Yankee Springs Recreation Area Day Use Boat Launch

Four lanes and 75 trailer spots mean you're in good shape most weekdays. Summer weekends are a different story — Gun Lake is a popular ski and pontoon lake, so by 9 AM on Saturdays the lot is getting tight. DNR staff are on-site weekends near the launch, which keeps things orderly but also means everyone funnels through at once.

Gun Lake's water levels fluctuate noticeably. In wet years and late fall, the water creeps up and the ramp courtesy docks can feel like they're barely above the surface. In low-water years, the outer end of the ramp gets shallow enough that deeper-draft boats need to pay attention. Check the waterline on the concrete before you commit.

If you're just doing day use at the beach, be aware the parking lot is a solid hike from the waterfront. It's manageable for most folks but tough on anyone with mobility issues. For launching, it's fine — you're driving right down to the ramp.

If Gun Lake is a zoo — and on July weekends it absolutely will be — there's a small launch on Long Lake accessible via a two-track just before you enter the park off the left side. Great for smaller boats and kayaks, much quieter fishing, and you skip the weekend crowd entirely. The two-track is a bit rough, so low-clearance vehicles beware.

Some of the internal park roads have serious potholes, especially on the lesser-used stretches. If you're towing a trailer with lower ground clearance, take it slow. A blown tire out here is not how you want to start your day on the water. Bring a tire repair kit if you're exploring the back routes.