Lake Margrethe State Forest Campground Boat Launch

The water right off the ramp stays shallow for a good stretch. If you're launching anything with real draft, you'll want to power out carefully. Jet skis and kayaks are no problem, but a deep-V walleye boat can scrape bottom on a low-water year.

Camp Grayling's fire suppression chemicals have contaminated the lake — there are posted PFAS warnings at the water. Swimming is technically still deemed safe, but the standing advice is don't eat the fish. Worth knowing before you plan a walleye dinner.

Camp Grayling sits right next door, and you'll hear gunfire and ordnance during daytime hours. It stops after dark, but if you're out on the lake midday expecting total serenity, the booms can catch you off guard. It's just part of the deal here.

44 trailer spots and this place doesn't draw the heavy weekend traffic that Higgins or Houghton Lake launches do. Even Memorial Day weekend you can usually roll in mid-morning and find space. It's a quieter alternative if the bigger lakes to the south are a zoo.

Lake Margrethe has some of the clearest water you'll find in Crawford County — you can literally sight-fish off the kayak. The 1,920-acre lake has a nice mix of smallmouth, pike, and tiger muskie, and the sandy bottom means the ramp area stays relatively free of muck compared to a lot of northern Michigan launches.