Find Places to Go Boating Near You
Get onboard with social distancing—take to the water to relax, refocus and recharge. Discover nearby locations to go boating in your local community by using our interactive map below. Select your state to see the latest updates and closure status from state officials regarding public water access points, boat landings, and ramps.
Last Updated: July 1, 2020
Boating During COVID-19
Use this guide to help you find answers on everything from local boating restrictions and ramp closures in your area, to social distancing best practices while on the water.
Coronavirus & Boat Shopping
The process for buying a boat during the COVID-19 pandemic raises a lot of questions for prospective boat buyers. Our special-edition boat shopping guide provides step-by-step details, hoping to answer some of those questions.
No boat? No problem. Enter your city or zip code into our Go Boating Today Tool to search for boat rentals and charters near you—you'll be on the water in no time.
Now is a good time to do research for better boating days ahead—explore the 23 boat types to find your favorite. Narrow down your choices based on your preferred activities.
Local dealers can help make the buying process easy and simple. Opting to work with a dealer ensures that your buying experience and transition to ownership is smooth and enjoyable.
State-by-State Detailed Access Updates
Access Impacts: Most Alabama State Parks and associated facilities remain open except for the following: all swimming pools and designated swimming areas, museums, arcade areas, fitness centers, nature centers, planetarium, and bike-share programs are closed or suspended. Playgrounds and playground equipment are closed or suspended. Read more here.
Boating access areas remain open. For a complete list, click here. Beaches and beach access areas reopened May 1. Group gatherings are limited to 10 people or less.
NOTE: The White’s Bridge facility on Lake Harris (Wedowee) is currently closed for maintenance.
Contact: Lee Gatts ([email protected])
Access Impacts: Starting June 5, out-of-state visitors must have completed a traveler declaration form and tested negative for COVID-19 within 72 hours of arrival or met other criteria. Alaska state parks remain open.
According to state boating officials, residents are encouraged to go boating and fishing if they can do so without leaving their community. Limited fishing charters are now open under the phase 3/4 however clients who are arriving from out of state to participate in chartered Sport/Personal Use fishing or hunting do not meet the definition of Critical Infrastructure workers, and must complete the testing/registration regime as defined under Health Mandate 10. Read more here.
Health Mandate 18 – Intrastate Travel revised travel restrictions starting June 5 to allow intrastate travel between communities. Travel between off-road communities can be restricted by local option. Contact: David Dickerson ([email protected])
Arizona State Parks and Trails recreation parks, campgrounds and trails were opened with few exceptions on June 1. As of June 19, masks are required in all Arizona State Parks. Masks are required when visiting ranger stations, restrooms, stores, or historic buildings. When outdoors, masks are required if unable to socially distance. Parking may be limited and there are capacity limits at each park to encourage social distancing. No same-day overnight reservations. Read more parks updates here. Fish and game updates can be found here.
Contact: David Dickerson ([email protected])
Access Impacts: Wildlife management areas, boat ramps, lakes and fishing accesses controlled by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) remain open during the day to allow people to get outside during this time of social distancing. The AGFC suggests the following: keep it local, plan ahead, spread out, avoid crowded access points and keep it friendly but keep it quick. To read the AGFC’s full response, click here.
Contact: Libby Yranski ([email protected])
Access Impacts: Click here for a list of open state parks. The Los Angeles County public health order issued May 13 reopened beaches, more retail stores and outdoor recreational areas. More information and protocols can be found here. As of June 10, state parks have opened more capacity at parking facilities and opened more parks to visitors. The list of closed parks can be found here. State officials have closed parking lots at all parks and boating access locations in order to prevent overcrowding. While access to these facilities are open, getting to them, in many cases, will be very difficult. A full list of closures can be found here. Click here for a county-by-county status for business and recreation by county.
Los Angeles County Beach Access: All beaches are currently open, with restrictions.
The Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC) has adopted the following 2020 season dates for the state’s four Salmon management areas:
- In the Klamath Management Zone, which is the area between the Oregon/California state line and Horse Mountain (40°05’00” N. latitude), the season opened June 1 and continue through Sept. 3.The Fort Bragg and San Francisco areas, which extend from Horse Mountain to Point Arena (38°57’30” N. latitude) and Point Arena to Pigeon Point (37°11’00” N. latitude), respectively, are expected to open on June 17 and continue through Oct. 31.
- The Monterey area, between Pigeon Point and the U.S./Mexico border, is expected to open on April 7 and will close on July 2.
Contact: David Dickerson ([email protected])
Access Impacts: Colorado state parks remain open for all outdoor recreation and all Colorado Parks and Wildlife visitor centers, service centers and all CPW offices have begun reopening with restrictions. Restrictions and closures remain subject to change. Campgrounds - including cabins, yurts and group camping for groups of 25 or fewer - and SWAs are now open to camping. Boating and fishing are allowed in State Parks during the Stay in Place order as long as boaters follow government guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Read more here.
Watercraft Inspection and Decontamination Stations to prevent the spread of aquatic nuisance species in State Parks are open and staffed during the Stay at Home order. Blue Mesa reopened to boating on May 15.
Contact: Libby Yranski ([email protected])
Access Impacts: Connecticut State Parks and Forests are open for solitary outdoor enjoyment. Outdoor facilities remain open including boat launches, state parks, and forests, with guidelines that when using trails and parks to keep a safe distance from others per the Governor’s order. However, the buildings at all state facilities are closed to the public. Campgrounds will reopen to all on July 8. Read more here.
All of DEEP’s 117 boat launches located throughout the state remain open. Kent Falls State Park (Kent) and Seaside State Park (Waterford) have both been closed to the public. The state has issued guidelines for safe boating, which can be read here. Please note, when a State boat launch parking lot is full, the launch is closed and the additional launching/retrieval of vessels may not be allowed.
Updated state boating guidance was released on June 22. The full guidance can be found here, and includes the following provisions:
- All persons boating with non-family members should maintain a six foot social distancing separation from non-family members. On vessels where this distance is not possible, face coverings should be worn.
- All person using state boat launch facilities and docks should maintain a six-foot social distancing separation from non-family members. Where this distance is not possible, face coverings should be worn.
As of June 2, the following outdoor recreation businesses have been allowed to increase their passenger max to: boat tours (one passenger per six feet of rail space), charter fishing (one passenger per six feet of rail space), sport fishing (one passenger per six feet of rail space) and kayaking. Sector guidance can be found here, self-certification guidance can be found here.
On June 24, the governors of the tri-state area jointly announced the travel advisory, which requires a 14-day quarantine for visitors from states whose infection rates meet certain thresholds indicating “significant community spread.” Nine states currently meet that threshold, Cuomo said: Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Washington, Utah and Texas. Read more here.
Contact: Libby Yranski ([email protected])
Access Impacts: Delaware’s state parks and wildlife areas are open. Beginning on May 1, The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control announced all those aged 13 or older are required to bring a face mask with them to enter state parks, wildlife areas and reserves, and should wear them when they cannot maintain social distancing from other visitors. Those who do not bring face masks when visiting these areas may be required to leave by officers or staff. Charter and head boat fishing operations are allowed with restrictions. Read more here.
All state beaches reopened on May 22 however beaches at state parks may limit capacity to vehicles to enforce social distancing.
State park campsites, cabins, cottages and yurts reopened on June 1, read more here. The 14-day self-quarantine for out-of-state visitors must self-quarantine also expired on June 1.
Contact: Libby Yranski ([email protected])
Access Impacts: Boat ramps and other access points are open, with restrictive launching procedures at boat ramps and the number of people aboard. Boaters also cannot anchor within 50 feet of another boat. Most of Florida’s coastal counties have opened their beaches. Click here for more information. Miami-Dade beaches opened June 10 with restrictions after being closed for 12 weeks. Beaches are open in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties after being closed over the July 4 weekend. Miami-Dade Mayor Gimenez warned the beaches will again be closed if there is crowding and people do not follow the public health rules.
