Boat Ramps
Massachusetts boat ramps offer many routes to the water
Massachusetts has the freshwater and saltwater sports and enough boat ramps to get you afloat anywhere you like. Launch your motorized, sail, or paddle boat and head out for a day of great fishing, exercise, and some serious relaxing. You’ll find access to lakes, ponds, rivers, and coastal waterways via paved ramps for bigger boats and gravel ramps for smaller ones. Parking for boat trailers abounds and sport fishing piers provide fishing area for recreational anglers. Stay near the waterfront and enjoy the great service and amenities while you’re there.
82 places to visit
Connecticut River Greenway State Park
136 Damon Road Northampton, MA 01060 413-586-8706 Use the Pauchaug, Barton Cove, Sunderland, Hatfield, and Chicopee Boat Access points to launch your canoe (find details below). Elwell Recreation Area is designated for canoes and rowing only. Paddle at your own pace up/down the scenic and historic Connecticut River.
Ashumet Pond
Falmouth-Sandwich Road Falmouth, MA 02540 508-759-3406 Small concrete ramp, concrete pad ramp system or gravel ramp designed for smaller boats and parking for boat trailers; 1 ramp; 1 lane; concrete. Fish species: Trout, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie. Managed by state Division of Fisheries and Wildlife.
Baker Pond (MA)
Off Route 6 Orleans, MA 02653 508-759-3406 Access to lakes, ponds and rivers for small boats, canoes and kayaks; 1 ramp; 1 lane; cartop access. Fish species: Trout, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass. Managed by state Division of Fisheries and Wildlife.
Barnstable Harbor (Blish Point)
Commerce Road Barnstable, MA 02630 508-862-4000 Concrete boat ramp and parking for boat trailers; coastal access for all types; 1 ramp; 2 lanes; concrete ramp. Fish species: Striped bass, bluefish, fluke, flounder. Managed by Town of Barnstable.
Bass River
South Shore Drive Yarmouth, MA 02675 508-398-2231 Concrete boat ramp and parking for boat trailers; coastal access for all types. Sport fishing pier provides fishing area for recreational anglers - barrier free; coastal access for all types; 1 ramp; 2 lanes; concrete. Fish species: Striped bass, bluefish, fluke, flounder. Managed by Town of Yarmouth.
Great Herring Pond
Herring Pond Road Bourne, MA 02532 508-759-3406 Small concrete ramp, concrete pad ramp system or gravel ramp designed for smaller boats and parking for boat trailers;1 ramp; 1 lane; gravel. Fish species: Smallmouth bass, white perch, pickerel. Managed by state Division of Fisheries and Wildlife.
Green Pond
Menauhant Road Falmouth, MA 02540 508-862-4000 Concrete boat ramp and parking for boat trailers; coastal access for all types; 1 ramp; 2 lanes; concrete. Fish species: Striped bass, bluefish, tautog, fluke. Managed by Town of Barnstable.
Hamblin Pond
Prospect Street Barnstable, MA 02630 508-862-4000 Small concrete ramp, concrete pad ramp system or gravel ramp designed for smaller boats and parking for boat trailers; 1 gravel lane. Fish species: Trout, smallmouth bass. Managed by Town of Barnstable.
Johns Pond
Hoopole Road Mashpee, MA 02649 508-759-3406 Small concrete ramp, concrete pad ramp system or gravel ramp designed for smaller boats and parking for boat trailers; 1 ramp; 1 lane; concrete. Fish species: Trout, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, white perch. Managed by state Division of Fisheries and Wildlife.
Little Cliff Pond in Nickerson State Park
Flax Pond Road Brewster, MA 02631 508-759-3406 Small concrete ramp, concrete pad ramp system or gravel ramp designed for smaller boats and parking for boat trailers; 1 concrete lane. Fish species: Trout, smallmouth bass. Managed by state Division of Fisheries and Wildlife.
Lovells Pond
Santuit-Newtown Road Barnstable, MA 02630 508-862-4000 Access to lakes, ponds and rivers for small boats, canoes and kayaks; 1 ramp; 1 lane; cartop access. Fish species: Trout, smallmouth bass, pickerel. Managed by Town of Barnstable.
Mashpee/Wakeby Pond
Off Forestdale Road Mashpee, MA 02649 508-539-1400 Concrete boat ramp and parking for boat trailers; 1 ramp; 2 lanes; concrete ramp. Fish species: Trout, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, white perch, pickerel. Managed by Town of Mashpee.
