Activity
Conditions
Amenities
Best Time to Visit
Oxbow Lake
Oxbow Lake is a public bank access on Oxbow Lake near Mercer, Wisconsin. 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
Bank Access
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
Oxbow Lake offers lake paddling on Oxbow Lake in Wisconsin. Located near Mercer.
Lake paddlers in Wisconsin will appreciate Oxbow Lake, which offers direct access to Oxbow Lake and its surrounding waters.
Kayakers will find the waters here well-suited to touring and exploration. The waters here are approachable for canoes, making it a good option for family outings.
Water conditions are generally calm and sheltered. June through August is the recommended window for paddling here. Facilities include boat ramp and parking.
Getting here from Mercer takes about 5 min, putting Oxbow Lake within easy reach for a day trip or afternoon paddle.
New to paddling? This is a great beginner spot.
Calm lake waters make Oxbow Lake ideal for first-timers. Make sure you have the right gear:
Paddling Tips
- •Hug the shoreline for the most interesting scenery and easier paddling.
- •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.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I access Oxbow Lake?
- Oxbow Lake is a public bank access in Wisconsin. There is no entrance fee.
- What activities are available at Oxbow Lake?
- Oxbow Lake 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 Oxbow Lake?
- On-site amenities include boat ramp, parking. Parking: Parking lot available at boat ramp facility.
- When is the best time to visit Oxbow Lake?
- The best time to paddle at Oxbow Lake is during summer. June through August
- What are the water conditions at Oxbow Lake?
- Water conditions at Oxbow Lake include calm, sheltered.
- Is Oxbow Lake good for beginners?
- Yes, Oxbow Lake 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: 46.2134, -90.0388
Quick Facts
- State
- Wisconsin
- Region
- Great Lakes
- Getting There
- ~5 min from Mercer
46.2134, -90.0388
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More Paddling on Oxbow Lake
2 other launches on this water body
Nearby Paddling
Spider Lake
Wisconsin · 1.0 mi
Long Lake Creek
Wisconsin · 2.2 mi

Grand Portage Lake
Wisconsin · 3.2 mi

Echo Lake
Wisconsin · 3.2 mi
Fisher Lake
Wisconsin · 3.4 mi

Mercer Lake
Wisconsin · 3.7 mi