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Welcome to Earl Lake

Earl Lake is a small, private lake in Oceola Township near Howell, Livingston County, about 16.5 miles from downtown Fenton. When I checked in October 2026, my site had no Earl Lake listings, so the button above shows all Livingston County waterfront homes, and I'm happy to set up a saved search just for Earl Lake.

Lake Overview

• Location: Oceola Township, southeast of Thompson Lake (MichiganLakes.com directory), off Golf Club Road (a local lake agent's page).
• Size: about 53 acres in DNR data (Michigan's Named Inland Lakes, DNR data via MLSA); EGLE MiEnviro inland lakes mapping shows about 53 acres, while the MichiganLakes.com directory lists 36.
• All-sports: a local lake agent's page calls it a small private all-sports lake.
• Depth: about 40 feet at the deepest spot, per a resident's measurement (a local lake agent's page).
• Boating: I didn't find a Michigan DNR local watercraft control naming Earl Lake (Michigan DNR Livingston County watercraft controls).
• Public access: none, per a local lake agent's page; I didn't find a public launch either.
• Shoreline: Microsoft building-footprint map data shows about 57 buildings near the shore.

Living on Earl Lake

Earl Lake is a quiet, private lake where paddling, fishing and the occasional tube ride fit best. A local lake agent's page counts about 52 parcels, says it's fed by springs and Thompson Lake, and notes some lots are still unbuilt.

Oceola Township & Schools

Earl Lake is in Oceola Township, with Howell addresses. The same agent page lists Howell Public Schools, mostly sewer with a few septic systems, and a mix of wells and city water. I confirm the district and utilities for every address.

Tips for Buyers

• Understand riparian rights. Michigan waterfront ("riparian") owners generally have rights to dock and reach the water (EGLE inland lakes guide). "Lake privileges" or a shared lot is different, so read the deed and any easement.
• Know the local rules. I'll check Oceola Township zoning, association rules, and any dock or shoreline rules for the specific parcel.
• Seawalls and permanent docks generally need an EGLE permit, while seasonal docks usually don't (EGLE dock handout). Ask for permit records.
• Confirm sewer or septic and well, and schedule inspections for any private system.
• Check the address on FEMA's Flood Map Service Center and get a flood insurance quote early.
• Both Oceola Township (Oceola Township public notices) and Genoa Township (Genoa Township's Aug. 5, 2024 agenda) held 2024 hearings on Earl Lake weed-control special assessments, so some lake parcels may be in Genoa Township. The MLSA water-organizations directory lists an Earl Lake Homeowners Association. I'll confirm the township, assessments and dues in writing.
• Taxable value generally "uncaps" after a sale (MCL 211.27a), so don't budget off the seller's tax bill.
• If you're looking at a vacant lake lot, check the frontage, soils and buildability before you close.

Tips for Sellers

• Lead with privacy and the quiet, private-lake feel.
• Use "Earl Lake, Oceola Township" and Howell in your listing so buyers find it.
• Have sewer or septic, well and any survey records ready.

FAQ

Is Earl Lake an all-sports lake?

A local lake agent's page calls it a small private all-sports lake.

Is there public access?

Not that I found. It's a private lake used by residents.

How big is Earl Lake?

About 53 acres in DNR data (Michigan's Named Inland Lakes, DNR data via MLSA).

Let's Talk Lake Life

Dreaming of a quiet lake near Howell? I'd love to help you watch Earl Lake. Give me a call at (810) 962-4908.