About Clear Lake State Park
Clear Lake State Park sits along M-33 near Atlanta, in the heart of Michigan's northeast Lower Peninsula "Sunrise Side" backcountry. With 178 sites split between upper and lower loops, it's one of the region's larger campgrounds, shaded by oaks and pines and built for both lake recreation and ORV riding.
Sites offer electrical service, with 50-amp available on select sites and pull-through options for larger rigs. Beyond standard camping, the park has an ADA-accessible tiny house (sleeps 4), a mini cabin (sleeps 4), and a rustic group-use area for up to 30 people.
Things to Do
Clear Lake has a dedicated swim area and boating access for typical lake-day recreation, but the park's real distinction is its ORV trail network — riders can operate directly between the campground and nearby trails, a rare combination in the Michigan state park system. That makes it a genuine basecamp for off-roaders exploring the surrounding Mackinaw State Forest trail system.
Best Time to Visit
Summer covers both peak swimming and ORV season. Fall brings the region's hunting season and quieter, cooler camping through the oak-and-pine forest.
Reservation Tips
Clear Lake is popular with the ORV crowd but still less competitive than the state's coastal parks. Reserve through MiDNRReservations.com within the 6-month window, especially if you want the tiny house or mini cabin.
Getting There
The park sits directly on M-33 north of Atlanta, roughly 45 minutes from both Gaylord and Alpena, in the middle of Michigan's largest contiguous state forest.