State-By-State Breakdown of Boating Access As of Thursday April 16, 2020
The National Marine Manufacturers Association has developed a national map showing access for recreational boating and fishing. The latest update is as of yesterday at 3:00 p.m. eastern time and the organization has said it will frequently update the map.
Updated as of Wednesday, April 15 3:00PM ET
Alabama
Access Impacts: Most Alabama State Parks and associated facilities remain open except for the following: Beaches and beach access areas (including those in Gulf State Park and others located on lakes throughout the state). 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.
NOTE: The White’s Bridge facility on Lake Harris (Wedowee) is currently closed for maintenance.
Contact: Lee Gatts ([email protected])
Alaska
Access Impacts: The Alaska Department of Fish and Game is informing the public that Health Mandate 012 – Intrastate Travel states “all instate travel between communities, whether resident, worker, or visitor, is prohibited unless travel is to support critical infrastructure, or for critical personal needs”. Sport and personal use fishing have not been identified as supporting critical infrastructure or a critical personal need. The purpose of this mandate is to control the movement of individuals to communities within Alaska in order to prevent, slow, and otherwise disrupt the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Alaska state parks remain open however and according to state boating officials, residents are encouraged to go boating and fishing if they can do so without leaving their community.
Contact: David Dickerson ([email protected])
Arizona
Access Impacts: Arizona parks and other outdoor venues are open, although most visitor centers are closed. Read more here. Lake Powell National Recreation area is closed.
Contact: David Dickerson ([email protected])
Arkansas
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 only 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 release, click here.
Contact: Libby Yranski ([email protected])
California
Access Impacts: The state Fish and Wildlife Commission will meet April 15 to consider adopting a rule to create a faster, streamlined ability to be responsive to local counties and Tribes.
- The proposal is specific and narrowly tailored. For a short time (only until May 31, 2020), CDFW would have an improved ability with limited authority from the Commission to respond to local counties and Tribes. This emergency regulation would expire far sooner than emergency regulations are typically effective (which is 180 days).
- The CDFW Director could only act in consultation with the Commission President, and only after considering public health and safety guidance from local and Tribal governments.
State officials have closed parking lots at all parks and boating access locations in order to prevent the crowded parking lots experienced recently. 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.
Contact: David Dickerson ([email protected])
Colorado
Access Impacts: Colorado state parks will remain open for all outdoor recreation, but all Colorado Parks and Wildlife park visitor centers, playgrounds, picnic areas and campgrounds are closed to the public until further notice. 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. 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. Curecanti National Recreation Area is closed to all boating.
Contact: Libby Yranski ([email protected])
Connecticut
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. Kent Falls State Park (Kent) and Seaside State Park (Waterford) have both been closed to the public.
Contact: Libby Yranski ([email protected])
Delaware
Access Impacts: Delaware’s state parks and wildlife areas have plenty of space for you to get outside and get some needed fresh air and exercise while maintaining that socially-acceptable distance of six feet or so. And there are no entrance fees until April 30. All state park offices, nature centers, campgrounds, cabins, cottages, beaches and bathhouses are closed. Out-of-state visitors must self-quarantine for 14 days before engaging in fishing, hunting, golf, visiting state parks and wildlife areas.
Contact: Libby Yranski ([email protected])
Florida
Access Impacts: In Executive Order 20-91, Governor DeSantis has closed all public Boat ramps, marinas and other public access points to the public in the entire state, including State Parks. Marinas may only be open to support law enforcement service, accommodate commercial fishing, liveaboards and emergencies. However, some counties have kept open their boat ramps and other access facilities. The FWC has issued a ruling that prevents boater from anchoring within 50 feet of one another and limiting occupancy to no more than 10 persons. Nevertheless, many of the boat ramps throughout the state remain open to the public. The FWC’s Florida Public Boat Ramp Finder is updated every 24-hours to include information regarding boat ramp open/closed status.
The National Park Service has prohibited all beaching of boats on the beaches of the Florida section of the Gulf Island National Seashore.
Contact: David Dickerson ([email protected])
Georgia
Access Impacts: Georgia state parks remain open but with limited use to public facilities. Visitor Centers and museums are temporarily closed. Rangers will continue to staff the visitor centers and museums and provide assistance over the phone and through web-based resources.
For a complete list of boat ramp closures, click here.
Contact: Lee Gatts ([email protected])
Hawaii
Access Impacts: All of Hawaii state parks and facilities are now either fully or partially closed. All Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation (DOBOR) district and harbor offices across the state are closed to public, in-person access. All public restrooms within DOBOR harbors are closed. For more information, click here.
