Clarkston – Independence Township – Oakland County
Deer Lake is one of the most picturesque and charming lakes in northern Oakland County. Located just steps from Downtown Clarkston, this private all-sports lake is known for its calm, clear water, scenic tree-lined shoreline, tight-knit lake community, and highly desirable real estate. With direct proximity to Clarkston’s restaurants, shops, schools, and historic village character, Deer Lake offers a unique blend of peaceful lake living and walkable convenience that few Michigan inland lakes can match.
Deer Lake at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Clarkston / Independence Township – Oakland County, Michigan |
| Size | ~137 acres |
| Maximum Depth | ~63 feet |
| Lake Type | All-sports |
| Public Access | None (private lake) |
| Connected Lakes | None |
| Watershed | Clinton River Watershed |
| Bottom & Water Clarity | Sandy bottom, clear water with deep holes |
| Nearby Areas | Clarkston, Waterford, Independence Oaks, Pine Knob |
Lake Lifestyle
Deer Lake delivers a quiet, upscale lake experience with the perfect balance of recreation and relaxation. Because it is fully private with no public boat launch, residents enjoy lighter boat traffic than surrounding lakes, maintaining great water clarity and calm shoreline conditions.
Popular activities include:
- Wakeboarding, tubing & skiing (especially in the wide south bay)
- Paddleboarding on calm mornings
- Kayaking along the wooded shoreline
- Fishing for bass, pike, and panfish
- Sunset pontoon cruises
- Walking or biking into Downtown Clarkston for dining or shopping
Deer Lake is ideal for residents who want active boating fun without the chaos of larger public lakes.
Credit: https://www.deerlakefarms.com/beach
Real Estate Around Deer Lake
Deer Lake is one of Clarkston’s most sought-after waterfront markets due to its walkability, location, privacy, and limited number of lakefront homes.
Property characteristics include:
- Charming homes dating back to the early 1900s
- Fully remodeled cottages turned lake houses
- Larger contemporary rebuilds
- Deep lots with mature trees
- Homes with west-facing sunset views
- Small-cove and bayfront options
Inventory is extremely limited, and homes often sell quickly due to the combination of lakefront living and downtown Clarkston access.
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→ Browse current homes for sale on or near Deer Lake: [HERE]
Schools Serving Deer Lake
Deer Lake is served by Clarkston Community Schools
(https://www.niche.com/k12/d/clarkston-community-schools-mi/)
This is one of northern Oakland County’s strongest-performing districts, known for its academics, athletics, and community involvement.
Things to Do On & Around Deer Lake
On the water:
- Wakeboarding & water skiing
- Paddleboarding
- Kayaking & canoeing
- Fishing in deep and shallow zones
- Swimming and floating along sandy-bottom areas
Off the water:
- Downtown Clarkston restaurants, shops & cafés
- Clarkston’s historic district
- Concerts and events at Pine Knob Music Theatre
- Independence Oaks County Park
- Local trails, playgrounds, and nature preserves
This makes Deer Lake one of Oakland County’s most lifestyle-rich waterfront communities.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Fully private—no public access | Limited home inventory |
| Walkable to Downtown Clarkston | Higher property prices |
| Clear water and deep sections | No connected lakes |
| Quiet but still all-sports | Smaller than some major Oakland lakes |
| Excellent schools | Weekend traffic in downtown nearby |
Final Thoughts
Deer Lake is a rare combination of private lake living and walkable downtown charm. With its scenic shoreline, strong property values, calm-water atmosphere, and proximity to Clarkston’s best restaurants and amenities, it stands out as one of the top lakefront destinations in northern Oakland County. Whether you’re searching for a year-round home or a four-season Michigan lake retreat, Deer Lake deserves a spot on your shortlist.
Resources & Helpful Links
- Michigan DNR Inland Lake Maps
https://www.michigan.gov/dnr - Michigan EGLE – Inland Lakes & Water Quality
https://www.michigan.gov/egle - Independence Township
https://www.indetwp.com - City of the Village of Clarkston
https://www.villageofclarkston.org - Oakland County Water Resources
https://www.oakgov.com
Frequently Asked Questions – Deer Lake
Is Deer Lake private?
Yes, Deer Lake is fully private with no public access.
How big is Deer Lake?
Approximately 137 acres.
Is the lake all-sports?
Yes — wakeboarding, skiing, tubing, and high-speed boating are allowed.
Does Deer Lake have good water clarity?
Yes — it’s known for clean, clear water and a sandy bottom.
Are there any connected lakes?
No — Deer Lake is a standalone inland lake.
Is Deer Lake walkable to downtown Clarkston?
Yes — this is one of its biggest lifestyle advantages.
What fish are in Deer Lake?
Bass, northern pike, bluegill, perch, and crappie.
Is Deer Lake good for paddleboarding?
Yes — calm morning conditions are perfect for SUP.
Are there lake association fees?
Some areas do; they typically contribute to lake and shoreline maintenance.
Are short-term rentals allowed?
Regulations vary; Clarkston and Independence Township have STR rules that may restrict them.
How deep is Deer Lake?
Up to 63 feet in certain areas.
Is the lake good for families?
Yes — great schools and quiet shoreline make it popular with families.
Is Deer Lake busy on weekends?
It’s calmer than public lakes due to its private status.
Does Deer Lake freeze in winter?
Yes — ice activities are common when conditions allow.
Does Deer Lake have marinas?
There are no on-lake marinas, but several nearby boat service centers exist.
