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Thompson Lake waterfront homesLivingston County waterfront homes

Welcome to Thompson Lake

This page covers Thompson Lake in Oceola Township on the edge of Howell, Livingston County, about 16.5 miles from downtown Fenton. It's not White Lake Township's Thompson Lake. My site had two Thompson Lake listings in October 2026, and the first button above always shows what's available today.

Lake Overview

• Location: Oceola Township; Howell's Scofield Park sits on the lake (Outdoor Michigan, Scofield Park).
• Size: about 268 acres in DNR data (Michigan's Named Inland Lakes, DNR data via MLSA); EGLE MiEnviro inland lakes mapping shows about 267 acres.
• All-sports: a current listing calls it one of Livingston County's most desirable all-sports lakes.
• Public access: a City of Howell launch with a hard-surface ramp and a fee (Outdoor Michigan), plus a carry-in kayak launch at Scofield Park.
• Lake level: a 1984 court order sets the level, the lake is lowered three feet every other year, and the County Drain Commissioner runs the dam (county Drain Commissioner newsletter).
• Boating: I didn't find a Michigan DNR local watercraft control naming Thompson Lake (Michigan DNR Livingston County watercraft controls).
• Shoreline: Microsoft building-footprint map data shows about 268 buildings near the shore.

Living on Thompson Lake

Thompson Lake mixes lake life with a short drive to downtown Howell. The Thompson Shore Drive listing has 161 feet of frontage in Oakwoods Country Club, and the Melton Drive listing in Oak Crest Beach has lake privileges with shared frontage.

Oceola Township & Schools

Thompson Lake is in Oceola Township, with Howell addresses. Both current listings are in Howell Public Schools, with public water, sanitary sewer and an annual HOA fee. 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.
• A Thompson Lake Improvement Board manages weed control, and the Drain Commissioner manages the dam and lake level (county Drain Commissioner newsletter). In 2025, a Thompson Lake Level special assessment for repairs went to public hearing (2025 hearing slides). I'll confirm current assessments and HOA dues in writing.
• Taxable value generally "uncaps" after a sale (MCL 211.27a), so don't budget off the seller's tax bill.
• Plan your dock and boat lift around the every-other-year drawdown, and ask how the home handled the last one.

Tips for Sellers

• Lead with the all-sports water and the quick trip to downtown Howell.
• Use "Thompson Lake, Oceola Township" in your listing to avoid confusion with White Lake Township's Thompson Lake.
• Have HOA, assessment, dock and permit records ready.

FAQ

Is this the Thompson Lake in White Lake Township?

No. This page covers the larger Thompson Lake in Oceola Township, Livingston County, near Howell.

Why does the water level drop?

A 1984 court order lowers the lake three feet every other year (county Drain Commissioner newsletter).

Is there public access?

Yes. The City of Howell runs a fee launch (Outdoor Michigan).

Let's Talk Lake Life

Thinking about Thompson Lake? I'd love to show you around. Give me a call at (810) 962-4908.