Overnight parking boat ramp and marina list

J

Jim from New York

Member
Has anybody started a list of ramps or Marinas that allow our tow rigs to stay overnight. It’s very difficult here in the northeast to plan a multi day boat trip.
Most of the ramps up here are day use only. We could all benefit if we had a list. I have three or four I could add to a list. I looked before posting couldn’t find much talk in the forums . Marinas and ramps with a brief review may help those who like to explore
Any thoughts on this

Jim
 
I think it's a great idea. I do a lot of trailering to water where I launch and then spend a week to a month on. Many times I will call and check with the agency responsible for the ramp. Or check on the internet to see if the regulations/rules about long term parking is covered. Sometimes, even when the ramp does not routinely allow over night or long term parking, you can make special arrangements to park long term anyway. (Usually only if they have the room available, and then they usually have you park farther away from the launch area.) Some places around that I have used for long term parking are: Ed Stone Park on the St. John's River in Deland Fl (Free), Kentucky Lake Dam Resort State Park (Free). Many other townships and communities that have free rig parking located within a mile of the launch ramp, but with a launch fee. And some places that have a nightly fee for parking long term. Lake Powell allows long term free parking at all it's marinas, however you do have to have the National Park Pass to get in. And then also a boat registration pass. The issue that is more pressing in some of the larger metropolitan areas is security/safety of the rig. Again, asking locals for information can get the best answers.
I'm willing to add more places to the list, especially here in Wisconsin. However, some places the answer may change from one year to the next. Bayfield for access to the Apostle Islands is an example. Seems like they have limited space for long term parking (more than 72 hours last time I checked.), but the rules change every other year or so on how many hours you can park, where you can park, etc. Speaking of the Apostles (in Lake Superior), I've found going north of Bayfield to Little Sand Bay county park has a fee to launch and then a nice large parking lot where you can park for free long term. (The launch is owned by the county I believe, but I think the little primitive marina and parking lot, along with an interpretive center, are National Park owned/ran.)
While a list here would be helpful, I think if anyone is going to be traveling to a location with plans to park the rig for more than a day, it's worthwhile to check on current restrictions. Colby
 
Morro Bay CA has three day parking with launch fee. Many 3 hour tie ups along the restaurant district. The biggest temporary tie up just north of the launch has fresh water (not sure of potable)
 
Hoping this thread gets some traction. We live upstate and instead of cruising for 2 days down the Hudson we were hoping to find some places to tow our Dory to in LI/CT/Mass area and pay to leave the truck and trailer for about a week.
 
This is a great idea, and I have a number of places all over the USA, and a couple in Canada. . But this needs to be in a data base, which is searchable.
 
Jim,

My experience has been that finding rig storage for multi-day (or multi-week) cruising is the most difficult logistical challenge of planning any cruise for a trailer boat, if not on a loop.

Colby nailed the issues. Also, marinas are ALL very high cost real estate, and owners can’t afford to be storing big trailers and trucks for free.

Our group of Cumberland/Tennessee river adventure was planned and executed by a California resident. When he called around to marinas at the headwaters, he learned to add ‘do you have any alternative ideas for me?’ and the group rigs ended up being stored in the side yard of a local fishing guide (not for free, but for a lot less than a marina could charge). This could change, quickly.

On our Sarasota Moorings Longboat Key adventure, no storage or RV lots were interested, but one lot owner referred me to an employee who let us stash the rig on his side lot 10 miles inland, and he picked us up. This could change, quickly.

On that note, we have found a VERY handy alternative in

Neighbor.com

It’s a site like airbnb for folks who have storage space available for trailers, rigs, RV’s or just a closet. There is an $18 charge included in the advertised rate, which is often negotiable. Not negotiable with the big storage firms. You communicate and negotiate via secure msgs on the site. We found that private individuals who have an ad for a rig parking site monthly may very well accept a weekly rental rather than nothing at all. We Lyft or Uber to get to their site, or negotiate a ride into their price.

As an example, here are the entries for your home town. Notice the options to narrow down by size, RV, trailer etc.

https://www.neighbor.com/search?search= ... New%20York

Retired DoD should always research the many marinas on coastal bases. You can’t beat Key West NAS marina at $1/foot per day (30 ft min).

Here’s our picks for Florida marinas with launch ramps, reasonable rig storage (see notes) and transient dockage, starting in the Keys, where I’ve seen the most interest. Many C-Dory’s can launch into a deep mud puddle, but a TC255 won’t begin to float until the aft end is in 53 inches of water in heavy cruise mode when only ¼ full of gas (cap 150g/900 lbs gas).


