Boat Ramps In St. Johns County: Open For Business?

St. Johns County in Florida has 15 boat ramps spread throughout the county, allowing boaters to enjoy both salt and freshwater access free of charge. The boat ramps remained open even when St. Johns County beaches were closed amid the coronavirus pandemic.

St. Johns County boat ramps remained open during the coronavirus pandemic

St. Johns County in Florida is known for its beautiful waterways, and the county's 15 boat ramps remained open during the coronavirus pandemic. While the beaches were closed, boaters and kayakers could still access both salt and freshwater areas via the ramps, free of charge.

The county's boat ramps, parks, green spaces, and trails remained open to the public, with social distancing measures in place. This included a directive from Governor Ron DeSantis for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to enforce social distancing on the waterways. Under the order, there was a limit of 10 people per boat, and recreational vessels had to maintain a distance of at least 50 feet from each other.

At the Palm Valley Boat Ramp, people were seen practising social distancing, and there were no long lines for boaters. The nearby business had shifted to take-out orders only and was taking precautions to separate employees from customers.

Other popular boat ramps in St. Johns County include the Boating Club Road Boat Ramp, Frank Butler West Boat Ramp, Green Road Boat Ramp, Lighthouse Park Boat Ramp, and Palmetto Road Boat Ramp. These ramps offer access to both salt and freshwater bodies, providing opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and other recreational activities.

The county's boat ramps allowed residents to enjoy the outdoors and engage in social distancing-friendly activities during the pandemic.

St. Johns County has 15 boat ramps spread throughout the county

St. Johns County is a haven for boaters, offering 15 boat ramps spread across the county. These ramps provide free access to both salt and freshwater bodies, catering to various boating activities. The county's diverse waterways include rivers, creeks, inlets, and the Atlantic Ocean itself.

The boat ramps in St. Johns County are strategically located to provide convenient access to the water. Each ramp has its unique features, such as floating docks, parking facilities, picnic areas, and more. Here's a closer look at some of the notable boat ramps in the county:

Boating Club Road Boat Ramp

Address: 615 Boating Club Road, St. Augustine, FL 32084. This ramp is located at the end of Boating Club Road in Vilano/North Beach. It provides easy access to the water and is known for its convenient location.

Frank Butler West Boat Ramp

Address: 400 Riverside Blvd, St. Augustine, FL 32080. This ramp is equipped with a floating dock and is situated near the beautiful Riverside Boulevard.

Green Road Boat Ramp

Address: 180 Green Rd, St. Augustine, FL 32080. Found at the end of Green Road in Crescent Beach, this ramp has limited parking restricted to the Southside of Green Road.

Guana State Park Boat Ramp

Address: N. A1A, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082. This ramp is located north of Vilano on A1A, within the Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve.

Lighthouse Park Boat Ramp

Address: 442 Ocean Vista Ave., St. Augustine, FL 32080. Found at the intersection of Old Beach Road and Lew Boulevard, this ramp offers scenic views and access to Salt Run.

Palm Valley Boat Ramp

Address: 383 S Roscoe Blvd, St. Augustine, FL 32082. Located under the Palm Valley Bridge, this single-access ramp features a floating dock and convenient parking.

The boat ramps in St. Johns County provide a range of amenities and access to diverse waterways. It's important to note that while these ramps are open to the public, boaters and visitors are expected to follow safety guidelines and keep the areas clean and enjoyable for everyone.

Boaters can enjoy both salt and freshwater access free of charge

Boating in St. Johns County offers a diverse range of experiences, from the tranquil beauty of its saltwater marshes to the vibrant energy of its freshwater springs. And the best part? All these aquatic adventures are easily accessible and won't cost you a dime!

St. Johns County boasts an impressive 15 boat ramps scattered across its landscape, providing seamless entry points for boaters seeking to explore its vast network of waterways. Whether you're an avid sailor or a casual paddler, these ramps offer something for everyone.

For those craving a salty breeze and the call of seagulls, the county's saltwater boat ramps provide easy access to the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean. Launch your vessel from locations like Vilano Beach, Crescent Beach, or St. Augustine, and let the saltwater spray refresh your senses. These ramps often feature convenient amenities, such as parking, picnic areas, and fishing piers, making for a perfect day by the sea.

On the other hand, if you're more inclined towards freshwater pursuits, St. Johns County also presents an array of freshwater boat ramps. These gateways to nature lead you to serene lakes, creeks, and rivers, where you can escape the hustle and bustle of daily life. Pellicer Creek, for instance, is a popular choice, offering the chance to reel in a variety of fish species and explore the surrounding state park.

The county's boat ramps cater to a range of vessels, from motorboats to kayaks and canoes. Each ramp has its unique character, with some providing scenic beauty, picnic pavilions, grills, and floating docks, while others offer a more rustic experience with limited facilities. Whether you're seeking a tranquil escape or an adventure-filled day, St. Johns County's boat ramps have you covered, and all without reaching for your wallet.

The Palm Valley Boat Ramp has a single-lane ramp, courtesy docks, parking, and portolets

The Palm Valley Boat Ramp in St. Johns County, Florida, provides convenient access to the Intracoastal Waterway for boaters. The facility features a single-lane ramp, making it a convenient entry point for those looking to get out on the water. In addition to the ramp, there are courtesy docks, providing a helpful space for boaters to load and unload their vessels.

With parking available for approximately 30 boat trailers, the Palm Valley Boat Ramp ensures that visitors can find a spot for their vehicles and trailers with ease. This dedicated parking area is specifically designed to accommodate the needs of boaters, offering ample space for manoeuvring and trailer storage while they are out on the water.

Additionally, the Palm Valley Boat Ramp offers portolets, providing essential facilities for visitors. These portolets help ensure a comfortable experience for boaters and their passengers, making the facility more accessible and user-friendly.

The Palm Valley Boat Ramp, located near the intersection of South Roscoe Boulevard and Palm Valley Road in Ponte Vedra Beach, provides a well-equipped and convenient access point to the Intracoastal Waterway. With its single-lane ramp, courtesy docks, dedicated parking, and portolets, it offers a comprehensive range of amenities for boaters in St. Johns County.

Boating Club Road Boat Ramp is located at 615 Boating Club Road, St. Augustine, FL 32084

The Boating Club Road Boat Ramp is located at 615 Boating Club Road, St. Augustine, FL 32084. It is a saltwater boat ramp in St. Johns County, situated at the end of Boating Club Road in Vilano/North Beach. The boat ramp offers ample parking, trash cans, and convenient access to the water for salt water anglers and boaters. The GPS coordinates for the waters edge at the ramp are 29°56'34.59" N 81°18'30.99" W.

The boat ramp is one of 15 boat ramps spread throughout St. Johns County, providing free access to both salt and freshwater for boaters. Other nearby boat ramps include the Frank Butler West Boat Ramp, Green Road Boat Ramp, Guana State Park Boat Ramp, Lighthouse Park Boat Ramp, Palmetto Road Boat Ramp, Palm Valley Boat Ramp, and more. These boat ramps offer varying facilities, such as floating docks, observation platforms, picnic areas, and pavilions.

It is important to follow safety guidelines and keep the river clean when using these boat ramps. This includes properly disposing of garbage in trash receptacles and being aware of pumpout stations. Additionally, during the COVID-19 pandemic, social distancing guidelines were enforced on waterways, limiting the number of people onboard boats and the distance between recreational vessels.

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