Hankerd's Horseshoe Lake Campground

Beaches & Swimming

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🏖️ Beaches & Swimming Near the Campground

Northern Michigan is ringed with beautiful inland lakes — sandy beaches, crystal-clear water, and the kind of lazy summer afternoons that make you forget what day it is. Here's where to swim, splash, and soak it all in.

🏊 Bluegill Lake — Minutes from Camp

Just a short walk through the trails from the campground, Bluegill Lake offers a sandy-bottom swimming experience that feels completely off the grid. Clear water, quiet surroundings, and no crowds — just you and the woods. It doesn't get more Up North than this.

Beaches by Distance

~25 miles away · Gaylord & Grayling Area

Wah Wah Soo Beach

~25 miles Otsego Lake, Gaylord

A free, beautiful public beach on Otsego Lake with a buoyed swim area and some of the best sunset views in the region. Easy to access, no admission charge, and just far enough from the crowds to feel peaceful. A perfect warm-weather afternoon stop.

Free Admission Sunset Views Buoyed Swim Area Otsego Lake

Otsego Lake State Park Beach

~25 miles Gaylord, MI

A gorgeous half-mile stretch of sandy beach on Otsego Lake — one of the finest state park beaches in northern Lower Michigan. Swimming, a fishing pier, and full facilities make this a full-day destination. Michigan Recreation Passport required for entry.

Recreation Passport Required Half-Mile Sandy Beach Fishing Pier Full Facilities

Lake Margrethe Public Beach

~25 miles Grayling, MI

A welcoming public beach on one of the Grayling area's nicest lakes. Clean water, sandy bottom, and easy parking make this a go-to for a quick afternoon swim. A solid, reliable choice close to town if you're already in Grayling for the day.

Public Beach Sandy Bottom Near Grayling

Jones, Kneff & Shupac Lakes

~25–40 miles Crawford County, MI

A handful of small, quiet public beaches tucked throughout Crawford County — the kind of spots where you might have the whole shore to yourself on a weekday. Perfect for guests who prefer solitude over a crowded state park beach.

Quiet & Uncrowded Public Access Crawford County

~40–45 miles away · Worth the Drive

Thumb Lake / Lake Louise

~40 miles Boyne Falls area, MI

A large, beautiful beach with ample parking and full restroom facilities — the kind of well-maintained public beach that's easy to spend a whole day at. A great option if you want more space, better amenities, and a slightly longer drive.

Large Beach Parking & Restrooms Full Day Option

Higgins Lake State Parks

~45 miles Roscommon, MI

If you make one beach trip during your stay, make it Higgins Lake. Consistently ranked among the most beautiful lakes in the world — the water is a stunning blue-green clarity that has to be seen to be believed. Two state parks offer large sandy beaches along its shores. Absolutely breathtaking on a sunny day.

One of World's Most Beautiful Lakes Recreation Passport Required Large Sandy Beach Don't Miss