Big Arbor Vitae Lake has two public Wisconsin DNR boat launches, and they are not interchangeable. The north site has a concrete-panel ramp, a vault toilet and a picnic area. The south site uses concrete planks, has a loop road and offers no restroom. Both are single-lane ramps with boarding docks and modest parking, so choosing before you tow can save an unnecessary drive around the lake.
North vs. south at a glance
| Feature | North launch | South launch |
|---|---|---|
| DNR access ID | 1841 | 1840 |
| Coordinates | 45.94356348, -89.65760725 | 45.91850610, -89.63670736 |
| Ramp | 1 lane; concrete panels | 1 lane; concrete planks |
| Listed launch depth | Less than 3 feet | Deeper than 3 feet |
| Ramp slope | 8% | 11% |
| Boarding dock | Yes | Yes |
| Vehicle/trailer stalls | 6–10 | 6–10 |
| Vehicle-only stalls | 6–10 | 6–10 |
| Restroom | Vault toilet | None |
| Other notes | Picnic area with grills | Loop road; no power loading, camping or overnight parking |
| ADA-accessible features listed | No | No |
The table reflects the Wisconsin DNR access inventory as checked October 1, 2026. Conditions at a ramp can change with water level, weather and maintenance, so inspect the site before backing in.
When the north launch fits better
The north launch is the more service-equipped option on paper. Its 8% concrete-panel ramp has a boarding dock, and the DNR record lists a vault toilet plus a picnic area with grills. The listed launch depth is less than three feet, which is useful planning information but not a guarantee for any particular boat, trailer or water level.
The DNR also says the route to the boarding dock was not ADA accessible when assessed in April 2016. “No” is the current value in the agency’s accessible-features field, so travelers who need step-free access should contact the Northern Highland–American Legion recreation staff before relying on the site.
When the south launch fits better
The south launch has an 11% concrete-plank ramp, a boarding dock and a listed depth greater than three feet. A loop road can simplify circulation, but the site still has only one launch lane and limited parking. The DNR specifically notes no power loading, no camping and no overnight parking.
There is no restroom, potable water, lighting, fish-cleaning station or marine pumpout listed at the south site. The boarding-dock slope exceeds the maximum the DNR uses for ADA accessibility, and the record lists no ADA-accessible features.
Parking and launch etiquette
- Both sites list 6–10 vehicle-and-trailer stalls and 6–10 vehicle-only stalls.
- Prepare the boat away from the ramp so the single lane stays available.
- At the south launch, obey the no-power-loading direction to protect the ramp and lake bottom.
- Read signs at the landing for local boating rules. Wisconsin DNR cautions that posted ordinances may be newer or more restrictive than online summaries.
- Inspect the boat, trailer and gear for plants, animals and mud before leaving to reduce the spread of aquatic invasive species.
About Big Arbor Vitae Lake
Big Arbor Vitae Lake is a 1,070-acre drainage lake in Vilas County with a maximum depth of 41 feet and a mean depth of 18 feet. The DNR describes its clarity as low and lists musky, walleye, panfish and largemouth bass among the fish community. Its reported bottom composition is 40% sand, 35% gravel, 10% rock and 15% muck.
Those are lake-wide facts, not promises about fish location or catch rates. Bring a current chart, watch for changing weather and use the launch-depth notes only as a starting point for judging whether your own rig can launch safely.
Fishing seasons and regulations
The official 2026–27 Big Arbor Vitae Lake regulation page lists lake-specific seasons and limits. Among the entries current on October 1, 2026, musky fishing is open through December 31 on open water with a 40-inch minimum and a daily bag of one. Walleye, sauger and hybrids have a 15-inch minimum, a protected 20- to 24-inch slot, no more than one fish over 24 inches and a daily bag of three. Regulations can change, so check the DNR page again before fishing and carry the required license.
Hours, admission and safety
These DNR-managed launches are within the Northern Highland–American Legion State Forest system. The official forest page lists property hours of 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. year-round and says a vehicle admission sticker is required. That makes the south launch’s separate no-overnight-parking rule especially important.
- Wear a properly fitted life jacket and check the marine forecast before leaving shore.
- Expect no lighting at either ramp and plan your return before dark.
- Use extra caution on wet concrete, leaves and steeper sections of the south ramp.
- Neither landing lists potable water, a fish-cleaning station or a marine pumpout.
- For current access questions, the DNR inventory lists the NHAL recreation team at 715-385-3355, extension 119.
Nearby launch guides
If parking or launch conditions do not work for your trip, compare other Vilas County options before leaving home. Our Plum Lake boat landings guide compares two paved ramps, while the Big Muskellunge Lake ramp guide covers three access points. For a paved-versus-carry-in choice, see the Clear Lake public landings guide.
Official trip-planning sources
- Wisconsin DNR Big Arbor Vitae Lake overview
- Wisconsin DNR lake facts and figures
- Wisconsin DNR north launch record (access ID 1841)
- Wisconsin DNR south launch record (access ID 1840)
- Current Big Arbor Vitae Lake fishing regulations
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