Face masks are required in some instances and groups must be fewer than 10 persons. Camping in most state parks is allowed. For information on specific parks click here. Hotels are open to all guests. Dade County has issued The New Normal guide for residents. The Gulf Islands National Seashore is open.
The FWC’s Florida Public Boat Ramp Finder is updated every 24-hours to include information regarding boat ramp open/closed status. FWC recommends that you check with local authorities for current boat ramp status. All recreational boats must be at least 50 feet apart. Each recreational vessel must not have more than 10 people on board.
Marinas, boat launches, docking, fueling marine supply and marina services are open statewide. Boat ramps in most locations are open daily from 6am to 8pm. In Miami-Dade, one boat per launch area is allowed at a time. Vessels must be prepared in advance to launch (plug secured, dock lines tied, safety equipment and provisions already onboard). All passengers must board the vessel once it is launched. Upon returning to the dock all passengers must remain on the vessel until the boat is ready to be loaded onto the trailer. Once loaded, the passenger(s) shall return to their vehicle(s) and exit the launch facility together. Boats must remain 50-feet apart when anchored and rafting up is not permitted. Boats that are 25 feet or less can only have four adults; boats 25 to 36 feet may accommodate six adults; while boats 37 feet or larger can have up to eight adults and two children on board. Kayak/canoe launch areas are open. Read more here. Miami-Dade regulations can be found here.
Contact: David Dickerson ([email protected])
Access Impacts: State parks, including boat launches and fishing piers remain open. Some parks are experiencing large crowds on certain days, thus park staff may temporarily limit access to ensure social distancing and protect the health of the public and our employees. Please understand that admission may be limited for several hours and will reopen once there is available capacity. Click HERE to view the limited facilities and activities.
For a complete list of boat ramp closures, click here.
Contact: Lee Gatts ([email protected])
Access Impacts: Hawaii began a phased re-opening of state parks on May 2 and rescinded the ban on interisland travel on June 16. Numerous, popular state parks are open for ocean recreation, mauka trail use, and general exercise. Social distancing must be practiced. No person shall sit, stand, lie down, lounge, sunbathe, or loiter on any beach or sand bar in Hawaii. Running, jogging, or walking on the beach is allowed, so long as social distancing requirements are maintained. Read more to check park status here.
Boating: No more than ten people are allowed on any boat in Hawaii’s water for recreational purposes, unless they are part of a single residential or family unit sharing the same address.
Fishing: Shore Fishing Limitations. No group of more than two persons may engage in shore fishing, unless all in the group are part of a single residential or family unit sharing the same address. All persons engaging in shore fishing, who are not part of a single residential or family unit sharing the same address, shall comply with social distancing requirements.
A mandatory 14-day quarantine for visitors from the mainland remains in place and may be extended beyond June 30.
Contact: Lee Gatts ([email protected])
Access Impacts: Idaho's 30 State Parks remain open for day use and camping but visitors are urged to follow the COVID-19 prevention practices outlined in Gov. Brad Little's Idaho Rebound Plan -- primarily physical distancing and wearing masks when spacing is impossible -- to protect their safety and the health of others. Access to parks may be restricted if visitors regularly violate social distancing guidelines.
The Idaho Fish and Game Commission resumed the sale of nonresident fishing and hunting licenses, tags, and permits. Full Fish and Game updates are available here.
Contact: David Dickerson ([email protected])
Access Impacts: Illinois state parks are currently operating at normal hours and most IDNR sites are open. All visitor centers and playgrounds remained closed. Find a complete list of outdoor recreation impacts read more here.
Boating: On May 29, Governor Pritzker moved Illinois into Phase 3, which allows for increased boater capacity in Illinois – removing the 2-person restriction. Phase 4 restrictions for boating are the same as Phase 3. Currently, marina operations, boat rentals, bait shop (pick up only) and fishing tournaments/events with restrictions are allowed. Read the full guidance here.
Chicago: The City of Chicago reopened for boating on Monday June 22. Boaters in Chicago will need to adhere to the boat capacity guidelines put forth by the state of Illinois (references above). There will be no rafting of boats along the Chicago lakefront. Anchoring will be allowed in South Monroe Harbor, but a 50’ minimum radius must be maintained between vessels. For more information regarding the Chicago boating season and Chicago Harbors, read here.
