Amanda Knapp
Pennsylvania has a plethora of boat ramps and launches across the state, with access to lakes, rivers, and waterways for public and private use. The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission requires that all motorized boats be registered, and while non-motorized boats do not need to be registered, they must have a permit to use Commission launches or properties. Many boat launches are free to use, while some require a fee.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Boat Launches and Marinas in PA | Riverside Wharf Park, California Boat Launch, Coal Center Public Docks, Ten Mile Creek County Park, Greene Cove Marina, East Bethlehem Township Docks, Glassworks Boat Ramp, Canoe/Kayak Launch, Old Ferry Landing, Uffington Boat Ramp, Hazel Ruby McQuain Riverfront Park, Morgantown Marina, Point Marion Park Boat Launch, Rices Landing Borough Boat Ramp, Min Love Park, Edith Barill Riverfront Park Boat Ramp |
| Registration and Permits | All motorized boats must be registered with the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission. Non-motorized boats are not required to be registered, but if they are using Fish & Boat Commission launches or properties, State-owned lakes and waterways, or Army Corps of Engineers properties, they must either be registered or have a use permit. |
What You'll Learn
Boat launch permits and registration
In Pennsylvania, all motorized boats must be registered with the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission. Non-motorized boats, such as canoes, kayaks, rowboats, stand-up paddleboards, and sailboats, are not required to be registered. However, if they are using Fish & Boat Commission launches, state-owned lakes and waterways, or Army Corps of Engineers properties, they must either be registered or have a launch permit.
Launch permits are an alternative form of registration for non-powered boats, allowing them to launch at state lakes and access areas. They can be purchased online or in person from an issuing agent. The process is quick and easy, requiring only basic information about the boat. The cost of a launch permit is similar to that of registering a boat, but there are added benefits to registering a boat.
Registering a boat for the first time requires an application with more information than a launch permit and cannot be completed online. You need to go to an issuing agent with the application and documents, and you will receive a 60-day temporary registration while the application is being processed. Alternatively, you can mail the paperwork to the PFBC. The benefits of registering your boat include:
- Every state recognizes valid PA boat registrations.
- Registration renewal reminders make it easy to keep your registration up to date.
- Registration helps in recovering a lost or stolen boat.
- Registration data helps contact boat owners when vessels get "loose".
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Public boat launches in PA
There are many public boat launches in Pennsylvania, with most major lakes, rivers, and waterways offering boating access points. Here is a list of some of the public boat launches in the state:
- Riverside Wharf Park: Located off of Water Street, this boat launch is open to small and medium motor boats, as well as canoes and kayaks. The boat ramp is steep and should be inspected before use.
- California Boat Launch: Open to motorboats, canoes, and kayaks, this launch can be found where Union Street goes under the railroad tracks, after the intersection with First Street. There is free parking available in a gravel lot behind the sewage plant, as well as limited street parking on Union and First Streets.
- Glassworks Boat Ramp: The PA Fish and Boat Commission boat ramp in Glassworks is located at 342 Stoney Hill Road, Greensboro, PA 15338, and offers ample parking. Boat registration or a Use Permit is required.
- Point Marion Park Boat Launch: A PA Fish & Boat Commission boat ramp, as well as public docks, are located in Point Marion Park, off of South Main Street. Boat registration or a Use Permit is required. The public docks are a nice spot to fish.
- Long Arm Dam, Lawrence B. Sheppard Reservoir
- Codorus State Park: This park offers multiple boat launch options, including Wonder Cove, the Marina Area, Smith Station Road, the Main Launch, Spillway Recreation Area, Hidden Cove, and Mooring Cove.
- Pinchot State Park: This park offers a campground and multiple boat mooring options.
- Little Buffalo State Park: This park offers a boat launch on Holman Lake.
- Lake LeBoeuf: This lake offers a boat launch at 12816 Sunset Dr, Waterford, PA.
- Presque Isle State Park: This park is located at 1 Peninsula Drive, Presque Isle State Park, PA.
- Allegheny River, Buckaloons Recreation Area: This boat launch is located on Old Route 6, Irvine, PA.
- Black Rock Boat Ramp: This boat ramp is located on Pennsylvania 113, Phoenixville, PA.
- Neshaminy State Park: This park offers a boat launch at 3401 State Park, Eddington, PA.
