are there cabins on Lodge Lake?
Palmer Lake Lodges operates about 10 cabins right on the shoreline, ranging from one to two bedrooms. They also have a bed-and-breakfast room. Cabins come with full kitchens, A/C, cable TV, and fire rings. There's also a small ice cream café called Nibbles on the property.
Are there campgrounds near Lodge Lake?
Several campgrounds are nearby, including The Cove Family Campground, Lost Valley Campground, Woodlands Acres Campground, Devoe Campground, and Logan Hills Campground. The Rifle River Recreation Area also offers camping with more structured amenities.
Can you swim in Lodge Lake?
There's lake access at the shoreline near the lodges, and reviews mention kids playing in the water. There's no dedicated public beach on Lodge Lake itself, but the Rifle River Recreation Area nearby has swimming areas.
Is Lodge Lake good for families?
It's essentially built for family getaways. The cabin setup with pontoon rentals, an ice cream café, outdoor games (horseshoes, bags), campfire pits, and a quiet lake makes it a low-key spot to bring kids. Multiple reviews mention it as great for reunions and group trips.
Scout's Notes
Lake Vibe & Fishing Intel

Lodge Lake (also referred to locally as Palmer Lake) is a small lake in Ogemaw County, tucked into the rural landscape between West Branch and the Rifle River Recreation Area. The lake is best known for Palmer Lake Lodges, a cabin rental property right on the water that dominates nearly all online discussion of the lake. With pontoon boat rentals, a small café, and direct shoreline access, the lodge operation is essentially the lake's identity for most visitors.

Fishing is available — reviews mention panfish and casual shoreline angling — but this isn't a destination fishery. The lake is small and quiet, better suited for families looking to unplug in a cabin, paddle around on a pontoon, and roast marshmallows. There's one public launch. The Rifle River Recreation Area is nearby for those wanting more structured outdoor recreation, and several campgrounds dot the surrounding area including The Cove Family Campground and Lost Valley Campground.

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

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