Contact: Jill Sims ([email protected])
Access Impacts: Currently all DNR properties including State Parks, State Forests, Fish and Wildlife areas, Nature Preserves, and state recreation areas are open. Entrance fees have resumed. Marinas are open with limited shuttle service available. State park beaches are open. Lakes, dams and waters managed by the U.S. Army Corps are closed.
Fishing license and stamps set to expire on March 31, 2020 expired at the end of June and a new license is required. Read more here.
Contact: Jill Sims ([email protected])
Access Impacts: State Parks, Forests and Preserves are open. Visitors are reminded to strictly abide the social distancing rules and not gather in groups. For a full list of closures read more here.
Contact: Libby Yranski ([email protected])
Access Impacts: Kansas State Parks, fishing lakes and wildlife areas are open. Kansas Governor Kelly recommended on June 8 that counties adopt Phase 3 of her reopening plan. Under Phase 3, gatherings up to 45 persons are allowed, and education activities, venues and establishments may operate under state guidelines. This includes summer camps and other recreational opportunities. as will indoor arcades, trampoline parks, theaters and museums. Click here for details on business and social openings. Full Kansas Wildlife, Parks and Tourism updates can be found here.
Contact: David Dickerson ([email protected])
Access Impacts: Kentucky State Parks returned to normal hours on June 1. All lodges and cottages are available. Barren River Lake’s lodge and restaurant will be closed during renovations but cottages are open and the campground opened June 11. Lodging and camping reservations are open. Restaurants at open resort parks will also be open on a carry out basis only. Cumberland Falls and Natural Bridge state resort parks re-opened June 1. Park museums and historic sites opened June 8. All campgrounds opened June 11. Playgrounds, swimming pools and beaches are currently closed. No picnic shelter rentals until further notice as the State is following the public health recommendation of gatherings of 10 or less.
State park guests are encouraged to wear masks, practice social distancing, and follow the other CDC-recommended guidelines listed at KYcovid19.ky.gov. For additional Park information, click here.
Some boat ramps operated by the U.S. Corps of Engineers may be closed. Please check by visiting corps websites:
Contact: Lee Gatts ([email protected])
Access Impacts: None for state run facilities. The Governor is encouraging residents to be in nature but maintain social distancing. The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries encourages outdoor activities including fishing, however, visitors must practice social distancing and gather in groups of 10 or less.
Contact: Libby Yranski ([email protected])
Access Impacts: State parks and public lands remain open for day use. All inland waters have been opened to recreational boating and fishing as of March 20, 2020. Maine has opened marinas, boatyards, marine dealerships and boating access points. Businesses and their customers must follow the guidelines in Maine’s Official Phase 2 Guidance. Maine’s Phase 2 checklist for fishing, boating and outdoor activities can be found here.
Contact: Libby Yranski ([email protected])
Access Impacts: Boating, boat racing, fishing, state parks, beaches are open and most mandatory restrictions have been replaced with recommendations. Recreational boating activities must meet the following criteria:
- Marinas and pump out stations are open but must implement guidelines found here.
- Local jurisdictions may choose to open public boat ramps, but must ensure social distancing guidelines.
Fishing: Recreational fishing activities are allowed however anglers must adhere to social distancing guidelines when fishing from onshore or at a pier. Fishing tournaments may be held virtually or without spectators. Read more here.
Queen Anne County: Effective July 1, Matapeake Beach and the beaches located at Terrapin and Ferry Point Nature Preserve will be restricted to Queen Anne’s County residents beginning July 1. Additionally, piers will move to operation from dawn to dusk daily. Read more here.
Contact: David Dickerson ([email protected])
Access Impacts: Inland boat ramps and canoe launches within state parks, forests, wildlife management areas, boating access facilities and other state owned properties remain open for use by boats being launched by vehicles registered in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, except where the access has already been closed due to parking restrictions or other restrictions. Beaches and most outdoor activities, including recreational boating businesses and the charter/for-hire fishing industry, reopened with guidelines on May 25th. Updated guidelines were released on July 3, they can be found below:
- Updated recreational boating access guidance can be found here.
