Lake Charlevoix
Lake Charlevoix in Charlevoix County, Michigan has a water quality grade of C (Fair). Phosphorus: 31 µg/L. Chlorophyll-a (algae): 3.4 µg/L. Maximum depth: 122 ft. Surface area: 17255.9 acres.
- Typical in July
- 69°F
- Max depth
- 122 ft
- Area
- 17,256 acres
- Type
- Mesotrophic
- Public access
- Yes
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Free interactive depth-contour map of Lake Charlevoix, reaching a maximum surveyed depth of 122 ft. Toggle Depth contours to overlay the bathymetric survey lines. Contour data from Michigan DNR.
Lake Charlevoix is a 17,256-acre mesotrophic lake in Charlevoix County, Michigan with a maximum depth of 122 feet. Water quality is graded C based on 2 sampling years through 2020. The lake supports 3 documented fish species including Lake whitefish, Rainbow smelt, and Round whitefish. Public access is available with 1 public boat landing. Compared to the 2 other monitored lakes in Charlevoix County, Lake Charlevoix ranks #3 for water quality.
Source: EPA Water Quality Portal sampling records, EGLE, last sampled 2020-10-20. Grade methodology: LakeQuality methodology.
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Swimming Safety
Grade onlyLimited data
Based on clarity and algae grades from past sampling — we do not hold live water temperature and a current cyanobacteria reading for this lake. Check your state or county health department before you swim.
Generally safe for swimming, moderate water quality
Water Quality Grade: C (Fair)
No clarity data. Phosphorus level: 31 µg/L. Chlorophyll-a: 3.4 µg/L. Trophic State Index: 48.
| Metric | Value | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity (Secchi Depth) | No recent samples | |
| Phosphorus | 31 µg/L | Fair |
| Chlorophyll-a (Algae) | 3.4 µg/L | Good |
| Trophic State Index (TSI) | 48 | Mesotrophic |
Moderate nutrients, good water quality
Where to stay near Lake Charlevoix
Compare lakeside cabins, hotels, and vacation rentals near Lake Charlevoix in Charlevoix County, Michigan — live availability and prices for your trip. Switch the map to Satellite to see the lake and how close each stay is to the water.
Top-rated places to stay near Lake Charlevoix
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Water Temperature
Lake Charlevoix typically sits around 69°F at the surface in July. Summer average is about 69°F. Usually warmest in Jul (about 69°F) and coldest in Feb (about 34°F). These are typical values by month — not a live reading.
Typical surface water temperature by month, from 56 field readings (2015–2025) via the EPA Water Quality Portal. See the full Lake Charlevoix water temperature breakdown →
Lake Details
| Characteristic | Value |
|---|---|
| Maximum Depth | 122 ft |
| Surface Area | 17,256 acres |
| Public Access | Yes |
Recreation & Access
- Whiting ParkPublic
Named access points in the USGS National Boat Ramps inventory, within about 3 miles. More lakes with boat ramps
Fish Species
Click a species to see every graded lake where it is documented.
Fishing Lake Charlevoix
EPA Impairment Status
Lake Charlevoix is officially listed as impaired under Clean Water Act §303(d) in the 2024 EPA reporting cycle (IR category 5).
Causes of impairment
A Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) plan has been approved.
Source: EPA ATTAINS assessment unit MI040601050207-01 · Official waterbody report
County Ranking
Ranked #3 of 3 lakes in Charlevoix County
Nearby Lakes in Charlevoix County
Frequently asked questions about Lake Charlevoix
Where is Lake Charlevoix?
- Lake Charlevoix is a lake in Charlevoix County, Michigan. LakeQuality grades it C for nutrients and algae. The letter is not a swimming clearance.
What is the water quality grade for Lake Charlevoix?
- Lake Charlevoix in Charlevoix County, Michigan has a water quality grade of C (Fair). Phosphorus: 31 µg/L. Chlorophyll-a (algae): 3.4 µg/L. Maximum depth: 122 ft. Surface area: 17255.9 acres.
Is Lake Charlevoix safe to swim in?
- Generally safe for swimming, moderate water quality. Lake Charlevoix has a water quality grade of C (Fair). Algae concentration (chlorophyll-a) is 3.4 µg/L. Always check local health department advisories before swimming.
What is the water temperature of Lake Charlevoix?
- Lake Charlevoix typically sits around 69°F at the surface in July, from 56 EPA Water Quality Portal field readings (2015–2025). That is a typical value for the month, not a live reading.
How deep is Lake Charlevoix?
- Lake Charlevoix has a maximum depth of 122 feet. The lake covers 17255.9 acres.
What fish are in Lake Charlevoix?
- Fish species found in Lake Charlevoix include Lake whitefish, Rainbow smelt, Round whitefish. Lake Charlevoix is located in Charlevoix County, Michigan.
Are there boat ramps on Lake Charlevoix?
- Lake Charlevoix has 1 documented boat landing in the USGS National Boat Ramps inventory. Named access points include Whiting Park. Public access is listed as yes.
Explore Lake Charlevoix across LakeQuality
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Moderate nutrients, good water quality
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Other Grade C Lakes in Michigan
Chippewa County · Fair
Chippewa County · 1.3 ft
Mason County · 6 ft
Mason County · 11.5 ft
Iosco County · 6 ft
Shiawassee County · 6 ft
Mesotrophic Lakes in Michigan
Compare Lake Charlevoix With Nearby Lakes
Where this data comes from
30 measurements from 2 monitoring stations, 2017–2020. Retrieved from the EPA Water Quality Portal on 2026-08-26.
Collected and reported by
- Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians
LTBBWATR_WQX30 samples · 2017–2020
Analytical methods
- Total Phosphorus After Block Digestion
- 10200 H ~ Chlorophyll a-b-c Determination
Monitoring station identifiers (2)
Grade thresholds from the EPA National Lakes Assessment (EPA 841-R-24-006, Table 6-3), applied by ecoregion. See how grades are calculated and data sources.
Other records on this page
Impairment status from EPA ATTAINS 303(d) database
Named boat-access points from the USGS National Boat Ramps inventory