Kayak and canoe launches on St. Joseph River, Indiana
23 launch sites on St. Joseph River from Indiana DNR Public Access Sites. 5 are listed as hand, car-top or paddlecraft launches. 18 are trailer ramps.
Fees: 22 list no fee, 1 list a fee, 0 not verified. Each listing names its source; check it before you go.
Sort these launches by distance from you
Launch sites A to Z
- Baugo Bay · Boat ramp (trailer)
No fee listed by Indiana DNR Public Access Sites (checked 2026-10-26) View in Google Earth (opens in a new tab) Directions (opens in a new tab)Getting to the water
- Launch surface
- Gravel
- Dock or boarding float
- None listed
- Accessible features
- Not listed
- Gravel surface: wear water shoes and carry the boat rather than dragging it across gravel. (REI Expert Advice)
- Shared trailer ramp: get your boat and gear ready off to the side, then launch promptly so trailered boats can use the ramp. (American Canoe Association)
- Not listed as accessible by the managing agency. If you need an accessible launch, contact them before you go. (American Canoe Association)
Official fields: Indiana DNR Public Access Sites. Check current conditions; water levels change the walk to the water.
- Beardsley Park · Hand launch / carry-in
No fee listed by Indiana DNR Public Access Sites (checked 2026-10-26) View in Google Earth (opens in a new tab) Directions (opens in a new tab)Getting to the water
- Accessible features
- Listed
- Carry from nearest mapped parking
- about 108 m (350 ft), straight line
- Elevation change, parking to launch point
- -11 ft (about 3% average grade)
- Long carry: a kayak cart or stern wheels saves your back on a long, fairly flat walk. (REI Expert Advice)
- Listed as having accessible features by the managing agency. Call ahead to confirm what is accessible (parking, path, dock or launch). (National Park Service)
Official fields: Indiana DNR Public Access Sites. Carry distance: nearest parking mapped in OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL); elevations: USGS 3DEP. Check current conditions; water levels change the walk to the water.
- Bristol · Boat ramp (trailer)
No fee listed by Indiana DNR Public Access Sites (checked 2026-10-26) View in Google Earth (opens in a new tab) Directions (opens in a new tab)Getting to the water
- Launch surface
- Concrete or paved
- Dock or boarding float
- None listed
- Accessible features
- Listed
- Concrete ramps can be slick with algae below the waterline: wear water shoes with grip. (REI Expert Advice)
- Shared trailer ramp: get your boat and gear ready off to the side, then launch promptly so trailered boats can use the ramp. (American Canoe Association)
- Listed as having accessible features by the managing agency. Call ahead to confirm what is accessible (parking, path, dock or launch). (National Park Service)
Official fields: Indiana DNR Public Access Sites. Check current conditions; water levels change the walk to the water.
- Central Park (Mishawaka) · Hand launch / carry-in
No fee listed by Indiana DNR Public Access Sites (checked 2026-10-26) View in Google Earth (opens in a new tab) Directions (opens in a new tab)Getting to the water
- Dock or boarding float
- None listed
- Accessible features
- Not listed
- Not listed as accessible by the managing agency. If you need an accessible launch, contact them before you go. (American Canoe Association)
Official fields: Indiana DNR Public Access Sites. Check current conditions; water levels change the walk to the water.
- Frank Zappia · Hand launch / carry-in
No fee listed by Indiana DNR Public Access Sites (checked 2026-10-26) View in Google Earth (opens in a new tab) Directions (opens in a new tab)Getting to the water
- Dock or boarding float
- None listed
- Accessible features
- Not listed
- Not listed as accessible by the managing agency. If you need an accessible launch, contact them before you go. (American Canoe Association)
Official fields: Indiana DNR Public Access Sites. Check current conditions; water levels change the walk to the water.