- Charter and for-hire fishing guidance can be found here.
- Reopening Standards for Recreational Boating Businesses can be found here.
Boat Ramp Guidelines:
- Ramps remain open subject to available parking. A ramp will be considered closed if all parking is full. Illegally parked cars will be ticketed and may be towed.
- All boat ramp and canoe launch users shall practice social distancing. Users should allow appropriate space for users of the boat ramp or launch and clear the ramp when users launch is complete.
- Users should ensure they are ready to depart quickly from the ramp or dock as soon as their boat is put into the water. Users not actively launching their boat should clear the launch area.
- Upon return to ramp, users should load their boat as quickly as safely possible and then clear the launch area.
- Use of ramps for organized in-person fishing tournaments, derbies, or any other type of competition should comply with the tournament requirements in Workplace Safety and Reopening Standards for Businesses and Other Entities Providing Youth and Adult Amateur Sports Activities. All events must also comply with any additional local restrictions.
- Loitering on ramps or use of ramps for any activity other than launching boats is prohibited. Parking at ramps for activities other than launching boats is prohibited.
- Masks or face-coverings should be worn in public in accordance with the Department of Public Health’s advisory when social distancing is not possible.
Recreational boating is permitted under the following guidelines:
- Face coverings are required for all workers and customers in accordance with COVID-19 Order 31: Order Requiring Face Coverings in Public Places Where Social Distancing is Not Possible to prevent against the transmission of COVID-19.
- All users while on boat ramps, docks, piers etc., shall follow social distancing
- All recreational crafts shall remain a safe distance apart. Tying boats or other crafts together is prohibited.
- All recreational boating is subject to the discretion of local officials, harbormasters, and law enforcement.
- All local rules, regulations, laws and Coast Guard requirements still apply.
Contact: Libby Yranski ([email protected])
Access Impacts: Michigan state parks, recreation areas, trails and other state-managed lands are open, provided all visitors adhere to the requirements for proper social distancing.
Boating: Boat launches and parking lots at access sites remain open but their amenities may be closed. Additionally, due to high water some boating access sites may be closed. DNR-managed boating access sites that already were open for the season and remained open during the stay-at-home order will remain open. The addition of various amenities, such as the placement of courtesy piers and the reopening of bathrooms will begin as staff time and maintenance schedules allow. State harbors reopened on June 10. Read more here.
Fishing: Charter and fishing guide operations that involve boats, canoes, and other marine vessels may operate provided they:
1) Maintain six feet of distance from one another, to the extent possible
2) Ensure the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, goggles, face shields and face masks appropriate for the activity being performed.
3) Adopt protocols to limit the sharing of tools and equipment to the maximum extent possible to ensure frequent and thorough cleaning of tools, equipment and frequently touched surfaces.
In addition to the DNR Law Enforcement Division, Michigan State Police and local law enforcement agencies have full authority to enforce the provisions of this order.
Contact: Jill Sims ([email protected])
Access Impacts: State parks, recreations areas and other public lands remain open to the public, however visitors will experience some changes in services available. Read more here.
On May 13, Governor Walz issued Executive Order 20-56, further expanding outdoor recreation businesses permitted to open as long as they are able to maintain social distancing guidelines.
On April 17, Governor Walz issued an Executive Order expanding allowable outdoor recreation activities such as hiking, golfing, fishing, hunting and more. The order also permits specific outdoor recreation businesses to reopen and remain open. These businesses include: bait shops, marina services, dock installation services, boat repair, outdoor shooting ranges, public and private trails, and golf courses. Hennepin County Sheriff’s Department put together a video on social distancing while boating, which can be viewed here.
Contact: Jill Sims ([email protected])
Access Impacts: State Lakes and State Park Lakes reopened for fishing and boating on Monday, April 20, 2020 for day use only. Wildlife management areas remain open. Social distancing guidelines must be adhered to, group activities are limited to a maximum of 100 people. Read more here.
