South Higgins Lake State Park

Michigan (Roscommon County)

South Higgins Lake State Park sits along the southern shore of Higgins Lake in Roscommon County, Michigan — a lake long celebrated as one of the most beautiful in the United States. Spanning 1,364 acres, the park offers direct access to Higgins Lake’s remarkably clear waters, where visibility can reach 20 feet or more on calm days.

The swimming beach here is the main draw: a wide, sandy stretch that slopes gently into the lake, making it ideal for families with young children. Beyond the shoreline, the park’s mixed hardwood and pine forests provide a network of trails for hiking and cross-country skiing. The Cut River runs through the property, offering a quieter setting for fishing — anglers regularly pull smallmouth bass and panfish from its banks, while Higgins Lake itself is known for lake trout and perch.

The park’s campground includes nearly 400 sites spread across wooded loops, accommodating everything from tents to large RVs. Sites closer to the lake fill fast, so reservations well in advance are essential for summer weekends. A modern bathhouse, picnic shelters, and a boat launch round out the facilities.

Summer is peak season — July and August bring warm water temperatures and long days on the beach. But fall delivers its own reward: the surrounding hardwoods put on a vivid color show in late September and early October, and the campground thins out considerably. Winter visitors will find groomed cross-country ski trails winding through snow-covered pines.