Bring the Boat. We've Got Room.
Boyne Mountain is the Perfect Home Base for Boaters
If you're the kind of person who can't imagine a summer vacation without a boat in tow, northern Michigan was made for you. Lakes in every direction. Waterways that connect county to county. And a resort at the center of it all that actually has room for your rig.
Boyne Mountain can accommodate boat trailers in our resort parking areas, so you can pull in, unpack, and spend your days on the water — coming back to a full-service resort every time. No hunting for trailer parking after a long day. Just the water by day and the mountain by night.
Lake Charlevoix
At roughly 17,000 acres, Lake Charlevoix is one of the largest inland lakes in Michigan — and one of the most beloved. Its deep blue water, winding arms, and waterfront towns like Boyne City, Charlevoix, and East Jordan make it a boater's dream. Best of all, it's practically in our backyard.
Boyne City Municipal Launch
This is your most convenient option, around 20 minutes from the resort. The launch offers two concrete ramps, a courtesy dock, restrooms, and ample trailer parking. After you pull out for the day, downtown Boyne City is steps away for dinner or a cold drink. Local boaters consistently rate this one of the best-maintained launches on the lake.
Charlevoix Municipal Launch
Located near Ferry Beach on the north end of the lake, this well-maintained city launch puts you within easy range of both Lake Charlevoix and through the Round Lake channel to Lake Michigan. Multiple ramp lanes, deep water access, and nearby waterfront dining make this worth the extra 10-minute drive.
Ironton Launch (DNR)
Just north of the historic Ironton Ferry on the west side of the narrows, this DNR-operated launch is a local favorite. Two loading docks, a four-lane concrete ramp, trailer parking, and vault restroom facilities.
East Jordan Launch
At the southern tip of Lake Charlevoix's South Arm, this launch is a great option for anglers and explorers who want to work the quieter, less-trafficked part of the lake. The South Arm is known for excellent fishing and a more laid-back pace on the water.
Walloon Lake
Walloon Lake might be Boyne Mountain's closest neighbor on the water. It's a gorgeous, spring-fed lake with crystal-clear water and a quiet character that sets it apart from the region's bigger inland lakes.
Melrose Township Public Launch
Situated at the southern tip (locally called "The Foot") of the lake right in the village, this is the most popular and trailer-friendly public launch on Walloon. Once you're out on the water, the village dock is an easy stop for lunch at one of the waterfront restaurants.
Visit the Melrose Township Launch
Jones Landing
Tucked away on the northeast shore, Jones Landing is a quieter, more off-the-beaten-path option. Ideal for smaller watercraft and anyone looking to avoid the busier village launch. It has a more peaceful, uncrowded feel that fits right in with Walloon's low-key character.
The Inland Waterway
This one's for the adventurers. Michigan's Inland Waterway is roughly 40 miles of connected rivers, lakes, and channels stretching from Pickerel Lake to Lake Huron. Passing through Crooked Lake, Burt Lake, Mullett Lake, and the Cheboygan River along the way. You can spend a day exploring a single lake, or pack a cooler and make it a multi-lake journey.
Little Traverse Township Launch (Crooked Lake)
This is the go-to motorized launch for Crooked Lake, located at the far west end of the waterway near Conway. Cement ramp, dock, and parking lot facilities. Once you're on the water, you won't have to go far for a great time. There's a sandbar close to the launch — a great first stop to drop anchor and let everyone cool off before you head further out on the waterway.
Pickerel Lake Launch (DNR)
If you want to travel the full navigable length of the Inland Waterway east to Lake Huron, Pickerel Lake is your ideal launch point. The DNR maintains a cement ramp here with limited parking. Head out on the channel connecting Pickerel and Crooked Lakes, and you'll find the Black Hole Preserve — one of the best swim spots on the waterway. Drop anchor, toss out the floats, and plan to stay a while.
Pro tip: The Inland Waterway towns are worth a stop along the way. Alanson has bait shops, dockside dining, and a historic swing bridge. Continue east, and you'll hit Indian River, where a public dock puts you within walking distance of restaurants and shops right in the heart of downtown.
Lake Michigan
Sometimes you just want the Big Lake. And with Charlevoix sitting at the connection point between Lake Charlevoix and Lake Michigan, you have a natural gateway to open water.
Petoskey Municipal Marina
Tucked behind the harbor breakwall on Little Traverse Bay, this well-maintained launch is one of the most developed access points on this stretch of Lake Michigan. Full facilities on site: restrooms, a fuel dock, fish cleaning station, and ample trailer parking. After you pull out for the day, you're within walking distance from downtown Petoskey and the historic Gaslight District.
Charlevoix Municipal Launch
The Charlevoix city launch connects directly to Round Lake Harbor, which flows into Lake Michigan through a short channel. It's the most practical way to access the Big Lake with a trailered boat in this part of northern Michigan. Once out on Lake Michigan, you'll find world-class salmon and trout fishing, dramatic shoreline scenery, and all the wide-open water you could want.
Bay Harbor Marina
Situated between Petoskey and Charlevoix, Bay Harbor has a public launch with easy access to the bay and Lake Michigan. The park area is clean with easy trailer parking, and a pedestrian underpass connects you to the village. Shops, restaurants, and the Great Lakes Center for the Arts are all walkable from the water.
Harbor Springs Municipal Marina
Harbor Springs is one of the most picturesque launch spots in the region. The city marina offers a well-maintained launch ramp with trailer parking. Plus, downtown Harbor Springs is a short walk away. Explore local galleries, boutiques, and waterfront dining.
Stay With Us
Most boating trips mean finding a place to stay that can handle a trailer, and that can be harder than it sounds. Boyne Mountain offers dedicated trailer parking for guests, so you're not squeezing into a hotel lot or worrying about leaving your rig overnight.
Beyond the logistics, there's plenty to fill the hours when you're off the water. Avalanche Bay Indoor Waterpark, championship golf, mountain bike trails, hiking, SkyBridge Michigan, and Deer Lake Beach are all on property. So, whether you're traveling with kids, a group, or just want options, the resort keeps everyone busy between lake days.
Multiple bodies of water within 45 minutes. Trailer parking taken care of. A full resort waiting when you get back. That's a pretty good summer.
Sharing the passion of Midwest skiing & travel with anyone who will listen.
More to Explore
Mountain Biking Near Boyne Mountain
Lift-served downhill, TOMMBA singletrack, and trails for every skill level — Boyne Mountain is your home base for the best mountain biking in northern Michigan.
Hit the Trails
Your Summer Starts at Boyne Mountain
Hike through scenic trails, soak up the sun on pristine beaches, and unwind with refreshing drinks after a day of adventure. Check out these five reasons to stay at Boyne Mountain Resort this summer!
Check Out The Perks
Spring in Boyne Country
Morel festivals, bike park openings, farmers markets & scenic races — northern Michigan's May event calendar is full. Boyne Mountain puts you right in the middle of it all.
Think Spring