Lake Ann State Forest Campground Boat Launch

Four trailer spots — that's it. On summer weekends, you'd better be there by 7 AM or you're out of luck. Midweek is a completely different story; I've had the ramp to myself more often than not.

This ramp is really geared toward kayaks, canoes, and small aluminum boats. You can get a 16-footer in without much trouble, but anything bigger and you'll be wrestling with the tight approach and limited turnaround space.

The access road to the lakeside area can wash out and get rutted, especially after rain. They grade it periodically but between grindings it's bumpy enough to rattle a trailer. Take it slow.

Lake Ann has nesting loons, which is part of what makes it special — but it also means you want to keep your distance from the birds and stick to reasonable speeds. The lake is small and shallow enough in spots that a jet ski crowd hasn't taken over, so it stays genuinely peaceful out there.

If the ramp lot is full, some campsites along the lake give you direct water access for hand-launch boats. Campers regularly carry kayaks right down to the shore. Just know you need a Recreation Passport and the campground is cash-only, first-come-first-served.