How do I access River Retreat Camp & Marina?

River Retreat Camp & Marina is a public boat ramp in Ohio. The entrance fee is 5.

What activities are available at River Retreat Camp & Marina?

River Retreat Camp & Marina 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 River Retreat Camp & Marina?

On-site amenities include boat ramp, parking. Parking: Parking lot available at boat ramp facility.

When is the best time to visit River Retreat Camp & Marina?

The best time to paddle at River Retreat Camp & Marina is during spring and summer and fall. March through November

What are the water conditions at River Retreat Camp & Marina?

Water conditions at River Retreat Camp & Marina include calm, sheltered.

Is River Retreat Camp & Marina good for beginners?

Yes, River Retreat Camp & Marina 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.

brown wooden dock on lake during daytime

Photo by Gregory Brainard on Unsplash

Activity

KayakingCanoeingSUPKayak FishingBeginner

Conditions

LakeCalmSheltered

Amenities

Boat RampParking

Best Time to Visit

Spring Summer Fall

River Retreat Camp & Marina

Lacarne, OH · Boat Ramp · Public

River Retreat Camp & Marina is a public boat ramp on Lake Erie-Portage River near Lacarne, Ohio. This beginner-level spot offers kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding. Amenities include boat ramp, parking. Best visited in spring and summer and fall.

At a Glance

Water Body

Lake

Launch Type

Boat Ramp

Difficulty

Beginner

Fee

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 Lake Erie-Portage River in Ohio. Beginner-friendly lake paddling near Lacarne.

Paddlers visiting Lake Erie-Portage River in Ohio can launch from River Retreat Camp & Marina, 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.

Water conditions are generally calm and sheltered. March through November is the recommended window for paddling here. Facilities include boat ramp and parking.

Getting here from Lacarne takes about 5 min, putting River Retreat Camp & Marina within easy reach for a day trip or afternoon paddle.

New to paddling? This is a great beginner spot.

Calm lake waters make River Retreat Camp & Marina ideal for first-timers. Make sure you have the right gear:

Kayaks →Life Jackets →Paddles →

Paddling Tips

•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.
•Hug the shoreline for the most interesting scenery and easier paddling.
•Bring polarized sunglasses to reduce glare and spot submerged obstacles.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I access River Retreat Camp & Marina?: River Retreat Camp & Marina is a public boat ramp in Ohio. The entrance fee is 5.
What activities are available at River Retreat Camp & Marina?: River Retreat Camp & Marina 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 River Retreat Camp & Marina?: On-site amenities include boat ramp, parking. Parking: Parking lot available at boat ramp facility.
When is the best time to visit River Retreat Camp & Marina?: The best time to paddle at River Retreat Camp & Marina is during spring and summer and fall. March through November
What are the water conditions at River Retreat Camp & Marina?: Water conditions at River Retreat Camp & Marina include calm, sheltered.
Is River Retreat Camp & Marina good for beginners?: Yes, River Retreat Camp & Marina 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: 41.5168, -83.0073