Lake Somerville Boat Ramps: Open Or Closed?

Lake Somerville in Texas has 11 boat ramps, seven parks, and two private floating marinas, providing plenty of access to the lake for water recreation. The Nails Creek boat ramp was closed in October 2024 due to low lake levels, but there are still several other boat ramps that are open and accommodate all boat types. These include the Birch Creek Forest Subdivision ramp, the Rocky Creek Park ramp, and the Yegua Creek Park ramp, all of which are operated by the US Army Corps of Engineers and require a $2 boat launch fee or annual permit.

Lake Somerville boat ramps are mostly open, but some are closed due to high water or flood damage

Lake Somerville features 11 boat ramps, seven parks, and two private floating marinas, providing plenty of access to the lake for water recreation. The US Army Corps of Engineers operates three parks that offer campsites with picnic tables, grills, restrooms, and showers. Most sites have shelter tops.

While most boat ramps at Lake Somerville are open, some parks and boat ramps are closed due to high water or flood damage. It is recommended to check the Army Corps of Engineers and State Parks Alert Map for updates before planning a visit.

The Nails Creek Unit of Lake Somerville State Park offers camping and other activities, but the boat ramp there is currently inaccessible due to low lake levels. The Newman Bottom parking area is open, but the road to it has changed, and trailers are not allowed. The Trailway is open for hikers, bikers, and horseback riders, but two bridges, one over Nails Creek and one over Yegua Creek, have been washed out.

The Birch Creek Unit of Lake Somerville State Park also offers camping and other activities. It features two two-lane ramps that accommodate all boat types. A park entry fee is required for both the Nails Creek and Birch Creek units.

There are 11 boat ramps in total, with seven parks and two private floating marinas

Lake Somerville is a great place for water recreation, with a total of 11 boat ramps, seven parks, and two private floating marinas providing access to the lake. The US Army Corps of Engineers operates three parks with campsites, picnic tables, grills, restrooms, and showers, while the Nails Creek and Birch Creek units of Lake Somerville State Park offer camping and other activities.

• Overlook Park/Marina: Accommodates all boat types. The park is operated by the Corps of Engineers, while the marina is privately operated.
• State Park, Nails Creek Unit: A 2-lane ramp that accommodates all boat types. A park entry fee is required. Operated by the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department.
• State Park, Birch Creek Unit: Two 2-lane ramps accommodate all boat types. A park entry fee is required. Operated by the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department.
• Rocky Creek Park: The ramp accommodates all boat types. A $2 boat launch fee is charged, and an annual permit is available. Operated by the US Army Corps of Engineers.
• Big Creek Park: Ramp accommodates all boat types. Privately operated.
• Welch Park: The ramp will accommodate all boat types. Privately operated.
• Yegua Creek Park: Two ramps will accommodate all boat types. A $2 boat launch fee is charged, and an annual permit is available. Operated by the US Army Corps of Engineers.
• Lake Somerville Marina: The ramp accommodates all boat types. Marina privately operated.
• Apache Hills Subdivision: Also known as Big Creek Park. The ramp accommodates all boat types.
• Birch Creek Forest Subdivision: Also known as Lake Somerville State Park. Two-lane ramps accommodate all boat types. A park entry fee is required.
• Unnamed ramp: Located within Rocky Creek Park. The ramp accommodates all boat types. A $2 boat launch fee is charged, and an annual permit is available. Operated by the US Army Corps of Engineers.

It is important to note that some parks and boat ramps may be closed due to high water or flood damage, so it is recommended to check the Army Corps of Engineers and State Parks Alert Map for updates before planning a visit. Additionally, the Nails Creek boat ramp was reported to be inaccessible due to low lake levels in October 2024.

The Nails Creek boat ramp was closed in October 2024 due to low lake levels

Lake Somerville is a popular destination for water recreation, with 11 boat ramps, seven parks, and two private floating marinas providing ample access for boating enthusiasts. The Nails Creek boat ramp, located within the Lake Somerville State Park Nails Creek Unit, is usually a great option for those looking to get out on the water. However, in October 2024, low lake levels impacted boat access.

On October 29, 2024, an alert was issued stating that most boats could not be launched from the Nails Creek boat ramp due to low lake levels. This presented a challenge for boaters looking to enjoy the lake during that time. The Nails Creek boat ramp is a popular access point for Lake Somerville, known for its ability to accommodate all boat types with its two-lane ramp.

The closure of the Nails Creek boat ramp due to low lake levels is not an uncommon occurrence. Lake levels can fluctuate, and during periods of drought or water scarcity, boat ramps may become temporarily inaccessible. In such situations, boaters must seek alternative entry points to the lake. Lake Somerville does offer a variety of other boat ramps, both publicly and privately operated, ensuring that water recreation can continue even when one ramp is closed.

While the Nails Creek boat ramp closure in October 2024 may have been an inconvenience for some, it is important to prioritize safety and follow the guidelines set by the park authorities. Boaters are advised to stay updated with the latest alerts and notifications regarding lake levels and facility closures to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience on Lake Somerville.

It is recommended to check the Army Corps of Engineers and State Parks Alert Map for real-time updates on park and boat ramp closures, as well as any other important notifications, to plan your visit to Lake Somerville accordingly.

The US Army Corps of Engineers operates three parks with campsites, picnic tables, grills, restrooms, and showers

Lake Somerville has 11 boat ramps, seven parks, and two private floating marinas, providing plenty of access to the lake for water recreation. The US Army Corps of Engineers operates three parks with campsites, picnic tables, grills, restrooms, and showers. Most sites have shelter tops, and electricity is available for an extra fee.

The first of these parks is Rocky Creek Park. From Somerville, go four miles south on Texas 36 to FM 1948. Turn right and go another five miles to reach the park entrance. The boat ramp accommodates all boat types, and there is a $2 boat launch fee, with an annual permit available.

The second park is Yegua Creek Park. From Somerville, go four miles south on Texas 36 to FM 1948. Turn right and go approximately two miles to the park entrance. There are two three-lane ramps that accommodate all boat types. A $2 boat launch fee applies, and an annual permit is available.

The third park is Welch Park. From Somerville, take Thornberry Road 1.5 miles to the Lake Somerville Dam. Turn right onto the dam to reach the park entrance. The boat ramp accommodates all boat types.

In addition to the parks operated by the US Army Corps of Engineers, the Nails Creek and Birch Creek units of Lake Somerville State Park offer camping and other activities.

Most boat ramps accommodate all boat types, with some having two or three lanes

Lake Somerville has 11 boat ramps, seven parks, and two private floating marinas, offering plenty of access to the lake for water recreation.

However, it is important to note that some parks and boat ramps may be closed due to high water or flood damage. For example, as of October 29, 2024, the Nails Creek boat ramp could not launch most boats due to low lake levels. It is recommended to check the Army Corps of Engineers and State Parks Alert Map for the latest updates on closures and boat ramp conditions.

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