Riverview Drive Boat Launch

The self-serve card machine at the gate is finicky — bring cash or be ready to try your card a few times. Worse, the lift gate has a habit of slamming down on trucks and trailers as you pull through. Go slow and watch your rig.

Peak season weekends get chaotic. Tourists unfamiliar with launch etiquette clog up the ramps and there's nobody directing traffic. If you can swing a weekday or early morning launch, you'll avoid most of the nonsense. Off-season it's a completely different — and much better — experience.

The DNR ramp across the river is cheaper if you have the recreation passport, but this facility is gated, lit, and more secure. Fish cleaning station here is top-notch and well-maintained. For $7 it's worth the peace of mind, especially if you're leaving your trailer.

This is Benton Harbor — don't leave anything unlocked. Secure your trailer, lock your truck, and don't leave valuables visible. The gated lot helps, but it's not staffed.

It's not the easiest place to find your first time. Signage getting in is minimal and the route feels like you're heading somewhere you shouldn't be. But once you know where it is, the relative obscurity keeps the pressure lower than you'd expect for a St. Joe River launch this close to the lake.