Waterford Township – Oakland County
Williams Lake is a beautiful, mid-sized all-sports lake located in Waterford Township. Known for its sandy shorelines, excellent fishing, active boating community, and well-kept lake neighborhoods, Williams Lake has become one of Waterford’s most desirable waterfront areas. It offers the ideal blend of fun summer recreation and comfortable year-round living, all within a convenient location near M-59 and Oakland County amenities.
Williams Lake at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Waterford Township – Oakland County, Michigan |
| Size | ~155 acres |
| Maximum Depth | ~45 feet |
| Lake Type | All-sports |
| Public Access | None (Private) |
| Connected Lakes | Maceday/Lotus |
| Watershed | Clinton River Watershed |
| Bottom & Water Clarity | Sandy bottom, good clarity in many areas |
| Nearby Communities | Waterford, White Lake, Clarkston, Pontiac |
Lake Lifestyle
Williams Lake offers a vibrant, friendly lake environment with a healthy mix of boating activity and quiet coves. Because it has both public access and a strong lake community, you’ll find everything from wakeboarding and tubing to morning paddleboarding and quiet weekday fishing.
Popular lake activities include:
- Water skiing, wakeboarding & tubing
- Swimming along sandy-bottom areas
- Paddleboarding & kayaking
- Fishing (notably bass and pike)
- Weekend pontoon cruising
- Enjoying the active lake neighborhood atmosphere
The lake has a welcoming community feel, with residents who often gather for holidays, boat parades, and casual on-water hangs.
Real Estate Around Williams Lake
The Williams Lake real estate market includes a mix of:
- Charming mid-century cottages
- Updated year-round homes
- Larger lakefront rebuilds
- Canal-front properties
- Winding neighborhood streets with lake views
Demand remains steady due to:
- The lake’s strong reputation
- Public access + active lake community
- Easy access to M-59
- Proximity to shopping, restaurants, and schools
- Good shoreline maintenance and clear water
→ Browse current homes for sale on or near Williams Lake: [HERE]
Schools Serving Williams Lake
Homes around Williams Lake fall under Waterford School District
(https://www.niche.com/k12/d/waterford-school-district-mi/)
The area is also near several local charter and private school options.
Things to Do On & Around Williams Lake
On the water:
- Boating, skiing, tubing
- Fishing for bass, pike, bluegill, crappie
- Paddleboarding & kayaking
- Sunset cruises
- Swimming in sandy-bottom zones
Off the water:
- Waterford Oaks County Park
- Dodge State Park (nearby on Cass Lake)
- Clarkston & White Lake dining & shopping
- Pontiac Lake Recreation Area (hiking, biking, beach access)
- M-59 commercial corridor shops and restaurants
Williams Lake’s location makes it one of the most convenient and activity-rich lakes in Waterford.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Sandy-bottom swimming areas | Public launch brings more weekend traffic |
| Strong lake community | Inventory is limited |
| Good water clarity | Some shoreline areas shallow seasonally |
| All-sports lake with great fishing | Higher noise level during peak season |
| Convenient location & nearby amenities | Homes vary widely in style/age |
Final Thoughts
Williams Lake is a fun, energetic, and welcoming all-sports lake that appeals to everyone from families and first-time lake buyers to long-term residents who value community. With good water quality, strong fishing, a great location, and steady real estate demand, it strikes an excellent balance between recreation and everyday livability. If you’re exploring lakes in Waterford Township, this one should absolutely be on your list.
Resources & Helpful Links
- Michigan DNR Boat Launch Information
https://www.michigan.gov/dnr - Michigan EGLE – Lake Water Quality Data
https://www.michigan.gov/egle - Waterford Township
https://www.waterfordmi.gov - Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner
https://www.oakgov.com
Frequently Asked Questions – Williams Lake
Is Williams Lake an all-sports lake?
Yes — Williams Lake is fully all-sports.
How big is Williams Lake?
Approximately 155 acres.
Does Williams Lake have public access?
Yes — there is a Michigan DNR public boat launch.
How deep is Williams Lake?
Around 45 feet at its deepest point.
Is Williams Lake good for fishing?
Yes — bass, pike, perch, and panfish are commonly caught.
Is the lake sandy?
Many areas have a sandy bottom, making it great for swimming.
Are there connected lakes?
No — Williams Lake is a standalone inland lake.
How busy does the lake get?
Weekends can be active due to public access; weekdays are calmer.
Is the water clear?
Generally yes — clarity is one of the lake’s strong points.
Are short-term rentals allowed?
Varies by neighborhood — Waterford Township has regulations.
Is the lake good for paddleboarding?
Yes — mornings and evenings are especially calm.
What school district serves the lake?
Waterford School District.
Does Williams Lake freeze in winter?
Typically yes, allowing for ice activities when safe.
Are there marinas nearby?
Several marinas in Waterford serve the local lake network.
Is Williams Lake good for families?
Yes — it’s known for a friendly lake community environment.
