Goodbye Higgins Lake, So Long Torch Lake: This Underrated Michigan Lake Has Camping, Fishing, And Beaches

Michigan is known as the Great Lakes State, but it's home to thousands of lakes in addition to the four Great Lakes which it borders. Two of the state's larger lakes, Higgins and Torch, are among the largest and best-known. The clear waters, sandy beaches, and recreational opportunities of these lakes draws hordes of visitors each year; but if you're looking for something a little less crowded, 5 miles west of Torch Lake is an underrated destination that also has crystal clear waters and sandy beaches along with excellent fishing and outstanding camping options. So, say goodbye to Higgins Lake, so long Torch Lake, and hello Elk Lake.

Elk Lake is an 8,194-acre water body sandwiched between Torch Lake and Lake Michigan. In fact, Elk Lake is connected to Lake Michigan by the Elk River and to Torch Lake via Torch River through Lake Skegemog. The city of Elk Rapids, another of Michigan's best-kept secrets, sits astride the strip of land between Elk Lake and Lake Michigan. Although there is a good deal of residential development along the lake shore, much of the remaining land on either side of Elk Lake is comprised of parks, preserves, and natural areas.

Its position between these two famous lakes undoubtedly leads Elk Lake to being somewhat overlooked, but Elk Lake has plenty to offer visitors in its own right. Like Higgins and Torch, Elk Lake is a glacial lake that features deep, crystal-clear waters. It's a natural lake, but a dam was added across the Elk River which raised the lake level several feet. Today, it's among the deepest lakes in Michigan outside the Great Lakes.

Like its neighboring lakes, Elk Lake offers a variety of angling options. Fishermen can target well over a dozen species, including largemouth and smallmouth bass, brown and rainbow trout, northern pike, muskellunge, yellow perch, and panfish. Whitefish and Atlantic salmon are also popular here. While the best time to target each of these species varies, good fishing can be had in every season. In fact, despite its northern location, Elk Lake is a true year-round fishery, as ice fishing is a viable option through much of the winter.

Visiting fishermen will find ample access to Elk Lake. Some public bank fishing access is available in Whitewater Township Park on the southern end of the lake as well as Kewadin Beach and Kayak Launch on the northern end. There are a handful of boat ramps anglers can utilize, including one at Whitewater Township Park and a public launch facility off Elk Lake Drive on the eastern shore. Boating anglers can also reach Elk Lake by launching at ramps on the Elk River in Elk Rapids or in Lake Skegemog. As a friendly reminder, anglers fishing Elk Lake are required to have a valid Michigan fishing license.

Beyond fishing, visitors can enjoy the clear waters of Elk Lake by hanging out on its numerous sandy beaches and swimming. Given that it's considered one of Michigan's most beautiful lakes, it's no surprise that whiling away the day on one of Elk Lake's scenic stretches of sand is a popular pastime for those who know about this overlooked getaway. Whitewater Township Park and Kewadin Beach are among the top choices for visitors looking for a place to sink their toes in the sand, and during the warmer months swimming can be enjoyed here at these beaches. 

There are a few options for visitors looking to camp around Elk Lake. If you're hoping to camp right on Elk Lake, the best bet is Whitewater Township Park and Campground which has 55 campsites for tents and RVs, all of which are outfitted with water and electricity. In addition to the beach and boat launch, there are also a couple miles of nature trails as well as a pavilion with picnic tables. The campground is open from May through October.

Honcho Rest Campground in Elk Rapids is a good option for campers who are okay with being near but not on Elk Lake. This campground is actually located on Bass Lake, a smaller lake that is less than a mile west of Elk Lake. Honcho Rest features 104 RV-only campsites, 97 with full hookups and 7 with water and electric. Tents aren't allowed at this campground, but there are a handful of single room cabins that can be rented if you don't have an RV. Honcho Rest Campground is open from May to October.

Regardless of whether you're coming to fish, camp, or just spend a day at the beach, Elk Lake is relatively easy to reach. Traverse City is the closest hub city and home to the nearest commercial airport, Cherry Capital Airport (TVC). The south end of Elk Lake is only a 30 minute drive from Traverse City, and the airport is a few minutes closer. While spending time in northern Michigan, it makes sense for lake lovers to visit a few of the region's other water bodies, including Torch Lake, Lake Michigan, and Spider Lake, Traverse City's underrated oasis.