Marina
Provides access to Mount Hope Bay. Located in Portsmouth, RI. Semi-Private access.
Bristol Narrows – Wayposset Preserve
🌊 Kickamuit River-Bristol Narrows
📍 Bristol, RI
View Details →Find a Boat Ramp
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Boat Ramps in Rhode Island
Discover 115 public boat launches, ramps, and marina access points throughout Rhode Island. Find the perfect launch site for your next boating adventure.
115
Total Boat Ramps
Washington County
38 ramps - Most in County
5
Counties Covered
Rhode Island Boating - Narragansett Bay & Beyond
Rhode Island is small enough that most of the boating population has access to multiple different water environments within a short drive. Narragansett Bay is the dominant feature, a large protected estuary that allows recreational boating in relatively sheltered conditions most of the time, with access to Block Island Sound and the open Atlantic at the southern end.
The Bay is extensively used for sailing, powerboating, fishing, and commercial shellfish harvesting. The Providence River at the northern end has become significantly cleaner over the past few decades and the boating infrastructure in the Providence area reflects that recovery. Newport is the sailing capital of the northeast and the harbor there is busy with racing, charter, and recreational activity from May through October.
Block Island, accessible by water from Point Judith or Newport, is a popular destination for cruising boats and daytrippers. The passage across Block Island Sound can be rough in easterly conditions and the island's exposed anchorages can be uncomfortable in some wind directions.
The freshwater boating options are limited by the state's size. Scituate Reservoir is a water supply and closed to recreation. Worden Pond is the largest natural pond in the state and has public access for non-motorized boating. Bowdish, Worden, and Watchaug ponds in the Arcadia Management Area have RIDEM boat access.
Tidal currents in Narragansett Bay run stronger than they look, particularly in the narrows around Newport and between Conanicut Island and the mainland. Local knowledge or a current chart is useful for anyone unfamiliar with the Bay.
Complete Guide to Boating in Rhode Island
Discover the best boat ramps, popular water bodies, boating regulations, and essential information for Rhode Island.
Read the Full Guide →Featured Boat Ramps in Rhode Island
Apponaug Cove
🌊 Greenwich Bay-Apponaug Cove
📍 Warwick, RI
View Details →Galilee
🌊 Point Judith Pond
📍 Narragansett, RI
View Details →Bold Point Park
🌊 Providence River-Providence Harbor
📍 East Providence, RI
View Details →Aborn Street – Pawtuxet Cove
🌊 Providence River
📍 Cranston, RI
View Details →Charlestown (Town Beach)
🌊 Ninigret Pond
📍 Charlestown, RI
View Details →Browse by County
About Boating in Rhode Island
Rhode Island offers excellent boating opportunities with 115 boat ramps across the state. Whether you're looking to launch on lakes, rivers, or coastal waters, our directory helps you find the perfect access point for your watercraft.
Finding the Right Boat Ramp
When selecting a boat ramp in Rhode Island, consider these factors:
- Number of launch lanes to avoid congestion during peak times
- Parking availability for vehicles and boat trailers
- Launch fees - many public ramps are free to use
- Ramp surface condition (concrete, asphalt, or gravel)
- Hours of operation and seasonal accessibility
- Nearby amenities like restrooms, fish cleaning stations, and bait shops
Explore All Ramps Below
Browse our complete directory of boat ramps in Rhode Island below. Use the filters to narrow your search by county or specific features you need.
LIghthouse Marina
Provides access to Providence River. Located in Barrington, RI. Semi-Private access.
Rocky Hollow Road Waterfront
Provides access to Greenwich Cove. Located in East Greenwich, RI. Public access.
Pettaquamscutt Avenue
Provides access to Pettaquamscutt River. Located in Narragansett, RI. Public access.
Long Steet
Provides access to Greenwich Bay-Greenwich Cove. Located in East Greenwich, RI. Public access.
Fort Adams State Park
Provides access to Narragansett Bay East-Brenton Cove. Located in Newport, RI. Public access.
Bay Spring Avenue
Provides access to Providence River-Bullock Cove. Located in Barrington, RI. Public access.
Barrington Police Station
Provides access to Barrington River. Located in Barrington, RI. Public access.
HIghland Beach Ogden Avenue Extension
Provides access to Narragansett Bay West. Located in Warwick, RI. Public access.
Division Street
Provides access to Greenwich Bay-Greenwich Cove. Located in East Greenwich, RI. Public access.
Lotteryville Marina
Provides access to Pawcatuck River. Located in Westerly, RI. Semi-Private access.
MIll Creek Marina
Provides access to Allen Harbor. Located in North Kingstown, RI. Semi-Private access.
Matunuck Marina
Provides access to Potters Pond. Located in South Kingstown, RI. Semi-Private access.