Independence Township & Waterford Township – Oakland County
Lester Lake is a small, 12-acre lake located within the Clinton River lake chain. Though modest in size, it is not a standalone lake — it is part of a navigable system that includes Lakes Van Norman, Townsend, Greens, and the larger Clinton River corridor. With a maximum depth of about 20–25 feet and scenic, tree-lined shores, Lester Lake offers a peaceful waterfront setting with access to a broader lake network.
Lester Lake at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Independence & Waterford Township – Oakland County |
| Size | ~12 acres |
| Maximum Depth | ~20–25 feet |
| Lake Type | Calm-use lake within a larger all-sports chain |
| Public Access | None |
| Connected Lakes | Greens Lake, Van Norman Lake, Townsend Lake, Clinton River system |
| Watershed | Clinton River Watershed |
| Bottom Composition | Sandy/marl with natural vegetation |
| Nearby Areas | Clarkston, Waterford, Auburn Hills |
Lake Lifestyle
Lester Lake offers quiet-water recreation and serves as a peaceful extension of the larger Greens–Van Norman–Townsend lake system.
Common activities include:
- Paddleboarding & kayaking
- Swimming (toward the middle)
- Fishing
- Canoe/kayak travel through the Clinton River channels
- Accessing nearby lakes in the chain (depending on water levels & channel depth)
Real Estate Around Lester Lake
Homes on Lester Lake include:
- Homes on the south end, condos on the north end
- Year-round homes
- Homes tucked into tree-lined streets near Keego Harbor
Why buyers choose Lester Lake:
- Quiet shoreline with minimal boat traffic
- Central location near M-59, Telegraph Rd, and Orchard Lake Rd
→ Browse current homes for sale on or near Lester Lake: [HERE]
Schools Serving Lester Lake
Primarily served by Clarkston Community Schools and Waterford School District, depending on parcel location.
Clarkston Schools Niche profile:
https://www.niche.com/k12/d/clarkston-community-schools-mi/
Waterford Schools Niche profile:
https://www.niche.com/k12/d/waterford-school-district-mi/
Things to Do On & Around Lester Lake
On the water:
- Kayaking
- Paddleboarding
- Swimming (toward the middle)
- Fishing
Connected lake system recreation:
- Access to Greens Lake’s deeper basin
- Scenic paddling through the Clinton River
- Exploring Townsend & Van Norman Lakes
Nearby amenities:
- Downtown Clarkston restaurants
- Pontiac Lake Recreation Area
- Waterford Oaks County Park
- Golf courses, trails, marinas
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Quiet, natural waterfront setting | Small size |
| Part of a multi-lake chain | Not ideal for high-speed boating |
| More affordable than large all-sports lakes | Limited shoreline inventory |
| Scenic, wooded shoreline | Water levels can affect channel depth |
| Close to Clarkston & Waterford | Mixed township boundaries |
Final Thoughts
Lester Lake is a charming, peaceful option within the Clinton River lake chain. Its small size and quiet atmosphere appeal to residents seeking low-impact recreation while still benefiting from access to nearby connected lakes. With natural beauty and a desirable location near Clarkston and Waterford amenities, Lester Lake offers a unique blend of serenity and convenience.
Frequently Asked Questions – Lester Lake
Is Lester Lake part of a larger lake chain?
Yes — it connects to Greens, Van Norman, and Townsend Lakes via the Clinton River.
Is Lester Lake an all-sports lake?
No — it is calm-use, but connected to larger all-sports lakes in the chain.
How big is Lester Lake?
Approximately 12 acres.
Does Lester Lake freeze in winter?
Typically yes.
What school district serves Lester Lake?
Clarkston or Waterford, depending on parcel lines.