Contact: Lee Gatts ([email protected])
Idaho
Access Impacts: No statewide executive orders have been taken in regard to recreational activities. Idaho state parks and boating access points remain open for daytime use. However, the Department of Parks and Recreation states in its website that access to parks may be restricted if visitors regularly violate social distancing guidelines. The Idaho Fish and Game Commission adopted a rule that temporarily suspends the sale of several types of nonresident fishing and hunting licenses, tags, and permits. The action is effective immediately and lasts until the rule is repealed consistent with relevant state of Idaho public health orders.
Contact: David Dickerson ([email protected])
Illinois
Access Impacts: All Illinois Department of Natural Resources State Parks, Recreational Areas, Fish & Wildlife Areas and Historic Sites are closed to the public until further notice.
Contact: Jill Sims ([email protected])
Indiana
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 temporarily been suspended. Lakes, dams and waters managed by the U.S. Army Corps are closed. All fishing tournaments on DNR owned and operated property are canceled through April 30. Any fishing tournaments that are not on DNR property but requires a permit are canceled through April 20.
Contact: Jill Sims ([email protected])
Iowa
Access Impacts: Iowa state parks, forests, preserves and wildlife management areas remain open.
Contact: Libby Yranski ([email protected])
Kansas
Access Impacts: On April 8, Governor Kelly began prohibiting prohibit any activities likely to draw together more than 10 persons outside of immediate family. In Executive Order 20-16, Kansas Governor Kelly allows outdoor activity as long as people stay six feet apart and in groups of 10 or less. EO 20-16 does not restrict boating or boating access. Kansas state parks, fishing lakes and wildlife areas are currently open to the public.
Contact: David Dickerson ([email protected])
Kentucky
Access Impacts: State park lodges, cottages, restaurants and campgrounds are closed. Park grounds will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. effective April 3, 2020. This includes hiking trails and picnic areas. Golf courses remain open; please check the park for course hours. Group and park events are cancelled through April 30. Patrons may want to check with individual parks to find out about park services. Historic homes, museums and gift shops are closed for the time being. Park grounds are open for hiking, picnicking and exploring. Tours of homes are also suspended at this time as well as tours of the two pioneer forts at Fort Boonesborough and Old Fort Harrod state parks. All state park playgrounds are closed. Anyone camping with reservations between now and April 30, 2020, will receive a full refund. Anyone wishing to cancel a reservation after April 30, 2020, until May 15, 2020, needs to call Reserve America at (888) 459-7275. For Park closures, 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])
Louisiana
Access Impacts: None for state run facilities. The Governor is encouraging residents to be in nature but maintain social distancing. All Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) offices, facilities and public restrooms are closed.
Contact: Libby Yranski ([email protected])
Maine
Access Impacts: All inland waters have been opened to recreational boating and fishing as of March 20, 2020.
Contact: Libby Yranski ([email protected])
Maryland
Access Impacts: Governor Hogan closed all boating, beaches and state park facilities under Executive Order Large Gatherings, and further specifically clarified here are closed 03-30-01. In a question and answer document updated April 8, boats can be moved by water to repair facilities. “You can have your boat moved or delivered to your residence or boat slip. While it is not necessary for drivers in Maryland to have documentation about the purpose of [boat] travel, having such documentation may help. General recreational boating is not allowed. Recreational fishing is prohibited. Limited fishing is allowed only if you are seeking food for you or your family, but the social distancing guidelines and the prohibition on social gatherings must be strictly followed.
Contact: David Dickerson ([email protected])
Massachusetts
Access Impacts: Wildlife management areas, state parks and comfort stations across the Commonwealth remain open and available for the public to utilize, however visitor centers and offices are closed. MassWildlife cautioned boaters not to share a boat unless it is large enough so that all persons aboard can always remain at a minimum distance of six feet apart.
Contact: Libby Yranski ([email protected])
Michigan
Access Impacts: Michigan state parks, recreation areas, trails and other state-managed lands remain open, provided all visitors adhere to the requirements for proper social distancing. Boating impacts: state harbors are closed through at least May 15. There will be no services available including bathroom buildings, electrical, fuel, pumpouts, etc and no slip reservations can be made. At this time, boat launches and parking lots at access sites remain open but fishing piers and vault toilets are closed. Use of powerboats is now forbidden. Under the governor’s revised “Stay Home, Stay Safe” Executive Order 2020-42, physical outdoor activity, such as kayaking, canoeing and sailing, remains permissible. However, the use of a motorboat, jet ski or similar watercraft (includes gas and electric motors) is not permitted for the duration of the Executive Order, which is currently set to expire April 30. Prohibition on the use of motorized watercraft is reflected in the governor’s Frequently Asked Questions document that explains and interprets Executive Order 2020-42. Physical outdoor activity like kayaking, canoeing, and sailing is permitted under the order
Charter and fishing guide operations that involve boats, canoes and other marine vessels are not currently permitted.
