Boat Ramps In Arizona: Open Or Closed?

Arizona is known for its iconic deserts, but it also has a plethora of lakes and rivers perfect for boating, fishing, and water sports. The state has several boat ramps and launches that provide access to these bodies of water. These include the Lake Havasu State Park, which has four boat ramps, the Tonto National Forest's Windy Hill Boating Site, which has two concrete launch ramps, and various other locations across the state, such as Lake Pleasant, Alamo Lake State Park, and Cattail Cove State Park.

Lake Havasu State Park boat ramps

Boat Ramps at Lake Havasu State Park

Lake Havasu State Park in Arizona offers four boat ramps for visitors to launch their watercraft. The park's scenic shoreline is an ideal spot for boating and other watersports, located near the famous London Bridge of Lake Havasu City.

The four boat ramps are easily accessible by following the wayfinding signs within the park. The personal watercraft and jet ramp is situated at the north end of the park in Lot 1, specifically designated for watercraft without propellers. The North Ramp and South Ramp, also known as the Windsor launch ramps, are conveniently located in Lot 2, directly east of the contact station. For those camping at the south end of the park, Windsor Ramp 3 is conveniently situated in Lot 3, past the campground area.

Non-motorized watercraft are permitted to launch at any of the four boat ramps. Lake Havasu State Park welcomes all types of watercraft, but it is important to ensure that your vessel complies with the regulations for motorized and non-motorized watercraft in Arizona. Additionally, since Arizona and California share jurisdiction over the Colorado River, boaters should be well-versed in the watercraft regulations of both states.

The park offers a range of amenities, including 54 campsites, 13 beachside cabins, a picnic area, a beach area, and nature trails. The Mohave Sunset Trail, stretching 1.75 miles, takes visitors through the lowland desert and along the shoreline, providing a unique perspective of the park's diverse flora and fauna.

Arizona's West Coast boat ramps

Arizona is known for its iconic deserts, but it also boasts a West Coast with a state park on the banks of a reservoir formed by the Colorado River. Lake Havasu, located on Arizona's West Coast, is the perfect place to rent a boat or bring your own. It is also a great starting point for boating on the Colorado River as it flows south to Yuma. Lake Havasu State Park has four boat ramps, with the personal watercraft and jet ramp at the north end of the park in Lot 1, which does not allow watercraft with propellers. The North and South Ramps are both located in Lot 2, directly east of the contact station, and Windsor Ramp 3 is towards the south end of the park, past the campground area, in Lot 3.

Lake Havasu is not the only boating destination in Arizona. The state has its fair share of wonderful lakes and rivers, perfect for a range of water activities. For instance, Tempe Town Lake, a two-mile stretch of water, offers paddleboat and stand-up paddleboard rentals for a fun day out with family or friends. Arizona also offers rafting experiences on the Upper Salt River in Globe, as well as on the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon.

For those seeking more lakeside options, Arizona delivers. The state's central region is home to Lake Pleasant Regional Park, a popular outdoor playground for boating and fishing enthusiasts. Prescott, Arizona, presents a trifecta of picturesque lakes—Granite Dells, Watson Lake, and Willow Lakes—where visitors can indulge in boating, swimming, fishing, hiking, and picnicking. For houseboating vacations, Lake Powell is a stunning choice, with crystal waters and red rock formations providing an idyllic backdrop for recreational boating.

Arizona's West Coast and its inland waterways offer diverse boating experiences, from the grandeur of Lake Powell to the convenience of Tempe Town Lake. So whether you're looking to explore the Colorado River, enjoy a day of fishing, or simply take in the unique landscapes of Arizona's lakes and rivers, there's a boat ramp and a body of water to suit your needs.

Tempe Town Lake boat ramps

Arizona is home to many boat ramps and launches, with most lakes, rivers, and waterways offering boating access points for public and private use. Tempe Town Lake is one of the many bodies of water in Arizona with a boat ramp. Tempe Town Lake is a small lake, approximately 1.38 miles long and 1/3 of a mile wide, located in Tempe, Arizona. The lake is divided by three bridges, with inflatable dams at each end.

The Tempe Town Lake Boat Ramp is located on the northeast corner of the lake. This is where boats can be launched from a trailer, and there is ample parking and a pull-through area for preparing your boat. The boat ramp has a gated storage area in the middle, allowing you to rent a spot and leave your boat there. The parking spaces for boats and trailers are pull-through style, making it easy to manoeuvre your vehicle and trailer. The make-ready area is conveniently located next to the ramp, and the driveways form a large circle. The ramp is a bit shallow, so boats with a deep draft may require a tongue extension or the dolly wheel trick to launch.

