River Oaks County Park

Morrow Lake is choked with vegetation, especially from midsummer on. If you're running a motor, expect to be clearing weeds constantly. Kayaks honestly do better here — you can slip through the moss mats that'll bog down a prop. The side opposite the dam is particularly shallow and overgrown.

Stay away from the far side near the dam unless you're in something very shallow-draft. It'll bottom out a standard bass boat without warning. There's no depth markers or hazard buoys, so if you don't know the lake, stick to the middle and the launch side until you get a feel for it.

The ramp has a noticeable grade — steeper than you'd expect for a lake this size. With only 13 trailer spots and the park closing at 7pm sharp, you're on a clock. The 1-inch plank surface can get slick when wet, so take it slow backing down. Not a problem for kayaks, but trailers need good tires and brakes.

The mosquitoes here are legendary, especially in the warmer months. The restroom situation is pit toilets — expect bugs inside and don't count on toilet paper being stocked. There's supposedly a modern restroom in the adjacent day-use area, but the ones right at the launch are rough.

This isn't a destination bass lake anymore — think of it as a casual paddle spot with decent bluegill and sunfish right off the dock. Pike and catfish are around if you put in the time. The $5 daily fee stings a little for what you get, but it's close to Kalamazoo and rarely crowded. Just don't expect a manicured experience.