Pamet River
Depot Road Truro, MA 02666 508-349-7004 Concrete boat ramp and parking for boat trailers; coastal access for all types; 1 ramp; 1 lane; concrete ramp. Fish species: Striped bass, bluefish, cod, flounder. Managed by Town of Truro.
Rock Harbor
many locations in town (see link) Eastham, MA 02642 508-240-5900 see link for Coastal Access Guide for many boat ramps and boat launch sites managed by Town of Eastham.
Saquatucket Harbor
Main Street Harwich, MA 02645 508-430-7514 Concrete boat ramp and parking for boat trailers; coastal access for all types; 2 ramps; 2 lanes; concrete. Fish species: Striped bass, bluefish, fluke, cod. Managed by Town of Harwich.
Schoolhouse Pond
Main Street Brewster, MA 02631 508-896-3701 Access to lakes, ponds and rivers for small boats, canoes and kayaks; no ramps; 1 lane; cartop access. Fish species: Largemouth bass, pickerel. Managed by Town of Brewster
Craven's Landing on Scorton Creek
Holway Road Sandwich, MA Shore fishing area with minimally improved property that provides shore fishing access; coastal access for all types; no ramps; no lanes. Fish species: Striped bass, bluefish, flounder. Managed by state Division of Marine Fisheries.
West Falmouth Harbor Landing
55 Old Dock Road Falmouth, MA 508-457-2550 Small concrete ramp, concrete pad ramp system or gravel ramp designed for smaller boats and parking for boat trailers; coastal access for all types; 1 ramp; 1 lane; concrete pad. Fish species: Striped bass, bluefish, fluke. Managed by Town of Falmouth.
Sesuit Harbor
Cold Storage Road Dennis, MA 02638 508-394-8300 Concrete boat ramp and parking for boat trailers; coastal access for all types; 1 ramp; 2 lanes; concrete. Fish species: Striped bass, bluefish, cod, flounder. Managed by Town of Dennis.
Sheep Pond
Fisherman’s Landing Road Brewster, MA 02631 508-896-3701 Small concrete ramp, concrete pad ramp system or gravel ramp designed for smaller boats and parking for boat trailers; 1 ramp; 1 lane; concrete. Fish species: Trout, smallmouth bass. Managed by Town of Brewster.
Shubael Pond
Willimantic Drive Barnstable, MA 02630 508-862-4000 Small concrete ramp, concrete pad ramp system or gravel ramp designed for smaller boats and parking for boat trailers; 1 ramp; 1 lane; gravel. Fish species: Trout, smallmouth bass. Managed by Town of Barnstable.
Slough Pond
Slough Road Brewster, MA 02631 508-896-3701 Access to lakes, ponds and rivers for small boats, canoes and kayaks; 1 lane; cartop access. Fish species: Largemouth bass, pickerel. Managed by Town of Brewster.
Wequaquet Lake
Shootflying Hill Road Barnstable, MA 02630 508-862-4000 Small concrete ramp, concrete pad ramp system or gravel ramp designed for smaller boats and parking for boat trailers; 1 lane; concrete. Fish species: Largemouth bass, pickerel. Managed by Town of Barnstable.
Old Harbor Road
Old Harbor Road Hyannis, MA On Lewis Bay. Paved / no parking. Some ramps are free and others charge a fee for launching and/or parking.
Scudder Lane
Scudder's Lane Barnstable, MA On Barnstable Harbor. Paved / limited parking. Some ramps are free and others charge a fee for launching and/or parking.
Electric Avenue
Electric Avenue Bourne, MA On Buttermilk Bay. Paved. Some ramps are free and others charge a fee for launching and/or parking.
Bourne Marina
Academy Drive Bourne, MA On Buttermilk Bay. Paved. Some ramps are free and others charge a fee for launching and/or parking.
Barlow’s Landing
Barlow’s Landing Road Pocasset, MA On Buzzard’s Bay. Paved
Bridge Street
Bridge Street Chatham, MA On Nantucket Sound. Paved
Andrew Harding Lane
Andrew Harding Lane Chatham, MA On Chatham Harbor. Sand.
Foot of Cove Road
Cove Road Chatham, MA On Pleasant Bay. Sand.
Town Landing
Sesuit Road East Dennis, MA Paved
Annisquam River (Corliss Landing)
Off Apple Street Gloucester, MA Fisherman access: Small concrete ramp, concrete pad ramp system or gravel ramp designed for smaller boats and parking for boat trailers. Fish species: Striped bass, flounder. Managed by the City of Gloucester.
