Camping at North Higgins Lake State Park: Our 4th of July Experience
There are certain places in Michigan that instantly feel like summer the moment you arrive—and for us, North Higgins Lake State Park is one of them. We’ve camped here over the 4th of July with some of our favorite people, visited again in the fall for ORV adventures in nearby St. Helen, and always leave with memories we’ll talk about all year long.
If you’re considering North Higgins Lake for your next family trip, here’s our full review- filled with what we love, what to know, and why it’s perfect for families, especially older kids who want freedom to roam and play.
Mobi Mat Improves Accessibility at North Higgins Lake State Park
The Campground Vibe: Woodsy + Ideal for Bigger Kids & Teens
North Higgins has that classic Up North State Park feel—towering pines, sandy beach and camping loops for kids to bike from morning until dusk. This campground is especially great for older kids with tons to do.
Campsites & Amenities
174 campsites split into two loops:
East loop: ~82 sites
West loop: ~92 sites
Most sites have electric
20 / 30 / 50 amp service available
Modern restroom buildings (flush toilets & showers)
Also some vault toilets in areas of the park
Sanitation/dump station with potable water
Picnic tables & fire rings at sites
Pet-friendly areas
Anchor Boats Near the Shore at North Higgins Lake
North Higgins Lake State Park at a Glance
Narrow sandy beach with incredibly clear water, shallow for a long way out
Mobi mat for handicap accessibility
Beach volleyball court
Picnic shelters and open grassy areas
Playground
Easy boat access with the option to park your boat right off the beach
Tons of loops to bike through
Shady trees for hammocks by the beach
Sand Volleyball Court at North Higgins Lake State Park
Things to Do: Biking, Boating & Exploring CCC Museum
Kids zipped back and forth between campsites, the beach, the courts, and the playground all day long. Plus a paved path runs along the campground and you can easily ride your bikes to the CCC Museum next door. They have biking trails, hiking trails and historical memorabilia. The layout is open and safe, making it perfect for older kids who want that little bit of independence and adventure.
Rent Paddleboards, Pontoons, or Tubes at B & B Marina at Higgins Lake
The Beach: Crystal-Aqua
Higgins Lake is famous for its stunning color, and North Higgins doesn’t disappoint. It’s one of the clearest, most beautiful lakes in Michigan.
Shallow water you can wade out in for ages
Ideal for anchoring boats near shore
Soft sandy bottom
Great for floating, swimming, and playing football games in the water
A narrow long beach with shady trees along the edge ( perfect for hammocks)
Boating & Tubing
Camping with our friends was ideal over the 4th of July. We laughed through tubing wipeouts, took peaceful rides at sunset, and loved being able to pull and anchor the boat right up near the beach. Higgins Lake has convenient boat launch if you bring your boat
B & B Marina has rentals for pontoons, kayaks, paddleboards, tubes and water skis by the day or hourly.
View Fireworks on the 4th from the shores of Higgins Lake
4th of July at North Higgins Lake
Celebrating the 4th here is pure summer magic: Enjoy good food, sand volleyball tournaments and relaxing campfires. Fireworks can be seen lighting up the lake on the 4th of July. Watch from the sandy shore or docked on your boat.
Fun Things to Do Near North Higgins
Here are some great add-ons to your trip: 15 Things to Do in the Houghton & Higgins Lake Area
1. ORV Riding in St. Helen :Only about 20–25 minutes away. Great fall adventure or rainy-day backup plan. Tons of trails for all experience levels.
2. South Higgins Lake State Park: Visit the other side of the lake for rentals, a wider beach, and a different vibe.
3. Marl Lake Hiking Trails: Quiet, scenic, and kid-friendly.
4. Pontoon, Kayaking or Paddle Boarding: Bring your own or rent nearby at B & B marina (rentals by the day/ hourly). Higgins Lake is perfect for calm paddling and tubing.
5. Visit Houghton Lake- Deeper lake which is known for ample fishing opportunities.
6. Geocaching Tour- Enjoy a modern day treasure hunt.
7.CCC Museum- Directly across the street is the CCC museum. This is an ideal spot for history lovers or individuals who want to ride bikes, jog. There is a fitness challenge course along the paths through the museum and nursery.
Nearby Restaurants
When you need a break from cooking at camp here are some recommended restaurants, plus some ice cream spots for a sweet treat.
Best Pizza: Buccilis Family owned pizza place is sure to satisfy everyone. Try one of their specialty pizzas - it was a fan favorite for our family.
Best Breakfast: Shakers Shakers serves up breakfast- a classic country fried steak and eggs you’ll love.
Best Burger: Backdoor Saloon With beautiful views of Houghton Lake and excellent food. Voted Northern Michigan’s best- Big Bad Wolf Burger!
All in One Entertainment: Fred’s Restaurant & bar with a bowling alley has the best drinks, bowling and food.
The Frog TikiBar: Quirky, lively bar which features local bands.
R& J Best Choice Market: Locals shared that the best store in town for essentials. We stopped to grab steaks, specialty brats, to grill at R & J Best Choice Market.
Ice Cream: Nibbles Ice Cream & Pizza, Roscommon Dairy Queen
Pros & Cons of North Higgins Lake State Park
Pros
Stunning clear water
Shady Trees along narrow beach- ideal for hammocks
Shallow, sandy swimming perfect for families
Amazing for older kids and teens
Great biking loops and path along campground
Volleyball courts
Relaxed, woodsy vibe
Boat-friendly
CCC Museum next door
Cons
Trash area near the entrance/V station can get messy during busy weekends
Some sites lack shade
Beach can fill up mid-day on holidays
Beach is narrow
Overall, the pros absolutely outweigh the cons for us—especially for active families.
playground
Final Thoughts: Why We Keep Coming Back
Between the clear aqua lake, biking loops, sports courts, epic tubing fails, and our crew that makes every moment fun—North Higgins Lake always feels like home for a few days.
It’s the kind of place where:
The days feel long in the best way.
You soak up every ounce of summer.
And you leave already planning the next trip.
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