North Higgins Lake State Park RV & Campground Guide
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North Higgins Lake State Park is home to 449 acres of wooded land on the north shore of Higgins Lake. It is on the site of what used to be one of the world's largest seedling nurseries. The Higgins Lake Nursery and CCC Museum at the park tells the story of that nursery and educates visitors about how young men employed by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the Great Depression worked to develop this outdoor recreation area and others in the state.
At the park, outdoor enthusiasts will find two campgrounds, a boat launch providing access to the 9,900-acre lake, a swimming area, a beach, and more than eight miles of hiking trails. In addition, the campground is open once the snow flies, providing nature lovers the opportunity to enjoy winter activities such as snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and winter camping.
Nearby Cities:
Houghton Lake, MI
Cadillac, MI
Traverse City, MI
Tawas City, MI
Spring 20-65 F
Summer 52-81 F
Fall 30-72 F
Winter 17-32 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in North Higgins Lake State Park
Camping Accommodations
East Campground
Water hookup: Yes
Electrical hookup: Yes
Sewer hookup: No
Wi-Fi: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
Max RV length: 50 feet
Other amenities: Fire rings, picnic tables, playground, restrooms
West Campground
Water hookup: Yes
Electrical hookup: Yes
Sewer hookup: No
Wi-Fi: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
Max RV length: 50 feet
Other amenities: Fire rings, picnic tables, playground, restrooms
North Higgins Lake East Campground
One of the two campgrounds in this state park is the North Higgins Lake East Campground. Rates start at $30 to $34 per night during the busy seasons and drop to $22 to $26 during the offseason. The campground is close to the lake and all the other attractions that you want to see.
Water hookup: Yes
Electrical hookup: Yes
Sewer hookup: No
Wi-Fi: Spotty
Pet-friendly: Yes
Other amenities: Clean bathrooms, park access, off-season discounts
North Higgins Lake West Campground
North Higgins Lake West Campground offers clean restrooms and convenient access to the park's amenities. Rates start at $30 per night during the high season and $22 per night during the offseason. A mini cabin is available to rent for one night or longer and is handicap accessible.
Water hookup: Yes
Electrical hookup: Yes
Sewer hookup: No
Wi-Fi: Spotty
Pet-friendly: Yes
Other amenities: Park access, clean and modern bathrooms, mini-cabin rentals, discounted off-season rates
Northern Nights Family Campground
Families who love the outdoors will love Northern Nights Family Campground, which has volleyball, tetherball, and basketball courts along with a playground and horseshoe pits. While the dump station is free to use, only long-term guests can use the pump service. Guests can rent the covered pavilion for special occasions.
Water hookup: Yes
Electrical hookup: Yes
Sewer hookup: Yes
Wi-Fi: Yes
Pet-friendly: Yes
Other amenities: Nightly/weekly/monthly/seasonal rates, large lots, covered pavilion, pump service, hiking trails
Higgins Lake/Roscommon KOA
Guests of the Higgins Lake/Roscommon KOA can pan for gold and other treasures before heading over to the water to hop on the giant slide. During Color Time, guests pay a small fee to create a custom tee that they can take home. This campground also has both tent and RV sites with discounts available for long-term guests.
Water hookup: Yes
Electrical hookup: Yes
Sewer hookup: Yes
Wi-Fi: Yes
Pet-friendly: Yes
Other amenities: Cable television, camp store, bike rentals, snack shop, outdoor movies, water slide
What to Do at
North Higgins Lake State Park
This year-round destination offers fun activities for every park goer, including fishing, hiking, cross-country skiing, and mountain biking. The Michigan State Park Explorer Program offers seasonal nature programs within the park. They take place Memorial Day through Labor Day and include education on local wildlife, insects, wetlands, and more.
There is no shortage of outdoor adventures to participate in during your stay at North Higgins Lake State Park. If you want to spend time on the water, you can rent kayaks or stand-up paddle boards in the day-use area. Anglers can try their hand at catching their favorite species out on Higgins Lake by boat or from dedicated fishing spots within each campground.
