Burnt Camp Boat Launch

The river bottom around the launch has accumulated debris over the years. It's not terrible, but if you're running a prop boat, idle out slow and keep an eye on what's below you — especially in lower water conditions.

There's a fish cleaning station right on site, which is a big plus when you're coming back from Little Bay De Noc with a cooler full of salmon or walleye. Fair warning though — the waste holding tanks don't always get pumped on schedule. During salmon runs in fall, it can get absolutely foul, especially in the early morning hours.

They pull the ramp structures out of the water later in the season, so don't assume year-round access. If you're planning a late fall trip for whitefish, call the Escanaba Field Office first or you'll show up to a bare shoreline.

This launch dumps you right into Little Bay De Noc via the lower Escanaba River, which is a huge advantage if you're chasing walleye or salmon and don't want to deal with the crowds at the Gladstone or Kipling launches. The $4 day-use fee is easy to swallow for the convenience.

Three fishing piers connected by a boardwalk make this a solid spot even without a boat — great for shore anglers targeting river-run fish. Zero shade out there though, and the mosquitoes near the river can be ruthless from June through August. Bug spray isn't optional.