Kayak and canoe launches on Manistee River, Michigan
23 launch sites on Manistee River from Michigan DNR Boating Access Sites. 13 are listed as hand, car-top or paddlecraft launches. 9 are trailer ramps.
Fees: 0 list no fee, 18 list a fee, 5 not verified. Each listing names its source; check it before you go.
Sort these launches by distance from you
Launch sites A to Z
- 3 Mile Bend · Hand launch / carry-in
Entry: Michigan Recreation Passport required (Michigan DNR Boating 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
- Steps
- Steps to the water
- Accessible features
- Not listed
- Carry from nearest mapped parking
- about 20 m (70 ft), straight line
- Elevation change, parking to launch point
- -4 ft (about 6% average grade)
- Stairs or steps to the water: two-person carry recommended; wheels won't help on steps. (REI Expert Advice)
- Not listed as accessible by the managing agency. If you need an accessible launch, contact them before you go. (American Canoe Association)
Official fields: Michigan DNR Boating 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.
- 4 Mile Bend · Hand launch / carry-in
Entry: Michigan Recreation Passport required (Michigan DNR Boating 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
- Steps
- Steps to the water
- Accessible features
- Not listed
- Stairs or steps to the water: two-person carry recommended; wheels won't help on steps. (REI Expert Advice)
- Not listed as accessible by the managing agency. If you need an accessible launch, contact them before you go. (American Canoe Association)
Official fields: Michigan DNR Boating Access Sites. Check current conditions; water levels change the walk to the water.
- Baxter Bridge · Boat ramp (trailer)
Entry: Michigan Recreation Passport required (Michigan DNR Boating 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
- 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: Michigan DNR Boating Access Sites. Check current conditions; water levels change the walk to the water.
- Bridge Street · Boat ramp (trailer)
Fee not verified, check with the site owner View in Google Earth (opens in a new tab) Directions (opens in a new tab)Getting to the water
- 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: Michigan DNR Boating Access Sites. Check current conditions; water levels change the walk to the water.
- Burnt Cabin · Hand launch / carry-in
Entry: Michigan Recreation Passport required (Michigan DNR Boating 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
- Boat slide
- Yes
- Accessible features
- Not listed
- Boat slide listed: slide the hull down with a hand on the bow or stern line instead of carrying it. (REI Expert Advice)
- Not listed as accessible by the managing agency. If you need an accessible launch, contact them before you go. (American Canoe Association)
Official fields: Michigan DNR Boating Access Sites. Check current conditions; water levels change the walk to the water.
- CCC Bridge State Forest Campground · Hand launch / carry-in
Entry: Michigan Recreation Passport required (Michigan DNR Boating 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
- Carry from nearest mapped parking
- about 44 m (140 ft), straight line
- Elevation change, parking to launch point
- -6 ft (about 4% average grade)
Official fields: Michigan DNR Boating 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.
- First Street · Boat ramp (trailer)
Entry: Michigan Recreation Passport required (Michigan DNR Boating 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
- 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)
- 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: Michigan DNR Boating Access Sites. Check current conditions; water levels change the walk to the water.
- Harvey Bridge · Boat ramp (trailer)
Entry: Michigan Recreation Passport required (Michigan DNR Boating 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
- 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: Michigan DNR Boating Access Sites. Check current conditions; water levels change the walk to the water.
- Hole in the Fence · Hand launch / carry-in
Fee not verified, check with the site owner View in Google Earth (opens in a new tab) Directions (opens in a new tab)Getting to the water
- Boat slide
- Yes
- Accessible features
- Not listed
- Boat slide listed: slide the hull down with a hand on the bow or stern line instead of carrying it. (REI Expert Advice)
- Not listed as accessible by the managing agency. If you need an accessible launch, contact them before you go. (American Canoe Association)
Official fields: Michigan DNR Boating Access Sites. Check current conditions; water levels change the walk to the water.
- Hole in the Wall · Hand launch / carry-in
Fee not verified, check with the site owner View in Google Earth (opens in a new tab) Directions (opens in a new tab)Getting to the water
- Boat slide
- Yes
- Accessible features
- Not listed
- Carry from nearest mapped parking
- about 40 m (130 ft), straight line
- Elevation change, parking to launch point
- -18 ft (about 14% average grade)
- Steep or stepped access: carry with two people (one at each end) or shoulder-carry with your PFD as padding, and consider a lighter boat. (REI Expert Advice)
- Steep bank: lower the boat bow-first, keep your weight low, and enter where the water is calm and deep enough to float the hull. (REI Expert Advice)
- Boat slide listed: slide the hull down with a hand on the bow or stern line instead of carrying it. (REI Expert Advice)
- Not listed as accessible by the managing agency. If you need an accessible launch, contact them before you go. (American Canoe Association)
Official fields: Michigan DNR Boating 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.
