Silver Creek State Forest Campground Boat Launch

There are zero actual launch lanes here — this is a carry-in access point. You can slide a kayak or canoe into the Pine River from the bank near the campsites, but forget about anything with a trailer. If you're paddling the Pine, this works great as a put-in or take-out, but that's about it.

The campground uses a self-service cash drop box ($15-$20/night depending on passport), and there's no cell service in this valley — Verizon barely gets a text out. Nearest ATM is about 10 miles away, so handle your money before you get here.

The Pine River runs around 47-50°F and Silver Creek feeds in even colder at 43-45°F. That's a shock if you're wading to launch a boat or flip a canoe. The sandy-bottom shallows near camp look inviting but the cold will get your attention fast.

This is first-come, first-serve with only 26 sites, and it fills up fast on summer weekends — especially around the 4th of July. Weeknights are dead quiet. Winter camping is doable and you'll likely have the whole place to yourself, though expect snow-packed roads getting in.

Sites 20-26 are walk-in only on a small peninsula with river views on both sides — best spots in the campground if you're paddling. You can practically launch a kayak from your tent. The rest of the drive-in sites are tight and close together, so don't expect much privacy even with leaves on the trees.