- Johnny Appleseed · Boat ramp (trailer)
No fee listed by Indiana DNR Public Access Sites (checked 2026-10-26) View in Google Earth (opens in a new tab) Directions (opens in a new tab)Getting to the water
- Dock or boarding float
- Yes
- Accessible features
- Not listed
- Dock launch: set the boat parallel to the dock, paddle within reach, sit on the dock and lower yourself into the seat, keeping your weight centered. (REI Expert Advice)
- Shared trailer ramp: get your boat and gear ready off to the side, then launch promptly so trailered boats can use the ramp. (American Canoe Association)
- Not listed as accessible by the managing agency. If you need an accessible launch, contact them before you go. (American Canoe Association)
Official fields: Indiana DNR Public Access Sites. Check current conditions; water levels change the walk to the water.
- Leeper Park · Boat ramp (trailer)
No fee listed by Indiana DNR Public Access Sites (checked 2026-10-26) View in Google Earth (opens in a new tab) Directions (opens in a new tab)Getting to the water
- Dock or boarding float
- None listed
- Accessible features
- Not listed
- Shared trailer ramp: get your boat and gear ready off to the side, then launch promptly so trailered boats can use the ramp. (American Canoe Association)
- Not listed as accessible by the managing agency. If you need an accessible launch, contact them before you go. (American Canoe Association)
Official fields: Indiana DNR Public Access Sites. Check current conditions; water levels change the walk to the water.
- Lincoln Park (Mishawaka) · Boat ramp (trailer)
No fee listed by Indiana DNR Public Access Sites (checked 2026-10-26) View in Google Earth (opens in a new tab) Directions (opens in a new tab)Getting to the water
- Launch surface
- Concrete or paved
- Dock or boarding float
- None listed
- Accessible features
- Not listed
- Concrete ramps can be slick with algae below the waterline: wear water shoes with grip. (REI Expert Advice)
- Shared trailer ramp: get your boat and gear ready off to the side, then launch promptly so trailered boats can use the ramp. (American Canoe Association)
- Not listed as accessible by the managing agency. If you need an accessible launch, contact them before you go. (American Canoe Association)
Official fields: Indiana DNR Public Access Sites. Check current conditions; water levels change the walk to the water.
- Mayhew Bridge · Boat ramp (trailer)
No fee listed by Indiana DNR Public Access Sites (checked 2026-10-26) View in Google Earth (opens in a new tab) Directions (opens in a new tab)Getting to the water
- Launch surface
- Concrete or paved
- Accessible features
- Listed
- Concrete ramps can be slick with algae below the waterline: wear water shoes with grip. (REI Expert Advice)
- Shared trailer ramp: get your boat and gear ready off to the side, then launch promptly so trailered boats can use the ramp. (American Canoe Association)
- Listed as having accessible features by the managing agency. Call ahead to confirm what is accessible (parking, path, dock or launch). (National Park Service)
Official fields: Indiana DNR Public Access Sites. Check current conditions; water levels change the walk to the water.
- McNaughton Park · Boat ramp (trailer)
No fee listed by Indiana DNR Public Access Sites (checked 2026-10-26) View in Google Earth (opens in a new tab) Directions (opens in a new tab)Getting to the water
- Launch surface
- Concrete or paved
- Dock or boarding float
- None listed
- Accessible features
- Listed
- Concrete ramps can be slick with algae below the waterline: wear water shoes with grip. (REI Expert Advice)
- Shared trailer ramp: get your boat and gear ready off to the side, then launch promptly so trailered boats can use the ramp. (American Canoe Association)
- Listed as having accessible features by the managing agency. Call ahead to confirm what is accessible (parking, path, dock or launch). (National Park Service)
Official fields: Indiana DNR Public Access Sites. Check current conditions; water levels change the walk to the water.
- Merrifield Park · Boat ramp (trailer)
No fee listed by Indiana DNR Public Access Sites (checked 2026-10-26) View in Google Earth (opens in a new tab) Directions (opens in a new tab)Getting to the water
- Launch surface
- Concrete or paved
- Dock or boarding float
- None listed
- Accessible features
- Not listed
- Concrete ramps can be slick with algae below the waterline: wear water shoes with grip. (REI Expert Advice)
- Shared trailer ramp: get your boat and gear ready off to the side, then launch promptly so trailered boats can use the ramp. (American Canoe Association)
- Not listed as accessible by the managing agency. If you need an accessible launch, contact them before you go. (American Canoe Association)
Official fields: Indiana DNR Public Access Sites. Check current conditions; water levels change the walk to the water.
