Craft & Seasonality
✓
Motorboat ✓
Kayak / Canoe ✓
Jet Ski / PWC ✓
Large Boat ✗
Winter Access Site Details
Conditions change rapidly due to water levels, prop wash, and weather. Always visually inspect before backing down.
RampPaved, 2 lanes
Dock1 boating pier · ADA
Trailer Parking29 spots · asphalt
Vehicle-Only6 spots
FeeMI Recreation Passport (annual, on vehicle registration)
Hours4 AM – 11 PM
RestroomsVault toilet (1)
PierYes
StaffedYes
AccessibilityAccessible pier, pedestrian route, restroom
Not Available Fish cleaning · Fishing pier
Scout's Notes
Ramp Quirks & Etiquette
Shallow Off the Ramp
The water stays shallow for a good stretch right off the launch. Keep your trailer lined up straight and power out slowly — don't cut to either side until you're in a few feet of water or you'll be scraping bottom.
Big Boats Struggle
An 18-footer launches fine here, but anything much over that and you're asking for trouble. I've watched someone try to wrangle a 30-foot pontoon through and it was a circus. Two lanes help, but the ramp itself is sized for modest boats.
Weekends Fill Fast
Twenty-nine trailer spots sounds decent until a nice Saturday morning rolls around. Kayakers, bass boats, and pontoons all share the same lot, and it fills up earlier than you'd expect. Get there by 8 or 9 AM on summer weekends if you want a spot without stress.
Bring Cash for the Booth
The entrance booth doesn't take cards — cash or a state park pass only. Don't get caught scrambling like I did the first time. Have a few bucks ready or make sure your Rec Passport is on your plate.
Connected Waterways Worth Exploring
Lake Ponemah links to Tupper and Swan Lakes through navigable channels, and you can find the Shiawasee River and paddle upstream toward Fenton. Expect some downed trees blocking the river route depending on the season. Ponemah Lakeside Lodge sits right on the water if you want to tie up and grab food.
Sources: DNR GIS data, Google Reviews, Google Street View
About This Lake
Lake Ponemah →