Activity
Conditions
Amenities
Best Time to Visit
County Road 88
County Road 88 is a public boat ramp on Burntside Lake near Ely, Minnesota. This beginner-level spot offers kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding. Amenities include boat ramp, parking. Best visited in summer.
At a Glance
Water Body
Lake
Launch Type
Boat Ramp
Difficulty
Beginner
Activities
Kayaking, Canoeing, SUP, Kayak Fishing
Parking
Parking lot available at boat ramp facility
Cell Service
Good
Calm, flat water suitable for first-time paddlers. No significant current or wave hazards expected.
About This Location
Public launch on Burntside Lake in Minnesota. Beginner-friendly lake paddling near Ely.
Paddlers visiting Burntside Lake in Minnesota can launch from County Road 88, a well-positioned access point on the lake.
This is a solid spot for kayaking, with enough room to settle into a comfortable paddling rhythm. Canoeing works well here, especially for those looking for a peaceful day on the water. Great Lakes paddling combines freshwater vastness with coastal-style conditions and scenery.
Expect calm and sheltered conditions on the water. The best time to visit is June through August. Facilities include boat ramp and parking.
County Road 88 sits about 5 min from Ely, making it a convenient option for local and visiting paddlers.
New to paddling? This is a great beginner spot.
Calm lake waters make County Road 88 ideal for first-timers. Make sure you have the right gear:
Paddling Tips
- •Bring polarized sunglasses to reduce glare and spot submerged obstacles.
- •If fishing, try the coves and points where fish tend to congregate.
- •Morning hours offer the calmest water and best wildlife viewing on the lake.
- •Keep an eye on the weather — afternoon winds can pick up quickly on open water.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I access County Road 88?
- County Road 88 is a public boat ramp in Minnesota. There is no entrance fee.
- What activities are available at County Road 88?
- County Road 88 supports kayaking, canoeing, stand up paddleboarding, kayak fishing. The difficulty level is rated beginner, making it great for all skill levels.
- What amenities are at County Road 88?
- On-site amenities include boat ramp, parking. Parking: Parking lot available at boat ramp facility.
- When is the best time to visit County Road 88?
- The best time to paddle at County Road 88 is during summer. June through August
- What are the water conditions at County Road 88?
- Water conditions at County Road 88 include calm, sheltered.
- Is County Road 88 good for beginners?
- Yes, County Road 88 is rated beginner difficulty, making it an excellent choice for first-time paddlers and families. Calm, flat water suitable for first-time paddlers. No significant current or wave hazards expected.
Location data: USGS ScienceBase · Water conditions: USGS NWIS · Weather: National Weather Service · Coordinates: 47.9237, -91.9524
Quick Facts
- State
- Minnesota
- Region
- Great Lakes
- Getting There
- ~5 min from Ely
47.9237, -91.9524
Best Paddling in Minnesota
Read our complete guide →
Paddler Reviews
Write a Review
Trip Reports
Paddle Routes from Here
No paddle routes from this location yet.
Be the first to create one!
More Paddling on Burntside Lake
4 other launches on this water body
Nearby Paddling
County Road 404
Minnesota · 1.0 mi
Shagawa Lake (Northwest)
Minnesota · 1.8 mi
Burntside Lake (Northeast)
Minnesota · 1.9 mi
Shagawa Lake (Southwest)
Minnesota · 3.6 mi
Little Long Lake
Minnesota · 3.9 mi
Burntside Lake (South)
Minnesota · 4.2 mi