Higgins Lake State Park Campground: A Complete Guide for Campers
Higgins Lake State Park is home to two of the most popular campgrounds in Michigan. Whether you’re pitching a tent for the first time or rolling in with a fully equipped RV, camping at Higgins Lake puts you steps from one of the clearest lakes in the world. This guide covers everything you need to know about the Higgins Lake State Park campground — reservations, sites, facilities, and tips for making the most of your stay.
Two Parks, Two Campgrounds
Higgins Lake is unique in that it has two separate state parks — one on the north end of the lake and one on the south — each with its own campground.
North Higgins Lake State Park sits on the northern shore and offers 174 modern campsites with electrical hookups, a bathhouse with showers and flush toilets, and direct beach access. The campground is set among tall pines and has a classic northern Michigan forest feel. It also sits adjacent to the Civilian Conservation Corps Museum, which is worth a visit during your stay.
South Higgins Lake State Park is on the southern shore and is the larger and more popular of the two campgrounds, with over 400 sites across modern and semi-modern loops. The campground is consistently ranked among the best in Michigan and fills up months in advance for peak summer weekends. It offers full modern facilities, multiple bathhouses, a boat launch, and easy beach access.
Reservations
Reservations are essential for both campgrounds, especially between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Michigan state park campgrounds book through the Michigan DNR reservation system at michigan.gov/dnr. Reservations open up to six months in advance, and popular summer weekends — Fourth of July, Labor Day, and mid-July — can fill within hours of becoming available.
If you’re targeting a summer stay, set a calendar reminder and book the moment your window opens. Walk-in availability during peak season is rare.
Off-season camping — May, September, and October — offers much better availability and a completely different, quieter experience. Fall camping at Higgins Lake with the autumn color is genuinely spectacular.
Campsite Types
Both parks offer a mix of site types:
Modern sites — Full electrical hookups (20/30/50 amp depending on site), paved pads, access to modern bathhouses with hot showers and flush toilets. Best for RVs and campers who want full amenities.
Semi-modern sites — No electrical hookups, but access to the same bathhouse facilities. Better suited for tent campers who don’t need power but still want shower access.
Tent-only sites — Some loops are designated for tent camping, offering a quieter, more rustic feel within the modern campground setting.
Facilities
Both campgrounds offer:
- Modern bathhouses with hot showers
- Flush toilets
- Dump stations for RVs
- Picnic tables and fire rings at each site
- Firewood available for purchase on-site
- Playground equipment
- Direct beach access within walking distance
Michigan DNR Recreation Passport
A Michigan DNR Recreation Passport is required for entry to both state parks. The passport is $17 for Michigan residents and can be purchased when renewing your vehicle registration or at the park entrance. It covers entry to all Michigan state parks for the year, making it excellent value if you visit more than one park annually.
Tips for Camping at Higgins Lake
- Book as early as possible — six months out for summer weekends
- Request a site in the pine tree sections for more shade and privacy
- Bring insect repellent — mosquitoes and no-see-ums can be active in evening hours
- The beach is a short walk from most sites — a wagon or cart for hauling gear is helpful
- Campfires are a nightly tradition; bring your own wood or purchase on-site
- Cell service is limited in some areas of the campground — download offline maps before arrival
Alternatives to Camping
If the campground is full or you prefer more comfort, cabin rentals near Higgins Lake offer a great alternative. Properties like Winter-Chard Lake Forest Chalet provide the full northern Michigan lake experience with the amenities of a real home — full kitchen, comfortable beds, and no tent stakes required.
Final Thoughts
Camping at Higgins Lake State Park is a quintessential Michigan experience. The combination of world-class water clarity, beautiful pine forest, and well-maintained facilities makes it one of the top campgrounds in the Midwest. Book early, come prepared, and give yourself at least three nights to fully settle into the rhythm of lake life.