Satellite view of Lower River Road Boat Launch
HomeHomeMichiganBenzieBetsie River

Lower River Road Boat Launch

Betsie River · Benzie County, Michigan
Last verified: July 7, 2026
1 laneUnimproved ramp
6 spotsTrailer parking
4a–11pHours
Directions
Street View
Craft & Seasonality
Motorboat
Kayak / Canoe
Jet Ski / PWC
Large Boat
Winter Access
Site Details
Conditions change rapidly due to water levels, prop wash, and weather. Always visually inspect before backing down.
RampUnimproved, 1 lane
Trailer Parking6 spots · gravel
Vehicle-Only6 spots
FeeMI Recreation Passport (annual, on vehicle registration)
Hours4 AM – 11 PM
RestroomsVault toilet (1)
AccessibilityAccessible restroom
Not Available Fish cleaning · Fishing pier · Pier
Scout's Notes
Ramp Quirks & Etiquette
Parking Crunch Warning
Six trailer spots sounds fine until you realize you're sharing the lot with Betsie Valley Trail hikers and bikers. On summer weekends, trail users can eat up half the spaces by mid-morning. Get there early or have a drop-off plan.
Small Boats Only
This is a river put-in on the Betsie, not a deep-water ramp. You're talking canoes, kayaks, and small jon boats — don't try dragging anything over 16 feet in here. The single lane keeps things simple but means you'll wait if someone ahead of you is fumbling with their trailer.
Great Float Access
If you're doing a Betsie River float trip, this is one of the better access points. The approach is easy and the grade is manageable. Way less hassle than some of the unofficial pull-offs upstream where you're sliding down a muddy bank.
Fall Salmon Runs
This stretch sees solid pressure during the fall salmon and steelhead runs. The handful of parking spots can fill before dawn in October. If you show up at 7 AM during peak run, you're probably parking on the road shoulder.
Sources: DNR GIS data, Google Reviews, Google Street View
About This Lake