Key West
Garrison Bight city mar, hose
https://www.garrisonbightmarina.net/
Very safe. 40 foot trailer boats launch

Cudjoe Key
Cudjoe Gardens Marina
http://cudjoemarina.com/
Tricky nav out

Marathon 33rd st ramp
8 spaces, store rig at Briers trailers, fills early
https://www.faroblancoresort.com/marathon-marina
Faro Blanco nearby, 2 pools, Lyft around

Founders Pk
Single steep ramp
https://www.faroblancoresort.com/marathon-marina
pool

Biscayne Bay
Herbert Hoover marina
http://www.miamidade.gov/parks/herbert- ... marina.asp
6 ramps, kiosk payment

Calusa Is maina
Goodland, S of Marco
http://calusaislandmarina.com/
Shop on Marco Is

Punta Gorda city mar
Laishley Mar
http://www.laishleymarina.com/
Lyft 3mi to Crystal Cay for rig storage

Anclote river park ramp
Kiosk up to 10 days
https://pascocountyfl.net/674/Anclote-River-Park
Anclote key, Tarpon spg

Apalachicola city ramps
Free, no security
https://search.yahoo.com/local/s;_ylt=A ... &fr=mcafee
Last there in 2015

Okeechobee canal
Indiantown Marina
https://search.yahoo.com/local/s;_ylt=A ... &fr=mcafee
See rig storage page

Okeechobee canal
Franklin lock
https://cruisersnet.net/w-p-franklin-lo ... -waterway/
Call for rig storage recd

Huntsville, AL Tenn R
Ditto Landing
https://www.dittolanding.org/
Free rig storage

SC ICW Waccamaw
Wacka wache mar
https://waccawachemarina.com/
Free lot ¼ mi, not secure

Erie canal, Clay, NY
Pirates Cove Mar
https://piratescovemarina.com/
Lock 23-24

Colby, although I agree with you this one time on this one issue, don’t let it go to your head.

Hope this is helpful, and others contribute, knowing that one must call and confirm all past info!

Happy Cruising!’
John
 
Good information Everybody many ramps government or private seem to be open to overnight parking but it’s hit or miss you have to search them out and of course ask nicely with your fingers crossed. It seems different areas of the country have varying degrees of overnighting policies This site is a wonderful asset for the boating Community.

Maybe future replies can note the State and boat ramp in the first line making it easier to look for your desired location

NEW YORK BOAT RAMPS

Brick Cove Marina contact Diana Southold NY northeastern LI 631 4770830

Patsys Bay Marina Stony Point NY on the Hudson River just below West Point very good easy safe parking and affordable 845 7865270

Lou’s Boat Basin Kingston NY on the Hudson River 845 3314670 only called them and confirmed ok for rig storage affordable prices good location

I’ll add more when there found
Hoping this post grows with more information for all to use
Jim

Be yourself everyone else is taken
 
thataway":1bh9fztt said:
This is a great idea, and I have a number of places all over the USA, and a couple in Canada. . But this needs to be in a data base, which is searchable.
Click to expand...

Bob, another option would be a spreadsheet. The problem with either a spreadsheet or a database is someone would have to take ownership to control input.
 
Jim from New York":3fu24os0 said:
Has anybody started a list of ramps or Marinas that allow our tow rigs to stay overnight. It’s very difficult here in the northeast to plan a multi day boat trip.
Most of the ramps up here are day use only. We could all benefit if we had a list. I have three or four I could add to a list. I looked before posting couldn’t find much talk in the forums . Marinas and ramps with a brief review may help those who like to explore
Any thoughts on this

Jim
Click to expand...
Such a list would be great, and might morph into a user-supported app if the right person comes along, as used to be the case with Active Captain. On land, I use apps (Campendium) to find free campsites, and other apps (primarily Alltrails but also others) to find trails and parking for trails. With current user comments, I can usually figure out if I want to be use the resource (i.e. "breakins common" for trail parking or "too close to noisy highway" for free camping).

In Washington, Wash Dept Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) and Dept. Nat. Resources (DNR) have lots of lake, river and sometimes saltwater access, often with free use and parking if you have a WDFW or state parks permit. I've made a point of trying to visit them all over the years. Some are absolutely fantastic. Here is a useful site...

https://wdfw.wa.gov/places-to-go/water-access-sites

Unfortunately, though the site contains lot of useful information, it isn't very good in helping you find sites. Neither is the DNR site.

https://wdfw.wa.gov/places-to-go/water-access-sites

When I have web access, I've found that a Google search can be useful, and somtimes mentions parking policies in WA in WDFW, DNR and sometimes municipal and private marinas. Just type "Google Boat Ramps" into your search engine. Also useful are the user comments that might be there. However, this won't get everything.

If someone wants to put together the overall US (and maybe Canada) effort, I would be happy to contribute information for Washington.
 
Steve, I agree that keeping a data base in a spread sheet would be the best way.

A search on Active Captain is also another good resource of parking and often will report on security (Which I feel is extremely important).

