Access & Facilities: Pack-In/Pack-Out Stewardship

Recreation & Safety

Keep launches, beaches, and park areas clean and open for everyone—while protecting water quality.

Pack-In/Pack-Out Basics

  • Bring it, take it. Everything you carry in—food, cans, wrappers, fishing line—goes home with you
  • Set up a "trash kit." Sturdy bag, spare gloves, and a small container for sharp items (hooks, broken glass)
  • Recycle when available. Rinse cans/bottles; flatten boxes

Launch Etiquette (Fast & Courteous)

  • Prep in the staging area. Remove tie-downs, load coolers, and secure gear before you reach the ramp
  • Use the shortest no-wake path to and from the ramp
  • Tie-down zone after landing. Clear the ramp quickly; finish wipe-down and gear sorting in the parking area
  • Quiet hours: Keep music off and voices low near homes/camps

Waste & Spill Prevention

  • No drips in the water

    Fuel on shore or at marinas with absorbent pads; wipe fittings and caps

  • Bilge sense

    Fix leaks; use oil-absorbing pillows in bilges where needed; never pump oily water overboard

  • Fish cleaning

    Use designated stations or clean at home; bag/dispose of waste securely

  • Gray water

    Strain food solids; scatter rinse water well away from the shore where allowed

Pump-Out & Sanitation (If Equipped)

  • Know your system. Portable toilets: empty at restrooms or dump stations. Fixed marine heads: use pump-out only—no overboard discharge
  • Hose discipline: Keep pump-out hoses off the ground; flush per instructions; wash hands after
  • Supplies: Keep biodegradable soap, paper towels, and sanitizer handy; never rinse cleaners into the lake

Pet Waste: Small Habit, Big Impact

  • Bag and carry out all pet waste—on trails, beaches, and around launches
  • Spare bags live with leashes; stash extras in the glove box
  • At camp: Choose relief areas well away from water and ditches

Beach & Picnic Areas

  • Food scraps = wildlife problems. Pack them out to avoid gulls, rodents, and raccoons
  • Micro-trash: Pick up twist ties, bread tags, and line clippings that injure wildlife
  • Glass-free zone: Avoid breakables; store drinks in durable containers

Sharing the Space

  • Queue kindly at crowded ramps; alternate lanes when busy
  • Give paddlers and anglers room at courtesy docks; minimize idling
  • Keep carts and coolers off high-traffic paths

End-of-Day Close-Out Checklist

  • Trash/recycling packed out
  • Decks tidy; tie-downs secured in lot
  • Absorbent pads used/removed as needed
  • Bilge dry; livewell/bait water drained away from ramp
  • Pet waste double-bagged and stowed
  • Micro-trash scan (hooks/line, can tabs, plastic bits)

Volunteer Touches (If You're a Regular)

  • Carry a few spare bags and offer one to others with a smile
  • Do a 2-minute sweep of the ramp edges before you leave
  • Share courteous reminders on your lake group's board or social feed

Bottom Line

Pack it in, pack it out; prevent drips and litter; keep ramps moving and quiet. Clean facilities stay open—and your lake stays cleaner.

Related Topics

Key Takeaways

  • Pack out everything you bring in
  • Prep in staging area, not on ramp
  • Prevent fuel and oil drips
  • Always bag and carry out pet waste
  • Use pump-out stations properly
  • Do a micro-trash scan before leaving

Trash Kit Essentials

  • Sturdy trash bags
  • Spare gloves
  • Small container for sharps
  • Extra pet waste bags
  • Hand sanitizer

Launch Prep Sequence

  1. Prep in staging area
  2. Quick launch at ramp
  3. Clear ramp immediately
  4. Finish tie-down in parking area
  5. Use shortest no-wake path

Spill Prevention

  • Fuel on shore with absorbent pads
  • Wipe all fittings and caps
  • Fix leaks promptly
  • Use oil-absorbing pillows in bilge
  • Never pump oily water overboard

Keep Facilities Open

Clean, courteous use keeps access points open for everyone. Report facility issues to your lake association or local authorities.

Report Issues