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, 1 lane
Trailer Parking5 spots · asphalt
FeeMI Recreation Passport (annual, on vehicle registration)
Hours4 AM – 11 PM
AccessibilityAccessible pier, parking
Not Available Fish cleaning · Fishing pier · Restrooms · Pier
Scout's Notes
Ramp Quirks & Etiquette
Tiny & Primitive
This is about as bare-bones as it gets — one lane, five trailer spots, and no frills. Don't bring anything bigger than a small jon boat or kayak. It's a put-in, not a marina.
More Trail Than Ramp
Honestly, a lot of people end up here for the hiking and the overlook onto Lake Michigan rather than to launch. If you're coming strictly to fish the Carp River, you'll have it mostly to yourself.
Shallow & Silty
The Carp River is narrow and shallow through here, especially by midsummer. You're dragging bottom with anything that draws more than a foot. Canoes and kayaks are the smart play.
Parking Fills Fast-ish
Five spots sounds like nothing, but demand is low enough that you'll usually grab one. Summer weekends with hikers mixing in can complicate things — get there early if it's a sunny Saturday.
Sources: DNR GIS data, Google Reviews, Google Street View
About This Lake
Carp River →