Craft & Seasonality
✗
Motorboat ✓
Kayak / Canoe ✗
Jet Ski / PWC ✗
Large 22ft+ ✗
Winter Access Site Details
Conditions change rapidly due to water levels, prop wash, and weather. Always visually inspect before backing down.
RampCarry-in only, 0 lanes
DockFishing dock and boardwalk
Trailer Parking0 spots
Vehicle-Only10 spots
Plan B — if this lot is full Houghton Lake West (6 lanes, 89 spots)
Houghton Lake South (6 lanes, 116 spots)
Houghton Lake South (6 lanes, 116 spots)
FeeNo fee
HoursDawn – Dusk (day use only)
SeasonSpring – Fall
RestroomsModern restroom (1)
PierYes
AccessibilityHandicap accessible parking and elevator to waterfront level
Not Available Fish cleaning · Fishing pier
Scout's Notes
Ramp Quirks & Etiquette
Paddlecraft Only
Carry-in kayak and canoe launch — no trailer ramp. Boardwalk leads down to the water from the park. If you need a motorized launch, head to one of the three DNR sites.
The Park
Roscommon Township park on the corner of Federal Ave and M-55. Covered pavilion, fishing dock, playground with sand toys, restrooms, and an elevator from the upper parking lot down to the waterfront. Well-maintained and relatively new — built in the last several years.
Entrance
Not well marked from M-55. There's an upper entrance with handicap parking and an elevator, and a lower entrance closer to the water. Small parking lot — RVs and trailers won't fit easily.
Water Quality
Some reviewers note the water gets murky past the 3-foot mark. The beach has been closed at times due to bacteria levels. Check conditions before swimming — the kayak launch itself is fine regardless.
Sources: Google Reviews (2017–2025), Outdoor Michigan, Roscommon Township
About This Lake
Houghton Lake →