Merrimack River (Cashman Park)
Merrimack Street at Cashman Park Newburyport, MA General access: Concrete boat ramp and parking for boat trailers. Fish species: Striped bass, bluefish, cod, flounder. Managed by the City of Newburyport.
Ipswich River
East Street Ipswich, MA General access: Concrete boat ramp and parking for boat trailers. Fish species: Striped bass, bluefish, cod, flounder. Managed by the Town of Ipswich.
Connecticut River near Northfield Center
Off Route 63 Northfield, MA One mile north of Northfield Center on Route 63. Paved parking area and ramp. The boat ramp can accommodate canoes, fishing boats, recreational motorboats. This property is part of the
Connecticut River Greenway State Park. Fish species: Largemouth, smallmouth bass, northern pike white perch pickerel, black crappie, walleye. Managed by the state Department of Conservation and Recreation.
Connecticut River (Oxbow)
North Street (Route 5) Easthampton, MA Take Route I-91 to exit 18 south on Route 5 in Easthampton. Thirty-five parking spaces and a paved ramp. Customary use by high powered recreational craft and larger fishing boats. Fish species: Largemouth, smallmouth bass, northern pike white perch pickerel, black crappie, walleye. This property is part of the
Connecticut River Greenway State Park.
Managed by the state Department of Conservation and Recreation.
Ashmere Lake
Off Smith Road Hinsdale, MA 617-727-1843 Fisherman access: Small concrete ramp, concrete pad ramp system or gravel ramp designed for smaller boats and parking for boat trailers. Fish species: Smallmouth bass, pickerel, black crappie. Managed by state Department of Conservation and Recreation.
Charles River (Waltham)
Woerd Avenue Waltham, MA Fisherman access: Small concrete ramp, concrete pad ramp system or gravel ramp designed for smaller boats and parking for boat trailers. Fish species: Largemouth bass, northern pike, white perch, pickerel, black crappie. Managed by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation.
Upper Mystic Lake
at Mystic Lakes State Park - 481 Mystic Valley Parkway Medford, MA 02155 Small concrete ramp, concrete pad ramp system or gravel ramp designed for smaller boats and parking for boat trailers. No motorized boats allowed. Fish species: Largemouth bass, pickerel, black crappie. Managed by the state Department of Conservation and Recreation. - Info Sheet with Map
Indian Lake
Grove Street Worcester, MA Fisherman access: Small concrete ramp, concrete pad ramp system or gravel ramp designed for smaller boats and parking for boat trailers. Fish species: largemouth bass, northern pike, white perch, black crappie. Managed by the City of Worcester.
Chicopee River
East Street Wilbraham, MA Canoe access: Access to rivers most suitable for canoes and kayaks. Fish species: Trout, largemouth bass, northern pike, pickerel, black crappie. Managed by the state Department of Conservation and Recreation.
Chicopee River (Red Bridge Landing)
Red Bridge Road Wilbraham, MA A steep, paved launch ramp wit parking area for about a dozen cars. Fish species: Largemouth bass, northern pike, white perch, pickerel, black crappie. Managed by the state Department of Conservation and Recreation.
Quaboag Pond
Shore Road Brookfield, MA General access: Concrete boat ramp and parking for boat trailers. Fish species: largemouth bass, northern pike, white perch, pickerel, black crappie. Managed by the Town of Brookfield.
Alum Lake
Clark Road Sturbridge, MA Fisherman access: Small concrete ramp, concrete pad ramp system or gravel ramp designed for smaller boats and parking for boat trailers. Fish species: Trout, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, pickerel. Managed by the Town of Sturbridge.
Eddy Pond
South Street Auburn, MA Fisherman access: Small concrete ramp, concrete pad ramp system or gravel ramp designed for smaller boats and parking for boat trailers. Fish species: Largemouth bass, pickerel, black crappie. Managed by the Town of Auburn.
Manchaug Pond
Off Torrey Road Sutton, MA General access: Concrete boat ramp and parking for boat trailers. Fish species: Largemouth bas, smallmouth bass, white perch, pickerel, black crappie. Managed by the Town of Sutton.
Scituate Harbor
Barker & Jericho Roads Scituate, MA 02066 General access: Concrete boat ramp and parking for boat trailers. Fish species: Fish species: Striped bass, bluefish, cod, flounder. Managed by the Town of Scituate.
Plymouth Harbor
Water Street Plymouth, MA General access: Concrete boat ramp and parking for boat trailers. Fish species: Striped bass, bluefish, cod, flounder. Managed by the Town of Plymouth.
