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Crescent Lake

Oakland County, Michigan Inland Lake Connected Water
93.5 acres40 ft deep1 launchRec Passport requiredIce fishing
Crescent Lake Access Map 1 launch
Depth Map → 🎣 Fishing Guide → Click markers for details
Boat Launches on Crescent Lake
Crescent Lake Boat Launch
Dodge 4 State Park · Unimproved ramp, 1 lane, 6 trailer spots
Open Motorboat Kayak Rec Passport
View ramp details →
Connected Waterways

Crescent Lake sits within the dense network of lakes in Oakland County's Waterford Township area. Nearby Cass Lake, Pontiac Lake, and several smaller lakes are all part of the Clinton River watershed, which drains east toward Lake St. Clair.

Winter & Ice Safety

As a smaller Oakland County lake, Crescent Lake likely freezes reliably in a typical Michigan winter. Ice fishing for panfish is common on lakes in this area. Always check current ice thickness before heading out — conditions can vary, especially early and late season.

Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a public boat launch on Crescent Lake?
Yes, there's one public launch. It's a simple setup — small dirt parking lot and a basic slipway. No frills, but functional for small boats, kayaks, and canoes. It's rated 4.7 stars on Google, and people appreciate the low-key access.
Is Crescent Lake good for kayaking?
Yes — the smaller size and generally calm water make it a solid kayaking lake. Reviewers specifically mention it as a nice, quiet spot for paddling. Weekdays are your best bet to avoid boat traffic.
Can you swim in Crescent Lake?
There are a few beaches on the lake, though most are private or association-managed. Crescent Lake Highlands Beach is on the lake, and Dodge Park Beach and Pontiac Lake Beach are close by for public swimming options.
Where is Crescent Lake in Michigan?
Crescent Lake is in Oakland County, in the Waterford Township / Pontiac area — roughly 35 miles northwest of downtown Detroit. It's surrounded by dozens of other lakes including Cass Lake, Pontiac Lake, and Deer Lake.
Are there campgrounds near Crescent Lake?
Pontiac Lake State Recreation Area Campground is the closest option and a solid one — it has full facilities and direct access to trails and Pontiac Lake. Dodge #4 State Park is also nearby.
Does Crescent Lake get crowded?
Weekends can get busy given the lake's smaller size and limited launch space. The dirt parking lot fills up. Weekday visits are noticeably quieter and give you more room to spread out.
Is there a fee to launch at Crescent Lake?
Based on the simple dirt-lot setup, there does not appear to be a launch fee — it's a basic public access point with no booth or fee infrastructure. Always check for posted signs at the site.
Scout's Notes
Lake Vibe & Fishing Intel

Crescent Lake is a smaller lake in Oakland County — part of the dense cluster of lakes between Pontiac and Waterford. It's a no-frills spot that punches above its weight for bass and bluegill fishing, with a simple dirt-lot launch and a single slipway. The lake draws kayakers and small boats looking for a quieter alternative to nearby heavyweights like Cass Lake and Pontiac Lake. Weekends can get a little crowded given the limited space, but weekdays offer a genuine escape tucked into one of metro Detroit's most lake-rich corridors.

The shoreline is mostly residential with a few private beaches (including Crescent Lake Highlands Beach). Crescent Lake Park Association maintains a community presence on the water. For bigger adventures, Pontiac Lake State Recreation Area is right next door with camping, trails, and a separate public beach. The surrounding area has a handful of marinas and lakeside conveniences — Walt's Point Marina and Last Resort Marina are both nearby if you need fuel or service.

Sources: Wikipedia, Google Reviews, DNR data, campground & beach reviews, ShorelineScout enrichment

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