Canoeing - Houghton Lake Area

Come to Roscommon County and enjoy some of the finest canoeing, kayaking and tubing in the world. Nestled in gently rolling hills and valleys, our gently flowing rivers will treat you to a special experience. Blanketed with forest and captivating water we are here waiting to share the wealth of wildlife and wilderness with you. Float the Muskegon and the South Branch of the world famous AuSable River with us. Each of these rivers has its own unique characteristic, but all of them gently take you through the cool shaded forests in and near Roscommon County.

GREAT OUTDOORS

The following hotels offer Canoe Packages
contact them today:

Beachfront Hotel
4990 W. Houghton Lake Drive
(989) 366-9126 or (855) 235-9709
Houghton Lake, MI

Lakefront: Yes

Comfort Suites Lakeside Resort
100 Clearview Dr
(989) 422-4000
Houghton Lake, MI

Lakefront: Yes

Hillside Motel
3419 W. Houghton Lake Dr.
(989) 366-5711
Houghton Lake
Lakefront: No

Lagoon Resort & Motel
6578 W. Houghton Lake Dr.
(989) 422-5761
Houghton Lake

Lakefront: Yes

Atrium Plaza
9285 W. Lake City Road
(989)422-5175
Houghton Lake, MI

Lakefront: No

Riviera Resort
M-55 & North M-18
(989) 366-5122
Prudenville, MI

Lakefront: Yes

Sands Beach Front Resort-Motel
9192 W. Houghton Lake Dr.
(989) 422-5295
Houghton Lake, MI

Lakefront: Yes

Springbrook Inn Bed and Breakfast
565 W. West Branch Road
(989) 366-6347
Prudenville, MI

Lakefront: No

Super 8 Motel
9580 W. Lake City Road
(989) 422-3119 · (800) 800-8000
Houghton Lake, MI

Lakefront: No

Tee Pee Motel
333 W. Federal Highway
(989) 275-5203 · (800) 420-5348
Roscommon
Lakefront: No

The South Branch of the AuSable River is world renowned for canoeing, kayaking and tubing. The South Branch of the AuSable River flows northward out of St. Helen to Roscommon (This section is floatable only at certain times of the year). Out of Roscommon the AuSable River flows north and east through the George Mason Wilderness Retreat. There are no homes or roads in the 3,500 acres between Chase Bridge and Smith Bridge; this stretch of the river is preserved as a wilderness. Here the river's depth ranges from one to four fee; a few places are deeper. A moderate current will take you steadily downstream. The Roscommon Canoe Liveries can help you plan trips from 1-4 hours to overnight trips.

Press 'Play' to learn about canoeing the AuSable in
this video clip from .

Campell's Canoe Livery
Campbell’s located on M-18 ( Lake Street) in Roscommon. They offer rentals of canoes and kayaks which can be used on the South Branch of the AuSable River. They can be reached at (800)722-6633 or (989) 275-5810.

Hiawatha Canoe Livery
Rents canoes, kayaks and tubes. They are located at 113 Lake Street (M-18) in Roscommon. They can be contacted by phone at (888)515-5213 or (989) 275-5213

Paddle Brave Canoe Livery and Campground Resort
They have canoes, kayaks, and tubes for rent. Located at 10610 Steckert Bridge Road in Roscommon. They have two telephone numbers they can be reached at: (800)681-7092 or (989)275-5273

Watters Edge Canoe Livery
Canoes, kayaks, and tubes available for rent. Located at 10799 Dana Dr. in Roscommon. (800)681-7092 or at (989) 275-5568

The Muskegon means "Happy River" and flows south and west from Houghton Lake into the backwaters of the Reedsburg Dam. From there the river meanders through miles of unspoiled wilderness flowing over a bed of sand at approximately 3-4 miles per hour. You will travel through the Houghton Lake Wildlife Research Area, where the Muskegon River takes you gently through some astounding natural areas. Trips from 1 hour to 7 or 8 hours are available.

You can camp, rent canoes, kayaks and tubes at this Livery for travel on the Muskegon River through the Houghton Lake Wildlife Research area. Trips range from 1 hour up to 6 hours. They are located in the Houghton Lake area. They can be contacted at (231)328-4547 or visit them at their website.