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South Higgins Lake State Park

There are two pet-friendly areas of shoreline at South Higgins Lake State Park in Roscommon, MI. The first is for campers-only and is near the west campground. The second area is in the day use area. Please contact the park for specific details. Pets must be on a six foot leash and under an owner's immediate control at all times. All pet waste must be properly disposed of in trash receptacles. South Higgins Lake State Park contains almost one mile of shoreline along Higgins Lake. As the second largest campground in a state park, the park's 400 modern camp sites are situated in a hardwood-shaded area. The park is very popular during the summer months and reservations must be made early. Visit Website

Or call (989) 821-6374 for more information.

Reviews

BringFido Guest Rating
TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

South Higgins Lake State Park has received a rating of 4.1 out of 5 bones by 12 canine critics on BringFido and 4.5 out of 5 by 88 guests on TripAdvisor.

  • Mariah
    Dec 7, 2021
    Perfect Camping Spot!

    Over the summer, we took our dogs to South Higgins for camping. There is a dog beach that is so much fun. Some dogs are off leash so be mindful of that (we left our one reactive dog in the camper for a bit). The other two dogs were off leash and running in the water. You can go about 100 yards or so out to the lake and the water only comes up to your thigh. Definitely a great way to tire the pups out before a campfire!

  • Danielle
    Jun 19, 2021
    Small but great for wading

    We brought our 11 month Standard Poodle here to introduce her to swimming and it served it's purpose wonderfully.

    You can walk out a long ways and still only be knee deep with occasional deeper spots. It was perfect to introduce her to deeper waters.

    It's not fully enclosed and it's a very small grassy area with 2 picnic tables. It's not a beach, just water access, so if you're looking to stroll along in the sand with your pup, look elsewhere.

  • D
    Jul 15, 2020
    Not for us

    The park advertises two pet friendly areas. One is strictly for campers. The other, is at far right end of swimming beach (as viewed on the park map). The water off beach is shallow and our short dog (strong swimmer) could stand only a few feet out. Taller dogs could go quite a way out into knee deep sand bottom water. There is virtually no Beach between grass and water. beach is between 0 and 2 feet wide. You can't walk up and down the beach because there isn't one, and the dog area is so tiny.

    The biggest problems are size of the prohibitively small dog area, Poor access from grass to beach, no beach, and ignorant people (not the parks fault).

    There are three small breaks in the brush to get onto the very small beach and water. These small access lanes are very rough with roots, tree debris, and drop-offs that only tall dogs could unsafely navigate. The area is so small that with proper distancing, 6 small family groups with dog(s) was a crowd.

    Ignorant people part; Three of the 6 thought it was a good idea to park their chairs and blankets in each of the 3 narrow access lanes to the water, blocking the others from the beach/water. Add a couple poorly behaved dogs (that owners allowed to attack others entering the fenced area) and it gets real exciting.

    Our visit was mid-week / mid-day. Can't imaging the nightmare of a weekend or holiday.

    We drove 2.5 hours, Paid $17 park fee, stayed for 1 hour, declared a "FAIL", and drove 2.5 hours home.

    The experience for us would earn a rating of Zero Bones. I gave 2 bones because the lake is beautiful and others with bigger dogs may have a better experience (if they stay in the water). Better yet, leave the dog home and enjoy the "people only" beach and park.

  • Sherry
    Jul 2, 2020
    Not observing COVID 19 guidelines

    We were going to spend the afternoon of July 1st at South Higgins Lake State Park, but after driving through the park we were absolutely appalled at how people at the campsites were literally packed in like sardines. We were surprised the park isn't limiting the number of campsites reserved in accordance with all the guidelines and warnings of COVID 19. The State of Michigan isn't practicing what they're preaching.

  • Miranda
    Jun 29, 2019
    Great Dog Friendly Beach

    Beach is separated as it’s own area, dogs can swim and play in sand. Should stay on leash as it’s not gated but fine if they’re in the water.

  • Will
    More than a year ago
    Great dog beach

    We visited the eastern dog beach, which is setup for day visitors. I believe the western dog beach is only for registered campers. I couldn't find a lot of info online before we went, so I'll try to fill in some of my own questions.

    It's tucked in the woods at the far end of the parking lot for day use/picnics. There is a sign right at the area listing rules, but no other indications showing you where to park or walk to find it - you just need to know where to look. (far eastern edge of the park). At first glance it seemed to be rather small, but it was not crowded at all, to my surprise. We had it to ourselves most of the time. However everyone we did meet was friendly. There is no sand outside of the water...grass, dirt and trees go right to the edge. Once in the water the lake has a nice sandy bottom. There is a single picnic table, trashcans, and a split rail fence surrounding the designated dog area, with gaps in the corners to enter/exit. The sign indicates dogs must be leashed coming and going. They can be off-leash in the area, but there is no real fence to contain them - they need to follow your supervision and commands. The lake is knee to thigh deep for a very very long way from shore. Water temp was great in early August - maybe a bit brisk at first, but actually felt quite warm when the wind picked up and chilled the air.

    This would be a great beach for teaching your dog to go in the water. It's calm and not very deep. Ours is a seasoned pro with water and still had a great time playing fetch in the lake. I would both recommend this dog beach and visit again, we just wish there was a beach for the humans to relax and enjoy.

  • Jane&Fran
    More than a year ago
    great swimming

    We had a beautiful break after a long drive chasing sticks at the beach. Nice people, easy parking, bags & trash cans - all available. The day pass was $9, which I decided was a worthwhile contribution to the Michigan State Park Service ... just be aware there is a cost of you don't have a parks pass. The lake is gorgeous - so glad to have found it. Thanks, BF!

  • Jamie Respondek
    More than a year ago
    Home away from home

    Been going up there since I was a kid I do have a cabin out on the lake I would never swim in any other lake or go anywhere else but Higgins lake home away from home

  • Cera
    More than a year ago
    Love this State Park

    I've been camping here since I was a little girl & just a few years ago they added dog beaches. We arrived and to our surprise we were right next to one of the dog beaches, which was great for our large fur family! Just watch out for irresponsible pet owners, but I would say 98% of the people and their dogs were friendly each and every year!

  • Angel Raymond
    More than a year ago
    2 Great Dog Beaches, Beautiful Lake and Park

    If yo have any questions about the park, call 989.821.6374. The staff members I spoke with prior to our visit were very helpful and courteous. There are TWO dog beaches here: one at the extreme west end of the park, and the other at the extreme east end. If you have a MI Recreation Passport, there is no fee to get in to the park. They have a little store/snack bar in the park with slurpees and hot dogs and ice cream... The lake is BEAUTIFUL - shallow a long ways out and clear and warm. :D

  • Kate
    More than a year ago
    Perfect for first time swimmers!

    This dog beach is excellent! We have 65lb Irish Setters and took them swimming there for their first time and it was great because no matter where we went it never really went over their head but still deep enough to practice swimming around. And the water temp was perfect because it is so shallow. The other people and dogs there were very nice. I can't wait to take them again!

  • Brittany
    More than a year ago
    GOLDEN RETRIEVER.

    gorgeous lake!!! one of the nicest bodies of water that i've ever been in. my dog loved it also!! very dog friendly up there plenty of people on boats and beaches with their dogs.

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South Higgins Lake State Park