Boat Ramps In Hillsborough County: Open Or Closed?

There are several boat ramps in Hillsborough County, Florida, that are open to the public. The Courtney Campbell Causeway Boat Ramp, for instance, has four lanes and parking for 25 vehicles with trailers. The Gandy Boat Ramp, the most popular public boat ramp in the county, offers access to the central portion of Tampa Bay and has six wide lanes and over 100 parking spots. There are also boat ramps at Cockroach Bay, E.G. Simmons Conservation Park, Williams Park, and more.

Boat ramps in Hillsborough County, Florida, are open 24/7

The boat ramp at Davis Island Seaplane Basin is also open 24/7. This boat ramp has one ramp with two lanes and a dock. There is trailer parking and standard parking available, but no restrooms. Another boat ramp that is open 24/7 is located inside Picnic Island Park, next to the dog beach. This ramp has one lane and one ramp, with trailer parking and regular parking available. Restrooms are also available at this location.

Other popular boat ramps in Hillsborough County include Edward Medard Conservation Park, Riverview Civic Center, Harney Park, and Baker Creek for freshwater enthusiasts. Boat ramps at Cockroach Bay, E.G. Simmons Conservation Park, Williams Park, Salty Sol Fleishman, and Courtney Campbell are perfect for those looking to get offshore.

There are 16 public boat ramps in the county

There are 16 public boat ramps in Hillsborough County, Florida, catering to boats of all shapes and sizes. Freshwater boat ramps can be found at Edward Medard Conservation Park, Riverview Civic Center, Harney Park, and Baker Creek. For offshore boating, there are boat ramps at Cockroach Bay, E.G. Simmons Conservation Park, Williams Park, Salty Sol Fleishman, and Courtney Campbell.

The Gandy Boat Ramp, located off Gandy Boulevard, is the most popular public boat ramp in the county. It offers six wide lanes and ample parking for over 100 vehicles with trailers. The Salty Sol Fleishman boat ramp is also located on Gandy Boulevard and offers similar amenities, including six launching lanes, floating courtesy docks, and over 100 paved trailer parking spots.

Other notable boat ramps in Hillsborough County include the Ballast Point Boat Ramp, located inside Ballast Point Park at 5300 Interbay Boulevard, and the Lowry Park Boat Ramp, situated along the Hillsborough River at 1204 West Flora Street. Both of these locations offer single-lane ramps, trailer parking, and standard parking.

The Courtney Campbell Causeway Boat Ramp, located on the northern section of Old Tampa Bay, provides four launching lanes, courtesy docks, and 23 marked boat trailer parking spaces. This ramp grants access to Upper Tampa Bay.

The Gandy Boat Ramp is the most popular public boat ramp in the county

There are 16 public boat ramps in Hillsborough County, and the Gandy Boat Ramp is the most popular. Located on the south side of Gandy Boulevard, it offers access to the central portion of Tampa Bay. It has six wide lanes and over 100 parking spots, making it ideal for launching boats of all sizes. The Gandy Boat Ramp has been recognised as a popular boat ramp in South Tampa, and is considered a prime location for accessing Tampa Bay.

The Gandy Boat Ramp is conveniently situated off of Gandy Boulevard, providing easy access for boaters in the area. Its six large lanes allow for efficient launching, accommodating multiple boats simultaneously. Additionally, with over 100 parking spots available, boaters can rest assured that they will have a designated space for their vehicles and trailers. This is especially beneficial for those with larger boats that may require more space.

The popularity of the Gandy Boat Ramp is evident through its frequent use by boaters and fishermen in the community. Its strategic location and ample facilities make it a preferred choice for those seeking to venture out into Tampa Bay. The ramp's accessibility and capacity have likely contributed to its reputation as the county's most popular public boat ramp.

In addition to its practical features, the Gandy Boat Ramp has been a subject of discussion among county leaders and law enforcement. In 2020, there were concerns about illegal street racing in the area, and proposals were considered to restrict overnight access to the ramp. However, after receiving feedback from the boating community, county officials decided against installing a gate, recognising the importance of maintaining public access to this popular facility.

The Gandy Boat Ramp's popularity extends beyond recreational boaters and includes charter fishing captains who rely on early morning access for their livelihood. By keeping the ramp open and accessible, Hillsborough County accommodates a diverse range of users, from fishing enthusiasts to business owners, all while ensuring the safety and convenience of its residents.

Boat ramp fees range from $5 to $7

Boat ramp fees in Hillsborough County, Florida, range from $5 to $7. The county offers 16 public boat ramps, catering to boats of all shapes and sizes. The launch fee is typically $5, with an additional $2 entry fee when accessing boat ramps at Conservation Parks.

The Salty Sol Fleishman boat ramp, for example, offers six launching lanes, floating courtesy docks, over 100 paved trailer parking spots, a wash-down facility, and restrooms. The launch fee is payable at an automated pay station, which only accepts credit cards.

The Williams Park Boat Ramp also charges a small launch fee, which can be paid via debit or credit card. This ramp offers four launching lanes, floating courtesy docks, parking for about 75 boat trailers, trash receptacles, easy access to Hillsborough Bay, a playground, picnic pavilions, and restrooms. A fishing pier is also on site.

The Ballast Point Boat Ramp, located inside Ballast Point Park, features a single lane and a dock. Trailer parking and standard parking are available, and there is a bait shop and a restaurant within the park.

The Gandy Boat Ramp is another popular option, providing access to the central portion of Tampa Bay. This ramp has six wide lanes and plenty of parking, with over 100 spots available.

Some boat ramps in the county are impacted by storms

With 16 public boat ramps, Hillsborough County has plenty of options for boating enthusiasts. Some of the most popular boat ramps include the Edward Medard Conservation Park, Riverview Civic Center, Harney Park, and Baker Creek for freshwater enthusiasts. For those looking to get offshore, there are boat ramps at Cockroach Bay, E.G. Simmons Conservation Park, Williams Park, Salty Sol Fleishman, and Courtney Campbell.

However, it is important to note that some of these boat ramps may be impacted by storms from time to time. For example, Hurricane Helene has been known to impact some park locations, including boat ramps. In such cases, it is always advisable to check the Parks Closure Page or the official website before planning a visit.

One of the most popular public boat ramps in Hillsborough County is the Gandy Boat Ramp, which offers access to the central portion of Tampa Bay. Located on the south side of Gandy Boulevard, it features six wide lanes and ample parking spaces. Another popular option is the Salty Sol Fleishman boat ramp, which also has six launching lanes and over 100 paved trailer parking spots.

While storms may occasionally impact some boat ramps in the county, there are typically a variety of alternative options available for boaters. It is always a good idea to check the latest information and be aware of any potential closures or impacts before heading out to a specific boat ramp in Hillsborough County.

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