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 1,386-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.
The park boasts a large 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.
The picnic area is in the day-use area and includes picnic tables and charcoal grills that are available first come, first served.
There are two buoyed swim areas in the park’s day-use area and two buoyed swim areas in the campground. 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.
The park's track chair expands access beyond traditional wheelchairs. The chair is available for visitors to borrow at no cost.
The Store, located in the day-use area, offers kayak, stand-up paddleboard, pontoon and float rentals mid-May through September. For more info, call 989-821-1049.
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.
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.
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 is allowed in certain park areas. Please consult the park map for designated locations and review applicable regulations. Only registered campers can metal detect in campgrounds.
Seasonal naturalists offer nature-based programming at the park during the summer and/or fall. Check the park's explorer program calendar for dates, locations and topics.
There are lots of paddling opportunities on both Higgins Lake and Marl Lake. Marl Lake only allows paddling and electric motors.
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.
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.
Play equipment is located throughout the day-use area and campground.
The park’s sanitation station is located near the campground entrance. There is potable water available and four lanes.
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.
