Boat Lake: Open For Business?

Boat Lake Recreation Area in Chipley, Florida, is a great place to visit with family and friends. The lake is open to the public and offers a range of amenities, including picnic tables, BBQ grills, a playground, and crystal clear water with a white sand beach. Boat ramps and rentals are also available at various lakes, such as Canyon Lake in Texas, Lake Accotink in Virginia, and Tampier Lake in Illinois, providing opportunities for boating, kayaking, and fishing. These lakes offer a variety of amenities and experiences, making them popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts.

Boat Lake Recreation Area in Chipley, Florida

The Boat Lake Recreation Area in Chipley, Florida, is a hidden gem located in Sunny Hills. The park is owned and operated by the Sunny Hills Civic Association and is open to the public when the gate is unlocked. It offers a range of recreational activities and facilities for visitors of all ages.

Location and Amenities

Boat Lake Recreation Area is situated on 44 acres of picturesque land, boasting a lake with white sand beaches and crystal clear water. The park provides a variety of amenities, including picnic tables, BBQ grills, swings, slides, monkey bars, benches, and a pavilion. The pavilion, measuring 20 x 25 feet, can be rented for special events such as weddings, parties, and family reunions.

Activities and Events

The recreation area offers a range of activities for visitors. Swimming, canoeing, kayaking, paddle boarding, and paddle boats are some of the water-based activities allowed in the lake. On land, visitors can enjoy playing horseshoes, beach volleyball, or relaxing in the shaded picnic areas. For children, there is a playground and a small beach with calm, clear waters.

Boat Lake also hosts seasonal events like live music, cookouts, and national celebrations. Additionally, they organise special evening events with reduced stimulation for individuals with autism. These events are designed to create an inclusive and enjoyable experience for all.

Rules and Regulations

The Boat Lake Recreation Area has several rules in place to ensure the safety and comfort of its visitors. These include a strict no-alcohol policy, a dress code prohibiting nudity and inappropriate attire, and a requirement for adult supervision for children under 16. Pets are not allowed, but service animals are permitted. The park is closed during inclement weather, and visitors are advised to check the signs for operational information regarding opening and closing times.

Admission and Passes

Boat Lake Recreation Area offers daily and seasonal passes. The daily pass for adults (18+) is $5, while the seasonal pass is $40. For kids between 5 and 17 years old, the daily pass is $3, and the seasonal pass is $20. Children 4 and under always enter for free.

Canyon Lake Texas Boat Ramps

Canyon Lake in Texas has 23 boat ramps, eight public parks, two marinas, campgrounds, a golf course, a country club, and a yacht club. The lake has a surface area of 8,230 acres and 80 miles of shoreline.

As of October 2024, only Boat Ramp #18 in Canyon Park was open, but it closed on November 1st of that year. Canyon Park is usually open until November 1st each year. The lake is currently at a historic low level, but there is still plenty of water. Comal County is extending three boat ramps and doing maintenance on another, so it will be easier to access the lake in future droughts.

The cost of using the boat ramps varies depending on whether your vehicle is registered in Comal County or not. If your vehicle is registered in the county, it costs $5 per vehicle. If your vehicle is registered outside of the county, it will cost you $20 per vehicle.

Boating opportunities in Fairfax County, Virginia

There are several boating opportunities in Fairfax County, Virginia.

Burke Lake Park Marina

Burke Lake Park Marina offers boating opportunities on a 218-acre lake. There are two boat launch areas, with electric motors permitted and gas motors prohibited. Kayaks are only allowed if being used for fishing. There is a 24-hour, state-owned launching area at the dam end of the lake for fishing boats only. The upper end of the lake has a boat launch with a marina, and inflated boats with at least three air chambers are permitted. Rowboat, fishing kayak, and canoe rentals are available, but pets are not allowed on rental or tour boats.

