Yankee Springs Recreation Area Campground Boat Launch

This launch is restricted to registered campers and their guests — there's zero public trailer parking. If you're not staying at Yankee Springs, head to the public launch on the west side of Gun Lake instead.

One lane, no dedicated trailer spots. You're basically backing down to the water and then parking your trailer at your campsite. Works fine for small to mid-size boats, but don't plan on a quick in-and-out if the channel is busy on a summer Saturday.

The ramp sits on a channel that connects to the main body of Gun Lake. It's narrow and no-wake, so take it slow heading out. Water levels can run high in late fall and spring, which actually makes the launch easier, but in a dry summer the channel can get shallow enough to scrape if you're running a deeper hull.

If you're booking a campsite and bringing a boat, try to snag site 48 — it's at the end of the channel with direct water access right behind your site. You can tie up your boat there and skip the ramp entirely. It books fast in peak season, so reserve well ahead.

Some of the interior roads have serious potholes, especially the two-tracks leading to the smaller lake launches. If you're towing a trailer, stick to the main paved routes and go slow. A flat tire out here is a real buzzkill.