Diamond Lake Boat Launch

Water depth varies between the two lanes. The west side of the ramp typically runs deeper, which matters a lot if you're launching a bigger boat. When levels drop mid-summer, the east side can get shallow enough to make trailering a real headache.

Two lanes should be enough, but on summer weekends — especially around the 4th of July — the ramp backs up badly. People take forever prepping at the dock, and the wait can stretch out. If you can swing a weekday or early Saturday morning, you'll avoid the circus.

The main lot holds about 60 trailer spots, but it fills up on big weekends. There's an overflow lot across the street with roughly 40 more spots and a restroom. Problem is, people start parking cars in trailer spots when it gets packed, which just makes everything worse.

The north end of the lake has submerged rocks that will ruin your day and your prop. Stay alert up there and keep your depth finder on. The main body of the lake is sandy-bottomed and clean, but that north end is unforgiving.

The concrete near the ramp edge is deteriorating — you can feel it under your tires. It's still functional, but it's getting worse each season. For a launch that requires a Recreation Passport, you'd expect better upkeep. Sandy buildup at the base can also make things squirrelly with larger boats.