Hoister Lake Boat Launch

Despite being listed as a launch, there's no actual boat ramp here — zero lanes, and the DNR treats it as beach access. You can drag a kayak or canoe down to the water easily enough, but don't show up expecting to back a trailer in. The two trailer spots are basically just pull-offs near the access point.

Motorized boats are prohibited on Hoister Lake, so this is strictly paddle-craft territory. If you're looking to put a bass boat or pontoon in the water, you'll need to head somewhere else entirely. For kayaking, though, it's one of the better small lakes in Gladwin County.

Getting here means winding through state forest roads that aren't exactly well-marked. GPS can get squirrelly once you're off the main highways. Give yourself extra time the first visit, and don't expect cell service to bail you out if you miss a turn.

The water clarity is honestly unreal — spring-fed, you can see the bottom across most of the lake. It's a small, shallow lake that's more of a swimming and paddling destination than a fishing hole. Eagles are regular visitors, and the whole setting feels like a postcard tucked back in the jack pines.

The DNR has drained this lake before to repair the water control structure, so if you're planning a trip, it's worth confirming the lake is actually full. When it happened last time, people showed up to camp and found a muddy lakebed instead of a swimming hole.