Boat Ramps In Hillsborough County: Open And Accessible

what boat ramps are open in hillsborough county

There are a variety of boat ramps open in Hillsborough County, Florida. The boat ramps at Edward Medard Conservation Park, Riverview Civic Center, Harney Park, and Baker Creek are popular among freshwater enthusiasts, while the boat ramps at Cockroach Bay, E.G. Simmons Conservation Park, Williams Park, Salty Sol Fleishman, and Courtney Campbell are perfect for those looking to get offshore. The Gandy Boat Ramp, located off of Gandy Boulevard, is the most popular public boat ramp in the county, offering access to the central portion of Tampa Bay. Annual passes are available for frequent visitors to the boat ramps and conservation parks in the area.

Characteristics Values
Number of boat ramps in Hillsborough County 16
Boat ramp locations Edward Medard Conservation Park, Riverview Civic Center, Harney Park, Baker Creek, Cockroach Bay, E.G. Simmons Conservation Park, Williams Park, Salty Sol Fleishman, Courtney Campbell, Gandy Park, Ballast Point Park, Lowry Park, Picnic Island Park, Alafia River, Davis Island, Domino Park, Fowler Avenue, Riverhills Park, Ruskin Common Good Park, Wildcat Creek, Sun City Heritage Park
Boat ramp features Number of lanes (single, double, 4, 6), courtesy docks, parking spaces for boat trailers, picnic areas, restrooms, fishing piers, playgrounds, trash receptacles, wash down facilities, bait shops, restaurants
Boat ramp fees $5 for launching boats, $2 additional entry for Conservation Parks, $1 per person for additional passengers, $100 for boat ramp pass
Discounts 50% discount for Hillsborough County residents who are 100% disabled, 25% discount for first responders, residents age 65 and older, active-duty military and veterans

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Gandy Boat Ramp

The boat ramp is located off of Gandy Boulevard, on the south side of the road. This convenient location provides easy access for those travelling to and from the boat ramp. It is also in close proximity to other recreational areas, such as parks and conservation areas, offering a range of outdoor activities for visitors.

For those interested in purchasing an annual pass for the boat ramp, Hillsborough County offers a Boat Ramp Pass Program. This program allows participants to enjoy year-round access to the county's boat ramps without having to pay a fee each time they visit. The pass includes the use of all county-maintained boat ramps and can be purchased online or by visiting one of the designated administrative offices.

In addition to the Gandy Boat Ramp, Hillsborough County also offers a range of other boat ramps, catering to different locations and preferences. These include freshwater ramps, such as the Edward Medard Conservation Park and Riverview Civic Center, and offshore ramps like Cockroach Bay, Courtney Campbell, and Williams Park. Each of these ramps offers unique access to the diverse waterways of Hillsborough County.

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Edward Medard Conservation Park

The park offers an annual pass program that allows participants to access the park's waters all year round without paying a fee each time they visit. The annual pass costs $50 for an individual and $100 for a family. The park also offers a 25% discount on the issuance of annual park passes for residents aged 65 and older, as well as first responders living or working in the county.

The boat launch fee is $5, with an additional $2 entry fee for boats launched at the conservation park. The park offers after-hours fishing permits, which can be used to access select parks or preserves to fish after regular hours. The after-hours fishing pass costs $30.

The park has a range of facilities, including a playground, picnic pavilions, and restrooms. It is a great place to enjoy the outdoors and spend time on the water.

When the Boat Race Starts This Year

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Salty Sol Fleishman Boat Ramp

The Salty Sol Fleishman Boat Ramp is located at Gandy Park South, 5120 Gandy Boulevard, Tampa, FL 33611. It is one of the most popular public boat ramps in Hillsborough County and is ideal for accessing the central portion of Tampa Bay. The ramp has six launching lanes, floating courtesy docks, over 100 paved trailer parking spots, a wash-down facility, and restrooms. The launch fee is payable at an automated pay station, which only accepts credit cards.

The Salty Sol Fleishman Boat Ramp is a great option for boaters of all kinds, with its wide lanes and ample parking. Whether you're looking to launch a small jon boat or a larger sailboat, this ramp can accommodate you. The floating courtesy docks make for a smooth launch, and the wash-down facility is convenient for cleaning your boat after a day on the water.

In addition to its practical features, the Salty Sol Fleishman Boat Ramp also offers beautiful views of Tampa Bay. The central location provides easy access to the bay's central portion, making it a popular choice for boaters looking to explore the area. The ramp is also conveniently located off of Gandy Boulevard, making it easy to reach from many parts of the county.

