Ferry Beach Boat Launch

Despite being listed as a boat launch, this is primarily a family beach park. There's no formal ramp with lanes or trailer parking. If you're trying to put a trailered boat on Lake Charlevoix, head to the actual Charlevoix Municipal Ramp nearby — it's right next door and purpose-built for launching.

Where this spot shines is carry-in access. Sandy shoreline with a gradual drop-off makes it dead simple to slide a kayak or SUP into the water. The beach is roped off for swimmers, so paddle out to the side and you're on 17,000 acres of Lake Charlevoix in no time.

For a public beach in a tourist town, it stays surprisingly manageable even on hot July Sundays. Free parking fills up but doesn't seem to hit crisis levels. The concession stand and beer garden within walking distance make it easy to turn a paddle into an all-day affair.

You're launching right near the channel between Round Lake and Lake Charlevoix proper, so expect steady powerboat and sailboat traffic, especially on summer afternoons. In a kayak, stay alert and hug the shoreline until you're clear of the main corridor.