Fort Hamer Boat Ramp: Open Or Closed?

Fort Hamer Park in Parrish, Florida, offers a range of amenities, including a boat ramp, dock, pavilion, picnic tables, and restrooms. The park is open from sunrise to sunset, while the boat ramp is accessible 24 hours a day. Visitors can enjoy picturesque views of the Manatee River, launch their boats, and watch rowing and kayaking activities. Fort Hamer Park provides a peaceful and beautiful setting for a relaxing day by the water.

Fort Hamer Park's facilities

Fort Hamer Park is a small park located in Parrish, Florida, along the Manatee River. It is a picturesque spot with beautiful views of the river and well-maintained facilities. The park offers a boat ramp, a kayak launch, a covered pavilion with picnic tables, an ice machine, and restrooms. It is a popular place for boaters and kayakers to launch their vessels and enjoy the water. The parking for trailers is more than adequate, and the park is open from sunrise to sunset, while the boat ramp is accessible 24 hours a day.

The park is also a great place to enjoy a quiet picnic lunch and watch the boats come and go. If you're lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of the rowing team practicing or a rowing camp in session. It's a peaceful and unexpected treasure, offering a glimpse into what Florida was like decades ago.

Fort Hamer Park is highly rated, with 4.5 stars on Yelp and glowing reviews from visitors. Many praise the beauty of the park and the convenience of its facilities, including the boat ramp and dock. It is a favourite spot for couples to enjoy a quiet lunch and take in the peaceful atmosphere.

The park also provides access to the Manatee River for those wishing to paddleboard or kayak. However, it is important to exercise caution as alligators have been spotted in the area. Overall, Fort Hamer Park offers a delightful experience for those seeking a blend of natural beauty, outdoor activities, and a relaxing day by the water.

Activities at the park

Fort Hamer Park is a quiet park along the Manatee River and the Ft. Hamer Bridge in Parrish, Florida. The park offers beautiful views of the river and is a great place to enjoy a peaceful day outdoors. Here are some activities you can enjoy during your visit:

Boating

Fort Hamer Park has a boat ramp and dock, providing easy access to the Manatee River for boaters. You can launch your boat and explore the river, or simply sit by the river and watch the boating activities. The park also has ample parking for boat trailers and an ice machine for boaters to stock up before heading out on the water.

Kayaking and Paddleboarding

In addition to the boat ramp, there is a separate kayak launch at the park. You can bring your own kayak or paddleboard or rent them from nearby outfitters to explore the river and take in the scenic views from the water.

Picnicking

The park has a covered pavilion with picnic tables, making it an ideal spot for a leisurely lunch. You can bring your own food and drinks or pick up supplies from nearby restaurants. Enjoy your meal while taking in the beautiful river views and watching the boats come and go.

Walking and Running

While the park doesn't have a designated walking trail, it is still a great place for a stroll or a run. You can walk along the edge of the Manatee River and take in the peaceful atmosphere, or venture out onto the Ft. Hamer Bridge for a longer walk or run.

Wildlife Watching

Keep an eye out for wildlife during your visit to Fort Hamer Park. Alligators are known to be in the area, so stay cautious and aware of your surroundings. Birdwatching is also a popular activity, as the park attracts a variety of bird species.

Rowing

Fort Hamer Park is sometimes used as a practice site for a rowing team. If you're lucky enough to visit when they're practising, you can watch the rowers in action and enjoy the lively atmosphere they bring to the park.

Reviews of the park

Fort Hamer Park is a beautiful spot to spend the day, with plenty of positive reviews. The park offers a boat ramp, kayak launch, and pavilion with picnic tables, making it a great place for a picnic and to watch the boats on the river. The park is well-maintained, with clean restrooms, and an ice machine for boaters. It's also a great place to watch the rowing team practice, although they don't practice all the time.

One reviewer noted that the park is "super" but warned about the presence of alligators, which visitors should be cautious of. Another reviewer felt that the park was smaller than expected, describing it as more of a boat launch than a park. However, overall, the reviews are positive, with one person calling it an "unexpected treasure" and praising the experience of walking along the Manatee River and imagining Florida decades ago.

The park is open from sunup to sunset, with the boat ramp remaining open 24 hours. It's a small park, with a few picnic tables and restrooms, but it offers nice views of the Manatee River. If you're looking for a peaceful and picturesque spot to spend the day, Fort Hamer Park is a great choice.

Nearby attractions

Fort Hamer Park in Parrish, Florida, is a picturesque spot to launch your boat and enjoy the Manatee River. The park offers beautiful views, picnic tables, a pavilion, restrooms, and an ice machine. It's a great place to spend the day, and if you're looking for more things to do in the area, here are some nearby attractions:

• Sharkey's LED Illuminated Night & Sunset Tour on Glass Bottom Kayaks in Sarasota: Enjoy a magical evening on the water with this unique kayak tour.
• TreeUmph Adventure Course: Get your adrenaline pumping with this exciting adventure course, which has received excellent reviews.
• Circus Secrets of Sarasota: Discover the secrets of the circus in this fascinating tour, which has received 100% bubble ratings from reviewers.
• City Sightseeing Trolley Tour of Sarasota: Explore the charming city of Sarasota on a trolley tour, learning about its history and culture.
• Clear Kayak LED Night Glass Bottom Tour - Sarasota: Another fantastic kayak tour option, this time with clear kayaks for a unique perspective of the water below.
• Siesta Key Electric Bike Sunset Tour: Take a sunset tour of Siesta Key on an electric bike, a fun and eco-friendly way to explore.
• Myakka State Park E-bike Safari: Embark on a safari through Myakka State Park, spotting wildlife and exploring the natural beauty of the area.
• Downtown Walking Food Tour in Sarasota: Indulge in the best of Sarasota's cuisine with this walking food tour, a great way to satisfy your hunger and explore the city.
• South Florida Jet Ski Adventure: For a thrilling experience, jump on a jet ski and explore the waters of South Florida.
• Haunted Sarasota: Mummies, Murder & Mayhem!: Discover the spooky side of Sarasota with this tour that explores the city's haunted history.

These are just a few of the many attractions and tours available near Fort Hamer Park. Whether you're looking for outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or delicious food, you'll find plenty of options to choose from.

Contact information

If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions about the Fort Hamer boat ramp, you can contact the following entities:

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission:

• Address: 100 Eighth Avenue SE St. Petersburg, Florida 33701
• Phone: 727-896-8626
• Email: [email protected]

Tampa Bay Estuary Program:

• Address: 100 Eighth Avenue SE St. Petersburg, Florida 33701
• Phone: 727-893-2765

Manatee County Parks and Recreation:

Phone: 941-742-5923

Frequently asked questions