Otsego Lake State Park

Otsego Lake State Park covers 62 acres with a half-mile sandy beach along the lake, surrounded by oak, maple, and pine trees providing natural shade. The grounds include 155 camping sites near the water, a boat launch for watercraft access, and a fishing pier in the day-use area.

The Michigan State Parks Commission established this park in 1920 to protect the region's shoreline. The Civilian Conservation Corps built a wooden bathhouse here in 1934 as part of Depression-era development projects.

The Iron Belle Trail near the park entrance connects visitors to Michigan's extensive network of recreational paths for hiking, biking, and winter activities. This route reflects how the region has integrated outdoor recreation into the daily rhythm of local leisure time.

The park sits at an elevation of 1,293 feet and is well equipped for swimming and water activities. Floating chairs are available for swimmers seeking accessibility, and seasonal rentals of kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards serve different skill levels.

During the Great Depression, this park became a vital refuge when the Civilian Conservation Corps employed hundreds of local workers to develop its facilities. That era of public investment shaped the park's layout and endures as a reminder of how communities were rebuilt through outdoor recreation.

Location: Michigan

Inception: 1920

Website: https://www2.dnr.state.mi.us/ParksandTrails/Details.aspx?id=482&type=SPRK

GPS coordinates: 44.93050,-84.68980

Latest update: December 12, 2025 16:42