Devoe Lake Boat Launch

Devoe Lake is paddle-only — no gas or electric motors. That means dead-calm water and zero wake, which is great for kayaks and canoes but obviously rules it out if you're trailering a powerboat.

Only 4 trailer spots right at the ramp, so if even a couple other folks show up you're out of luck. Overflow parking is in the adjacent day use area, which means a short haul back to the water. On weekends during summer, get there early morning or expect to improvise.

If you wade near the island or any shallow mucky shoreline, expect leeches — and not just one or two. They love getting between your toes and into sandal straps. Stick to the kayak and keep your feet out of the silty bottom.

Hit this place on a weekday and you'll likely have the entire lake to yourself. It's tucked inside Rifle River State Rec Area, so it doesn't get the random traffic that roadside launches pull in. A perfect spot when you want quiet water and nobody else around.