Sandy Pond
Gunning Point Plymouth, MA Fisherman access: Small concrete ramp, concrete pad ramp system or gravel ramp designed for smaller boats and parking for boat trailers. Fish species: Trout, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass. Managed by the state Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Long Pond - Plymouth
Clark Road Plymouth, MA Shore fishing area: Minimally improved property that provides shore fishing access. Fisherman access: Small concrete ramp, concrete pad ramp system or gravel ramp designed for smaller boats and parking for boat trailers. Fish species: Trout, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, pickerel. Managed by the state Department of Conservation and Recreation.
Mattapoisett Harbor (Short Wharf)
Water Street Mattapoisett, MA General access: Concrete boat ramp and parking for boat trailers. Fish species: Striped bass, bluefish, tautog, fluke. Managed by the Town of Mattapoisett.
Acushnet River Basin (Pease Park)
Pease Street Fairhaven, MA General access: Concrete boat ramp and parking for boat trailers. Fish species: Striped bass, bluefish, tautog, fluke. Managed by the Town of Fairhaven.
Cook Pond
Henry Street Fall River, MA Fisherman access: Small concrete ramp, concrete pad ramp system or gravel ramp designed for smaller boats and parking for boat trailers. Fish species: Largemouth bass, tiger muskee, white perch, pickerel. Managed by the City of Fall River.
Brownell Street Boat Ramp at the Taunton River Basin
Brownell Street Fall River, MA General access: Concrete boat ramp and parking for boat trailers. Fish species: Striped bass, bluefish, tautog, fluke, squeteague. Managed by the City of Fall River.
Clarks Cove
W. Rodney French Blvd. New Bedford, MA Fisherman access: Small concrete ramp, concrete pad ramp system or gravel ramp designed for smaller boats and parking for boat trailers. Fish species: Striped bass, bluefish, tautog, fluke. Managed by the City of New Bedford.
Charles River (Elm Bank)
Off Elliot Street Dover, MA Canoe access: Access to rivers most suitable for canoes and kayaks. Fish species: Largemouth bass, northern pike, white perch, pickerel, black crappie. Managed by state Department of Conservation.
Charles River (Needham)
Fisher Street Needham, MA Cartop access: Access to lakes, ponds and rivers for small boats, canoes and kayaks.
Fish species: Largemouth bass, northern pike, white perch, pickerel, black crappie. Manage dby the state Department of Conservation.
Charles River (Brighton)
Nonantum Road at Daly Field Boston (Brighton), MA 02135 General access: Concrete boat ramp and parking for boat trailers. Fish species: Largemouth bass, northern pike, white perch, pickerel, black crappie. Managed by the state Department of Conservation.
Charles River (Watertown)
Charles River Road Watertown, MA Launch for small boats
Mystic River access at Wellington Yacht Club
Constitution Way Medford, MA 02155 State Department of Conservation and Recreation public launch for small boats is maintained by the Wellington Yacht Club
Horn Pond
Lake Avenue Woburn, MA Fisherman access: Small concrete ramp, concrete pad ramp system or gravel ramp designed for smaller boats and parking for boat trailers. Fish species: Trout, largemouth bass, pickerel, black crappie. Managed by the City of Woburn.
Lynn Harbor
Lynnway Lynn, MA General access: Concrete boat ramp and parking for boat trailers. Fish species: Striped bass, bluefish, cod, flounder. Managed by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation.
Horseneck Beach State Reservation
MA Route 88 South to John Reed Road Westport, MA 02790 508-636-8816 Launch non-motorized or motorized boats from designated areas. Primary public boat launch is located just west of the park entrance along the Westport River, next to The Back Eddy restaurant. Another launch is located at the far south end of the park near Gooseberry Island.
Salisbury Beach State Reservation
1 Beach Road - Route 1A Salisbury, MA 01952 508-462-4481 This very beautiful ocean beach covers four miles along the Atlantic. There are two boat ramps on the Merrimack River at the south end of the campground.
Douglas State Forest
107 Wallum Lake Road Douglas, MA 01516 508-476-7872 Activities at this popular state forest include water sports -- swimming, boating, paddling, fishing -- on Wallum Lake. There is a concrete boat ramp and parking for boat trailers. The ramp is strictly for boat access and cannot be used to enter the park after hours. The ramp is signed for boat trailers only and will be enforced. The state forest in Massachusetts also borders on Connecticut and Rhode Island. - Trail Map (PDF)
Connecticut River at Melina Street
Off Medina Street Chicopee, MA One-half mile off Route 116 on Melina Street. Thirty-two parking spaces and a surfaced ramp. Shallow, moderate and deep draft recreational and fishing boats. Easy canoe and rowing shell access. This property is part of the
Connecticut River Greenway State Park.
