Deer Lake Beach in Clarkston is a clean, family-friendly beach to take the kids. Operated by the Independence Township Parks and Recreation department, Deer Lake Beach offers two separate swimming areas that are both supervised by lifeguards during hours of operation.

Click here for a photo gallery of Deer Lake Beach in Clarkson, Michigan

Deer Lake Beach may not be the biggest beach in Oakland County but it is still a great place to take the kids on warm summer days. Parking is directly off of White Lake Road and the entrance to the beach area is very close to the lot.

Admission to Deer Lake is only $3 for residents or students of Clarkston Schools and $6 dollars for non residents. Once you park, you pay at the Beach House/Life Guard Office close to the parking lot. You can purchase discounted punch passes or a season swim pass at the Independence Township Parks and Recreation office (see below for ITPR website and contact info).

Deer Lake Beach features 2 separate swimming areas. The area nearest to the parking area has a large wading area with the deepest part of the wading area going to about 2-3 feet deep. The swimming area on the far end of the beach also has a large, shallow wading area. In addition to the shallow area, the far end part of the beach has a deeper water section where the depths go to 6-10 feet. Both areas are patrolled by certified lifeguards atop the lifeguard stands. Independence Township Parks and Recreation also offers swimming lessons at Deer Lake Beach.

Click here for more reviews and photos of Oakland County, Michigan parks

Deer Lake Beach has a sand volleyball court toward the far end beach. Deer Lake Beach doesn't have full restroom facilities or concession stands but there are port-o-potty units on-site and plenty of picnic tables so you can bring your own lunch.

Click here to become an Oakland County Moms member and find us on Facebook, Google+ and Twitter.

I enjoyed talking to the staff at Deer Lake Beach. They really seem to enjoy working on the beautiful lake. A lifeguard told me that families with younger kids enjoy the near-side beach wading areas while families with older kids love the far-end beach with the deeper water.  

2011 Hours of Operation:
Full Season - June 9- August 14, 10am-8pm
End Season - August 15- September, Noon-5pm
Labor Day Weekend: September 2- September 5, 11am-7pm

Deer Lake Beach
350 White Lake Road
Clarkston, MI
(248) 625-1444 (ITPR aquatics hotline)

Independence Township Parks and Rec
(248) 625-8223
website