Boat Ramps NearbyBoat launch fees and permits
Launching at a public ramp in the US costs between nothing and about the price of lunch. Many city, county and state wildlife ramps are free. Army Corps of Engineers lakes charge a day-use fee of at least $5 per vehicle or $40 for an annual pass. State parks usually charge entry, and some counties sell annual ramp passes. Paddlers may need a registration or launch permit depending on the state.
Of the 8,558 boat ramps on our map, 851 are marked free. Most entries don't include fee details, because open map data rarely has them.
Who runs the ramp decides the fee
| Operator | Typical fee | Example |
|---|---|---|
| City or town | Often free, sometimes a resident permit or parking fee | Varies by town |
| County | Free, day fee or annual pass | Hillsborough County, FL: annual ramp pass $100, with discounts for disabled residents, first responders and veterans |
| State parks | Park entry, sometimes a launch fee on top | Texas State Parks Pass: $70 a year for entry at 80+ parks |
| State fish and wildlife areas | Often free, some states require a license or access pass | Varies by state |
| U.S. Army Corps of Engineers | At least $5 per vehicle per day, annual pass $40 | Wilson Lake, KS: every ramp user needs a day or annual pass |
| Private marina | Launch fee, often $10 to $25 or more | Not listed on our map unless open to the public |
Fees change every year or two. The examples above were checked in October 2026 on the operators' own pages.
How you usually pay
- Iron ranger: a pay box with envelopes at the ramp. Bring cash and a pen.
- Pay station or app: more and more ramps use parking apps or card machines.
- Gate or ranger booth at state parks and Corps recreation areas.
- Annual pass: a hang tag or sticker, worth it if you launch more than a handful of times.
Permits for kayaks and canoes
Some states want paddle craft registered or permitted. Pennsylvania needs a registration or a launch permit at Fish and Boat Commission access areas and state park launches, and doesn't accept permits from other states. Ohio requires registration for canoes and kayaks but not paddleboards. Minnesota registers non-motorized boats longer than 10 feet. More in our kayak launch guide.
What the fee does not include
A launch fee rarely covers overnight parking, and it never replaces your boat registration or fishing license. Some states also require an aquatic invasive species sticker for boats, including boats from out of state.
Your trailer sits in the lot all day
We haven't tested these ourselves; we chose them by size and specs. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you. Check the current price on Amazon.
