Boat Launches: Open Or Closed?

Boat launches are open in several locations, with some remaining open to the public even if the dock is not installed. In Connecticut, the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection owns and operates 117 boat launches on ponds, lakes, rivers, and Long Island Sound. In New York, there are several boat launch sites, including in St. Lawrence County, and a New York State Boat Launching Sites Directory is available. In Winnipeg, some boat launches are open, such as Otter Falls, Brereton South Beach, and campground beach.

Boat launches in New York

New York has a plethora of boat launches and ramps, both public and private, for residents and visitors to enjoy. Here is a comprehensive list of boat launches in New York State, organised by county:

Albany County:

• Admiral's Marina: 228 Hudson Ave, Stillwater, NY, 12170
• Albany Avenue Boat Ramp: 99 Newport Plaza, Freeport, NY, 11520
• Albany Marine Service: 1395 New Loudon Road, Cohoes, NY, 12047
• Albany Yacht Club: 1-83 Broadway Ave, Rensselaer, NY, 12144

Allegany County:

Almond Lake: Steuben County's Kanakadea Park, Hornell, NY, 14843

Broome County:

• Allan H. Treman State Marine Park: Cayuga Lake, 105 Enfield Falls Rd., Ithaca, NY, 14850
• Arctic Lake at Oquaga Creek State Park: 45 Old River Rd, Sanford, NY, 13754

Cattaraugus County:

Allegany State Park: 2945 Route 417, Salamanca, NY, 14779

Cayuga County:

Cayuga Inlet at Taughannock Falls State Park: 1740 Taughannock Blvd., Ithaca, NY, 14886

Chautauqua County:

Chautauqua Lake: 4579 Warners Bay Rd, Bemus Point, NY, 14712

Chemung County:

Eldridge Lake: Eldridge Lake Rd, Elmira, NY, 14903

Chenango County:

Guilford Lake: Guilford, NY, 13780

Clinton County:

Valcour Island Boat Launch: Peru, NY, 12972

Columbia County:

• Catskill Marina: 10 Greene Street, Cementon, NY, 12414
• Catskill Yacht Club: 216 W Main Street, Cementon, NY, 12414

Cortland County:

Cortland Country Club: 3732 US-11, Cortland, NY, 13045

Delaware County:

Delaware River in Sullivan County: Off Route 97 in the Hamlet of Calicoon, Wurtsboro, NY, 12790

Dutchess County:

Norrie Point Marina: 14 Howard Boulevard, Hyde Park, NY, 12538

Erie County:

• Buffalo Launch Club: 228 Fuhrmann Blvd, Buffalo, NY, 14203
• Buffalo Yacht Club: 192 Porter Ave, Buffalo, NY, 14202

Essex County:

Lake Placid Marina: 2634 Main St, Lake Placid, NY, 12946

Franklin County:

Chateaugay Lake: Beach Road, Brainardsville, NY, 12905

Fulton County:

Caroga Lake: 2260 NY-10, Gloversville, NY, 12078

Genesee County:

Oak Orchard Creek: 10599 Point Breeze Rd, Carlton, NY, 14032

Greene County:

Catskill Creek: 101 Mansion St, Coxsackie, NY, 12192

Hamilton County:

Fourth Lake: On Route 28, 10 miles east of Old Forge, Eagle Bay, NY, 13331

Herkimer County:

Delta Reservoir at Delta Lake State Park: Off Route 46, 5 miles north of the City of Rome, Rome, NY, 13440

Jefferson County:

Grass Point State Park: 42247 Grassy Point Road, Alexandria Bay, NY, 13607

Lewis County:

Black River: Off Co. Rt. 36, Burdick's Crossing, Turin, NY, 13473

Livingston County:

Conesus Lake Boat Launch: 5240 E Lake Rd, Livonia, NY, 14487

Madison County:

Oneida Lake: 200 Lake St, Oneida, NY, 13421

Monroe County:

Braddock Bay Marina: 194 Braddock Rd, Hilton, NY, 14468

Montgomery County:

Alcove Marina: 886 Route 4 S, Schuylerville, NY, 12871

Nassau County:

