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.
RampPaved, 1 lane
DockAluminum dock at seawall
Trailer Parking0 spots · asphalt
Vehicle-Only20 spots
Crowding Busy summer weekends — popular family beach. Boat launch is secondary to the beach.
Plan B — if this lot is full Houghton Lake East (2 mi, 2 lanes, 32 spots)
Houghton Lake South (4 mi, 6 lanes, 116 spots)
Houghton Lake South (4 mi, 6 lanes, 116 spots)
FeeNo fee
HoursDawn – Dusk (day use only)
SeasonSpring – Fall
RestroomsModern restroom (1)
PierYes
AccessibilityWheelchair swing and accessible playground. Ramp and dock accessibility not confirmed.
Not Available Fish cleaning · Fishing pier
Scout's Notes
Ramp Quirks & Etiquette
Park First, Ramp Second
This is primarily a family beach park with a boat ramp attached — not a dedicated launch facility. Sandy beach over an acre in size, playground, picnic pavilion, volleyball court, outdoor shower, restrooms, and a wheelchair swing. The ramp is on the east side of the park and handles small boats only.
No Trailer Parking
There is no dedicated trailer parking at this park — the lot is designed for standard vehicles and beachgoers. Denton Township prohibits on-street parking of boat trailers on public streets within 150 feet of the lakeshore. If you need trailer parking, head to one of the three DNR launches instead.
Swimmer's Itch
Multiple reviewers report getting swimmer's itch here, especially in mid-summer. The shallow warm water along Houghton Lake's south shore creates ideal conditions for the parasites. No warnings posted at the beach — know the risk before wading.
Dock Access
Long aluminum dock at the seawall provides lake access for docking boats while visiting the park. Concrete near the dock gets slimy — watch your footing. Good spot to dock a boat and let the family use the beach while you're on the water.
Sources: Google Reviews (2020–2025), Outdoor Michigan, Denton Township, visithoughtonlake.com
About This Lake
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