Boat Launches: Open And Ready For Summer Adventure

Boat launches are sites that provide access to bodies of water for boats. They can be publicly or privately owned, and some are even free to use. Boat launches can be found in many places, including Connecticut, New York, and Wisconsin. The types of boat launches vary, from hard surface or concrete ramp sites to beach launches and hand launches. Some boat launches are only open during certain seasons, and their availability can be affected by water levels, weather, and ice conditions.

Boat launches in Connecticut

The Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection (DEEP) owns and/or operates 117 boat launches across the state, on ponds, lakes, rivers, and Long Island Sound. Unless noted otherwise, all launches are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

• Gardner Lake Boat Launch
• Dooley Pond Boat Launch
• Pickerel Lake Boat Launch
• Pachaug Pond Boat Launch
• Middle Bolton Lake Boat Launch
• Lower Moodus Reservoir Boat Launch
• Lower Bolton Lake Boat Launch
• Beseck Lake Boat Launch
• Lake Lillinonah Boat Launch - Bridgewater
• Mashapaug Lake Boat Launch
• Wyassup Lake Boat Launch
• Twin Lakes Boat Launch
• Lake Zoar Boat Launch
• Bigelow Hollow State Park
• Coventry Lake Boat Launch
• Indian Well State Park
• Wood Creek Pond Boat Launch
• Salmon River Boat Launch (Connecticut River)
• Four Mile River Boat Launch
• Mansfield Hollow Park
• Lake Housatonic Boat Launch
• Bluff Point Coastal Reserve
• Saugatuck River Boat Launch
• Branford River Boat Launch
• Baldwin Bridge State Boat Launch (Connecticut River)
• Black Rock State Park
• Lake McDonough Recreation Area
• Haddam Meadows Boat Launch (Connecticut River)
• Pachaug State Forest (Chapman & Green Falls areas)
• Great Island Boat Launch
• Dock Road Boat Launch
• Mystic River Boat Launch
• Lake of Isles Boat Launch
• Rogers Lake Boat Launch
• Waramaug Lake Boat Launch
• Wintergreen Lake Boat Launch
• Crystal Lake (CT) Boat Launch
• Pine Acres Lake Boat Launch
• Bayberry Lane Boat Launch
• Barn Island Boat Launch
• Long Pond Boat Launch
• Stoddard Hill Boat Launch
• Rainbow Reservoir Boat Launch
• Kings Island Boat Launch (Connecticut River)
• Quaddick Reservoir Boat Launch
• Candlewood Lake (Lattins Cove) Boat Launch
• Mamanasco Lake Boat Launch
• Housatonic River Boat Launch
• Hammonassett Beach Boat Launch

The KE Streeter (Thames River) Boat Launch in Groton is currently closed due to construction on the Gold Star Bridge.

Boat launches in the Adirondacks

The Adirondacks is a boater's paradise, with over 3,000 lakes and ponds, and 1,500 miles of rivers. There are many boat launches across the region, some of which are free to access, while others are located in state campgrounds where day-use fees apply.

Boat launches come in several types: hard surface or concrete ramp sites, beach launches, small and light trailered boat launches, and hand launches with no trailer capacity.

• Lake Harris Boat Launch: Located off Route 28N towards Newcomb. This launch provides access for motorboats, canoes, kayaks, and SUPs.
• Fourth Lake Day Use Area: A large picnic area and access point to the Alger Island Campground, located on the shore of Fourth Lake.
• Seventh Lake Boat Launch: Part of the Northern Forest Canoe Trail, with sandy beaches and open views, ideal for fishing or paddling.
• Indian Lake DEC Boat Launch: A modern launch site with a large concrete ramp that can accommodate the largest trailered boats, located within the Indian Lake Island Campground.
• Lake Pleasant Small Boat Launch: An unpaved launch in Speculator, limited to canoes, kayaks, and small motor boats on trailers.
• Lake Eaton Beach Launch: A quiet lake located within the Lake Eaton State Campground, two miles north of Long Lake, perfect for paddling, boating, or fishing.
• Forked Lake DEC Beach Launch: Located in Raquette Lake, this launch had historically low water levels in 2018, so boaters should take care and watch for rocks.
• Brown Tract Pond Hand Launch: Motors are not allowed on Brown Tract Pond, and boats must be hand-launched. The launch is located within the Lower Brown Tract Pond State Campground, off Route 28.
• Raquette Lake Boat Launch: A hard surface boat launch and public dock located on Main Street/County Route 2, providing easy access for all boat types.
• Lake Durant Boat Launch: A lake with plenty of weed beds, ideal for fishing and suitable for most medium-sized boats.
• Piseco Lake Boat Launches: There are three public campgrounds on Piseco Lake, each with a hard surface boat launch, located off Route 8.
• Limekiln Lake Boat Launch: A hard surface boat launch located off Route 28, with a small day-use fee for those not camping.
• Long Lake DEC Boat Launch: A hard surface launch on the eastern shore of Long Lake, providing float-off and float-on launching for most trailered boats.
• Lewey Lake Beach Boat Launch: A remote launch located within a DEC campground, situated halfway between Speculator and Indian Lake.
• Sacandaga Lake DEC Boat Launch: Located within the Moffits Beach DEC campsite area, one of the largest in the Adirondacks.
• Fourth Lake Boat Launch: A hard surface launch off Route 28, providing public access to Fourth Lake.
• Sacandaga Lake Boat Ramp: A new boat ramp located within the Moffits Beach DEC Campground, providing easy access to the lake.

