Dead Lake (North)

**Location & Facilities:** The Dead Lake North boat ramp is located near Dent in Otter Tail County, Minnesota, and provides public access to this popular recreational lake. The ramp can accommodate boats up to 12-18 feet in length. There are no launch fees unless accessing through a park that requires a vehicle permit—check current regulations before visiting.

**Lake Characteristics:** Dead Lake is a shallow, scenic lake with numerous points and bays that create protected fishing and paddling areas even on windy days. With 83% of the lake less than 15 feet deep, it's generally manageable for kayaks and canoes, though paddlers should watch for shallow rock piles scattered throughout. The lake features extensive stands of hardstem bulrush, cattail, and wild rice, which provide wildlife habitat and scenic paddling corridors but require careful navigation in shallow areas.

**Planning Your Visit:** This is one of four public access points on Dead Lake, making it a reliable option for launching. The lake's protected bays and shallows make it well-suited for paddlers seeking calmer conditions. Bring a map or use Lake Finder to familiarize yourself with the lake layout and identify shallow hazards before launching.