Bodega Bay Boat Launch: Open Or Closed?

There are several boat launches in Bodega Bay, including at Doran Regional Park, Spud Point Marina, and Westside Regional Park. Doran Regional Park has a launch on Bodega Harbour for boats up to 20 feet in length and a wheelchair-accessible kayak launch. Spud Point Marina is a popular destination for fishing and is the only Northern California ocean marina with no bar to transit when entering and exiting the harbour. Westside Regional Park features a three-lane launch on Bodega Harbour and is located next to a large vehicle and boat parking lot.

Westside Regional Park has a boat launch and is close to restaurants

Westside Regional Park in Bodega Bay is a great option for boating enthusiasts, as it features a three-lane boat launch on Bodega Harbor, along with a wheelchair-accessible kayak launch. The park also includes a boat ramp, a boat-rinsing station, and a fish-cleaning station, making it ideal for fishing. There is a large vehicle and boat parking lot located next to the launch, as well as picnic tables and restrooms. The park is conveniently situated near stores, tackle shops, and restaurants, with the added benefit of being able to purchase marine fuel at the nearby Spud Point Marina.

For those looking to stay overnight, the park offers RV camping with beautiful views of Bodega Bay. It is important to note that the campsites can be noisy, particularly during the early morning when boat enthusiasts tend to get an early start. The park is also within walking distance of a few casual restaurants, although these tend to close around 5 or 6 pm. The bathrooms are described as good, with one at each end, and there are friendly hosts on-site. The RV sites are paved, with grass between the spaces, and the park is right on the bank of Bodega Bay, offering enjoyable water bird viewing opportunities.

The park is highly popular, especially on weekends, so reservations are recommended. The RV sites do not offer any services, so it is essential to come prepared with water and other necessities. The campsites are level and well-maintained, and there are shower facilities available for an additional cost. Overall, Westside Regional Park provides a convenient and enjoyable experience for boaters and campers, with the added convenience of nearby restaurants and shops.

In addition to Westside Regional Park, Bodega Bay also offers other boat launch options, such as Doran Regional Park, which has a launch for boats up to 20 feet and a wheelchair-accessible kayak launch. Spud Point Marina, located on Bodega Harbor, is another popular destination, especially during crab and salmon seasons. It offers various amenities, including a free waste pump-out station, fuel dock, public restrooms, and Wi-Fi.

Doran Regional Park has a boat launch and a two-mile beach

Doran Regional Park is located on the Sonoma Coast, at the northern edge of Bodega Bay. It boasts a two-mile stretch of sandy beach, making it a popular spot for picnicking, kite flying, surfing, fishing, and strolling. The park offers a boat launch on Bodega Harbour for boats up to 20 feet in length, as well as a wheelchair-accessible kayak launch. There is a parking lot next to the launch that can accommodate 30 vehicles with trailers.

The park provides a range of amenities to support boating and fishing activities. These include a fish-cleaning station, a boat-rinsing station, and picnic areas. A rock jetty at the harbour mouth provides additional access for fishing, crabbing, and exploring the diverse sea life in the area.

Bodega Harbour is a soft-bottomed harbour with tidal mud flats and eelgrass beds. It supports a variety of marine life, including California sea lions, Pacific harbour seals, and various types of fish. The surrounding land habitats consist of shoreline, saltgrass flats, and northern foredunes. The small community of Bodega Bay is located to the east of the park.

Doran Regional Park is a great destination for those seeking outdoor activities and a chance to explore the natural beauty of the Sonoma Coast. The combination of its beach, boat launch facilities, and harbour access makes it a popular choice for boaters, anglers, and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Spud Point Marina is the only Northern California ocean marina with no bar to transit

Spud Point Marina is located on Bodega Harbour, approximately 60 miles northwest of San Francisco and 20 miles west of Santa Rosa. It is the only Northern California ocean marina with no bar to transit when entering and exiting the harbour.

Spud Point Marina is a hub for commercial and sport fishing in Sonoma County, particularly during crab and salmon seasons. It welcomes monthly berthers, overnight visitors, and yacht club cruises. The marina has a range of amenities, including a free waste pump-out station, a fuel dock with gas and diesel, public restrooms, 30 and 50 AMP electrical service, a water depth of 12 feet, and Wi-Fi. The marina office and fuel dock are open daily, and marina attendants are on duty and can be contacted via radio.

