Pointe Mouillee Headquarters Boat Launch

The access road to headquarters is unpaved and riddled with deep potholes — go slow or you'll rattle your trailer apart. After rain it gets even worse. If you're running a low-clearance vehicle, think twice.

Lake Erie's western basin is notoriously shallow, and this ramp sits right where the Huron River dumps silt into the lake. At lower lake levels the end of the ramp gets sketchy for anything drawing more than about two feet. Smaller aluminum boats and kayaks are the sweet spot here.

From September through the end of waterfowl season, large sections of the game area close to non-hunters. The launch itself stays open, but don't be surprised if you drive all the way out on a fall Saturday and find gates shut on areas you planned to access. Check the seasonal closure maps before you go.

Fifty trailer spots sounds generous, but during duck season and the Michigan Duck Hunters Tournament this lot packs out well before sunrise. In summer you'll have no trouble, but peak hunting weekends you want to be rolling in by 4:30 AM or you're out of luck — there's no real overflow option.

There's a large dredge spoil mound near the headquarters area and on hot summer days the marsh smell gets intense. The porta potty situation behind the garage isn't exactly an upgrade from the old vault toilets either. Just know what you're getting into — this is a raw, working game area, not a manicured marina.