Here in Pensacola, there. is only one place I recommend for us poor civilians. That is the Pensacola Shipyard Marine Complex. They have security guards. There are several dozen ramps available-but for overnight--no security. I looked at the app that John suggested--not one of those listed in Pensacola would be suitable for me to leave a truck and trailer at.

At times I have just ended up calling marinas-or asking local C Brat or The Hull Truth members what they recommend. Problem with any recommendation we put out today, may not be valid next year.
 
Here's an updated version of ramps we find suitable for a TC255 at or close to a marina with transient slips and rig storage. Each entry is now preceded by the state and city or area. As always, this changes so use the web sites to call and confirm. Many marinas north of the Chesapeake are closed and winterized now. Hope this is helpful in your planning for 2022, which is almost here!

FL Key West
Garrison Bight city mar, hose to rinse trailer brakes and engines
https://www.garrisonbightmarina.net/
Very safe. 40 foot trailer boats launch. Rig storage $10/day dual axle trlr, $10 truck but limited spaces, choose a weekday. Only ramp in Key West for a TC255

FL KEY WEST military NAS Key West, Boca Chico marina may fill 12 mos in advance, $1/ft 30ft min, free rig storage on access road. Bus to downtown.
Dinghy ramp, launch TC255 at City Marina ramp, Garrison Bight

FL Cudjoe Key, Cudjoe Gardens Marina
http://cudjoemarina.com/
Tricky nav out into the Atlantic side. Call re rig storage, sometimes defers to other innovative spots like behind the seafood shop

FL Marathon 33rd st ramp
8 spaces, store rig at Briers trailers, rate depends on length, fills early. https://www.briersoutsidestorage.com/storage-rv-boat
Faro Blanco resort and marina nearby, no trlr storage, 2 pools, Lyft around
https://www.faroblancoresort.com/marathon-marina

FL Tavernier, Islamorada Key, Founders Park
Single steep ramp, you may scrape at top, fills up early
https://www.faroblancoresort.com/marathon-marina
Pool and rig storage

FL Biscayne Bay
Herbert Hoover marina
http://www.miamidade.gov/parks/herbert- ... marina.asp
6 ramps, kiosk payment, call re rig storage, seems to vary

FL W FL Calusa Island marina, TC255 launch requires medium to high tide for TC255
Goodland, FL S of Marco Island, good folks who will work with you
http://calusaislandmarina.com/


FL W FL Punta Gorda city marina (Laishley Marina)
Good ramp and 300 ft day dock while you go store the rig
http://www.laishleymarina.com/
Lyft 3mi to Crystal Cay for rig storage vs https://www.storehousepoint.com/faq

FL W FL Ft Myers Punta Rassa ramps, 3 day max pay at kiosk
Rig storage downtown FM RV Storage Works monthly but prorated, cheaper options further out from townhttps://www.rvboatstorageworks.com/ ... s-fl-33916,

FL W FL Anclote key, Tarpon Springs, Anclote River Park ramp
Kiosk up to 10 days rig storage
https://pascocountyfl.net/674/Anclote-River-Park

FL PANHANDLE Apalachicola city ramps
Free, no security, no utilities at city marina, limited city wall dock
https://search.yahoo.com/local/s;_ylt=A ... &fr=mcafee

Water Street Hotel has limited slips, power, showers, city lot in front, walking distance to ramp
https://www.choicehotels.com/florida/ap ... c=llgoxxpx
Last there in 2015

FL PANHANDLE Pensacola
(Thataway) Pensacola Shipyard and Marina, has a security guard, and it is safe parking. It is $5 launch which includes a day parking. For long term trailer parking is $65. I believe that $5 a day for short term parking--until you are at the $65.
https://www.pensacolashipyard.com/

FL PANHANDLE Pensacola Military Pensacola NAS Sherman Cove Marina 4ft shoaling, day rig parking only, shoepower inop since Sally
NAS Bayou Grande Marina (sailboats), seaplane ramp, $300,000 liability ins w marina named as ‘additional insureds’ transients required for both, inquire at office re temp rig parking

FL Okeechobee canal, Indiantown Marina
https://search.yahoo.com/local/s;_ylt=A ... &fr=mcafee
See rig storage page

FL E FL St John river south of Astor
Ed Stone County park and ramp, long term rig storage in grass by Hwy 44, free launch and parking, sheriff patrolled. No C-Brat issues over many years. Steep & deep ramp, a TC255 outboards are in the opposite channel weeds before getting off the trailer, but worth it

FL Okeechobee canal, Franklin lock and ramp
https://cruisersnet.net/w-p-franklin-lo ... -waterway/
Call for rig storage recd

TN Cumberland River headwaters, Defeated Creek marina & ramp
Huge ramp launches houseboats. Rig storage. Great start for a Cumberland, Land Between the Lakes to Tenn river ‘U’ cruise to Huntsville or Knoxville
http://www.defeatedcreekmarina.com/marina.html

