Camper Lake

Camper Lake
Location: Center of the Campground
Size: ~18 acres (No GPS Map)
Inlet/Outlet: None
Developed Shoreline: Trailers surround the majority of the waterbody but do so at a considerable distance from the shoreline. Water quality is being most impacted at the high bank at the North end where serious erosion has occurred.
Max Depth: ~8 ft
Mean Depth: <5ft
Aquatic Vegetation/ Macro Algae: Prior to the start of development in the early 60’s Camper Lake was a small bog. The bulldozers created a shallow “doughnut” leaving part of the original bog as an island in the center. This bog heritage is witnessed by the rich diversity of native plant species. A relatively natural diverse and balanced system for the development. No species is dominant per say, but large Chara beds were being forced to the surface by trapped fermentation gases in the sediment beneath. Once brought to the surface, they die and look like drowned camels. Chara and near shore lily pads are the most abundant, with Illinois and Sago Pondweed, Northern milfoil and Utricularia or Bladderwort all common and at non-nuisance levels.
Fish Population: Surprisingly diverse. A healthy sunfish/bluegill population, a limited bass and perch population and the occasional northern pike were observed. Most notable was the minnow population with several species of minnows observed in abundance. Some of these fish were likely introduced from fisher peoples unwanted bait buckets while others like the Bridle shiner are possible relics from the pre-existing bog.
Plankton Data: 7-20-05
No herbicide treatment in 2005:
Zooplankton: Copepods common, Rotofers present, Cladocerans very rare (near shore sample) Sample high in organic detritus and mixed protozans etc (bog)
Phytoplankton: Dominated by Ceratium, filamentous Oscillatoria-like, and Dinobryon. Non-filamentous blue-green Gomphosphaeria common.
Notes: The North end of the Camper Lake “doughnut” is experiencing severe erosion. The erosion of the high bank from development over has filled in the dozer dug trench and is restricting boat passage. Summit Laboratory received multiple member complaints on this site. In addition to restricting boat passage, the filled area is supporting dense aquatic vegetation being a shallow, sun exposed and fertile area.
Recommendations: Use as experimental systems, community programs and projects
Focus attention to the north end. Stabilize the bank, and improve boat passage. No fish stocking is recommended as the system is highly productive with the most established forage base of an aquatic resource in the CL development. Minnows could possibly be taken from Camper Lake for experimental stockings of the Camper Ponds. Interest has been expressed in a boardwalk or improved access to the Lake. Monitor for dead Chara, algal issues and exotics.