Lake Crystal
About Lake Crystal
Lake Crystal is a 206-acre lake near Maple Hill in Cook County, Minnesota. It reaches 80 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 4.4 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 19 feet, which is exceptionally clear for Minnesota.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 7 fish species here, including walleye, smallmouth bass, pumpkinseed, yellow perch, and lake trout. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2024.
Public access is carry-in only — plan on a canoe, kayak or small boat you can hand-launch. Crystal Lake #1 and Crystal Lake #2 are mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays.
Plan Your Visit to Lake Crystal
- 206 acres, up to 80 feet deep, near Maple Hill
- Carry-in access only — bring a boat you can hand-launch unless you confirm a ramp
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, smallmouth bass, pumpkinseed, yellow perch, and lake trout
- Average water clarity around 19 feet — very clear
- Camping close to the water at Crystal Lake #1 and Crystal Lake #2
Access & Fees
- Public access
- Carry-in access only
- Launch fee
- Permit or fee required
- Managed by
- US Forest Service
Conditions
- Surface area
- 206 acres
- Max depth
- 80 ft
- Shoreline
- 4.4 mi
- Water clarity
- 19 ft
Rules & Regulations
- A Minnesota fishing license is required for anglers 16 and older
- Drain plugs must be out and all water drained before leaving any access; remove aquatic plants from boats and trailers
- Children under 10 must wear a life jacket on a boat that is underway
- A trout and salmon stamp is required to fish designated trout lakes or to keep trout
- Recorded accesses require a permit or fee
Facilities
- 1 carry-in access
- Camping: Crystal Lake #1, Crystal Lake #2, and Canoe Lake #2
Best For
- Lakeside camping
- Quiet paddling
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 7
- Game fish
- 5
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2024
- Special regulations
- No
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- No
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Camping & Reservations
Crystal Lake #1, Crystal Lake #2, Canoe Lake #2, and Pierz Lake #1 are mapped on or near Lake Crystal. Minnesota state park sites are booked through the DNR reservation system, national forest campgrounds through Recreation.gov, and most state forest campgrounds are first-come, first-served.
Campground locations © OpenStreetMap contributors. Confirm details with the operator.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Lake Crystal
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Lake Crystal?
Lake Crystal is in Cook County, Minnesota, near Maple Hill. It covers 206 acres and reaches 80 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Lake Crystal?
Lake Crystal covers 206 acres with about 4.4 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 80 feet.
What fish can you catch at Lake Crystal?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Smallmouth Bass, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, and Lake Trout. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Lake Crystal?
Public access is on record, but not a trailer ramp: carry-in access only.
Can you swim at Lake Crystal?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Lake Crystal. Minnesota's public waters are open to swimming where you have legal access, but there are no lifeguards or water-quality monitoring away from designated beaches.
Is Lake Crystal stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Lake Crystal; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.
Can you camp at Lake Crystal?
Yes. Crystal Lake #1, Crystal Lake #2, and Canoe Lake #2 are mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.