Big Lake State Forest Campground Boat Launch

The campground road is beat up — big mud holes, exposed roots, and tight clearance for larger rigs. A Class A motorhome is asking for trouble back there. I've seen guys scrape mufflers on the roots. Take it slow, especially after rain.

Two trailer spots and that's it. If someone's already launched, you're basically improvising. This is a weekday-morning or off-season kind of launch — don't count on finding space on a summer Saturday.

The lake can look pretty low and swampy near the launch area, especially in drier years. You'll want a shallow-draft boat. Water levels have come back up closer to mid-90s norms, but the launch end of things still gets mucky.

Mosquitoes here are absolutely relentless in spring and early summer — not a casual nuisance, more like a full assault. Robberflies, yellowjackets, and hornets round out the welcoming committee. Bring a head net if you're rigging up at the truck.

Despite the rustic setup, this is a legit walleye lake. Bring your own water, your own TP, and enough patience to deal with the single lane, and you'll be rewarded. It's quiet, lightly used, and most weeknights you'll have the whole lake to yourself.