Onaway State Park on Black Lake

Onaway State Park sits on the southeast shore of Black Lake, north of the city of Onaway. The DNR describes 158 acres of wooded, rolling land with a cobblestone shoreline and large rock outcroppings. Its historic overlook shelter is one clue that the park has been here a long time. The National Park Service lists the park as a National Register historic district and identifies 1921, 1933, and 1949 as significant years.

The current park page lists a modern campground, one six-person camper cabin, a buoyed swimming area, a boat launch, and a three-mile trail. A Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry. Check the DNR page for the current campground map, reservations, and any park alerts before you leave home.

Black Lake also hosts Michigan’s tightly controlled winter lake-sturgeon season. That season can close as soon as its small quota is reached, so the separate Black Lake sturgeon note points to the current rules. If you are looking at property nearby, verify actual frontage or deeded access; a listing that says “near Black Lake” is not telling you the same thing.