All areas of the Gulf Islands National Seashore in Mississippi have reopened.
Contact: Libby Yranski ([email protected])
Access Impacts: Missouri state parks and boat ramps are open with normal operating hours, however social distancing recommendations apply. Read more here.
Contact: David Dickerson ([email protected])
Access Impacts: Montana state parks are open and most campgrounds have reopened as of May 1. Visitors are reminded to bring their own supplies when recreating on our state lands while practicing social distancing guidelines and adhering to Leave No Trace principals. Supplies should include hand sanitizer as it may not be available in all parks. All park events and programs have been cancelled until further notice.
Fishing: fishing piers are open but social distancing guidelines are to be strictly followed.
For a list of Park and boat ramp closures, click here.
Contact: Lee Gatts ([email protected])
Access Impacts: Nebraska state parks and recreation areas remain open for day use, fishing and recreation with some facilities closures. State designated beaches and swimming areas have reopened as of June 4. Read more here.
Contact: Libby Yranski ([email protected])
Access Impacts: Governor Sisolak’s Executive Directive 10 allows outdoor recreation. Nevada state parks remain open for day use only and social distancing rules must be followed. Visitor centers and campgrounds are open under certain conditions, which can be read here. All AIS Inspection stations at Lake Tahoe are open with COVID-19 precautions in place. Lake Mead National Recreation Area is open.
Contact: David Dickerson ([email protected])
Access Impacts: State park seacoast sand beaches, bathrooms and parking were opened June 1. Sunbathing and other traditional beach activities have resumed June 5 on seacoast beaches. Beachgoers must still remain 6 feet from other groups. State parks, boating and boating access points are open. Toilet facilities are closed at NH Fish and Game boat ramps. Anglers should practice social distancing recommendations from state and federal health agencies. Let's Go Fishing programs are canceled until at least July 1. To check the status of individual parks, click here. Fishing tournaments, including bass tournament permit issuance, resumed June 15 provided that participants follow the CDC guidelines.
Contact: David Dickerson ([email protected])
Access Impacts: As of May 2, all New Jersey state and county parks are open for day use. On days of high visitation, parks may close early. Boaters are reminded they cannot congregate in parking lots, at boat ramps or at popular fishing locations. As of June 9, parking lots at state parks have been reopened to full capacity. Residents are now allowed to fish and boat with non-family/non-household members in groups less than 25 people provided the six-foot social distancing is adhered to on the vessel and there are face coverings/proper sanitation, read the guidance document here. Read more here.
On June 24, the governors of the tri-state area jointly announced the travel advisory, which requires a 14-day quarantine for visitors from states whose infection rates meet certain thresholds indicating “significant community spread.” Nine states currently meet that threshold, Cuomo said: Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Washington, Utah and Texas.
Contact: Libby Yranski ([email protected])
Access Impacts: New Mexico State Parks began a phased reopening May 1 and are open for day use. Parks may have specific hours but are open to boating, fishing, hiking, wildlife viewing, and picnicking in small groups. When boating, please adhere to social distancing practices and no more than 5 per motorized vessel. Read more here.
Contact: Libby Yranski ([email protected])
Access Impacts: Marinas, boatyards, and recreational marine manufacturers are open. Fishing charters are allowed to open. Marinas and boat launch sites are open. Call the park or regional office for more information.
State parks are open but are subject to capacity limits. Face coverings are encouraged. To encourage physical social distancing at popular parks, trailheads, and scenic areas on high visitation days, the state parks department will reduce the number of parking spaces Have a plan ready to visit a different park or another park area. Visit here for a list of parks and their status, which includes real-time alerts regarding parks that have reached capacity and are closed to new visitors. Entrance fees have been reinstituted. Read more here.
On June 24, the governors of the tri-state area jointly announced the travel advisory, which requires a 14-day quarantine for visitors from states whose infection rates meet certain thresholds indicating “significant community spread.” Nine states currently meet that threshold, Cuomo said: Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Washington, Utah and Texas.
