---
type: lake
name: "Lake Crystal"
county: "Cook"
nearest_town: "Maple Hill"
lake_type: "lake"
acres: 206
max_depth_ft: 80
latitude: 48.04891
longitude: -90.23832
lake_score: 60
dnr_lake_id: "16009000"
url: https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/lake-crystal
---

# Lake Crystal

Lake in Cook County, Minnesota, near Maple Hill

- **Surface Area**: 206 acres
- **Max Depth**: 80 ft
- **Shoreline**: 4.4 miles
- **Water Clarity**: 19 ft
- **Lake Type**: lake
- **Public Access**: Carry-in access only
- **Lake Score**: 60/100 (composite of public data, not a visitor rating)

## About

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.

## Access

- **Public access**: Carry-in access only
- **Managed by**: US Forest Service
- **Launch fee**: Permit or fee required

## Fishing

- **Species on DNR survey**: 7
- **Stocked**: No
- **Last DNR survey**: 2024
- **Special regulations**: No
- **Ice fishing**: Yes

## Activities

Fishing, Ice Fishing, Paddling, Camping

## Amenities

Carry-In Access, Campground

### Campgrounds

- Crystal Lake #1
- Crystal Lake #2
- Canoe Lake #2
- Pierz Lake #1

## Fish Species

Walleye, Smallmouth Bass, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, Lake Trout, Green Sunfish, White Sucker

## Nearby Lakes

- [Alder Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/alder-lake) - 2.6 miles, 529 acres
- [West Pike Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/west-pike-lake) - 3 miles, 788 acres
- [Pine Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/pine-lake) - 3.1 miles, 2,122 acres
- [Caribou Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/caribou-lake-grand-marais) - 3.5 miles, 462 acres
- [Jim Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/jim-lake) - 4 miles, 59 acres
- [Crocodile Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/crocodile-lake) - 4.2 miles, 295 acres

## Links

- [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=48.04891,-90.23832)
- [Minnesota DNR LakeFinder](https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/lakefind/lake.html?id=16009000)
- [All lakes in Cook County](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county)

---
*Source: [MinneLakes.org](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/lake-crystal)*