If you plan to visit the Salty Sol Fleishman Boat Ramp regularly, you may want to consider purchasing an annual pass. Hillsborough County offers an annual boat ramp pass program that allows participants to use the county's boat ramps year-round without paying a fee each time they visit. This can be a great option if you frequently launch your boat at various locations throughout the county.

Overall, the Salty Sol Fleishman Boat Ramp is a convenient and well-equipped option for boaters in Hillsborough County. With its multiple lanes, ample parking, and central location, it offers a seamless launching experience for boaters looking to explore Tampa Bay and beyond.

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Cockroach Bay Boat Ramp

The Cockroach Bay Boat Ramp is one of 16 public boat ramps in Hillsborough County, Florida. It is located on the western end of Cockroach Bay Road in Ruskin, Florida, 1.2 miles west of the intersection of Cockroach Bay Road and Gulf City Road. The boat ramp is centrally located, giving easy access to Tampa Bay, Old Tampa Bay, and Hillsborough Bay.

The Cockroach Bay Boat Ramp offers a single-lane ramp with no courtesy docks. There is a picnic table, shoreline fishing, and trash receptacles available. However, there are no restrooms at this location. You can hand-launch your kayak or canoe at Cockroach Bay, and the ramp also provides access to various other areas, including the Manatee River, Little Manatee River, Bishop Harbor, Terra Ceia Bay, Alafia River, McKay Bay, Mobbly Bay, or the Gulf of Mexico.

The boat ramp is maintained by Hillsborough County, and there is a $5 launching fee for boats, with an additional $2 entry fee when launching boats at Conservation Parks. Annual passes are available for frequent visitors to the county's conservation parks and boat ramps, providing year-round access without paying a fee each time.

In addition to the Cockroach Bay Boat Ramp, other popular boat ramps in Hillsborough County include the Edward Medard Conservation Park, Riverview Civic Center, Harney Park, Baker Creek, E.G. Simmons Conservation Park, Williams Park, Salty Sol Fleishman, and Courtney Campbell. These boat ramps offer access to both freshwater and offshore locations, catering to a range of boating and outdoor recreation needs.

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Davis Island Boat Ramp

The Davis Island Boat Ramp, located at 825 South Severn Avenue in Tampa, offers boaters two separate launching areas. The first ramp leads into the Seaplane Basin and is 50 feet wide with courtesy docks. This side may offer more protection on windy days. The second ramp is also 50 feet wide and has courtesy docks, but there are no designated parking spots. There are, however, approximately 30 parking spaces available, and portable toilets can be found on-site.

The Davis Island Boat Ramp is conveniently situated in Tampa, providing access to various nearby bodies of water. Tampa Bay, Old Tampa Bay, and Hillsborough Bay are all easily reachable from this launch site. The boat ramp is also close to other attractions, such as the Manatee River, Little Manatee River, Bishop Harbor, Terra Ceia Bay, and Alafia River.

Davis Island Seaplane Basin, located across from the Seaplane Basin at 846 Severn Avenue, features one ramp with two lanes and a dock. Trailer parking and standard parking are available at this location. This ramp is open 24 hours a day, and it is conveniently accessible at any time. However, it is important to note that there are no restrooms available for boaters at this particular location.

The Davis Island Boat Ramp is a great option for boaters looking to explore the nearby waters of Tampa Bay and the surrounding areas. With two launching areas, courtesy docks, and available parking, it offers a convenient and accessible option for getting out on the water. Additionally, the protection offered by the Seaplane Basin side during windy days makes it an attractive choice for boaters concerned about weather conditions.

Frequently asked questions

There are 16 public boat ramps in Hillsborough County, Florida. Some of the most popular include:

- Salty Sol Fleishman Boat Ramp at Gandy Park South

- Edward Medard Conservation Park

- Riverview Civic Center

- Harney Park

- Cockroach Bay Boat Ramp

- E.G. Simmons Conservation Park

- Ballast Point Park

Boat ramp passes allow participants to enjoy the area's best parks and surrounding waters year-round without having to pay a fee each time they visit. The passes only include the use of county boat ramps and do not provide entry into parks or cover charges for camping or canoe rentals.

It is important to note that some boat ramps have specific operating hours, such as the E.G. Simmons Park Boat Ramp, which is open from 7 am to 7 pm in the spring and summer, and 7 am to 6 pm in the fall and winter. Additionally, some ramps may have limited trailer parking or restroom facilities, so it is recommended to check the amenities available at each location before visiting.

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