Contact: David Dickerson ([email protected])
Access Impacts: All North Carolina state parks are open. Visitors must adhere to social distancing guidelines. Most campsites with the exception of large group camping locations are now open. For a full list of Park guidelines, read more here.
For a list of boating access area closings, click here.
Contact: Lee Gatts ([email protected])
Access Impacts: North Dakota outdoor recreational facilities, including boat ramps that are accessible to the Missouri River and wildlife management areas remain open. Marinas, ramps and fish piers are currently open. Check with park to see if gas is available at the marina. Read more here.
Contact: Libby Yranski ([email protected])
Access Impacts: Ohio state parks, wildlife area, forests and nature preserves mostly remain open – including trails, dog parks, and docks. There are some facility closures (ie most restrooms) and several property closures. Keep up to date on changing closure statuses here.
Contact: Jill Sims ([email protected])
Access Impacts: Oklahoma state parks are open but visitors are strongly encouraged to practice social distancing.
Contact: Libby Yranski ([email protected])
Access Impacts: Many Oregon State Parks and beaches are open for limited daytime use. Check the Park Status Map for regular updates on open parks and open beaches. If a park is closed, their boat ramps will be closed as well. Read more here. The Oregon State Marine Board (OSMB) maintains an interactive map of boat ramps that shows the location of Oregon boat ramps and who owns them. OSMB advises users to contact the owners of the ramps to find out whether they are open or closed. Boaters must stop at aquatic invasive species inspection stations
BLM has begun restoring access to lands and access areas, contact your local BLM office for restrictions. Read more here.
State officials strongly encourages anglers and boaters to recreate close to home. Please check with the land manager where you are headed for the latest information on access restrictions. Read more here.
Contact: Libby Yranski ([email protected])
Access Impacts: Pennsylvania boating facilities, marinas trails, lakes, roads and parking are open. Camping and other activities on state and county parks are being opened in phases and varies by county. These re-openings are in keeping with Governor Wolf’s guidance and direction. Residents traveling to any of the 15 states listed here bust self-quarantine for 14 days upon their return.
Contact: David Dickerson ([email protected])
Access Impacts: All state parks opened on May 18. All state beaches are open from June 1 until Labor Day. Visitors must abide by social distancing rules and safe group size. Boat launch sites are open. For a full list of parks that are open or closed, read more here. Visit DEM’s website for a list of public boat launching sites.
DEM has released guidance for marinas as well as charter boat operations.
Contact: Libby Yranski ([email protected])
Access Impacts: South Carolina State Parks opened on Friday, May 1, on a limited basis. Group facilities like picnic shelters and community buildings, will remain closed initially. State park Visitor Centers reopened Monday, May 11, with signage, physical indicators and barriers in place to ensure the safety of staff and visitors. All state park retail stores and spaces are open. Common facilities are available to groups of 50 people or less. For more information, click here.
Governor McMaster issued an Executive Order reopening all public boat ramps and beach access points.
Contact: Lee Gatts ([email protected])
Access Impacts: South Dakota state park offices are closed, but the parks themselves are open. Public boat launches remain open to the public. For ramp locations and seasonal status, check here.
Contact: Libby Yranski ([email protected])
Access Impacts: All Tennessee state parks and most Park facilities are open. Trails, boat ramps, marinas, golf courses and other outdoor recreation opportunities are open. Most overnight accommodations are open for groups of 50 people or less. For full details on the park statuses, read more here.
If going to any location to boat or fish, be sure to check with the managing authority to make sure that place is open for recreation. There are several localities and counties that have closed some parks and boat ramps.
For a complete list of boat ramps in Tennessee, click here.
Contact: Lee Gatts ([email protected])
Access Impacts: Texas State Parks are currently open for day use and limited camping. Masks and face coverings are strongly encouraged in state parks, but not required. Six-foot social distancing is required. No groups larger than ten people are allowed, except for families or people living in the same household. Park pass holders receive a 2 month extension on the park pass due to previous closures. Some boating and fishing access points are closed. Read more here. Day pass and camping reservations are highly recommended - make reservations online or by calling (512) 389-8900.
