Mud Lake State Forest Campground Boat Launch

The launch area gets choked with lily pads by mid-summer, and the lake averages only about 3 feet deep with a mucky bottom. Deepest spot is around 6 feet on the far side. Bring a small, shallow-draft boat — anything with a lower unit is going to have a bad time.

This is a primitive gravel launch with no dock. You're basically dragging or carrying your boat to the water, so think canoes, kayaks, and small jon boats. Don't expect to back a trailer down to the waterline — parking is about 50 yards away and there's only room for maybe 3 trailers.

You're driving several miles in on dirt roads to reach this place, and the access road is seasonal, so don't count on getting here in early spring or after a heavy rain. Mud is real — the road and the lake earned their name honestly.

Only 8 campsites, first come first served, and on summer weekends they fill up fast. Hit it midweek and you might have the entire campground to yourself. The lakeside spots go first, so if you want water access, arrive early or go off-peak.

Fishing here is genuinely poor. The lake is extremely shallow, weedy, and has a soft muck bottom throughout. It's a gorgeous spot for paddling and soaking in the quiet, but if you're hauling gear in specifically to catch fish, you'll be disappointed.