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Michigan
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Michigan State Parks

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Michigan
Northeast Region
Otsego Lake State Park
Otsego Lake State Park Otsego Lake © Maxine Smith
Otsego Lake State Park © surrealis_uk / CC BY 2.0
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OTSEGO LAKE STATE PARK
OTSEGO LAKE STATE PARK
7136 Old 27 S.
Gaylord, Michigan   49735

Phone: 989-732-5485
Reservations: 800-447-2757
Otsego Lake State Park is a charming and popular family park easily accessible to I-75 and Gaylord, "The Alpine Village." The park is shaded with large oak, maple and pine. It encompasses 62 acres and provides more than a half mile of sandy beach and large sites near or within sight of the lake. O
History of the Area
Otsego Lake was established as a state park in 1920.

The property was purchased very reasonably from a lumber company who had lumbered it off. In 1935, the Civilian Conservation Crop (CCC) built buildings and made other improvements to the grounds. The remaining CCC buildings are the pavilion in the center of the North Campground and a portion of the South campground toilet building. Two-thirds of the 155 campsites are in the North Campground which is known as the "highbanks." The terrain gently rises and the sites overlook the lake. The other one-third are in the South campground and are lower and closer to the lake. The majority of the sites are large, flat and shady.
Passes
The Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into state parks and recreation areas, state boat launches, state forest campgrounds and state trail parking lots. Details and information on how to obtain your Michigan Recreation Passport can be found by visiting the MICHIGAN RECREATION PASSPORT web page.
FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES OVERVIEW
Day-UseFishingyes
Park Store
The Otsego Lake Park Store offers hand-dipped ice cream, soda, candy, pizza, subs along with T-shirts and sweatshirts. The store is open from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend.
Camping
Otsego Lake-Modern(800) 447-2757 155 site(s)Electrical Service, Mini Cabin, Modern Restrooms
Swimming
1. Otsego Lake State Park offers a sandy beach for swimming.
2. Lifeguards are not provided, so swim at your own risk.
3. Swimming is permitted during daylight hours only.
4. There's plenty of space on the 800-foot long shoreline to relax and sunbathe after swimming.
5. The lake water remains relatively warm due to its shallow depth making it ideal for swimmers in summer months.
6. The park does not provide any equipment rentals like floaties or snorkels; bring your own if needed.

Boating
In the day use area, there is a concrete pad two-lane boat launch and parking for boat trailers.
Fishing
For those without a boat, the park has an accessible fishing pier. Fishing is generally good year-round. Species include bluegill, perch, crappie, largemouth and smallmouth bass, walleye, northern pike and sturgeon.


Location
Otsego Lake State Park is located near Gaylord

Day Use Area
Beach shelter is located right on the beach, and comfortably seats 50-75 people. Electricity is available. Vehicle access is allowed to the beach shelter. The Point shelter is located in the picnic area and seats 50 to 75. There is no electricity to this shelter and vehicles are not allowed at this shelter. For reservations contact the park. There are two playgrounds in the park one at the North Beach and one in the day use area, which includes volleyball and horseshoe courts. An ADA accessible boardwalk leads to the North Beach swimming area.
Picnicking
1. Otsego Lake State Park offers numerous picnic tables and grills.
2. There are two pavilions available for larger gatherings or events.
3. Picnic areas offer stunning views of the lake.
4. You can enjoy a meal near sandy beaches and shaded forested areas.
5. Carry-in picnics by the lakeside are also allowed, with trash bins provided to keep nature clean.

Trails
Otsego Lake-Foot TrailTrail Length: 0.00 (Miles)Cross Country Ski, Hiking
Area Attractions
Concession/Store:

Boat rentals are available from the concessions area. The Otsego Lake Park Store offers hand-dipped ice cream, soda, candy, pizza, subs along with T-shirts and sweatshirts. The store is open from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend. Call 989-732-5786 for more information.

Metal Detecting Areas:

Metal detecting is recognized as a legitimate recreation activity when it is conducted in ways that do not damage the natural and cultural resources in Michigan State Parks nor violate applicable state statues. Any items found must be reviewed by park staff and may be retained for further investigation.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
September 25 Beautiful!! Clean!! Big sites!!
park review stars; one to five
June 11 Beautiful State Park by Joan
park review stars; one to five
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Area Campgrounds
Gaylord KOA
5101 Campfires Parkway
Gaylord, MI
Whispering Pines Family Campground
Highway C-38
Mancelona, MI
Outdoor Adventures Benjamin's Beaver Creek Resort
5004 West Otsego Lake Drive
Gaylord, MI
989-671-1125
Nearby Hotels
Booking.com

Directions
Take I-75 to the village of Waters and go W. to Old 27. Go N. on Old 27 five miles.

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Michigan
25

Michigan State Parks

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