• Al Grovers High & Dry Marina: 500 S Main St, Freeport, NY, 11520
• Baldwin Harbor Marina Center: 2997 Eastern Blvd, Baldwin Harbor, NY, 11510
• Baldwin Harbor Yacht Club: 395 S Main St, Freeport, NY, 11520
• Bay Park Ramp Access on 1st Avenue: 1st Ave/Marjorie Lane, East Rockaway, NY, 11518
• Bay Park Yacht Harbor: 480 Reina Rd # A, Oceanside, NY, 11572
• Bayberry Yacht Club: 4 Beach Rd, Islip, NY, 11751
• Bayshore Marina Boat Ramp: 88-98 S Clinton Ave, Bay Shore, NY, 11706
• Bayview Lodge: 767 West Perimeter Road, Frewsburg, NY, 14738
• Blue Point Marina: 12 Corey Ave, Blue Point, NY, 11715
• Freeport Motor Inn & Boatel: 445 South Main Street, Freeport, NY, 11520
• Guy Lombardo Marina: 898 Guy Lombardo Ave, Freeport, NY, 11520
• Hanse Point Marina: 230 Hanse Avenue, Freeport, NY, 11520
• Hempstead Lake: 335 Lakeside Dr, West Hempstead, NY, 11552
• Hicksville Gregory Museum: 1 Heitz Pl, Hicksville, NY, 11801
• Long Beach Town Marina: 399 E Bay Dr, Long Beach, NY, 11561
• Massapequa Town Ramp: 4990 Merrick Rd, Massapequa, NY, 11758
• Nickerson Beach: 880 Lido Blvd, Lido Beach, NY, 11561
• Oyster Bay Town Dock: 101 West End Ave, Oyster Bay, NY, 11771
• Port Washington Town Dock: 101 Main St, Port Washington, NY, 11050
• Town of Hempstead Dock: 1790 Hempstead Harbor Dr, East Meadow, NY, 11554

Niagara County:

Fort Niagara State Park: Fort Niagara Pkwy, Youngstown, NY, 14174

Oneida County:

Delta Lake State Park: 8798 State Route 46, Rome, NY, 13440

Onondaga County:

Onondaga Lake: 1000 Onondaga Lake Pkwy, Liverpool, NY, 13088

Ontario County:

• Canandaigua Yacht Club: 3508-3616 Co Road 16, Canandaigua, NY, 14424
• Kershaw Park: 277 Beach Ave, Canandaigua, NY, 14424

Orange County:

• Algonquin Park: 150 Lake St, Newburgh, NY, 12550
• Beaver Dam Lake: 123 Old Little Britain Rd, Newburgh, NY, 12550
• Cronomer Hill Park: 2199 NY-32, Newburgh, NY, 12550
• Washington Lake: Washington Lake Rd, Newburgh, NY, 12550

Orleans County:

Oak Orchard Creek: 10599 Point Breeze Rd, Carlton, NY, 14032

Oswego County:

Mexico Point State Park: 105 County Route 64, Mexico, NY, 13114

Otsego County:

Canadarago Lake: 5430 St Hwy 28, Cooperstown, NY, 13326

Putnam County:

Canopus Lake: 1521 Old Orchard St, Carmel, NY, 10512

Rensselaer County:

Schodack Island State Park: Schodack Landing, NY, 12156

Richmond County:

Lemon Creek: Prince's Bay, Staten Island, NY

Rockland County:

Haverstraw Marina: Beach Road, West Haverstraw, NY, 10993

Saratoga County:

Saratoga Lake: 400 Lake Ave, Saratoga Springs, NY, 12866

Schenectady County:

Schenectady Yacht Club: 121 Riverside Blvd, Schenectady, NY, 12305

Schoharie County:

Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site: 129 Schoharie St, Fort Hunter, NY, 12069

Schuyler County:

Watkins Glen State Park: 1009 N Franklin St, Watkins Glen, NY, 14891

Seneca County:

Seneca Lake State Park: 2297 NY-414, Geneva, NY, 14456

Steuben County:

Keuka Lake State Park: 2876 Route 54, Bluff Point, NY, 14478

Suffolk County:

