KP Lake sits in the network of small lakes scattered across Crawford County's state forest land. Shupac Lake and Jones Lake are nearby and part of the same general landscape of glacial kettle lakes in the northern Lower Peninsula.
KP Lake is shallow, so it likely freezes early and solidly in a typical Crawford County winter. Ice fishing is possible, though given reports of declining fish populations, expectations should be modest. Always check ice thickness — shallow lakes can also develop weak spots from springs or current.
What fish are in KP Lake?
Can you use a motor on KP Lake?
Is there a fee to launch at KP Lake?
Can you swim in KP Lake?
Are there campgrounds near KP Lake?
Where is KP Lake?
Is KP Lake good for kayaking or canoeing?
KP Lake is a small, non-motorized lake in Crawford County — quiet, shallow, and tucked near Camp Grayling military reservation. The electric-only restriction keeps things calm, though you may hear artillery practice during summer training drills. The lake has a loyal following among locals who grew up swimming and fishing here, and the 4.8-star launch rating reflects the peaceful setting more than the current fishing quality.
Reviews paint a mixed picture: historically good smallmouth bass and bluegill fishing, but multiple anglers report the lake has been overfished in recent years with declining catches. The bottom is weedy and mucky in spots, and swimming conditions have reportedly deteriorated from what longtime visitors remember. That said, it's a genuinely tranquil spot — no motors, no crowds, and the kind of quiet that draws people to northern Michigan in the first place. Jones Lake and Shupac Lake state forest campgrounds are both nearby, making this part of Crawford County a solid base for exploring multiple small lakes.