Boat Ramps In North Carolina: Open For Wildlife Adventure

Boating is a popular activity in North Carolina, with over 300,000 registered vessels and more than 5,000 miles of navigable waters. The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) provides 250 free boating access areas (BAA) to over 100 different bodies of water. These areas are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year. However, boaters should be aware of any closures or partial closures due to events, construction, or weather conditions.

Boating Access Areas (BAA)

Boating is one of North Carolina's most popular activities, with over 300,000 registered vessels in the state. The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) provides 250 free Boating Access Areas (BAA) to over 100 different bodies of water. These BAAs are open 24 hours a day and are free and accessible to the public.

The NCWRC offers an interactive BAA Locator to help boaters find a BAA by address, body of water, or accessibility for disabled persons. Some of the BAAs include Blewett Falls Reservoir, Cedar Cliff Reservoir, Intracoastal Waterway, Lake Wylie, Little Tennessee River, and Yadkin River.

To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all, the NCWRC has established regulations for the use of BAAs. These include proper waste disposal, speed limits near ramps, and the prohibition of loaded firearms. Boaters are also advised to follow general safety guidelines, such as ensuring all passengers have proper personal flotation devices (PFDs) and being considerate of other boaters and fishermen by reducing their wake.

The NCWRC also issues special event permits for activities such as fishing tournaments to manage congestion and accessibility at the BAAs. It is important to note that the information on BAA locations and regulations is dynamic and may change over time, so boaters should refer to the latest official sources for the most up-to-date information.

Boat ramp locations

Boating is one of North Carolina's most popular activities, with over 300,000 registered vessels in the state. The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission provides 250 free boating access areas (BAA) to over 100 different bodies of water. These areas are open 24 hours a day and are free to the public.

To find a boat ramp near you, you can use the interactive BAA Locator on the NC Wildlife website. This tool allows you to search for an area by address, body of water, or accessibility for disabled persons.

Some of the boating access areas include:

• Blewett Falls Reservoir
• Cedar Cliff Reservoir
• Falls of the Neuse Reservoir
• Intracoastal Waterway
• John H. Kerr Reservoir
• Lake Glenville (Thorpe Lake)
• Lake Wylie (Catawba Reservoir)
• Little Tennessee River
• Lookout Shoals Reservoir
• Mountain Island Reservoir
• Northeast Cape Fear River
• Roanoke Rapids Reservoir
• Santeetlah Reservoir
• Shearon Harris Reservoir
• Shingle Landing Creek
• Yadkin River

It is important to note that these areas are dynamic and may change over time. The information provided by the NC Wildlife Resources Commission is a guide to assist boaters, but it does not provide any warranty as to the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of the information. For the most up-to-date information, refer to the current Inland Fishing, Hunting & Trapping Regulations Digest, North Carolina Administrative Code (NCAC), and North Carolina General Assembly.

Boating regulations

Boating is a popular activity in North Carolina, with over 300,000 registered vessels in the state. The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission provides 250 free Boating Access Areas (BAA) to over 100 different bodies of water. These areas are open 24 hours a day and can be located using the BAA Locator.

To ensure the safety of boating enthusiasts, the Wildlife Resources Commission enforces specific laws and regulations that all boaters should observe. Here is an overview of some key boating regulations in North Carolina:

Operator Requirements:

Any person born on or after January 1, 1988, must complete a NASBLA-approved boating education course before operating any vessel propelled by a motor of 10 HP or greater. This requirement is also applicable to personal watercraft (PWC) operators aged 14 and above.

Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs):

All vessels in North Carolina are required to have one Type I, II, III, or V PFD of an appropriate size for each individual on board, including skiers being towed. Additionally, children under 13 years old must wear a PFD while the vessel is underway.

Boat Registration:

All boats propelled by machinery, including gasoline, diesel, and electric motors, that are primarily operated in North Carolina waters must be registered with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. This includes all motorized vessels and sailboats longer than 14 feet used on public waters.

Alcohol and Drug Use:

It is illegal for a boat operator to operate a vessel or be towed by any device (such as water skis or a tube) while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The operator must not operate the vessel with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or higher.

Boating Accidents:

Boating accidents that occur on public waters must be reported to the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission when there is a loss of life, a serious injury, or property damage exceeding $2,000. Accidents should be reported within 24 hours by calling 800-662-7137.

Navigation Rules:

When one vessel is passing another going in the same direction, the vessel being overtaken must maintain its course and speed. The passing vessel must keep a safe distance to avoid collision or endangering the other craft from its wake.

These regulations are in place to ensure the safety of all boaters and to protect the environment. Boaters are encouraged to familiarise themselves with all applicable laws and regulations before embarking on their journey.

Boat registration

The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission offers various services to vessel owners to promote safety, establish ownership, and support the public's enjoyment of water sports and recreation.

To enjoy North Carolina's public waters by boat, there's a good chance you'll need to register your boat before taking it out. This is because several types of vessels must be registered in North Carolina, including:

• All motorized vessels, including jet skis
• US Coast Guard-documented vessels operating in North Carolina for over 90 consecutive days
• All sailboats longer than 14 feet
• Vessels registered in another state and brought into North Carolina for over 90 consecutive days (unless you're active-duty military temporarily stationed in the state)
• Vessels that you choose to title

There are a few exceptions to the North Carolina boat registration rule. The following vessels do not need to be registered:

• Boats used and kept on dry land
• Rowboats, canoes, kayaks, and rafts moved only by oars, paddles, or the current
• Vessels used only on private ponds
• Ship's lifeboats and dinghies used for emergency lifeboat purposes

If your vessel is one that must be registered, you'll need to obtain a North Carolina boat registration from the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. You can do this either online or in person at one of over 400 Wildlife Service Agents statewide or the main North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission office.

When registering a boat in North Carolina, you'll need to complete a VL-1 Form NC Vessel Registration & Title Application. If you're registering an out-of-state boat, you'll also need to submit the original out-of-state title. When registering a boat without a title, you'll need a copy of the out-of-state registration card.

Once your application is approved, you'll receive a Registration Number, a Registration Decal, and a Registration Card. Your registration will be valid for one or three years, depending on the term you selected when applying. You can renew your registration in person, by mail, or online.

The cost of registering a boat in North Carolina varies depending on the size of your boat and whether or not it has a title. For example, registering a boat less than 26 feet with a title costs $70 for one year or $130 for three years. Registering a boat 26 feet or longer without a title costs $55 for one year or $155 for three years.

Boater education courses

Boating is one of North Carolina's most popular activities all year round, with over 300,000 registered vessels in the state. The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) provides 250 free Boating Access Areas (BAA) to over 100 different bodies of water.

Any person born on or after 1st January 1988 must complete a NASBLA-approved boating education course before operating any vessel propelled by a motor of 10 HP or greater. There are several ways to take a NASBLA-approved course, including instructor-led courses and online courses. The BoatUS Foundation's Online Course is the only free online boating safety course approved by the NCWRC. The course can be completed at your own pace, and once you pass, you can print a temporary boating license and go boating right away. Other online courses are available from providers such as Boat Ed, which offers a North Carolina-approved course for $44.95.

In-person courses are also available from organisations such as the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and the U.S. Power Squadron. These courses are offered at various dates and times, and contacts and locations can be found on the North Carolina website.

It is important to note that the NCWRC does not administer all of the websites listed for online boating safety courses. If you choose to complete your boating safety training through a source other than the NCWRC, you will be responsible for obtaining the necessary documentation to prove successful completion of the course through the course provider.

Frequently asked questions