• Babylon Village Boat Ramp: 99 Lewis Cir, Babylon, NY, 11702
• Babylon Marina: 156 Cedar Lane, Babylon, NY, 11702
• Bailey's Marina LTD: 3555 Bartz St, Oceanside, NY, 11572
• Bar Beach Park Boat Ramp: W Shore Rd, Port Washington, NY, 11050
• Bay Marina: 360 Jersey Ave, Greenwood Lake, NY, 10925
• Bay Park Marine Service: 3346 Royal Avenue, Oceanside, NY, 11572
• Bay Reef Marina Inc: 1954-1980 Bayberry Ave, Merrick, NY, 11566
• Bay Shore Marina Basin: 121 Maple Ave, Point o'Woods, NY, 11706
• Bay Shore Yacht Club: West Shore Drive, West Bay Shore, NY, 11706
• Bay Village Marina: 233 South Ketcham Avenue, Amity Harbor, NY, 11701
• Bayberry Yacht Club: 4 Beach Rd, Islip, NY, 11751
• Bayles Dock: 27 East Broadway, Port Jefferson, NY, 11777
• Baywatch Motel & Marina: 72 Foster Ave, Hampton Bays, NY, 11946
• Belle Harbor Landing: 80 Beach Road, Stony Point, NY, 10980
• Blue Point Marina: 12 Corey Ave, Blue Point, NY, 11715
• Boblin Boat Works: 344 Lakeside Dr, Mayfield, NY, 12117
• Broadwaters Cove Marina: 8000 Skunk Lane, Peconic, NY, 11935
• Captree State Park: 765 Pine Ave, West Islip, NY, 11795
• Captree State Park Boat Basin: 3500 E Ocean Pkwy, West Gilgo Beach, NY, 11702
• Corey Avenue Ramp: 65 Corey Ave, Blue Point, NY, 11715
• Creek Road Ramp: 1-73 Creek Rd, Wading River, NY, 11792
• Crow's Nest Marina: 495 New St, Oceanside, NY, 11572
• Cupsogue Beach County Park: 91 W End Rd, Westhampton Beach, NY, 11977
• Davis Park/Fire Island: 1122 Old Town Rd, Coram, NY, 11727
• Dockside 500 Marina: 46 Colonial Ln, Bellport, NY, 11713
• Dunewood Marina: 123 Mile Walk, Ocean Beach, NY, 11770
• East Hampton Marina: 19 Boatyard Road, Springs, NY, 11937
• East Hampton Point Marina: 234-254 3 Mile Harbor Rd, Springs, NY, 11937
• East Islip Marina Ramp: 144 Bayview Ave, East Islip, NY, 11730
• East Quogue Village Ramp: 53 Bay Ave, East Quogue, NY, 11942
• East Quogue Village Ramp #2: Quogue Neck Lane, East Quogue, NY, 11942
• Forge River/Riviera Dr. Ramp: 40 Riviera Dr, Mastic, NY, 11950
• Fort Pond: Off Edgemere Road in Village of Montauk, Montauk, NY, 11954
• Glen Cove Creek: 27A Glen St, Glen Cove, NY, 11542
• Great Cove Marina: 60 South Montgomery Avenue, Bay Shore, NY, 11706
• Great Peconic Bay Marina: 13 Washington Avenue, Flanders, NY, 11901
• Great River Dock Ramp: 50 River Rd, East Islip, NY, 11730
• Greenport Town Dock: 3rd St, Greenport, NY, 11944
• Greenport Yacht & Shipbuilding: 11 Third St, Greenport, NY, 11944
• Heckscher State Park: 1 Heckscher State Pkwy, East Islip, NY, 11730
• Huntington Town Ramp: 267 West Shore Rd, Huntington, NY, 11743
• Huntington Yacht Club: 245 West Shore Rd, Huntington, NY, 11743
• Inlet Pond County Park: 693 Harborfield Rd, Calverton, NY, 11933
• Iron Pier Beach: 155 S Bay Ave, Eastport, NY, 11941
• James Creek: 26 James Creek Dr, East Hampton, NY, 11937
• Jamesport Town Ramp: 250 Washington Ave, Jamesport, NY, 11947
• Lake Montauk: 16 Lake Montauk Dr, Montauk, NY, 11954
• Laurel Lake: W Lake Dr, Laurel, NY, 11948
• Laurel Lake: W Lake Dr, Laurel, NY, 11948
• Laurel Park: 14565 NY-25, Laurel, NY, 11948
• Little Peconic Ramp: 130 Human Ave, Laurel, NY, 11948
• Long Beach Town Marina: 399 E Bay Dr, Long Beach, NY, 11561
• Maidstone Park: 341 Old Beach Rd, East Hampton, NY, 11937
• Meschutt Beach County Park: 1 Canal Rd, Hampton Bays, NY, 11946
• Montauk Lake Marina: 32 Star Island Rd, Montauk, NY, 11954
• Montauk Lake Marina: 32 Star Island Rd, Montauk, NY, 11954
• Montauk Lake Marina: 32 Star Island Rd, Montauk, NY, 11954
• Montauk Lake Marina: 32 Star Island Rd, Montauk, NY, 11954
• Moriches Bay: West Lake Dr, East Moriches, NY, 11940
• Mount Sinai Dock: 500 Harbor Beach Rd, Mount Sinai, NY, 11766
• Narrow River Ramp: 10 Narrow River Rd, Montauk, NY, 11954
• Narrow River Ramp: 10 Narrow River Rd, Montauk, NY, 11954
• Narrow River Ramp: 10 Narrow River Rd, Montauk, NY, 11954
• Narrow River Ramp: 10 Narrow River Rd, Montauk, NY, 11954
• North Sea Ramp: 1340 Majors Path, Southampton, NY, 11968
• Oak Beach: Oak Beach Rd, Oak Beach, NY, 11782
• Oak Island: Oak Island Rd, Oakdale, NY, 11769
• Oakdale Ramp: 500 Oak Island Rd, Oakdale, NY, 11769
• Orient by the Sea:

