Jackson Lake State Forest Campground Boat Launch

There's no actual boat launch at the campground itself. The ramp is about 100 yards south on M-33, so if you're towing a trailer, you're launching there and then driving back to camp. It's a small lake — perfect for kayaks, canoes, and small fishing boats, not big rigs.

Don't jump the gun on spring trips. The lake was still sheeted over in mid-April 2022 after a colder winter. If you're driving any distance, confirm ice-out before hauling your boat up here — Montmorency County runs late.

Zero designated trailer spots at the campground. If you launch off M-33, you'll need to figure out where to stash the trailer — likely back at your campsite if you're camping. Day-trippers with trailers might find this awkward.

Jackson Lake is a small, quiet body of water — great for fishing and paddling, not for speed. You won't deal with jet ski traffic or wake boats. Most campsites sit within 20 feet of the water's edge, so shore fishing and kayak launching right from camp is the real play here.

Black flies and mosquitoes get brutal in late spring and early summer. The campground is heavily wooded and lakeside, which is gorgeous but also prime bug habitat. Plan accordingly if you're fishing from shore or paddling at dawn and dusk.