AL Huntsville, AL Tenn River
Ditto Landing
https://www.dittolanding.org/
Free rig storage, roving security

MS Ocean Springs City Marina/ramp
https://www.co.jackson.ms.us/194/Harbor
Call re back lot rig storage. Occ very low tides in winter at ramp

SC ICW Waccamaw Pawleys Island (city)
Wacka wache marina, wicked current except at slack tides, see charts
https://waccawachemarina.com/
Free rig parking lot ¼ mi, not secure, ck with marina

MD Chesapeake Bay Potomac River
Olveson’s Lodge Creek Marina, ask Fred or Steven
https://www.olversonsmarina.com/
Ramps for 40 ft boats, rig storage

MD military Chesapeake Bay NAS Patuxent Marina
Small ramp we have visited but not tried, free rig storage
https://www.navymwrpaxriver.com/program ... a6a2072aa0
Call prior for current info

MD Chesapeake Bay, Solomons, new state ramps at north end Hwy 4, boat around to Calvert Marina $1 w BoatUS, allows rig storage 3 wks per R-27 Trilogy on TugNuts.com (2019). More complex logistics than we like.
http://www.calvertmarina.com/

NY E Erie canal, Clay, NY
Pirates Cove Marina 5 STAR EXPERIENCES 2019, 2021, owners live nearby. Use this for Triangle Loop and/or W Erie and Finger Lakes to Tonawanda, Greyhound back
https://piratescovemarina.com/
Between Locks 23-24, close to 3 Rivers Junction @ Oswego Canal

NY Seneca Lake South end
Allan Treman State Marine Park (don’t confuse with State Park same name) NO float-in transient slips, you must reserve online in advance
https://parks.ny.gov/parks/35/details.aspx
14 day rig parking at kiosk by ramps

NY W Erie Canal, Macedon Landing (prev Mid-Lakes Macedon) marina. Adq ramp, large rig storage lot, transient slips not always available, call. Now a canal boat rental operation as well. Good gas stop.
https://eriecanaladventures.com/portfolio/

NY W Erie Canal West End County Park, 3 miles east of Tonawanda, just backtrack
West Canal County Park free ramp and marina, utilities, large parking lot, steep & deep ramps look short but ideal for a TC255 and all free
https://www.niagaracounty.com/parks/West-Canal-Marina
Call Niagara County sheriff dept for rig parking. Alt N Botanical Garden ramp (City) expensive season pass, poor condition and 1 mile east of Tonawanda town walls

John
 
One I used a couple of years ago was River's Rest Marina and Resort.

It is about 10 water miles north of the James River just west of Jamestown, VA (the proper one). It is a good spot if you want to cruise the James River, Norfolk/Hampton, Dismal Swamp, Albemarle Loop, etc. You can (could) park your rig there for a monthly fee (=~$3/day).

https://www.riversrestresort.com/
 
These posts are very good for information on leaving your rig and exploring hopefully we can continue to add to them and enjoy the benefits.
I have one to add

Portsmouth city park is about 5 miles south of Norfolk navy yards in Va.

Inside the city park is a boat ramp phone number 757-393-8481.

I made calls last spring and spoke with a nice fellow and they do let you leave your rig multi days and it is locked up after dusk and open to the general public I forgot the cost but it was reasonable. If anybody uses it please give a report and double check this information of course. I hope to check the area and it’s also a good start for a trip down the dismal Swamp and up though Elizebeth city on the intercoastal waterway.
 
Jim,
Thanks for posting the note about Portsmouth, VA, City Park and boat ramp The piers were redone last year and the ramps were redone about 5 years ago. Lot of parking with little worry. The city did impose a small fee recently, but it is still a bargain and close to everything in the Hampton Roads region, as well as the ICW.
Many of the Brats that I have cruised with have used this resource. My home is close by, so usually when brats go on a cruise, they leave their rig at my home and utilize my floating pier during their time in this area.
Here is a link to the fee information: https://portsmouthparks.com/255/Public-Boat-Ramps
Lastly Almas Only and Osprey just did a little cruise from this area and headed south down the Dismal Swamp Canal. C-Dory posted a photo of Osprey on this cruise, in their Facebook and Instagram sites.
 
Thanks Steve for the update on the area its on my go to list and will be nice to know the ramp works out fine ill look at photos also.

If anybody is looking for infomation on the Long Island area p.m. me i've been boating there for a long time and could help with logistics for a trip to Block island Mystic Conn, Connect River up to Essex, and Greenport ny all are great small boat destinations.

Long Island is not at all blessed with overnight ramps but Greenport has a Marina with a ramp good for multi day trips to all above listed locations I use it often
 
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