Boat launches in Connecticut

The Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection (DEEP) owns and/or operates 117 boat launches statewide on ponds, lakes, rivers, and Long Island Sound. These boat launches are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, unless otherwise noted.

• Bigelow Hollow State Park & Nipmuck State Forest: Boat ramps provided on Mashapaug Lake and Bigelow, Breakneck, and Griggs ponds.
• Coventry Lake Boat Launch: Located on Route 31, south on Lake Street. Trailered. Open year-round.
• Indian Well State Park: A boat ramp is available from April through September at this park in the woods along the Housatonic River.
• Wood Creek Pond Boat Launch: Located on Route 44, north on Route 272, then the first left to the launch. Trailered. Open year-round. 12 parking spaces.
• Lake Lillinonah Boat Launch: Dirt parking lot, paved access road. Parking lot for 60 vehicles. Ramp paved. No disability access.
• Salmon River Boat Launch: Seasonal floating wood dock and chemical toilets. Parking for 60 vehicles. Paved access road, concrete slab ramp. Access is flooded during the spring months. Disability access.
• Mystic River Boat Launch: Take I-95, exit 89. Open year-round. No docks or toilets. Access road and parking lot are dirt. 8 spaces. No disability access.
• Pachaug Pond Boat Launch: Seasonal chemical toilets. Parking for 40 vehicles. Paved/gravel road access, concrete slab ramp. No disability access.
• Gardner Lake Boat Launch
• Dooley Pond Boat Launch
• Pickerel Lake Boat Launch
• Middle Bolton Lake Boat Launch
• Lower Moodus Reservoir Boat Launch
• Lower Bolton Lake Boat Launch
• Beseck Lake Boat Launch
• Bluff Point Boat Launch
• Mashapaug Lake Boat Launch
• Wyassup Lake Boat Launch
• Twin Lakes Boat Launch
• Lake Zoar Boat Launch

Please note that the KE Streeter (Thames River) Boat Launch in Groton is closed due to construction on the Gold Star Bridge.

Boat launches in Manitoba

If you're looking for boat launches in Manitoba, there are several options to choose from. Here is some information that can help you find the right launch site for your needs:

Location and Busyness:

• A quiet launch within 30 minutes of the city is Norris Lake, which is a bit past Teulon.
• The St. Agathe boat ramp is also recommended, located at 202 Pembina Trail #170, Ste. Agathe, MB R0G 1Y0, Canada.
• The double launch at St. Vital Park during the week is usually quiet, and you may find yourself launching with very few other boats around.
• The North Perimeter off of Main during the week is generally quiet as well.
• If you're looking for a launch practice, an empty parking lot can also be a good place to start.

