More than 100 lakes in Michigan's Branch County surround the city of Coldwater. A fisherman's paradise, the tree-lined shores give way to just a few beaches where you can feel the sand between your toes as you soak in the sun's rays. Publicly accessible beaches and campgrounds lie along on the two chains of lakes in the south and north parts of the city.
Branch County Memorial Park sits on the western end of Messenger Lake just west of downtown. Messenger Lake is on the southern end of the Chain of Lakes and the 30-acre park features a large, sandy beach flanked by grassy lawns. Ample parking, flush toilets in the restrooms and picnic tables lie next to the beach. The park also has sport courts and boat launches with parking and restroom facilities. The beach is open for swimming from mid-April through autumn.
Marble Lake Park Beach lies southeast of the city next to the town of Quincy. The county park features a large public beach and boat launch with parking, picnic areas and restrooms convenient to the beach area. The park allows camping and has boat launch access to explore the Southern Chain of Lakes that stretch 17 miles. Marble Lake is the scene the annual corn roast the last weekend in July, where you'll hear local bands, watch bikini and pushup contests and enjoy a festive party atmosphere. Swimming season at Marble Lake's beach runs from April through September.
Waffle Farm Campground straddles land connecting Craig and Morrison Lakes. The campground's beach glides gently into the water, allowing even the littlest children to splash and play at water's edge. The campground maintains 225 sites with amenities varying from primitive to full hookups, with waterfront sites available. Other amenities include playgrounds, boat launch, group pavilions and multiple restrooms with flush toilets. If camping is not your style, rent a one- or two-bedroom cottage tucked under tall trees along the shoreline.
The Narrows Campground lies along the channel that connects Morrison and Randall lakes. The small, sandy beach and adjacent boat docks tuck up against a manicured lawn. A boardwalk staircase descends to the beach. The campground offer cottages and 55 campsites with full hookups. There are modern restrooms and showers at the top of the stairs, and extra amenities include a dump station and horseshoe pits.
