Milakokia Lake State Forest Campground Boat Launch

The DNR upgraded this site in 2024, so the ramp is in solid shape — a big improvement over what was here before. Single lane, but on a lake this quiet you're almost never waiting behind anyone.

Milakokia is nearly 2,000 acres but maxes out at 26 feet, and most of it is flat and much shallower than that. Great for smaller boats and kayaks, but if you're running anything with a deep draft, pay attention in the southeast corner where it drops off — everywhere else you're working with not much water under you.

There's an active mining operation nearby that can run around the clock. Some days it's quiet enough you'd never know, other times the backup beepers and loader noise carry across the water, especially at night. If you're camping, the sites to the left of the launch along the lake are your best bet for distance from it.

Fifteen trailer spots for a lake that rarely sees heavy traffic. Even on Fourth of July weekend this place doesn't fill up. You could roll in mid-morning on a Saturday in July and still have your pick.

Theft has been a problem here — things walking off from campsites and the launch area. Don't leave rods, electronics, or anything valuable unattended at the ramp. Law enforcement response is slow this far out in Mackinac County.