Preparation and Safety:

• It is recommended to prepare your boat in the parking lot and not at the launch to avoid blocking others.
• If you're launching solo, try to tie your boat out of the way while parking to avoid blocking the launch ramp.
• Check that your plug is in, and make sure your ropes are tied to the boat before securing them to the dock.
• Double-check that your engine is running well before launching. Run it on a hose at home or start it in a barrel of water in your yard.
• Familiarize yourself with aquatic invasive species regulations and always wear a life jacket.

Specific Launch Sites:

• End of Main Street launch by Netley Creek is not recommended due to mud and a lack of a dock. However, some people still use it and it can be good for testing your abilities.
• The boat launch at Selkirk Park is good for first-timers, and you can pre-purchase access online. The daily pass costs $22.05.
• The boat launch at Chesley's is nice, with a daily fee of around $15.
• The Big Creek boat launch at Eleanor Lake is quiet and decent.
• Lac Du Bonnet has a nice launch that is quiet on weekdays.
• Brereton in the Whiteshell has a good launch that isn't usually too busy.
• The boat launch at Main St and the perimeter is all paved but can be tricky due to the current.
• Petersfield is the closest launch site that is not on the Red River.

Additional Considerations:

• When launching in the Red River, decontamination is required before launching into another body of water, and there is a lack of availability of decontamination stations.
• Clear Lake is closed to boats due to zebra mussels.
• Lake Manitoba has extremely low water levels, and boat launches are far from safe water levels. Boaters are advised to be cautious of unexpected rocks and sandbars.

Remember always to follow proper launch etiquette, prepare your boat in advance, and stay safe on the water!

Boat launch fees

In addition to launch fees, some locations charge parking fees. In Pierce County, WA, seasonal parking fees are charged from May to September, with daily fees from May 27 to September 2. Seniors, motorcycles, and military personnel pay $1 for parking, while people with disabilities park for free with a valid disabled license plate or temporary placard. New Melones Lake, CA, also offers camping and RV dump stations, with standard campsites costing $22 per night, walk-in campsites for $18 per night, and RV dump stations for $8 for registered campers and $16 for non-campers.

It is important to note that boat launch fees are subject to change, and different locations may have different policies and pricing structures. Some launches may be free of charge, while others may require a fee for each launch or as part of a seasonal or annual pass. It is also common for boat launch sites to have additional fees for parking, camping, and other amenities.

Boat launch safety

Boat launches are open in many places, but it's important to follow safety guidelines when using them. Here are some key points to ensure safety at boat launches:

Preparation and Maintenance:

Before heading to the boat launch ramp, ensure your boat is ready. Check that you have adequate fuel, all necessary equipment, and safety gear. Perform essential maintenance, such as tuning the engine, lubricating the steering and shift linkage, checking coolant levels, and inspecting the exhaust system for leaks. Don't forget to test the ignition, wiring, and electronic equipment, and ensure your navigation lights are functional.

Similarly, inspect your trailer. Check the tire pressure, including the spare, and verify that the safety chains are the correct length. Lubricate the winch and wheel bearings, and ensure the tie-down straps and winch rope are in good condition, with no signs of rot or fraying.

Etiquette and Communication:

Be mindful of other boaters and maintain good ramp etiquette. Ensure you have all your gear ready before joining the launch line to avoid delays. Communicate clearly with anyone helping you, whether parking the trailer or maneuvering the boat. On multi-vessel ramps, leave ample space for others, and remember to turn off your headlights during nighttime launches so other drivers can see behind them.

Launch Technique:

Before backing your trailer down the ramp, inspect it for hazards or obstacles that could cause issues. Be mindful of the tides and currents, especially in rivers or tidal areas, and always follow posted rules and regulations. When backing your trailer, use smooth and controlled movements to avoid accidents. Ensure your boat is correctly positioned on the trailer for a safe launch. Allow six to 12 inches of the boat's stern to hang over the back end of the trailer, and release one to two feet of the front cable before backing down.

Safety Considerations:

Always prioritize safety. Wear appropriate safety gear, including well-fitted life jackets, and ensure your safety equipment is in good condition. Be mindful of the weather conditions, as high winds, rough waters, and heavy rain can make launching more challenging. Check the forecast and adjust your plans if necessary. Additionally, be cautious of the surrounding natural habitat, avoiding any disturbance to wildlife and taking care not to pollute the water with trash or fuel leaks.

By following these guidelines, you can help ensure a safe and enjoyable boat launch experience for yourself and other boaters.

Frequently asked questions