Austin Lake Boat Launch

The water near the dock is noticeably shallow — you'll feel it if you're running anything with a deeper draft. It's fine once you clear the launch area, but take it slow backing off the trailer. The dock itself is also a bit short, so longer boats (21'+) won't fully fit alongside it, which means you're hopping in and out from the trailer.

38 trailer spots sounds fine until a bass tournament rolls in, and they run constantly — weeknight events and multiple on weekends through the summer. Three of those former trailer spots are now vehicle-only by DNR order, which squeezes things further. If you're planning a Saturday morning launch between May and September, get there early or expect to circle.

This is administered by Fort Custer, so you need a Michigan Recreation Passport on your plate or you're paying the day fee at the booth. The attendant checks every car — no exceptions. Out-of-state fees are reasonable, but don't show up assuming it's a free public launch.

The ramp and lot are fully paved with clearly marked wide spots — a real step up from Long Lake's launch or other bare-bones options nearby. That said, the lake averages only about 5 feet deep with a max of 11, so seaweed gets thick as summer wears on and the southeast shallows can feel like you're dragging through a salad. Keep your prop clear.

There's a popular sandbar hangout spot that turns into a floating party on warm weekends — kayaks, tubes, pontoons rafted together. Fun if you're into it, but know that the launch area gets chaotic with mixed traffic from swimmers, paddlers, and trailer boats all competing for the same water. The left (west) arm of the lake runs murky and stagnant — skip it.