Cameron County: Cameron County has closed parks, beaches and beach access points on South Padre Island until 12:01 AM July 13. However, the city of South Padre Island’s beach accesses will remain open. Read more here.
Contact: David Dickerson ([email protected])
Access Impacts: Utah State Parks and all areas managed by Utah Parks and Recreation are open to visitors. There may be facility closures (such as visitor center) at the park or property, thus it is encouraged to check before arrival. Boating accesses are open. Read more here.
Contact: David Dickerson ([email protected])
Access Impacts: Vermont state parks and boating facilities are free and open. State camp sites and park restroom facilities will reopen June 26. Boat rentals will not be available this year. Out of state visitors must meet criteria (arrival from low COVID impact area or quarantine) as laid out on the Vermont parks website. Read more here and here.
Effective June 8th, Vermonters may travel outside of Vermont to counties across New England and New York that have a similar active COVID-19 caseload to Vermont and return without quarantining if they do so in a personal vehicle. Similarly, residents of other states who live in counties across New England and New York that have a similar active COVID-19 caseload to Vermont may enter the state for leisure travel without quarantining. The State of Vermont has determined that any county with less than 400 active cases of COVID-19 per one million residents meets these criteria. The Agency will publish an updated map and list each Monday by 5 p.m. that identifies quarantine and non-quarantine counties throughout New England and New York.
Contact: David Dickerson ([email protected])
Access Impacts: Virginia Wildlife Management Area lakes and rivers operated by the Department of Wildlife Resources (formerly Game and Inland Fisheries) are open and boating is allowed. Check with local county and city governments for any additional closures of parks, lakes or piers. Please find additional statewide guidance here.
Contact: Libby Yranski ([email protected])
Access Impacts: State managed boat ramps and launches, parks, wildlife areas and recreational lands reopened May 5 for local day-use only. State-managed boat launches and marinas also opened May 5 for day use only. No overnight moorage will be allowed. Social distancing guidelines must be followed and only those living in the same household may go boating together. A full list of state parks that have reopened can be found here.
All freshwater fisheries and Puget Sound saltwater fisheries in Marine Areas 5-13 opened under permanent rules on May 5. Halibut fishing in Marine Areas 5-10 opened starting May 20 on alternating days through June 30. Coastal saltwater fishing in marine areas 1-3 opened May 26. Marine area 4 opened on June 20. Shellfishing opened May 26 in Marine Areas 1-3, with the exception of razor clams. Columbia River crab also opened May 26. Some Puget Sound shrimp fishing opened May 28, with additional openings in June. AIS check stations are still active, and WDFW staff are inspecting watercraft for invasive species. Read more here. As of June 3, out of state residents are allowed to purchase fishing licenses.
Please note, many Washington state agency employees have been furloughed. WDFW employees will be furloughed on July 10, 17 and 24th. Agency activities may be affected.
Contact: Libby Yranski ([email protected])
Access Impacts: West Virginia day-use park and forest areas, including hiking and biking trails and fishing lakes remain open for public use. State parks opened Thursday, May 21 during Week 4 of West Virginia’s reopening plan. Visitors are reminded to Leave No Trace by cleaning up their trash, waste and belongings before leaving a park or forest. For more information, click here.
Contact: Lee Gatts ([email protected])
Access Impacts: Wisconsin state parks have reopened and admission fees are required. Due to some locations have popular demand – there will be capacity limits. Please make sure to seek out current property information on the website before visiting. Read more here.
Boating and fishing:
- DNR boat launches are open at open state properties.
- All anglers and recreational boaters should practice social distancing and keep travel to a minimum.
- If individuals can lawfully access Wisconsin’s rivers and lakes, they are free to navigate upon them while engaging in outdoor recreation.
Contact: Jill Sims ([email protected])
Access Impacts: Wyoming state parks and visitor centers are open and camping is open to out-of-state visitors. The Wyoming Game and Fish Department encourages visitors to follow social distancing guidelines and to avoid congregating with others in parking lots, public access areas and trailheads. Read more here.
Contact: Libby Yranski ([email protected])
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