South Higgins Lake State Park

106 State Park Drive
Roscommon MI, 48653

989-821-6374
TTY/TDD711 (Michigan Relay Center)

1364 (Acres)

Required

South Higgins Lake State Park, situated on 1 mile of shoreline along Higgins Lake, boasts one of the largest Michigan state park campgrounds, a popular boat launch and a popular day-use area.
Make a Reservation Tell Us About Your Visit

Event Information

Explorer Programs: Seasonal naturalists offer weekly nature-based nature programming Memorial Day through Labor Day. View weekly programming calendar (PDF).

More Information

South Higgins Lake State Park, situated on 1 mile of shoreline along Higgins Lake, boasts one of the largest Michigan state park campgrounds, a popular boat launch and a popular day-use area. Marl Lake, a considerably smaller, shallower and less developed lake, is located on the southern side of the park across County Road 100 and is surrounded by 5.5 miles of wooded trails.

The 1,364-acre park is best known for its array of water recreation offerings. Higgins Lake, a large, spring-fed body of water known for its clarity, fishing potential and recreational boating, has a large boating access site with a boat basin, nine launches and a boat-washing station. In contrast, Marl Lake offers a quieter, more natural setting for nonmotorized boats and electric motorboats. Boat rentals are available in the park.

track chair iconComing soon! The park's track chair – capable of handling trails, snow, sand and shallow water – will expand access beyond traditional wheelchairs. The chair will be available for visitors to borrow at no cost.

Campgrounds

South Higgins Lake-Mini Cabin
800-447-2757
(1)
South Higgins Lake-Modern Campground
800-447-2757
(400)

Trails

South Higgins Lake-Marl Lake Trails
Trail Length: 5.50 (Miles)

About the Area

View Online Visitor's Guide

The quaint Village of Roscommon and charming downtown Grayling are each within a 15-minute drive in either direction.The Grayling Chamber of Commerce hosts a community event calendar.

Activities (Display as List)

Boat Rental Item is accessible.
Boat Rental: The South Higgins Lake State Park Store is in the day-use area and offers kayak, stand-up paddleboard and float rentals mid-May through September. For more info, call 989-821-1049.
Cross-Country Skiing Item is accessible.
Cross-Country Skiing
Fishing Item is accessible.
Fishing: The Cut River connects Marl Lake to Higgins Lake giving ample opportunity to fishing. Higgins Lake, which stretches 7 miles and can reach 135 feet in depth, is best known for its perch and lake trout. Marl Lake is known for perch, smallmouth bass and northern pike. Most anglers use a canoe or small boat and fish in the center of the lake.
Hiking Item is accessible.
Hiking
Hunting Item is accessible.
Hunting: Hunting is allowed on the Marl Lake side of County Road 100; however, you should call this park directly to ask about any special rules, concerns or considerations.
Metal Detecting Item is accessible.
Metal Detecting: Metal detecting is recognized as a legitimate recreation activity when it is conducted in ways that do not damage natural and cultural resources in Michigan state parks nor violate applicable state statutes. This park map clearly shows where this activity is allowed to take place. Any items found must be reviewed by park staff and may be retained for further investigation. Areas located within the campground are limited to registered campers only.
Mountain Biking Item is accessible.
Mountain Biking
Nature Programs Item is accessible.
Nature Programs: Seasonal naturalists offer weekly nature-based nature programming Memorial Day through Labor Day. View weekly programming calendar (PDF).
Paddlesports Item is accessible.
Paddlesports: There are lots of paddling opportunities on both Higgins Lake and Marl Lake. Marl Lake only allows paddling and electric motors.
Pet-Friendly Area Item is accessible.
Pet-Friendly Area: There are three pet-friendly beach areas, one along a section of shoreline in the day-use area (along the east boundary of the park), one in the campground (west side of the boat access site), and a campers-only area (along the west boundary of the campground). Pets must always be on a 6-foot leash and under an owner’s immediate control. All pet waste must be properly disposed of in trash receptacles.
Snowshoeing Item is accessible.
Snowshoeing
Swimming Item is accessible.
Swimming: There are two designated swim areas in the park’s day-use areas. There is an accessible walkway to the water’s edge near the park store and an accessible walkway near the east loop of the modern campground. Two beach wheelchairs are available to borrow by calling the park or visiting the campground office.

Facilities (Display as List)

Boat Launch Item is accessible.
Boat Launch:

The park boasts a large boat boating access site on Higgins Lake that includes a protected boat basin with nine launches, day-mooring, a large parking area for vehicles/boats, a two-lane boat wash and a boat-cleaning station.

There is a second boating access site on Marl Lake, located across County Road 100, offering access for boats that are nonmotorized or that have electric motors.

Concession/ Store Item is accessible.
Concession/ Store: The South Higgins Lake State Park Store is in the day-use area and sells food, souvenirs, ice cream, firewood, ice and propane (exchange). The store also offers kayak, stand-up paddleboard and float rentals. For more info, call 989-821-1049.
Mini Cabin Item is accessible.
Mini Cabin
Modern Restrooms Item is accessible.
Modern Restrooms
Picnic Area Item is accessible.
Picnic Area: The picnic area is in the day-use area and includes picnic tables and charcoal grills that are available first come, first served.
Picnic Shelter Item is accessible.
Picnic Shelter: There are two picnic shelters located in the day-use area that include picnic tables, charcoal grills, electrical service and modern restroom facilities. Shelter reservations can be made 12 months in advance at MiDNRReservations.com.
Playground Item is accessible.
Playground: Play equipment is located throughout the day-use area.
Sanitation Station Item is accessible.
Sanitation Station: The park’s sanitation station is located near the campground entrance. There is potable water available and four lanes.
Some Campsites with 50 amp Service Item is accessible.
Some Campsites with 50 amp Service
Vault Toilet Item is accessible.
Vault Toilet
Water Access Item is accessible.
Water Access: The park is home to 1 mile of sandy shoreline along 9,900-acre Higgins Lake, a crystal-clear lake popular for boating, fishing and swimming. It also features 700-acre Marl Lake, quieter and geared toward fishing.