Please note, this list is not exhaustive, and it is always a good idea to check ahead to confirm that a boat launch is open to public use and to familiarize yourself with any relevant regulations or permits required.
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Private boat launches in PA
Boat launches in Pennsylvania are open to the public. However, it is unclear whether they are all currently operational. It is recommended to check ahead to confirm that the boat launch you plan to visit is open.
- Aitch Boat Launch and Fishing Dock, Marklesburg
- Aleghany Boat Club, Verona
- Anchorage Marina, Tinicum Township
- Anchorage Marina Inc, Essington
- Auburn Lake Ramp, Auburn
- Baum's Cove Marina, Tullytown
- Beach Club Marina, New Eagle
- Beechwood Lake, Tioga County Access
- Bell Harbor Yacht Club, Blawnox
- Belmont Lake, Wayne County Access
- Beltzville Lake 1, Lehighton
- Beltzville Lake 2, Lehighton
- Betzwood Boat Ramp, Norristown
- Black Rock Boat Ramp, Phoenixville
- Briar Lake, Columbia County Access
- Brilliant Boat Marina, Pittsburgh
- Bull Island State Park, Lumberville
- Chapman Lake, Jermyn
- Chemung River in Steuben County
- Clear Creek State Park
- Cloe Lake, Jefferson County Access
- Codorus State Park, Hanover
- Colyer Lake, Centre County Access
- Corinthian Yacht Club, Essington
- Cowanesque Lake, Lawrenceville
- Cranberry Glade Lake, Somerset County
- Cross Creek Lake, Washington County Access
- Curwensville Lake Recreation Area, Curwensville
- D & S Boat Sales Inc, Tullytown
- Delaware Canal State Park, Upper Black Eddy
- Dock of the Bay Marina, Sharpsburg
- Edinboro Lake
- Engle's Holiday Harbor, Millsboro
- Fairview Gravel Pits, Erie County Access
- Flat Rock Boat Ramp, Philadelphia
- Fords Lake, Lackawanna County Access
- Frances Slocum State Park, Wyoming
- French Creek, French Creek State Park
- Glendale Lake at Prince Gallitzin State Park
- Glendale Marina, Central City
- Gouldsboro Lake, Bouldsboro Lake
- Greene Cove Yacht Club, Rices Landing
- Harbortown Marina, Vanport
- Harmar Marina, Blawnox
- Harris Pond, Luzerne County Access
- Harvey's Lake, Harveys Lake
- Hemlock Lake, Indiana County
- High Point Lake, Somerset County
- Hills Creek State Park, Mansfield
- Hunters Lake, Muncy Valley
- Indian Lake Marina, Indian Lake
- Jack's Marina, Bensalem
- Kaercher Creek Lake, Kaercher Creek Park
- Kahle Lake, Venango County Access
- Kittanning Marina, Kittanning
- Lackawanna Lake, Lackawanna State Park
- Lake Heritage Marina, Lake Heritage
- Lake LeBoeuf, Waterford
- Lake Somerset, Somerset County Access
- Lake Winola, Wyoming County Access
- Leaser Lake, LeHigh County
- Lighthouse Harbor Marina, Newfoundland
- Lindell Ramp, Downingtown
- Linden Ave Ramp, Philadelphia
- Little Buffalo State Park, Centre
- Locust Lake, Locust Lake State Park
- Lower Woods Pond, Equinunk
- Mauch Chunk Lake, Carbon County
- Meadow Grounds Lake, Fulton County Access
- Miller Pond, Wayne County Access
- Minsi Lake, Northampton County Access
- Molnar's Marina, Bunola
- Moraine State Park, Portersville
- Mountain Springs Lake, Luzerne County Access
- Neshaminy State Marina, Bristol
- Nye's Marina Ltd, Conneaut Lake
- Old Trail Tackle & Sports, Shamokin Dam
- Opossum Lake, Cumberland County Access
- Outboard Haven Marina, Verona
- Peace Valley Park, Doylestown
- Philadelphia Boat Supply Company Inc, Philadelphia
- Prospect Park Marina, Prospect Park
- Quemahoning Reservoir, Hollsopple
- Raccoon Lake, Raccoon Creek State Park
- Raystown Lake, Huntingdon
- Ricketts Glen State Park, Ricketts Glen State Park
- Riverside Yacht Club, Tinicum Township
- Rose Valley Lake, Lycoming County Access
- Shy Beaver Boat Launch, James Creek
- Sinnemahoning State Park, Sinnamahoning
- Snug Harbour Marina, Croydon
- Snyder's Run Boat Launch, Huntingdon
- South Side Riverfront Park Launch, Pittsburgh
- Stevens Lake, Wyoming County Access
- Stump Pond, Susquehanna County
- Susquehanna River, Clemson Island Access
- Tacony St Ramp, Fitler
- Tamarack Lake, Meadville
- The Navigation Company, Conneaut Lake
- Two Mile Run County Park, Oakland
- Upper Woods Pond, Wayne County
- Virgin Run Lake, Fayette County