Lake Accotink

Lake Accotink offers canoe, kayak, and pedal boat rentals, as well as tour boat rides. There is a launch ramp and marina, but gas motors are prohibited. The park occasionally offers kayaking classes and tours and also hosts an annual cardboard regatta in early summer.

Lake Fairfax

Lake Fairfax is an 18-acre lake with a marina offering pedal boat and kayak rentals. There is a launch ramp for personal boats, but sailboats, paddleboards, and motor-powered boats are not allowed. Fishing is not permitted from rental boats, and inflated boats must have a minimum of three separate air chambers.

Riverbend Park

Riverbend Park offers canoe, kayak, and stand-up paddleboard tours and rentals, subject to Potomac River conditions. No pets are allowed on boats, and there is a restricted boating area downstream from the park. A year-round boat ramp is available during open park hours, pending weather and river conditions.

Parks with Small Lakes

There are also several parks in Fairfax County with small lakes that allow boating. However, there are no public launch ramps, so boaters must carry their canoes or kayaks to the water, and gas motors are prohibited.

Surf Reston

For those interested in stand-up paddleboarding, Surf Reston offers guided tours and has received positive reviews for its helpful staff and scenic sunset views.

Tampier Lake in Cook County, Illinois

For anglers, the lake presents a diverse range of fish species, including Bluegill, Channel Catfish, Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, and Walleye. The lake is regularly stocked with Northern Pike and Walleye, ensuring a balanced fishery. Additionally, the presence of Northern Pike contributes to a diverse predator base, enhancing the overall fishing experience. The lake's concrete boat launch accommodates trailered boats, and boat/kayak rentals are available during the summer months.

Beyond fishing, Tampier Lake offers a picturesque setting for picnics and outdoor relaxation. The Tampier Greenway Family Picnic Area provides a serene environment for families and groups to enjoy nature. The area features portable bathrooms, a shelter that can accommodate up to 100 people, and ample parking. It is important to note that the portable bathrooms are typically open from May 1 to October 31, depending on weather conditions.

The Tampier Lake Boating Center is a hub for water enthusiasts. Boat rentals are available from April to October, with services initially operating from Fridays through Mondays and expanding daily in May. After Labor Day, boat rentals are available on Fridays through Sundays. The boating center also offers fishing gear rentals, refreshments, and fishing supplies, making it a one-stop shop for all your water recreation needs.

Tampier Lake's average depth is around 5.5 to 6 feet, with a maximum depth of approximately 9.4 to 10 feet. The lake was created in 1964 when Long Run Creek was dammed, and it has since become a popular destination for those seeking a peaceful outdoor experience. With its serene surroundings and abundant recreational opportunities, Tampier Lake is a gem in the heart of Cook County, Illinois.

Boat Lake in Sunny Hills, Florida

Boat Lake allows non-motorized water activities such as canoeing, kayaking, paddle boarding, and paddle boats. Swimming is also permitted in the lake, and there is a wheelchair ramp that provides access to the water for those with disabilities. In addition, the lake has a sandy beach with crystal clear water and a hard white sand bottom. The beach area offers various amenities, including picnic tables, BBQ grills, swings, a slide, monkey bars, benches, and a pavilion. The pavilion can be rented for special events such as parties, weddings, and family reunions.

The Boat Lake Recreation Area also hosts seasonal and evening events, including live music, cookouts, and national celebrations. They also hold special nights for autistic individuals, where the park is closed to the general public to minimize stimulation. The park has accessible bathrooms, a snack shop, a playground, and volleyball nets. It is worth noting that pets are not permitted, but service animals are allowed.

Boat Lake is located in Washington County, Florida, and is conveniently situated near Panama City and its beach area. The airport is just 20 minutes away, and the beautiful beaches of Panama City Beach are a 35-minute drive from the lake. For those interested in real estate, there are also land and lot options available for sale in the Sunny Hills community, offering easy access to Boat Lake and other nearby attractions.

Frequently asked questions