Where there’s a dam, there’s water! Between Hardy Dam Pond, Muskegon River, White River, and more, there’s miles upon miles of water in the area. See a sunset in a kayak, cast a line and catch some fish, rip around Hardy Dam in a speedboat, or gather some friends on a pontoon boat, however you enjoy being on the water, you won’t regret it! Find more resources below for boat and kayak launches, rentals, and routes.
Hardy and Croton Kayak Launches
Rentals and Shuttles
We have some kayak and paddleboard rentals onsite as well as the ability to shuttle and help you stage a vehicle for your river adventure. We also have some recommendations if you need a larger amount of rentals than what we can accommodate.
Onsite Rentals
2 Paddleboards
2 Wilderness Aspire Kayaks
1 Inflatable 2-person Kayak
Large Group Rentals
Croton Dam Floats – 15 Minutes from Base Camp
Wisner Rents Canoes – 20 Minutes from Base Camp
Pontoon Boat Rentals
Kayak Shuttle
Onsite shuttle bus for up to 12 passengers and kayaks.
We can help you stage a vehicle or do a drop and pick up.
$30 for 1 person
$15/person for 2 or more people
Kayaking Routes
Sunset Kayak Route–1.5 Miles
We love this kayak route for a quick trip to see the sunset or just enjoy some time on the river! Put in at Brower Park and then explore some of the Muskegon River shoreline! Takes about 1-1.5 hours for this out and back paddle.
Dobson to Peterson–Pine River-6.5 Miles
Kayaking the Pine River! This is one of the fastest, most challenging rivers in Michigan! The route above is one of the popular routes that eases you into minimal rapids and ends with some fast rapid white water sections! I would not suggest a new kayaker or canoer try this section. You will want to know how to read the river ahead and make decisions that won’t put you in harms way. A newer paddler will struggle on the pine and might want to get some experience before trying. That said, there are options for guided raft tours! Ask and I can tell you more about it.
Bowman Bridge to Rainbow Rapids-
Pere Marquette River-7 Miles
This trip is very scenic! You must get a permit online at https://www.recreation.gov/permits/249987 You can do this trip in 3 hrs with very little stopping or close to 4 + hrs depending on your stops and active paddling. Kayaking this section does require some basic maneuvering skills. Unlike the wide Muskegon, this is a narrow river and has plenty of winding! Very little rapids and not a ton of rocks to avoid like others on this list. This speed is moderate so you have time to make your paddle adjustments. If you want something a little more challenging than the Muskegon this is a great option. Because it is a permitted River in the National Forest there is also less traffic.
Dragon Adventures Base Camp 