The Town Lake Marina is the primary spot for boating classes and club boating in Tempe. It is open from 5:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. and offers public restrooms with sinks and water fountains. Special events hosted at the marina include the Hot Head Regatta, Desert Sprints Regatta, and annual dragon boat races. The lake is open for public boating from 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. All boats that sail or paddle on Tempe Town Lake must either buy an annual registration sticker for $25 (or $5 for Tempe residents) or purchase a day pass for $5.

The lake was created by installing inflatable dams in the mostly dry riverbed area of the Salt River. During periods of heavy rain, two upstream lakes release large amounts of water, which then flood the area. To manage this, the inflatable dams are partially deflated to let the water pass through. The Beach Park is located on the south side of the lake, but it does not have any boat access points. The Boat Beach, located on the northwest corner of the lake, is where rowing shells and kayaks are launched.

Lake Powell boat ramps

Boat ramps in Lake Powell have been reopening as snowmelt has caused water levels to rise. In May 2023, Lake Powell was down to just one ramp out of 11 total that could accommodate houseboats. However, the water level has been rising by at least a foot a day, and more ramps are expected to reopen as the busy summer boating season approaches.

The Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, which encompasses Lake Powell, expects large crowds for the season. The superintendent, William Shott, has stated that despite the low lake levels, the park remains committed to providing at least one available boat ramp for the launch and retrieval of motorized vessels of all sizes in both South Lake Powell and North Lake Powell.

In South Lake Powell, near Page, Arizona, the legacy Stateline Auxiliary Ramp is being rehabilitated to provide long-term, low-water access. During construction, two lanes will remain open for motorized vessels of all sizes. After the concrete cures for at least two weeks, all four lanes will be open 24/7, with a total ramp width of 100 feet.

In North Lake Powell, the Bullfrog North Ramp has been permanently extended to reach a lake elevation of 3,525 feet. The concrete pour is curing, and the project is expected to be completed soon. The use of this ramp will depend on lake levels reaching 3,525 or higher.

To reduce congestion on the Stateline Auxiliary Ramp, private and commercial human-powered kayak, canoe, and stand-up paddleboard users should access the lake via the Wahweap Main Ramp or the Antelope Point Public Ramp area. The Wahweap Main Ramp offers day-use-only parking spaces and a designated short-term loading and unloading area. For safety reasons, the Wahweap Swim Beach and legacy Wahweap Auxiliary Ramp are closed to the public.

Roosevelt Lake boat ramps

Arizona is home to Roosevelt Lake, a beautiful body of water set in the Sonoran Desert. The lake is a popular destination for boating, fishing, and camping. With fluctuating lake levels, it's important to check the current conditions before visiting Roosevelt Lake.

Boat Ramps at Roosevelt Lake

There are several boat ramps and launching sites available at Roosevelt Lake for both motorized and non-motorized boats. Here are the details:

• Indian Point Recreation Site: This site offers a boat ramp and is located on the shores of Roosevelt Lake. It is a popular spot for boating and fishing enthusiasts.
• Roosevelt Marina: The marina provides access to the lake for both motorized and non-motorized vessels. It is a convenient option for boaters looking to explore the lake.
• Cholla Recreation Site: Cholla Recreation Site has a boat ramp and is situated on the lakefront. It offers a great opportunity to enjoy the lake and the surrounding Sonoran Desert scenery.
• Windy Hill Recreation Site: Windy Hill also has a boat ramp and provides access to the lake for all types of boats. It is a great spot to experience the beauty of Roosevelt Lake.
• Grapevine Group Site: This site, located on the shores of Roosevelt Lake, offers a boat ramp for easy access to the water. It is a popular choice for groups and individuals alike.
• Schoolhouse Recreation Site: Schoolhouse Recreation Site, located on the lakefront, provides a boat ramp for visitors. It is a great spot for a day on the water, with picnicking and fishing opportunities nearby.

Important Information for Boaters

When visiting Roosevelt Lake, it is important to follow safety guidelines and regulations. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

• Lake levels fluctuate, so check current conditions before your visit.
• Rocks and other obstacles may be near the water surface due to fluctuating lake levels.
• Waters near developed sites and coves are often designated as "No wake" areas.
• Observe one-way traffic lanes while on the lake.
• Motor boating comes with inherent risks, and individuals engaging in this activity assume those risks.
• Group events, such as fishing tournaments, may require a permit, which can be obtained by contacting the local Ranger District.
• Quiet hours are typically enforced from 10:00 pm to 6:00 am, during which running generators is not permitted.
• Passes and fees may be required for boating and camping, so be sure to check with the Tonto Basin Ranger District or visit individual websites for specific information.

Frequently asked questions