Bay City Campground

**Location & Access:** Bay City Campground sits along the Mississippi River in Pierce County, Wisconsin, offering public boat launch access to Lake Pepin. The ramp provides direct access to the scenic head of Lake Pepin, the Wisconsin back channel, and downstream routes toward Maiden Rock. The launch fee is $5 daily or $30 seasonal. Note that the ramp requires driving through sandy approaches and potentially into shallow water, so exercise caution during low water conditions.

**Amenities & Nearby Services:** The campground offers rustic tent camping, pull-through dump station, clean restrooms, fish cleaning station, and a pavilion. The small community of Bay City has limited services (Dollar General, thrift stores, bars and grills), but Red Wing, Minnesota—not far away—offers more comprehensive shopping and dining options. The ramp experiences regular use by both recreational and fishing boats, particularly during peak seasons.

**Best For:** Paddlers and boaters seeking access to Lake Pepin and the Upper Mississippi River Valley. This location works well for exploring the scenic Pool 4 area between Red Wing and Winona, though paddlers should be aware of variable water conditions and plan accordingly. Early morning launches may offer better conditions and fewer recreational conflicts.