Home › Michigan › Roscommon County

Lake Saint Helen

Roscommon County, Michigan Inland Lake Connected Water
1 launchFree launch availableIce fishing
Lake Saint Helen Access Map 1 launch
Click markers for details
Boat Launches on Lake Saint Helen
Lake St. Helen Boat Launch
Richfield Township · Paved ramp, 3 lanes, 79 trailer spots
Open Motorboat Kayak
View ramp details →
Connected Waterways

Lake Saint Helen sits in the Tittabawassee River watershed in Roscommon County. The lake has limited natural connectivity compared to the chain-lake systems found elsewhere in the region. It's relatively self-contained, which contributes to its quieter, less through-trafficked character.

Winter & Ice Safety

Lake Saint Helen's shallow 4–15 foot depth means it freezes early and reliably each winter. Ice fishing is popular, with northern pike being the primary target species through the ice. Standard ice safety practices apply — always check thickness before heading out, especially early and late season.

Frequently Asked Questions
How big is Lake Saint Helen?
Lake Saint Helen is approximately 2,600 acres — a sizable all-sports lake in Roscommon County. It's relatively shallow, with depths generally running 4 to 15 feet throughout.
What fish are in Lake Saint Helen?
Bluegill, largemouth bass, northern pike, and walleye are the primary species. Locals consistently praise the bluegill fishing, and pike are plentiful — especially through the ice in winter. Walleye are caught but seem less dominant than the panfish and pike.
Is there a public boat launch on Lake Saint Helen?
Yes, there's one public launch — the Saint Helen Boat Access Site. It's well-maintained with a paved boat ramp and a separate kayak/canoe launch. There's a small beach area adjacent to the launch. The site rates 4.9 stars on Google with 70 reviews. Note that some reviewers mention a launch fee, and parking enforcement for trailer-only spots can be an issue on busy days.
Can you swim in Lake Saint Helen?
Yes. There's a small beach at the boat access site, and Saint Helen Cove Park next door has a larger, better swimming beach. The lake is shallow and warms up quickly in summer. Some reviewers have noted occasional leeches and water quality concerns, so it's typical warm, productive shallow-lake swimming — not crystal-clear spring water.
Can you ice fish on Lake Saint Helen?
Absolutely. The lake's shallow depth means it freezes early and solid, and ice fishing is popular. Northern pike are the main winter target — reviewers describe it as 'loaded with small pike.' Bluegill and panfish are also caught through the ice.
How deep is Lake Saint Helen?
Lake Saint Helen is shallow — most of the lake runs 4 to 15 feet deep. There's no significant deep basin. The shallow profile means warm water temperatures, productive weed growth, and excellent panfish habitat.
Are there campgrounds near Lake Saint Helen?
Several options: Artesia Beach Campground and Marina sits right on the lake, Saint Helen Cove Park offers waterfront camping, Richfield Township Park is nearby, and there's state forest camping in the Roscommon State Forest area. Exit 222 Campgrounds is also close by off I-75.
Where is Lake Saint Helen?
Lake Saint Helen is in Roscommon County in northern Lower Michigan, adjacent to the small town of Saint Helen. It's easily accessible from I-75 — about 20 miles northeast of Houghton Lake and roughly 3 hours north of Detroit.
Is Lake Saint Helen crowded?
Mixed reviews. Many visitors describe it as 'not too crowded' with 'very little traffic,' while long-time regulars note it's gotten more congested over the years. For a 2,600-acre lake, there's generally plenty of room to spread out, especially on weekdays and early mornings.
Is there a marina on Lake Saint Helen?
Yes, Saint Helen Marina (previously D & B Lakeview Marina) operates on the lake. Artesia Beach Campground also has a marina component.
Scout's Notes
Lake Vibe & Fishing Intel

Lake Saint Helen covers roughly 2,600 acres in Roscommon County — a broad, shallow all-sports lake with depths typically ranging from 4 to 15 feet. That shallow profile means it warms up fast in summer and freezes reliably in winter, making it a year-round fishing destination. Bluegill, bass, northern pike, and walleye are the main draws, with locals consistently pointing to bluegill and pike as the most productive catches. The shallowness also means pontoon boats dominate the traffic — deeper-draft boats need to pay attention.

The town of Saint Helen sits right on the lake's shore — a small, quiet community with one stoplight and a loyal following of families who've been coming for decades. The single public launch is well-maintained with a 4.9 Google rating, and notably includes a dedicated kayak/canoe launch alongside the boat ramp. There's a small beach at the launch site, with a better county beach (Saint Helen Cove Park) right next door. In winter, the lake is popular for ice fishing — pike are the main target through the ice. Multiple campgrounds ring the area, including state forest land nearby, making it a solid base camp for exploring the Roscommon County area.

Sources: Wikipedia, Google Reviews, DNR data, campground & beach reviews, ShorelineScout enrichment

Know this lake?

Share fishing tips, seasonal patterns, or hazards to help other anglers.

Share Lake Intel →