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.
RampPaved, 1 lane
Dock1 boating pier · ADA
Trailer Parking6 spots · asphalt
FeeMI Recreation Passport (annual, on vehicle registration)
HoursOpen at all times
PierYes
AccessibilityAccessible pier, pedestrian route
Not Available Fish cleaning · Fishing pier · Restrooms
Scout's Notes
Ramp Quirks & Etiquette
Shallow Ramp Problems
The ramp is silted in badly. If you're running anything over 18 feet, you're going to have a tough time getting it launched without scraping. A 21-footer is basically a no-go unless water levels are unusually high. Smaller boats and kayaks are fine.
Tiny Parking Area
Six trailer spots is all you get. On a summer weekend, that fills up fast — plan to arrive early or you'll be improvising. Not a lot of overflow options nearby.
Lake Michigan Access
The real draw here is paddling across to the inlet that connects to Lake Michigan. It's a fantastic trip by kayak, but pick a calm day — wind funnels through there and you'll burn yourself out fighting it on the return.
Fishing Is Underwhelming
Don't come here expecting great fishing. It's a small, shallow lake and the bite reflects that. If you want to actually catch something, Crystal Lake is nearby and far more productive. Lower Herring is more of a paddling and swimming lake.
Charm Over Convenience
This is a quiet, nostalgic little spot — sand dunes dropping into the water on one side, Watervale Inn on the south shore. It's not a serious boater's launch by any stretch, but for kayaks, canoes, and small tinnies, it's a peaceful place to spend a morning.
Sources: DNR GIS data, Google Reviews, Google Street View
About This Lake
Lower Herring Lake →