- Washington's Landing Marina, Homestead
- Weaver Falls Boat Launch, Hopewell
- White Oak Pond, Wayne County Access
- Wissinoming Yacht Club, Philadelphia
- Yellow Creek State Park, Yellow Creek State Park
- York Furnace Boat Ramp, Airville
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Boat launch requirements
There are many boat launches across Pennsylvania, and most are open to motor boats, canoes, and kayaks. Some are free to use, while others require a fee. Here are the requirements for launching a boat in Pennsylvania:
Registration and Permits
- All motorized boats must be registered with the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission.
- Non-motorized boats, such as canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards, are not required to be registered. However, if they are using Fish & Boat Commission launches, State-owned lakes and waterways, or Army Corps of Engineers properties, they must either be registered or have a use permit.
- Registration and launch permits can be purchased online, at a Commission Office, or through authorized agents.
- Launch permits must be displayed on the outside center of each side of the boat and placed high enough to be seen when paddling.
- Launch permits from other states are not recognized in Pennsylvania.
Boat Launch Considerations
- Some boat launches have steep ramps that may be challenging for very large boats. It is recommended to inspect the ramp before launching.
- Some locations offer free parking, while others have limited street parking.
- Some docks can be used for fishing, but overnight docking may not be allowed.
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Boat launch locations near me
If you're looking for boat launch locations in Pennsylvania, you're in luck! There are numerous options available, both public and private, for you to choose from. Here is a list of some of the boat launch locations in the state:
Public Boat Launches:
- Riverside Wharf Park: Open to small and medium motor boats, canoes, and kayaks. Located off of Water Street.
- California Boat Launch: Motor boats, canoes, and kayaks are all permitted here. It can be found where Union Street goes under the railroad tracks, after the intersection with First Street.
- Glassworks Boat Ramp: This boat ramp, located in Glassworks across from the Ice Plant restaurant, has ample parking available and is open to motor boats, canoes, and kayaks.
- Point Marion Park Boat Launch: A PA Fish & Boat Commission boat ramp, as well as public docks, are located within the park. It is open to motor boats, canoes, and kayaks, and a great spot for fishing.
Private Boat Launches:
- Greene Cove Marina: A full-service marina with a bar and restaurant. For a $5 fee, you can use their boat launch, which is open to motor boats, canoes, and kayaks.
- Anchorage Marina: Located on Jansen Avenue in Tinicum Township.
- Allegheny Marina Inc.: Found on 62nd Street in Pittsburgh.
- Aitch Boat Launch and Fishing Dock: On Aitch Road in Marklesburg.
These are just a few examples of the many boat launch locations in Pennsylvania. It's always a good idea to check ahead to confirm whether a location is public or private and to familiarize yourself with any relevant permits or regulations. Enjoy your boating adventures!
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you need to display a launch permit on your boat to use Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) or Pennsylvania State Park or State Forest waterway accesses.
You can buy a launch permit online at HuntFish.pa.gov, in-person at a Commission Office, or from an authorized agent.
Yes, an unpowered boat can be launched if it displays a boat registration, Commission launch permit, or Pennsylvania State Parks launch permit.
There are many boat ramps and launches in Pennsylvania. Some include the Riverside Wharf Park Public, California Boat Launch Public, and Glassworks Boat Ramp Public.
Some boat launches in Pennsylvania are free, while others require a fee. For example, the Ten Mile Creek County Park Public requires a $7.50 permit for the season, while the Greene Cove Marina Public has a $5 fee.