Wendell State Forest
392 Montague Road Wendell, MA 01379 413-659-3797 Launch your non-motorized boat from the launch ramp located at the northern end of Wickett Pond.
Sandisfield State Forest (York Lake)
York Lake Road Sandisfield, MA 01255 413-229-8212 York Lake has a day use area with boat ramp for kayaks and canoes and smaller sail boats. No motorized boats permitted.
Hampton Ponds State Park
1048 North Road Westfield, MA 01085 413-532-3985 Park offers all manner of water sports including motor boating, canoeing, and kayaking.
October Mountain State Forest
317 Woodland Road Lee, MA 01238 413-243-1778 At this very large and rustic state park, car top boat ramps are available at Housatonic River (public access at New Lenox Road), Buckley Dunton Reservoir, and October Mountain Reservoir day-use area.
Beartown State Forest
69 Blue Hill Road Monterey, MA 01245 413-528-0904 Benedict Pond attracts boaters year-round, but most flock here in the warmer weather. The boat ramps at Beartown State Forest vary from a small concrete ramp, to a concrete pad ramp system, to a gravel ramp designed for smaller boats and parking for boat trailers.
Hopkinton State Park
164 Cedar Street Hopkinton, MA 01748 508-435-4303 Concrete boat ramp for non-motor boats only is available at this state reservoir. Reservoir is stocked with fish. - Trail Map (PDF)
Cochituate State Park
43 Commonwealth Road Natick, MA 01760 508-653-9641 This lake is composed of three large sections divided by east-west highways. The boat ramp is located on Middle Lake. Lake is shared by paddlers and power boats. Personal watercraft are prohibited on all sections of the lake. Water skiing is allowed only on South Lake. Boating may be done only during daytime. Swimming from boats is not allowed. Boaters are responsible to control their wake.
Hours (Summer): 8am - 8pm, bathrooms locked at 7pm.
Parking Fees (May-October): $8 for MA Residents; $30 for Out-of-State Resident
Hours (Summer): 8am - 8pm, bathrooms locked at 7pm.
Parking Fees (May-October): $8 for MA Residents; $30 for Out-of-State Resident
Tolland State Forest
410 Tolland Road East Otis, MA 01029 413-269-6002 For a small fee, launch your motorized boat off the public boat ramp at Otis Reservoir.
Lowell Heritage State Park
160 Pawtucket Boulevard Lowell, MA 01854 978-458-8750 This park includes a network of canals that powered the mills and a two-mile esplanade along the Merrimack River. The Rourke Brothers State Boat Ramp at Route 113 (Pawtucket Blvd.) is open seasonally to allow boating access to the Merrimack River. The parking area allows boat trailers and car-top parking. Use of ramp is free. The entrance to the boat ramp is across from Tyco Electronics, Inc. at 1011 Pawtucket Blvd. and is one-half mile west of the Rourke Bridge.
Lynn Shores & Nahant Beach Reservation
Lynn Shore Drive Lynn, MA 781-485-2803 There is a boat launch onto Lynn Harbor at this large, two-pronged reservation on Nahant Bay. See full listing for Lynn Shores and Nahant Beach Reservation.
Lake Wyola State Park
94 Lakeview Road Shutesbury, MA 413-367-0317 The eastern end of the lake at this public day-area park has boat ramps.
See full description of Lake Wyola.
East Brimfield Lake / Holland Pond / Lake Siog / Quinebaug River Recreation Area
Route 20 and East Brimfield Holland Road East Brimfield, MA 01010 Boat ramps onto a lake and a pond at this very large outdoor recreation area managed by the Army Corps of Engineers.
Onota Lake Boat Launch
Park on fresh water lake; fishing, boat ramp; life guards
Lakeway Drive Pittsfield, MA 01201 A boat ramp and rentals of motor boats and canoes and kayaks are available at this fresh-water lake.
See full description of Burbank Park and Onota Lake.
Long Pond (Wings Grove)
Open Memorial Day to Labor Day; fresh water beach on inland pond
Davis Road Yarmouth, MA 02675 508-398-2231 Small concrete ramp, concrete pad ramp system or gravel ramp designed for smaller boats and parking for boat trailers. Fish species: Trout, largemouth bass, white perch, pickerel. Small playground, wooded area, basketeball court, seasonal Porta-John. Managed by Town of Yarmouth.