- Miami Island (Mishawaka) · Boat ramp (trailer)
No fee listed by Indiana DNR Public Access Sites (checked 2026-10-26) View in Google Earth (opens in a new tab) Directions (opens in a new tab)Getting to the water
- Launch surface
- Concrete or paved
- Dock or boarding float
- None listed
- Accessible features
- Not listed
- Concrete ramps can be slick with algae below the waterline: wear water shoes with grip. (REI Expert Advice)
- Shared trailer ramp: get your boat and gear ready off to the side, then launch promptly so trailered boats can use the ramp. (American Canoe Association)
- Not listed as accessible by the managing agency. If you need an accessible launch, contact them before you go. (American Canoe Association)
Official fields: Indiana DNR Public Access Sites. Check current conditions; water levels change the walk to the water.
- Prickett Landing · Boat ramp (trailer)
No fee listed by Indiana DNR Public Access Sites (checked 2026-10-26) View in Google Earth (opens in a new tab) Directions (opens in a new tab)Getting to the water
- Launch surface
- Concrete or paved
- Dock or boarding float
- Yes
- Accessible features
- Listed
- Dock launch: set the boat parallel to the dock, paddle within reach, sit on the dock and lower yourself into the seat, keeping your weight centered. (REI Expert Advice)
- Concrete ramps can be slick with algae below the waterline: wear water shoes with grip. (REI Expert Advice)
- Shared trailer ramp: get your boat and gear ready off to the side, then launch promptly so trailered boats can use the ramp. (American Canoe Association)
- Listed as having accessible features by the managing agency. Call ahead to confirm what is accessible (parking, path, dock or launch). (National Park Service)
Official fields: Indiana DNR Public Access Sites. Check current conditions; water levels change the walk to the water.
- Sherman St. Bridge · Boat ramp (trailer)
No fee listed by Indiana DNR Public Access Sites (checked 2026-10-26) View in Google Earth (opens in a new tab) Directions (opens in a new tab)Getting to the water
- Launch surface
- Concrete or paved
- Dock or boarding float
- None listed
- Accessible features
- Listed
- Concrete ramps can be slick with algae below the waterline: wear water shoes with grip. (REI Expert Advice)
- Shared trailer ramp: get your boat and gear ready off to the side, then launch promptly so trailered boats can use the ramp. (American Canoe Association)
- Listed as having accessible features by the managing agency. Call ahead to confirm what is accessible (parking, path, dock or launch). (National Park Service)
Official fields: Indiana DNR Public Access Sites. Check current conditions; water levels change the walk to the water.
- Shoaff Park Ramp · Boat ramp (trailer)
No fee listed by Indiana DNR Public Access Sites (checked 2026-10-26) View in Google Earth (opens in a new tab) Directions (opens in a new tab)Getting to the water
- Dock or boarding float
- None listed
- Accessible features
- Not listed
- Shared trailer ramp: get your boat and gear ready off to the side, then launch promptly so trailered boats can use the ramp. (American Canoe Association)
- Not listed as accessible by the managing agency. If you need an accessible launch, contact them before you go. (American Canoe Association)
Official fields: Indiana DNR Public Access Sites. Check current conditions; water levels change the walk to the water.
- South Bend · Boat ramp (trailer)
No fee listed by Indiana DNR Public Access Sites (checked 2026-10-26) View in Google Earth (opens in a new tab) Directions (opens in a new tab)Getting to the water
- Launch surface
- Concrete or paved
- Dock or boarding float
- None listed
- Accessible features
- Not listed
- Concrete ramps can be slick with algae below the waterline: wear water shoes with grip. (REI Expert Advice)
- Shared trailer ramp: get your boat and gear ready off to the side, then launch promptly so trailered boats can use the ramp. (American Canoe Association)
- Not listed as accessible by the managing agency. If you need an accessible launch, contact them before you go. (American Canoe Association)
Official fields: Indiana DNR Public Access Sites. Check current conditions; water levels change the walk to the water.