- Loggers Landing · Hand launch / carry-in
Entry: Michigan Recreation Passport required (Michigan DNR Boating 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
- Steps
- Steps to the water
- Accessible features
- Not listed
- Stairs or steps to the water: two-person carry recommended; wheels won't help on steps. (REI Expert Advice)
- Not listed as accessible by the managing agency. If you need an accessible launch, contact them before you go. (American Canoe Association)
Official fields: Michigan DNR Boating Access Sites. Check current conditions; water levels change the walk to the water.
- Lucas Road · Boat ramp (trailer)
Entry: Michigan Recreation Passport required (Michigan DNR Boating 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
- 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: Michigan DNR Boating Access Sites. Check current conditions; water levels change the walk to the water.
- M-72 · Boating access site
Entry: Michigan Recreation Passport required (Michigan DNR Boating 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
- Accessible features
- Not listed
- Gravel surface: wear water shoes and carry the boat rather than dragging it across gravel. (REI Expert Advice)
- Not listed as accessible by the managing agency. If you need an accessible launch, contact them before you go. (American Canoe Association)
Official fields: Michigan DNR Boating Access Sites. Check current conditions; water levels change the walk to the water.
- Old US-131 SFCG · Hand launch / carry-in
Entry: Michigan Recreation Passport required (Michigan DNR Boating 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.
- Rainbow Jim Bridge · Boat ramp (trailer)
Entry: Michigan Recreation Passport required (Michigan DNR Boating 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
- 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: Michigan DNR Boating Access Sites. Check current conditions; water levels change the walk to the water.
- Sand Banks · Hand launch / carry-in
Entry: Michigan Recreation Passport required (Michigan DNR Boating 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
- Steps
- Steps to the water
- Accessible features
- Not listed
- Carry from nearest mapped parking
- about 16 m (50 ft), straight line
- Elevation change, parking to launch point
- -4 ft (about 7% average grade)
- Stairs or steps to the water: two-person carry recommended; wheels won't help on steps. (REI Expert Advice)
- Not listed as accessible by the managing agency. If you need an accessible launch, contact them before you go. (American Canoe Association)
Official fields: Michigan DNR Boating 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.
- Smithville · Boat ramp (trailer)
Entry: Michigan Recreation Passport required (Michigan DNR Boating 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
- 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: Michigan DNR Boating Access Sites. Check current conditions; water levels change the walk to the water.
- Tin Can · Hand launch / carry-in
Entry: Michigan Recreation Passport required (Michigan DNR Boating 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
- Steps
- Steps to the water
- Accessible features
- Not listed
- Stairs or steps to the water: two-person carry recommended; wheels won't help on steps. (REI Expert Advice)
- Not listed as accessible by the managing agency. If you need an accessible launch, contact them before you go. (American Canoe Association)
Official fields: Michigan DNR Boating Access Sites. Check current conditions; water levels change the walk to the water.
- Tippy Dam State Recreation Area Lower · Boat ramp (trailer)
Entry: Michigan Recreation Passport required (Michigan DNR Boating 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
- 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: Michigan DNR Boating Access Sites. Check current conditions; water levels change the walk to the water.
- Tree Farm · Hand launch / carry-in
Fee not verified, check with the site owner View in Google Earth (opens in a new tab) Directions (opens in a new tab)Getting to the water
- Boat slide
- Yes
- Accessible features
- Not listed
- Boat slide listed: slide the hull down with a hand on the bow or stern line instead of carrying it. (REI Expert Advice)
- Not listed as accessible by the managing agency. If you need an accessible launch, contact them before you go. (American Canoe Association)
Official fields: Michigan DNR Boating Access Sites. Check current conditions; water levels change the walk to the water.
- US-131 Roadside Park · Boat ramp (trailer)
Entry: Michigan Recreation Passport required (Michigan DNR Boating 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
- 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: Michigan DNR Boating Access Sites. Check current conditions; water levels change the walk to the water.
- West Sharon Road · Hand launch / carry-in
Entry: Michigan Recreation Passport required (Michigan DNR Boating 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
- Steps
- Steps to the water
- Accessible features
- Not listed
- Stairs or steps to the water: two-person carry recommended; wheels won't help on steps. (REI Expert Advice)
- Not listed as accessible by the managing agency. If you need an accessible launch, contact them before you go. (American Canoe Association)
Official fields: Michigan DNR Boating Access Sites. Check current conditions; water levels change the walk to the water.
- Yellow Trees Landing · Hand launch / carry-in
Fee not verified, check with the site owner View in Google Earth (opens in a new tab) Directions (opens in a new tab)Getting to the water
- Boat slide
- Yes
- Accessible features
- Not listed
- Boat slide listed: slide the hull down with a hand on the bow or stern line instead of carrying it. (REI Expert Advice)
- Not listed as accessible by the managing agency. If you need an accessible launch, contact them before you go. (American Canoe Association)
Official fields: Michigan DNR Boating Access Sites. Check current conditions; water levels change the walk to the water.
Michigan 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.