Boat Ramps Of New Smyrna Beach: Open Or Closed?

New Smyrna Beach in Florida offers several boat ramps for public use. The North Causeway Boat Ramp, located at 500 North Causeway, is one of the busiest boat launches in the county and provides free access to the Indian River. Other popular boat ramps include the Swoope Boat Ramp, which offers access to the Ponce de Leon Inlet and the Atlantic Ocean, and the Hiles Boat Ramp, a single concrete boat ramp that is ideal for canoes and exploring the Intracoastal Waterway. While some boat ramps in the area may be affected by closures due to Hurricane Milton, it appears that the boat ramps in New Smyrna Beach are generally open and accessible to boaters.

North Causeway Boat Ramp

The North Causeway Boat Ramp in New Smyrna Beach is open to the public and can be accessed for free. The site features four boat launch lanes, two fixed dock areas, a fishing pier, restrooms, a picnic pavilion, and parking spaces for about 40 vehicles with boat trailers. Overnight parking is allowed. The boat ramp is located at 500 North Causeway, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32169, and can be contacted at 386.424.2175. Hours are from sunrise to sunset.

The North Causeway Boat Ramp is the second busiest boat launch in the county and provides boaters with access to the Indian River. It is a popular spot for fishing and exploring a "disappearing island" that appears when the tide goes down. The facility underwent improvements, including seawall and sidewalk replacement, wood dock rehabilitation, and the replacement of the restroom building. The new parking lot pavement with stormwater improvements requires less maintenance and helps protect water quality.

The boat ramp is located within the Florida Inland Navigation District (FIND), which offers free boat ramp parking permits for residents of eligible counties. These passes are electronic and linked to the user's tag number, so it is important to keep the information up to date to avoid citations. Parking violations at the boat ramps are enforced 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The parking permit is an annual pass and must be renewed each year before it expires on December 31.

Vehicles with a valid handicap placard or license plate are exempt from parking fees and do not need to obtain a separate pass. Additionally, vehicles with a valid NSB Beachfront Lot Parking Pass can park at the North Causeway Boat Ramp without needing the FIND Boat Ramp Parking Pass. However, they still need to display their beachfront lot parking pass or pay the daily fee when parking in the city's beachfront lots.

Swoope Boat Ramp

The Swoope Boat Ramp in New Smyrna Beach, Florida is open to the public. It offers two boat ramps with floating docks, restrooms, and a paved parking lot with 36 spaces. Anglers can easily access the Ponce de Leon Inlet and the Atlantic Ocean from this site.

The address for the Swoope Boat Ramp is 2455 Boat Ramp Drive, New Smyrna Beach, FL. The phone number is 386-424-2175.

Residents within the Florida Inland Navigation District (FIND) may apply for a free boat ramp parking permit for use at the Swoope Boat Ramp. The parking permit is an annual pass and expires on December 31st of each year. Permits must be renewed each year. The system operates with your tag number, so you must update any changes to your information. If your tag number is incorrect, you may receive a citation that will not be waived.

Parking violations at the boat ramps are enforced 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Boat trailers must be attached to a vehicle while parked in the boat ramp lots. Trailers may not be left unattended without a vehicle.

Hiles Boat Ramp

The Hiles Boat Ramp is a single concrete ramp located off of Hiles Boulevard in New Smyrna Beach, Florida. It is the perfect spot for launching canoes and other small boats into the Intracoastal Waterway. There is no boat launch fee, making it an affordable option for those looking to explore the county's beautiful waterways. The ramp is open from sunrise to sunset and offers free admission.

The Hiles Boat Ramp is a convenient option for those looking to get out on the water, as it offers easy access and quick launch times. It is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike, and its location off of Hiles Boulevard makes it easily accessible. The ramp is well-maintained by the county, and users can enjoy a smooth launch into the Intracoastal Waterway.

There is limited parking available at the Hiles Boat Ramp, so it is recommended to arrive early to secure a spot. The parking lot can accommodate vehicles with boat trailers, and trailers may not be left unattended without a vehicle. The boat ramp is also conveniently located near other local businesses and attractions, making it a great spot to launch a boat and explore the surrounding area.

The Hiles Boat Ramp is a great option for those looking for a free and convenient way to access the Intracoastal Waterway in New Smyrna Beach. With its easy launch and beautiful surroundings, it's a perfect spot for a day of canoeing or boating. Visitors can enjoy the beauty of the county's waterways and navigate through the calm waters at their own pace.

It is important to note that the Hiles Boat Ramp may be affected by severe weather conditions, such as coastal floods and severe rip currents. Visitors are advised to check local weather reports and warnings before heading out to the boat ramp. Additionally, there may be specific regulations and guidelines that users must follow, such as speed limits and parking restrictions, to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all visitors.

Boat Ramp Parking Passes

The boat ramp parking permit is valid until December 31st of each year and must be renewed annually. Vehicles with a valid handicap placard or license plate are exempt from parking fees and do not need to display a pass. Additionally, vehicles with a valid NSB Beachfront Lot Parking Pass do not require a separate FIND Boat Ramp Parking Pass for the three boat ramps mentioned above. However, they still need the NSB Beachfront Lot Parking Pass or a non-resident pass to park in the city's beachfront lots, or they can choose to pay the daily fee.

You can apply for a boat ramp parking pass online or in person. If you apply online, you will be notified via email regarding the status of your application. If you apply in person, you must call or email to verify the status of your application. For those who are unable to apply online or need assistance, you can bring your documents to the New Smyrna Beach Police Department at 246 Industrial Park Ave., Monday through Friday, between 8:30 am and noon or 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Remember that boat trailers must be attached to a vehicle while parked in the boat ramp lots and cannot be left unattended without a vehicle.

Boat Ramp Closures

The North Causeway Boat Ramp is a popular choice for boaters in New Smyrna Beach. It provides free public access to the Indian River and features multiple boat launch lanes, short-term dock facilities, fishing piers, and restroom facilities. However, this ramp has experienced closures in the past due to much-needed improvements. The engineering and design project included seawall and sidewalk replacement, wood dock rehabilitation, and restroom building replacement. These upgrades aimed to better accommodate visitors and preserve the facility, ensuring a quality experience for boaters.

Another option for boaters is the Swoope Boat Ramp, which offers public access with two boat ramps, floating docks, restrooms, and a paved parking lot. This ramp provides easy access to the Ponce de Leon Inlet and the Atlantic Ocean. While it is generally open, there may be times when temporary closures occur for maintenance or other unforeseen circumstances.

The Hiles Boat Ramp, located off Hiles Boulevard, is ideal for canoes and those wishing to explore the Intracoastal Waterway. This concrete single boat ramp does not charge a launch fee. Still, boaters should be aware of potential closures, especially after severe weather events or when maintenance is required.

It is always advisable to check the official websites or contact the relevant authorities before heading to the boat ramps to ensure they are open and operational. Boaters should also be mindful of any weather warnings, such as coastal floods, severe rip currents, or significant rainfall, which may impact the accessibility and safety of the boat ramps and waterways.

Frequently asked questions