Spud Point Marina offers stable docks ranging from 30 to 80 feet, with end ties able to accommodate vessels up to 148 feet in length. The minimum boat length is 20 feet, and the maximum boat length is 90 feet. The marina has a total capacity of 244 slips or tie-ups, with 15 permitted liveaboards.

In addition to fishing, Spud Point Marina is a great location for sailing, whale watching, and other charter trips. The nearby village of Bodega Bay, with its restaurants, galleries, and shops, adds to the appeal of the marina as a destination for boaters and visitors alike.

Boat launches are available at regional parks throughout Sonoma County

Doran Regional Park, Bodega Bay

Doran Regional Park offers a boat launch on Bodega Harbor for boats up to 20 feet in length, as well as a wheelchair-accessible kayak launch. The park features a two-mile stretch of sandy beach, making it a popular spot for picnics, beach activities, and fishing. A parking lot next to the launch can accommodate 30 vehicles with trailers, and additional amenities include a fish-cleaning station, boat-rinsing station, and picnic areas.

Westside Regional Park, Bodega Bay

Westside Regional Park is another option for boat launching in Bodega Bay. It features a three-lane launch on Bodega Harbor and a wheelchair-accessible kayak launch. The park has a large vehicle and boat parking lot, picnic tables, restrooms, and a nearby store and tackle shops. It is also conveniently located close to restaurants and Spud Point Marina for marine fuel.

Cloverdale River Park

Cloverdale River Park, located in northern Sonoma County, is a small park that offers a paved launch on the Russian River for small craft.

Guerneville River Park

Guerneville River Park is a community park close to downtown Guerneville. It provides a boat launch for kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, and other non-motorized watercraft, along with a parking area.

Steelhead Beach Regional Park, Russian River

Steelhead Beach Regional Park in Forestville offers a gravel launch on the Russian River for small craft such as drift boats, kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards. The park also features a beach area, picnic areas, and flush toilets. A fishing access permit is required to use the launch, which includes a key for accessing the ramps at Steelhead Beach and Wohler Bridge.

Spring Lake Regional Park, Santa Rosa

Spring Lake Regional Park boasts a 72-acre lake open year-round for activities like windsurfing, canoeing, and paddleboating. The boat ramp can accommodate watercraft up to 16 feet in length, and electric motors are permitted. The park also offers boat rentals during the summer months.

Hudeman Slough Boat Launch, San Pablo Bay

The Hudeman Slough Boat Launch provides access to the San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge. It can accommodate boats up to 24 feet in length, and the parking lot has 20 spaces. A fishing access permit is required to use this launch, which includes a key for access. Please note that this launch may be closed for renovations, so check for updates before planning your trip.

Westside Regional Park has plenty of trailer parking

Westside Regional Park in Bodega Bay is a great spot for boaters and anglers. The park features a three-lane boat launch on Bodega Harbor, as well as a wheelchair-accessible kayak launch. For those with trailers, there is plenty of trailer parking available. The park also offers a boat-rinsing station and a fish-cleaning station, making it an ideal location for fishing. A large vehicle and boat parking lot is conveniently located next to the launch.

In addition to its excellent boating facilities, Westside Regional Park provides visitors with picnic tables and restrooms. The park is also within close proximity to stores and tackle shops, making it a convenient stop for boaters and anglers alike. For those in need of marine fuel, the nearby Spud Point Marina can cater to this need.

The park is situated right on the water, offering beautiful views of Bodega Bay. It is a popular spot for RV camping, with paved sites and grass between the spaces. The park is level, so levellers are typically not needed. Reservations are recommended, especially for weekend stays, as the park is very popular. Westside Regional Park is a great option for those seeking a convenient and well-equipped location for boating and fishing in Bodega Bay.

With its range of amenities and convenient location, Westside Regional Park is an excellent choice for boaters and anglers visiting Bodega Bay. The park's three-lane boat launch, wheelchair-accessible kayak launch, and ample trailer parking make it a popular and accessible destination for water enthusiasts. The additional facilities, such as the fish-cleaning station and nearby stores, further enhance the appeal of Westside Regional Park as a go-to spot for a day on the water.

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