HomeMichiganWashtenaw County

Walsh Lake

Washtenaw County, Michigan Inland Lake Connected Water
1 launchRec Passport requiredIce fishing
Walsh Lake Access Map 1 launch
Depth Map → Click markers for details
Boat Launches on Walsh Lake
Walsh Lake Boat Launch
Waterloo State Recreation Area (PRD) · Unimproved ramp, 1 lane, 1 trailer spots
Open Motorboat Kayak Rec Passport
View ramp details →
Connected Waterways

Walsh Lake sits within the broader Waterloo State Recreation Area, which contains dozens of small interconnected lakes and wetlands in the headwaters region between the Grand and Huron River watersheds in southeastern Michigan.

Winter & Ice Safety

Walsh Lake's small size and shallow profile suggest it freezes reliably in a typical Michigan winter, though always check ice thickness before venturing out. Ice fishing pressure is likely minimal given the lake's low overall traffic.

Frequently Asked Questions
How big is Walsh Lake?
Walsh Lake is a small lake in Washtenaw County, roughly a third of a mile across at its widest point. It's a compact water body — good for kayaking, canoeing, or small boat fishing, but not a big-water experience.
Is there a public boat launch on Walsh Lake?
Yes, there's one public launch on Walsh Lake. With a 4.5-star Google rating (from a small number of reviews), it appears to be a basic but serviceable access point.
Are there campgrounds near Walsh Lake?
Several campgrounds are close by in the Waterloo State Recreation Area, including Bruin Lake Modern Campground, Green Lake Rustic Campground, Sugarloaf Lake Campground, Blind Lake Campground, and Crooked Lake Rustic Campground. You have options ranging from rustic to modern facilities.
Where is Walsh Lake in Michigan?
Walsh Lake is in Washtenaw County, within the Waterloo State Recreation Area corridor between Ann Arbor and Jackson in southeastern Michigan.
Can you swim near Walsh Lake?
The nearest designated swimming areas are at Waterloo State Recreation Area and Clear Lake. Check locally for current conditions and whether Walsh Lake itself has any swimming access.
Is Walsh Lake crowded?
No — with just one launch and very few reviews, Walsh Lake sees minimal boat traffic. It's one of the quieter lakes in the Waterloo Recreation Area system, which is a draw if you want solitude.
Scout's Notes
Lake Vibe & Fishing Intel

Walsh Lake is a small lake in Washtenaw County — roughly a third of a mile wide — tucked into the Waterloo State Recreation Area corridor in southeastern Michigan. With just one public launch and only a handful of Google reviews, this is a quiet, low-traffic lake that flies well under the radar. The surrounding area is rich with state land and interconnected lakes, making it a good option if you're looking for a peaceful paddle or a no-pressure fishing spot away from the busy lakes closer to Ann Arbor.

The Waterloo Recreation Area is one of the largest state parks in the Lower Peninsula, and Walsh Lake benefits from that setting — expect wooded shorelines and minimal development. Several rustic and modern campgrounds are within a short drive, including Bruin Lake, Green Lake, and Sugarloaf Lake campgrounds, so it's easy to pair a Walsh Lake outing with a weekend camping trip in the area.

Sources: Wikipedia, Google Reviews, DNR data, campground & beach reviews, ShorelineScout enrichment