Inside North Higgins Lake State Park
The North Higgins-Beaver Creek Trail runs for 6.5 miles, but the park has two other trails that are better for less-experienced hikers. Near the entrance is a station where you can rent a kayak or canoe for $10 an hour. Higgins Lake is home to several types of fish that are native to Michigan and welcomes you to catch a big one. When you bring a boat from home, visit the boat launch that has channel markers and a dock to help you get it in the water. Don't forget about the CCC Museum.
Fishing
Popular sport fish such as yellow perch, trout, smelt, and pike can be found in Higgins Lake. Fishing from the shore is possible via dedicated locations in either of the campgrounds. However, most anglers who visit the park fish by boat to get the most out of their fishing trip. A State of Michigan fishing license is required.
Stargazing
The remote wilderness of Northern Michigan is a terrific spot to participate in stargazing. Low levels of light pollution make it possible to see all of your favorite constellations, galaxies, and planets. You can bring a blanket to the beach or set up a telescope at a picnic table to enjoy a fascinating evening gazing at the heavens.
Flora and Fauna
The Higgins Lake Nursery and CCC Museum documents the reforestation efforts made during the Great Depression. The exhibits tell the story of the local land and the type of trees they planted. While exploring the park trails, you will wind through oak, maple, and hickory trees. Trilliums, black-eyed Susans, and wild geraniums bloom in the spring and early summer. Additionally, you may spot deer, moose, and black bears.
Hiking
There are three hiking trails within the park. Beaver Creek Trail is the longest at 6.5 miles and takes you through deep forested areas in the park's northern section. Bosom Pines Trail connects the Beaver Creek Trail with the Upland Nature Trail and is 3.8 miles long. The Upland Nature Trail is the easiest at 1.5 miles long and is a great place to spot birds like robins, woodpeckers, and sparrows.
Boating
Boating is extremely popular on Higgins Lake. You are sure to marvel at the crystal clear water and can enjoy the novel experience of paddling out to sandbars. The most popular watersports at the park are water skiing, tubing, and wakeboarding.
Swimming
A swimming area within the park has a well-maintained beach. You can find this attraction in the day-use area.
Biking
The park has 11 miles of mountain biking trails. These trails are maintained and groomed.
How to Get to
North Higgins Lake State Park
The park is located at 11747 North Higgins Lake Dr., Roscommon, MI 48653. From Mt. Pleasant, MI, you will need to head north on US-127 and take exit 206. After you exit, you will turn right onto North Higgins Lake Dr. The park entrance will be on your right.
Entering North Higgins Lake State Park
Parking is available within the day-use area near the beach and boat launch. A Michigan Recreation Pass is required to enter the park. Residents can obtain a pass for $13, which is good for an entire year. Non-residents can purchase daily passes for $11 or an annual pass for $39.
North Higgins Lake State Park Per Annual Pass (Michigan residents) : $13.0
North Higgins Lake State Park Daily Pass (Non-residents) : $11.0
You'll make memories that last a lifetime when you take an RV adventure to North Higgins Lake State Park. If you share your trip photos on social media, be sure to tag us at RVshare, or send them to [email protected] for a chance to be featured on our blog.
Frequently Asked Questions About North Higgins Lake State Park
The warmer spring and summer months are the most popular times to visit the park, as you will be able to get the most out of the water-based activities offered. However, the park is open during the winter for camping, cross-country skiing, and ice fishing.
You can expect to see a wide variety of wildlife within the park during your stay, including squirrels, chipmunks, deer, and frogs. Birders can look forward to spotting waterfowl, songbirds, and raptors.
There are over 170 camping spots within the park. Most of these offer electric hookups and have fire rings and picnic tables.
You need a reservation to stay at the park, and you can secure one online. There is a $35 per night fee for the East Campground and a $31 per night fee for the West Campground.
The park is pet-friendly, and you can bring your furry companions on the hiking trails. However, they must be on a leash, and you are expected to clean up after them.
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