About Onaway State Park
Onaway State Park is a small, quiet 158-acre park on the southeast shore of Black Lake, in the northern Lower Peninsula near the town of Onaway. It's one of the least crowded lake campgrounds in the region — an easy pick for campers who want a straightforward lake stay without the crowds of the Mackinac corridor an hour north.
The modern campground has 82 electric sites plus an ADA-accessible Shoreview Camper Cabin. A buoyed swim beach, a 3-mile trail looping the park, a historic overlook shelter, and the newly built Onaway Pavilion round out the facilities.
Things to Do
Black Lake is known for walleye, muskellunge, northern pike, and other species, making it a genuine destination for serious anglers as well as casual campers. Canoe and kayak rentals are available Memorial Day through Labor Day for exploring the lake, and Ocqueoc Falls — the Lower Peninsula's largest waterfall — is just 10 miles east, an easy add-on day trip from camp.
Best Time to Visit
Summer is the park's main season for swimming and boat rentals on Black Lake. Muskie season draws serious anglers in fall, and the nearby Ocqueoc Falls makes a nice detour any time the trails are dry.
Reservation Tips
Onaway is one of the easiest northern Lower Peninsula parks to book, even in summer, thanks to its small size and low profile. Reserve through MiDNRReservations.com within the 6-month window, though last-minute openings are more common here than at bigger-name parks.
Getting There
The park sits just off M-211 near Onaway, about an hour south of the Mackinac Bridge and a scenic detour off the main I-75 corridor.