Gene's Pond State Forest Campground Boat Launch

Gene's Pond is deceptively shallow across most of its footprint, with a lot of submerged logs scattered around. If you're running anything with a prop, go slow and pay attention — this is really kayak and small jon boat water.

Even in peak July you might share the whole lake with one or two other people. Weekends pick up slightly during hunting season, but the 17 trailer spots are more than enough year-round. You're not fighting for space here.

Sagola is about ten miles out and has a fully stocked gas station, so top off before you head in. There are no trash cans at the campground — pack out everything you bring. The hand pump water can be rusty and cloudy, so bring your own drinking water.

The single-lane ramp works fine for kayaks, canoes, and light aluminum boats. There's a dock at the launch too, which makes loading and unloading easy. Bass fishing is solid along the shoreline structure, and the loon and eagle activity alone is worth the trip.