Paddle Paradise: Your Guide to Kayak & Canoe Launches in Oconto County

Ready to hit the water? Oconto County is a paddler’s dream, offering a wide array of lakes, rivers, and flowages perfect for kayaking and canoeing. Whether you’re seeking a serene float, a bit of adventure, or prime wildlife viewing, you’ll find your perfect launch spot here.

We’ve compiled a comprehensive list of known access points throughout the county. And great news – we’ll

 continue adding locations throughout the season, so keep this page bookmarked for your next aquatic adventure.

Oconto County Forestry, Parks & Recreation Department Managed Launches

These spots are managed by our local Oconto County Forestry, Parks & Recreation Department:

• Anderson Lake (177 acres) – Town of Breed/Mountain: Features a dedicated boat landing, offering direct access to the lake.
• Chute Pond (433 acres) – Mountain: A popular destination with multiple boat landings and extensive access to the lake and its surrounding areas.
  • East Shore Access
  • Fieldhouse Access
  • Iron Bridge Access
  • South Shore Access
• Holtwood Park – Oconto: Located in Oconto, this park offers a public landing on the Oconto River and excellent shore fishing opportunities.
• Machickanee Flowage (436 acres) – Stiles: Offers a boat landing located at the end of a dedicated landing lane.
• North Bay Shore Recreation Area – Oconto: Includes a boat landing with access to the Bay of Green Bay.
• North River Road Boat Access – Oconto: A designated access point for the Oconto River.
• Patzer Park – Hintz
•  (near Gillett): This park is located on the Oconto River, offering a public boat landing and amenities.
• Pensaukee Landing – Pensaukee: Managed by Oconto County Forestry & Parks, providing access to the Pensaukee River, which flows into Green Bay.
• Riverside Park – Underhill: Offers public access just south of Gillett to the Oconto River.

Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest (CNNF) Operated Launches

Explore these beautiful spots within the national forest, managed by the CNNF:

• Bagley Rapids Recreation Area (Oconto River) – Mountain:
  • Primarily for non-motorized boating, including canoeing, kayaking, and rafting on the Oconto River.
  • Oconto River Canoe Trail: Offers quiet water opportunities interspersed with shallow rapids. Caution is advised near the Bagley Rapids area due to very fast water and rocky rapids.
• Boot Lake Recreation Area (230 acres) – Town of Doty:
  • Non-motorized options: Popular for canoeing, kayaking, paddling, and windsurfing.
  • Motorized access available: Paved boat ramp with a dock and parking. Note: There is a $5 recreation use fee for the boat landing (does not apply to registered campers). This seepage lake has a maximum depth of 38 feet.
• Boulder Lake Recreation Area (370 acres) – Town of Doty:
  • Non-motorized options: Popular for canoeing, kayaking, and paddling.
  • Motorized access available: Paved boat ramp at Boulder Lake Campground with parking. This spring-fed lake is 11 feet deep.
• Green Lake Park (21 acres) – Mountain: Features a boat landing accessing Green Lake, which is designated as a no-wake lake, ideal for quiet paddling.

More Oconto County Paddling Spots

Beyond the managed launches, Oconto County boasts additional locations for your kayak and canoe adventures:

• Bass Lake and Crooked Lake (162 acres) Area – Town of Riverview: Great for beautiful paddling. You can even rent supplies from The Blind Walleye for your adventure in this vicinity.
• Breakwater Park and Harbor – Oconto: Located at the mouth of the Oconto River and the Bay of Green Bay, this park offers boat launches and other amenities for accessing the river or open bay.
• Brookside Park – Townsend: Use the kayak launch in Townsend, kayaks may be available for use.
• Copper Culture State Park – Oconto: Offers shore access to the Oconto River for paddlers.
• Pickerel Lake (175

  

  acres) – Townsend: Find kayaks available at Oughten Park for convenient access to Pickerel Lake.
• Townsend Flowage (445 acres) – Townsend: Another great option for a scenic paddle with four boat landing options.
• Waubee Lake (116 acres) – Lakewood: This lake has a maximum depth of 23 feet. Public access is available from a boat landing. Waubee Lake Lodge also offers free kayak rentals to its guests.
• Waupee Flowage (104 acres) – Townsend: A flowage with a maximum depth of 9 feet, accessible from a public boat landing.
• Wheeler Lake (281 acres) – Lakewood: Access is available from the public boat launch and picnic area on the southwest side of the lake off of National Forest Road 3850.

We hope this guide helps you plan your next paddling adventure in Oconto County. Keep an eye on our blog for more additions to this list throughout the season. For a safe and enjoyable trip, always prepare by checking local conditions.

Have a favorite paddling spot we missed? Click here to send us the details.