Lake Gogebic State Park

Eight spots fills up fast on summer weekends, especially walleye opener and Fourth of July. If you're pulling in after 9 AM on a Saturday, you may end up parking creatively along the grass edges near the day use area. Weekdays you'll have no trouble at all.

Lake Gogebic is the largest natural inland lake in the UP — over 13,000 acres of open water. The walleye, perch, and pike fishing is legitimately great, but don't expect to just idle out and start catching. Structure is spread out and the lake can get choppy in a hurry with a west wind rolling unobstructed across that fetch. Bring your electronics.

Two lanes in good shape with a gentle enough grade for most rigs. Nothing fancy but nothing broken either. It handles everything from bass boats to pontoons without drama. The approach is straightforward right off the campground road — no confusing turns.

This is deep UP woods on a big lake — the mosquitoes from June through mid-August are absolutely brutal. Bring a thermacell or a fogger, not just spray. Dusk at the ramp will test your patience if you're trying to load up without a headnet.

The state park sits right on M-64 along the western shore, which puts you within easy striking distance of the Porcupine Mountains, Lake of the Clouds, and a dozen waterfalls. If you're trailering a boat up for a multi-day trip, this is the most convenient launch on Gogebic with restrooms and a pavilion a short walk away.