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Sunrise Lake

Osceola County, Michigan Inland Lake Connected Water
76.9 acres66 ft deep1 launchRec Passport requiredIce fishing
Sunrise Lake Access Map 1 launch
Depth Map → Click markers for details
Boat Launches on Sunrise Lake
Sunrise Lake State Forest Campground Boat Launch
Clare Field Office · Unimproved ramp, 1 lane, 12 trailer spots
Open Motorboat Kayak Rec Passport
View ramp details →
Connected Waterways

Sunrise Lake is a small inland lake in the Manistee National Forest area of Osceola County. Specific inflow and outflow data isn't well documented, but the lake sits within the broader Muskegon River watershed typical of this part of west-central Michigan.

Winter & Ice Safety

Sunrise Lake is a small, shallow lake in Osceola County that likely freezes reliably in winter. There's no significant ice fishing reputation here — the fishing is modest even in open water. Always check ice thickness before venturing out.

Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a public boat launch on Sunrise Lake?
Yes, there's one public launch with a concrete ramp, dock, and plenty of parking. Reviewers say there's good room to maneuver for launching and loading. Swimming is posted as not allowed at the boat launch itself, but there's a small sandy beach area nearby accessible via a short trail.
What fish are in Sunrise Lake?
Fishing reviews are mixed — some locals call it a good fishing lake while others say the fishing is underwhelming. The lake appears to hold panfish and bass typical of small Osceola County lakes. Bank fishing access is available near the launch. It's probably not a destination fishery, but worth a cast if you're camping.
Can you swim in Sunrise Lake?
Yes, and swimming is arguably the lake's strongest suit. The water is clear, warm in summer, and has a sandy bottom. There's a small sandy beach area near the boat launch (not at the launch itself — swimming is prohibited there). Multiple reviewers specifically praise the swimming over the fishing.
Is there camping at Sunrise Lake?
Two options. The Sunrise Lake State Forest Campground is a rustic campground directly across the road from the lake access — about 16 sites with vault toilets, a hand-pump well, fire rings, and picnic tables. Sites can handle RVs up to about 30 feet. There's also the Sunrise Lake Family Campground, a private campground on the lake. The state forest campground is first-come, first-served with an envelope drop payment system.
Where is Sunrise Lake in Michigan?
Sunrise Lake is in Osceola County in west-central Michigan, in the Manistee National Forest area near the north end of the Evart Motorcycle Trail system. It's a rural, forested setting with limited cell service.
Are there ORV or motorcycle trails near Sunrise Lake?
Yes — this is a major draw. The lake and campground sit at the north end of the Evart Motorcycle Trail, with thousands of acres of state forest riding and hiking trails plus two-tracks in the area. The campground is popular with trail riders using dirt bikes, ATVs, and side-by-sides. Expect trail vehicle noise during daytime hours.
Is Sunrise Lake quiet or noisy?
It depends on the season and who's camping. The lake itself is peaceful, but the nearby ORV trails bring engine noise during the day. The state forest campground sits close to a paved road, adding some road noise. Reviewers note that most campers respect quiet hours after 10-11 PM, but weekends can get rowdy. If you're looking for total solitude, visit midweek or outside peak ORV season.
Is there a fee to launch at Sunrise Lake?
The public access launch does not appear to charge a separate launch fee. The state forest campground uses an envelope drop payment system for overnight camping.
Scout's Notes
Lake Vibe & Fishing Intel

Sunrise Lake sits in the Manistee National Forest area of Osceola County — a small, clear-water lake with a sandy bottom that's been a family swimming and camping spot for generations. The water runs warm in summer and clear enough to see bottom in the shallows. There's a single public launch with a concrete ramp, dock, and solid parking area, plus bank fishing access and a small sandy beach area nearby. The lake gets mixed reviews on fishing — some locals swear by it, others call it better for swimming than catching.

What really defines Sunrise Lake is its proximity to the Evart Motorcycle Trail system and thousands of acres of state forest with ORV trails and two-tracks. The State Forest Campground sits directly across the road from the lake access — rustic sites with vault toilets and a hand-pump well, about 16 sites total. It draws a mix of families and trail riders, so expect some engine noise during the day. There's also a private family campground on the lake. Cell service and internet are essentially nonexistent out here, which is either a selling point or a dealbreaker depending on your priorities.

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

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