Craft & Seasonality
✓
Motorboat ✓
Kayak / Canoe ✓
Jet Ski / PWC ✗
Large 22ft+ ✗
Winter Access Site Details
Conditions change rapidly due to water levels, prop wash, and weather. Always visually inspect before backing down.
RampUnimproved, 1 lane
Trailer Parking3 spots · gravel
FeeMI Recreation Passport (annual, on vehicle registration)
HoursOpen at all times
Not Available Fish cleaning · Fishing pier · Restrooms · Pier
Scout's Notes
Ramp Quirks & Etiquette
Truly Remote Launch
This is about as off-grid as it gets for Oakland County — except it's not actually Oakland County in any practical sense. This launch is administered out of Baraga State Park way up in the UP, so don't expect any metro-Detroit amenities. Gravel roads, no cell signal, and you're earning your solitude.
Tiny Parking Reality
Three trailer spots and one lane means this is strictly a small-boat operation. A 14-foot aluminum or a canoe is perfect here. Show up with a 20-foot bass boat and a dual-axle trailer and you're going to have a bad time turning around.
Lake Access Is Tucked Away
The launch sits inside the state forest campground, and the lake itself is somewhat hidden by the tree cover — don't expect to see it until you're practically on top of it. Follow the campground road all the way through; signage is minimal.
Low Pressure Fishing
Because it's so remote and the launch is so small, you'll rarely see another boat out here. Weekdays you might have the entire lake to yourself. Even peak summer weekends stay quiet — most people camping here don't bring boats.
Sources: DNR GIS data, Google Reviews
About This Lake
Deer Lake →