Boat launches in Wisconsin

Wisconsin is a haven for boating enthusiasts, with over 15,000 inland lakes, 43,000 miles of rivers, and 650 miles of Great Lakes shoreline. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) maintains a vast network of public boat access sites and fishing piers, providing residents and visitors alike with ample opportunities to explore the state's picturesque waterways.

The City of Superior, located in the northern tip of the state, is a hub for boating activities. The city operates four boat launch sites, each offering convenient access to the water. These sites include Arrowhead, located on the west end of the city off Belknap Street, and North 21st Street, also on the west end, off 21st Street. Barker's Island, situated off Highway 2 and Marina Drive, and Loon's Foot Landing, accessible from Highway 2 on 30th Avenue East, provide additional options for boaters. These sites generally open in the spring and offer amenities like restroom facilities and fish cleaning stations.

In addition to Superior's offerings, the Wisconsin DNR's inventory features over 2,000 public boat access sites and more than 100 developed shore fishing sites across the state. These sites are maintained through user launch fees, ensuring their upkeep and accessibility. The DNR's mapping application provides valuable information on the locations of these sites and indicates which sites require user fees.

The state of Wisconsin upholds the Public Trust Doctrine, which guarantees its citizens the right to enjoy the state's navigable waters for boating, fishing, and other recreational activities. This doctrine ensures that Wisconsin's abundant waterways are accessible to all, contributing to a vibrant boating and fishing culture throughout the state. Whether you're a seasoned boater or a novice paddler, Wisconsin's extensive network of boat launches and access sites offers endless opportunities for exploration and enjoyment.

Boat launches in New York

There are many boat launches in New York, with most major lakes, rivers, and waterways offering boating access points for public and private use. Here is a list of some of the boat launches in New York State, including those in New York City:

New York City Boat Launches:

• World's Fair Marina, Flushing Bay, Queens
• Bayside Marina, Little Neck Bay, Queens
• Lemon Creek, Prince's Bay, Staten Island

Other Boat Launches in New York State:

• Allan H. Treman State Marine Park, Cayuga Lake, Ithaca
• Almond Lake, Steuben County's Kanakadea Park, Hornell
• Alexandria Bay Village Docks, Alexandria Bay
• Al's Mobile Marine, Atlantic Ave, West Sayville
• Amherst Marine Center, Campbell Rd, Amherst
• A & B Marine, Waterloo-Geneva Rd, Waterloo
• Adams Basin Marina, Mac Arthur Rd, Greece
• Admiral's Marina, Hudson Ave, Stillwater
• Advance Marine, Shore Rd, Bellmore

Please note that this list is not exhaustive, and it is always a good idea to check ahead to find out if a boat launch is public or private and if there are any permits or fees required.

Types of boat launches

Boat launches are sites that provide access to bodies of water for boats. There are several types of boat launches, each with its own unique characteristics and capabilities.

One common type is the hard surface or concrete ramp launch. These sites provide easy float-off and float-on launching for most trailered boats. They are often found at state campgrounds, where day-use fees may apply, and can accommodate a wide range of boat types. Beach launch sites are similar, offering float-off and float-on capabilities for trailered boats, but they are typically located on beaches or shallow areas.

Some boat launches are designed specifically for small and light trailered boats. These sites allow for the approach of the boat to the water's edge, where it can then be pushed on or off the trailer. Hand launches are another type of boat launch, which do not accommodate trailers. With hand launches, boats must be carried by hand to the water, making them suitable for smaller, non-motorized boats.

In addition to these, there are also kayak and canoe launches, which are designed for non-motorized watercraft such as kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards. These launches may be found at dedicated sites or within larger boat launch areas.

Boat launches may be operated by regulatory or official organisations, such as police or harbour-masters, and are often maintained by local governments or agencies. They can vary in terms of accessibility, with some being open to the public and others requiring daily or annual passes for use.

Frequently asked questions