Gun Lake is a 2,680-acre all-sports lake straddling Barry and Allegan counties in southwest Michigan, offering excellent paddling opportunities with nearly 18 miles of shoreline to explore. Located approximately 25 miles southeast of Grand Rapids within Yankee Springs Recreation Area, the lake consists of two distinct basins separated by a gravel bar—a deeper eastern basin with steep shorelines and a shallower western basin averaging 5-10 feet deep.

Paddlers can launch from multiple access points, including Yankee Springs State Park's modern campground facilities on the east side, Gun Lake County Park with an ADA-accessible dock on the west shore, and the Patterson Road area near the southern end. Kayak and paddleboard rentals are available from several marinas including Gun Lake Marina & Rentals. The Gun Lake Trail, a 0.9-mile accessible path, connects the campground to the day-use area and offers easy water access.

The lake's varied character provides diverse paddling experiences. The western basin's shallow, warmer waters are ideal for beginners and recreational paddling, while the deeper eastern basin offers more challenging conditions when winds pick up. Sandbars provide popular stopping points for rest breaks. The shoreline alternates between natural wooded sections, wetlands with emergent vegetation, and developed areas with homes and resorts.

Wildlife viewing opportunities include migratory waterfowl, herons, and occasional otters along quieter stretches. Native wild rice beds are being restored in some areas. The lake bottom is primarily marl with scattered gravel bars and boulders—paddlers should watch for submerged stumps in some areas, remnants from when the lake was impounded in 1905.

Wind and boat traffic can be significant during summer weekends, making early mornings or weekdays preferable for peaceful paddling. The lake's designation as an all-sports waterbody means sharing space with powerboats, jet skis, and water skiers during peak season. Invasive species concerns require cleaning watercraft between launches.