HomeMichiganWashtenaw County

South Lake

Washtenaw County, Michigan Inland Lake Connected Water
206.4 acres88 ft deep1 launchRec Passport required
South Lake Access Map 1 launch
Depth Map → Click markers for details
Boat Launches on South Lake
South Lake Boat Launch
Pinckney State Recreation Area · Paved ramp, 1 lane, 12 trailer spots
Open Motorboat Kayak Large Boat Rec Passport
View ramp details →
Connected Waterways

South Lake sits in the broader Washtenaw County watershed in southeastern Michigan. Specific inflow and outflow details aren't well documented, but the lake is in the vicinity of Pickerel Lake and other small inland lakes in the area.

Winter & Ice Safety

Details on South Lake's depth aren't well documented, so ice conditions will vary year to year. Always check ice thickness yourself before heading out, and check with local anglers for current conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions
Where is South Lake in Michigan?
South Lake is in Washtenaw County in southeastern Michigan, within reasonable driving distance of Ann Arbor.
Is there a public boat launch on South Lake?
Yes, there's one public launch on South Lake. It has a large parking lot with good trailer turnaround space and a clean rustic bathroom. Reviewers rate it 4.8 out of 5 stars.
Is the South Lake boat launch good for trailers?
Yes — reviewers specifically note plenty of room to turn around and park trailers. It's a well-maintained launch for a smaller lake.
Are there other lakes near South Lake in Washtenaw County?
Pickerel Lake is nearby with its own public access point. Washtenaw County has several inland lakes within a short drive of each other.
Can you swim in South Lake?
There's no designated public beach listed at South Lake itself. Pickerel Lake Access is the nearest listed beach option in the area.
Scout's Notes
Lake Vibe & Fishing Intel

South Lake is a small inland lake in Washtenaw County with a single public launch that reviewers rate highly at 4.8 stars. The launch features a large parking lot with plenty of room for trailer turnaround and a clean rustic bathroom — a solid setup for a smaller lake. Locals clearly have a strong attachment to this one; at least one reviewer has been coming here for 40 years and calls it their favorite inland lake, which says something about the quality of the experience even if the lake doesn't make statewide headlines.

Pickerel Lake Access is nearby, giving you a second option if you're exploring the area. Washtenaw County lakes tend to see moderate pressure given their proximity to Ann Arbor and the broader southeast Michigan population, so weekday visits are worth planning if you want quieter water.

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