SP Campground Review – South Higgins Lake State Park, Roscommon, MI

September 2, 2016 by libertatemamo 13 Comments

A peaceful, green campground next to a crystal clear lake in central Michigan.

Link to campground here: South Higgins Lake, MI
Link to map location here: South Higgins Lake, MI

1. Site Quality = 3/5
   The campsites here are separated into ~10 side-by-side long, elongated loops each of which contain around 18-25 sites. Mix of full hookup (50A/water/sewer = 39 sites total), 50A only (51 sites total) and 30A only (all remaining sites) with picnic table & fire pit at each site. Sites themselves are a mix of dirt/grass/sand and definitely have some mixed quality. Sites towards beginning (entrance) of loops tend to be more wooded/shaded, but are also (generally) more unlevel. Sites towards front (lake-side) of loops are more open/sunny and generally flatter, but can also be somewhat sandy and (at times) a bit soft. Also sites are aligned right next to each other along the row(s) so there is not much in the way of individual privacy, but they are quite generous in width, so you do get decent separation (we did not feel cramped at all). Definitely some variation in size from smaller/shorter sites to larger/longer sites. The majority of sites are on the smaller side (35′ or less), but there is a limited number of very large sites. So, if you’re “beast” size like us it’s advisable to book ahead to get the appropriate size (check site length & width carefully on the reservation system for your specific site before you book). Lastly campground roads are somewhat narrow(ish), but do-able so be prepared for that too.
   Note 1/ Cell signal is weakest towards the beginning of the loop and strongest by the lake, so if cell is important to you book a site closer to the lakefront.
   Note 2/ If you have a dog and want the BEST access to the dog beach chose a site in the very west-end loop (sites 446-492) 
2.  Facilities = 3/5
   Large flush toilet and shower facilities. Nice individual shower stalls with separate bench for clothing and no annoying push buttons. Only ding? They were not clean when we were here. There are TONS of extra amenities here too ->park store, boat launch, picnic areas, playground etc.
3. Location = 5/5
   You come here for one reason and one reason only and that’s to veg out & enjoy yourself on crystal clear Higgins Lake. For that purpose it’s a 5/5 offering plenty of shoreline to hang on the beach, and plenty of water to fish/boat/paddle as you wish. Other than that there’s really not much around. There is a small local grocery, but not much there so plan to stock-up before you come.
4. Pet Friendliness = 5/5
   This is an awesome spot for doggie. Lots of trails to hike around the park, plus there are TWO dedicated dog beach areas (on on the far west end of the park, the other on the far east end) where you can romp and swim with pooch. The beach areas are not large, but are easily accessible and the bottom of the lake is sandy & shallow for a long ways out which means you can safely wade with doggie and not have to worry about water craft or rocks (great for any age of dog!). You’ll see plenty of folks either hanging, kayaking or boobing around on the water with their dogs. Polly loved it here.

Overall Rating = 4
BONUS ALERT = Camp next to one of the clearest lakes in Michigan!

Summary: We found this hidden gem thanks to our buddies (who live in Michigan) and we are so glad we did. Higgins Lake is a lovely, peaceful, crystal clear lake that’s just a great place to hang & veg for several days. The campground itself is nicely green with a mix of hookups and basic grass/dirt/sand sites arranged in ~10 long loops. The sites are not manicured and there is definitely some variation in size/quality from small, uneven sites to a limited number of huge, flat sites (if you’re “beast” size like us, it’s advisable to book ahead to make sure you can get a size that fits). Also the sites are aligned side-by-side right to each other, so there is not much in the way of individual privacy. However site width is generous and the many trees & vegetation all-around means that you do not really feel cramped in camp. What you come here for and what makes this place special is the lake itself. The state park is 1000 acres in size and contains over 1 mile of gorgeous, crystal clear waters including TWO dog-beach areas. The dog areas are not large, but easily accessible and the bottom of the lake is perfectly sandy and shallow enough to wade quite far out, so it’s great for dogs of any age (this also makes it great for kids, by the way). Lots of other amenities on-site including hiking trails, camp store, boat launch area and dedicated (non-dog) beach swimming areas. There’s not much to “see” (sightsee) in the area, plus very limited town stuff (one local grocery in town, but it’s small) so plan to stock-up before you come and just veg when you get here. At the height of summer when the campground is fully booked I imagine this place could become quite a zoo, but during the mid-week or in the off-season it’s peaceful, relaxed and the perfect place to hang for a few days. We snagged an awesome (huge) site and Polly had a blast in the water (every single day). We had a blast and would certainly come back if we just wanted somewhere to veg and relax for a while.

Extra Info: Usable cell signal (2 bars ATT LTE, 2 bars Verizon LTE) -> signal is BEST in sites closest to the lake (it fades towards entrance of the loops). 492 total sites, all reservable on-line. Sites cost $37/night (full Hook-ups), $32/night (50 Amp), $31/night (30 Amp). In addition to the nightly rate you must ALSO pay for a valid MI State Park day-use pass (either $9/day or $31/year for non-residents). On site dump station and potable water.