Walnut Lake, Michigan: The Ultimate Guide

West Bloomfield Township – Oakland County

Walnut Lake is one of the most exclusive, upscale, and private all-sports lakes in Oakland County. Located in West Bloomfield Township, this 232-acre lake is surrounded by luxury lakefront homes, beautifully maintained neighborhoods, and some of the most prestigious real estate in the region.

With private resident-only access, controlled boat usage, deep clear water, and quiet shorelines, Walnut Lake offers an elite lake lifestyle that combines privacy, serenity, and high-end lakefront living — all within minutes of Metro Detroit’s best dining, shopping, and schools.

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Walnut Lake at a Glance

Feature	Details
Location	West Bloomfield Township, Oakland County
Size	~232 acres
Max Depth	~101 feet
Lake Type	All-Sports
Public Access	None — access limited to lakefront homeowners and private HOA sites
Water Clarity	14–20 feet
Best For	Luxury lakefront living, quiet boating, paddle sports, swimming
Vibe	Calm, upscale, and highly private
Nearby Cities	Birmingham, Bloomfield Township, Farmington Hills, Novi

Lake Lifestyle

Walnut Lake is known for being one of the quietest and most refined lake environments in Oakland County due to its strictly private access and well-maintained shoreline communities. The lake is surrounded by beautiful, architecturally significant homes — from modern luxury builds to timeless estates.

Residents enjoy:

Peaceful lake views
Deep, clean water ideal for swimming
Limited boat traffic
Quiet paddleboarding and kayaking
A close community of homeowners
Prestigious, upscale neighborhoods

This is not a “party lake.” Walnut Lake is designed for residents who want tranquility, exclusivity, and a scenic, high-end waterfront lifestyle.

walnut lake oaklandcounty mi

Fishing & Recreation

Despite its private nature, Walnut Lake offers excellent fishing with species including:

Smallmouth bass
Largemouth bass
Northern pike
Bluegill
Perch
Catfish

Recreation is available to lakefront homeowners and private HOA members only. Popular resident activities include:

Swimming in clear, deep water
Wakeboarding and water skiing
Paddleboarding
Pontoon cruising
Kayaking
Winter ice activities

Because boating is restricted to residents, the lake stays significantly quieter than similar-sized public lakes.

Water Quality & Ecology

Walnut Lake maintains exceptional water clarity and ecological balance. With depths reaching over 100 feet, it is one of the deeper inland lakes in Oakland County, helping maintain stable water temperatures and supporting healthy aquatic life.

The lake generally registers as mesotrophic, meaning it has balanced nutrients, high clarity, and strong ecological health.

Oversight comes from multiple sources:

Homeowners’ associations (https://walnutlakemi.com/walnut-lake-rules)
Michigan EGLE lake monitoring
MiCorps volunteer reporting
Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner

Because access is private and controlled, invasive species and excess boating disturbance are minimal.

Living on Walnut Lake

Walnut Lake is known for its luxurious lakefront properties, many with:

Expansive decks
Custom docks
Sandy swim areas
Large lots
High-end architecture and finishes

The surrounding communities are safe, quiet, and meticulously maintained. Walnut Lake homes often feature some of the highest price points in West Bloomfield due to their rarity and desirability.

If you're exploring real estate options, view active homes for sale on Walnut Lake (HERE).

For tax estimates, use the Michigan Property Tax Estimator and select Oakland County and West Bloomfield Township.

Nearby Conveniences

Shopping: Orchard Mall, Somerset Collection, Twelve Oaks Mall
Dining: Prime29, Social Kitchen, J. Alexander’s, It’s a Matter of Taste
Healthcare: Corewell Health West Bloomfield, Henry Ford West Bloomfield
Recreation: Marshbank Park, Dodge #4 State Park, West Bloomfield Trail
Road Access: Orchard Lake Rd, Maple Rd, Telegraph Rd, I-696

Events & Local Vibe

Walnut Lake has a more low-key social environment compared to lakes with public access. Events tend to be private or HOA-organized, such as:

Lakefront gatherings
Private fireworks (varies by subdivision)
Kayak meetups
Seasonal picnics
Board/association meetings

The overall atmosphere is quiet, respectful, and neighborly — ideal for residents seeking a serene lake experience.

Pros & Cons

Pros	Cons
Extremely quiet, private, and upscale	No public access
Clear, deep water	High property values and taxes
Luxury waterfront homes	Limited housing inventory
Beautiful shoreline and scenery	HOA restrictions depending on subdivision
Safe, calm, and ideal for paddling/swimming	Less social than public lakes

Walnut Lake Facts & Data

Category	Information
County	Oakland
Township	West Bloomfield Township
Region	Southeast Michigan
Acres	~232
Max Depth	~101 ft
Trophic Status	Mesotrophic
Public Access	None (private)
School District	West Bloomfield School District