- Spencerville Public Access Site · Boat ramp (trailer)
No fee listed by Indiana DNR Public Access Sites (checked 2026-10-26) View in Google Earth (opens in a new tab) Directions (opens in a new tab)Getting to the water
- Launch surface
- Concrete or paved
- Dock or boarding float
- None listed
- Accessible features
- Listed
- Concrete ramps can be slick with algae below the waterline: wear water shoes with grip. (REI Expert Advice)
- Shared trailer ramp: get your boat and gear ready off to the side, then launch promptly so trailered boats can use the ramp. (American Canoe Association)
- Listed as having accessible features by the managing agency. Call ahead to confirm what is accessible (parking, path, dock or launch). (National Park Service)
Official fields: Indiana DNR Public Access Sites. Check current conditions; water levels change the walk to the water.
- St. Joe River - Six Span Bridge · Boat ramp (trailer)
No fee listed by Indiana DNR Public Access Sites (checked 2026-10-26) View in Google Earth (opens in a new tab) Directions (opens in a new tab)Getting to the water
Access details not published; check before you go.
- St. Joseph River · Boat ramp (trailer)
No fee listed by Indiana DNR Public Access Sites (checked 2026-10-26) View in Google Earth (opens in a new tab) Directions (opens in a new tab)Getting to the water
- Launch surface
- Concrete or paved
- Dock or boarding float
- None listed
- Accessible features
- Listed
- Concrete ramps can be slick with algae below the waterline: wear water shoes with grip. (REI Expert Advice)
- Shared trailer ramp: get your boat and gear ready off to the side, then launch promptly so trailered boats can use the ramp. (American Canoe Association)
- Listed as having accessible features by the managing agency. Call ahead to confirm what is accessible (parking, path, dock or launch). (National Park Service)
Official fields: Indiana DNR Public Access Sites. Check current conditions; water levels change the walk to the water.
- St. Patrick's Farm · Boat ramp (trailer)
Entry: Entry fee (amount not listed) (Indiana DNR Public Access Sites, checked 2026-10-26) View in Google Earth (opens in a new tab) Directions (opens in a new tab)Getting to the water
- Launch surface
- Concrete or paved
- Dock or boarding float
- Yes
- Accessible features
- Not listed
- Dock launch: set the boat parallel to the dock, paddle within reach, sit on the dock and lower yourself into the seat, keeping your weight centered. (REI Expert Advice)
- Concrete ramps can be slick with algae below the waterline: wear water shoes with grip. (REI Expert Advice)
- Shared trailer ramp: get your boat and gear ready off to the side, then launch promptly so trailered boats can use the ramp. (American Canoe Association)
- Not listed as accessible by the managing agency. If you need an accessible launch, contact them before you go. (American Canoe Association)
Official fields: Indiana DNR Public Access Sites. Check current conditions; water levels change the walk to the water.
- Twin Branch Dam · Hand launch / carry-in
No fee listed by Indiana DNR Public Access Sites (checked 2026-10-26) View in Google Earth (opens in a new tab) Directions (opens in a new tab)Getting to the water
- Dock or boarding float
- None listed
- Accessible features
- Listed
- Listed as having accessible features by the managing agency. Call ahead to confirm what is accessible (parking, path, dock or launch). (National Park Service)
Official fields: Indiana DNR Public Access Sites. Check current conditions; water levels change the walk to the water.
- Veteran's Memorial Park · Boat ramp (trailer)
No fee listed by Indiana DNR Public Access Sites (checked 2026-10-26) View in Google Earth (opens in a new tab) Directions (opens in a new tab)Getting to the water
Access details not published; check before you go.
- Woodlawn Park · Hand launch / carry-in
No fee listed by Indiana DNR Public Access Sites (checked 2026-10-26) View in Google Earth (opens in a new tab) Directions (opens in a new tab)Getting to the water
- Dock or boarding float
- None listed
- Accessible features
- Not listed
- Not listed as accessible by the managing agency. If you need an accessible launch, contact them before you go. (American Canoe Association)
Official fields: Indiana DNR Public Access Sites. Check current conditions; water levels change the walk to the water.
Indiana paddling rules
Registration, permits, life jackets and AIS stickers
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Data shown as published by the agency or mapped source; launch details and fees change, so check the official source before you go.