South Higgins Lake State Park
Two Lakes, Infinite Memories
South Higgins Lake State Park offers the best of both worlds in Northern Michigan: the crystal-clear, deep waters of Higgins Lake for boating and swimming, and the serene, shallow Marl Lake for quiet paddling and fishing. With nearly 1,000 acres of mixed forest and a massive 400-site modern campground, it’s one of Michigan’s most popular destinations.
ℹ️ Boat Launch Update: The park features a large boat basin with 9 launches and a boat wash station to prevent invasive species. A separate carry-down launch is available at Marl Lake for non-motorized vessels.
Camping
The park is home to one of the largest campgrounds in the state, situated along one mile of Higgins Lake shoreline. Reservations are essential, especially for summer weekends.
| Type | Count | Amenities | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Modern Camping | 400 sites | 50/30/20 amp, paved pads | Mid-April – Dec |
| Mini Cabin | 1 | Sleeps 4, fridge, microwave | Year-round |
| Group Use Area | 1 | Rustic, tents only | May – Oct |
Facilities: Modern restrooms, hot showers, sanitation station, and electrical hookups at all modern sites.
Higgins Lake vs. Marl Lake
The park is split by County Road 100, offering two distinct lake experiences:
| Feature | Higgins Lake | Marl Lake |
|---|---|---|
| Vibe | Active, social, fast-paced | Quiet, natural, serene |
| Best For | Powerboating, waterskiing, swimming | Kayaking, fishing, nature observation |
| Water | Deep, crystal clear, spring-fed | Shallow, marl bottom, emerald tint |
| Access | Large boat basin & ramps | Non-motorized/electric only launch |
Trails & Recreation
A 5.5-mile trail network loops around Marl Lake and extends through the upland forest, perfect for hiking and cross-country skiing in winter.
- Marl Lake Loop (5.5 mi): scenic trail following the lake’s edge; watch for eagles and osprey.
- Fitness Trail: Located near the campground with exercise stations.
- Cross-Country Skiing: 11 miles of groomed trails available in winter.
Boat Rentals & Store
The Park Store (open mid-May to September) offers boat rentals to explore the waters without hauling your own gear:
- Pontoon boats
- Kayaks & Canoes
- Stand-up Paddleboards (SUP)
- Rowboats
You can also buy firewood, ice, and camp staples.
Is alcohol allowed in the park?
Alcohol possession and consumption are prohibited within the park from April 1 through Labor Day annually. This rule is strictly enforced to ensure a family-friendly atmosphere.
Can I bring my dog to the beach?
Pets are not allowed in the designated swimming beach area. However, there is a pet-friendly section along the shoreline where dogs can swim. Pets must be on a 6-foot leash at all times in the campground and on trails.
How check-in works?
Check-in time for camping is 3:00 PM, and checkout is 1:00 PM. For the mini cabin, check-in is 3:00 PM and checkout is 11:00 AM.
What is “Swimmer’s Itch”?
High-quality lakes like Higgins Lake can occasionally have swimmer’s itch parasites. To prevent it, towel off briskly immediately after leaving the water and avoid feeding ducks or geese near the beach.
Explore More Michigan State Parks
South Higgins Lake State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Michigan. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Michigan guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
