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Cusino Lake

Schoolcraft County, Michigan Inland Lake Connected Water
128.9 acres30 ft deep1 launchRec Passport required
Cusino Lake Access Map 1 launch
Depth Map → Click markers for details
Boat Launches on Cusino Lake
Cusino Lake State Forest Campground Boat Launch
Indian Lake State Park · Carry-in only ramp, 0 lane
Open Kayak Rec Passport
View ramp details →
Connected Waterways

Cusino Lake sits in the state forest lands of Schoolcraft County in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Detailed inflow/outflow information is limited, but the lake is part of the broader Lake Michigan watershed typical of this region.

Winter & Ice Safety

As a small UP lake, Cusino Lake likely freezes reliably in winter. However, the dirt road access would be extremely challenging in winter conditions and may not be plowed. Check with the DNR before attempting winter access.

Frequently Asked Questions
How do you get to Cusino Lake?
Cusino Lake is accessed via dirt forest roads in Schoolcraft County. The roads can have significant washouts and deep puddles, especially after rain. A vehicle with decent clearance is recommended — sedans and low cars may have trouble. There is no cell service in the area, so plan accordingly.
Is there camping at Cusino Lake?
Yes — the Cusino Lake State Forest Campground has 6 sites, all directly on the waterfront with sandy entry points. It's rustic: vault toilet and a hand pump for water, no electric hookups. Sites are in a row along the lake with open sightlines between them. It's first-come, first-served and often completely empty even on summer weekends.
Can you swim in Cusino Lake?
You can wade in from the sandy entry points at each campsite, but reviewers note the lake isn't ideal for swimming. It's better suited for fishing and paddling. The sandy shore access does make it easy to launch kayaks and canoes.
What fish are in Cusino Lake?
Cusino Lake is described as good for fishing by visitors, though specific species data is limited. As a typical UP state forest lake, it likely holds panfish, bass, and possibly pike. Check current MDNR stocking records for the most up-to-date information.
Is there a boat launch at Cusino Lake?
There is one launch site at the state forest campground. Given the dirt road access and small lake size, this is best suited for car-top boats — kayaks, canoes, and small fishing boats. Don't expect a paved ramp or dock.
Is there cell service at Cusino Lake?
No. Reviewers consistently report zero cell service at Cusino Lake. Plan your trip accordingly and let someone know where you're headed before you go.
Is Cusino Lake good for stargazing?
Absolutely — it's one of the darkest camping spots you'll find. With no cell service, no nearby towns, and no light pollution, reviewers rave about the star visibility. Multiple visitors call the night sky the highlight of their trip.
Scout's Notes
Lake Vibe & Fishing Intel

Cusino Lake is a small, remote lake in Schoolcraft County deep in the Upper Peninsula's state forest land. Access is via long dirt roads with washouts — low-clearance vehicles may struggle, especially in wet conditions. The payoff is near-total solitude: a tiny six-site state forest campground where every site sits directly on the water with sandy entry points. Reviewers consistently describe it as the quietest campground they've ever visited, with zero light pollution and no cell service.

The lake is better suited for fishing and paddling than swimming — it's a classic UP forest lake. A kayak or canoe is the ideal craft here. The campground has a vault toilet and hand pump for water but no other amenities. If you want remote, dark-sky camping on a lake you might have entirely to yourself on a summer weekend, Cusino Lake delivers.

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

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