Further FAQ re outdoor activities in Michigan can be found on the DNR’s website here.
Contact: Jill Sims ([email protected])
Minnesota
Access Impacts: State parks, recreations areas, campgrounds and other public lands remain open to the public, however visitors will experience some changes in services available. Grand Portage State Park has been closed. Per MN DNR, Wabanica and Wheeler’s Point public water accesses on Lake of the Woods County are currently closed, by local emergency action.
Contact: Jill Sims ([email protected])
Mississippi
Access Impacts: State parks, lakes, park lakes, and the Clark Creek Natural Area are closed to the public effective April 3rd until further notice. Wildlife management areas remain open.
The National Park Service has prohibited access to the offshore islands of the Mississippi section of the Gulf Islands National Seashore, including beaching of vessels.
Contact: Libby Yranski ([email protected])
Missouri
Access Impacts: Missouri state parks remain open. Boat ramps are operating normally. The Department of Conservation reminds people that it is still critical for everyone to continue to heed all recommendations for physical distancing, avoiding overcrowding, hand-washing, and other public-health measures during outdoor activities.
Contact: David Dickerson ([email protected])
Montana
Access Impacts: Montana State Park campgrounds will be closed starting on March 28th. All State Parks will remain open for day use recreation. Additionally, Visitor Centers and group use facilities, park playgrounds, fishing piers and some latrines will be impacted by the closure. All State Park campgrounds and lodging facilities are closed. This includes cabins, yurts, and tipis. Additionally, Visitor Centers and group use facilities, park playgrounds, fishing piers and some latrines will be closed. 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. For a list of Park and boat ramp closures, click here.
Contact: Lee Gatts ([email protected])
Nebraska
Access Impacts: Nebraska state parks remain open with some facilities closures.
Contact: Libby Yranski ([email protected])
Nevada
Access Impacts: Governor Sisolak’s Executive Directive 10 allows outdoor recreation. Nevada state parks remain open for day use only and it is asked individuals practice social distancing when visiting. Lake Mead National Recreation Area is closed, however those keeping their boats at marina facilities have access to their vessels to check on their property.
Contact: David Dickerson ([email protected])
New Hampshire
Access Impacts: New Hampshire state parks, boating and boating access points are not restricted under Governor Sununu’s Executive Order. Toilet facilities are closed at NH Fish and Game boat ramps until further notice due to the COVID1-19 outbreak. Docks will not be installed until the social distancing restrictions are lifted. Anglers are urged to continue practicing social distancing recommendations from state and federal health agencies.
To check the status of individual Parks, click here.
Contact: David Dickerson ([email protected])
New Jersey
Access Impacts: All New Jersey state and county parks and forests are closed, wildlife management areas are still open for outdoor recreation. The Round Valley Reservoir boat ramp is closed. Boaters are reminded they cannot congregate in parking lots, at boat ramps or at popular fishing locations.
Contact: Libby Yranski ([email protected])
New Mexico
Access Impacts: All state parks are temporarily closed to the public as a public health precaution due to the COVID-19 (coronavirus). These closures are part of the larger effort by state government to minimize public exposure. Visit New Mexico State Parks for more information. The closures will remain in effect until April 30, unless an extension of closures is deemed necessary.
Common spaces, museums, bookstores, and visitor’s centers at many of New Mexico’s National Parks are also closed, though other park spaces remain open and accessible. Check with the National Park Service website for more information, as well as individual park pages for information on total closures. All Department of Game and Fish offices, all Department hatcheries, Bernardo WMA Tour Loop, Bear Canyon Reservoir, Bill Evans Lake WMA, Colin Nebliett WMA, Rio de los Pinos WMA, Morphy Lake Open Gate property, Monastery Lake Open Gate property and Rio Costilla Open Gate property are closed to the public.
Contact: Libby Yranski ([email protected])
New York
Access Impacts: In a guidance issued by Gov. Cuomo, marinas and boating access points are now closed.
State parks, trails and grounds of historic sites are open for open air however visitors are encouraged to recreate locally, practice social distancing, and use common sense to protect themselves and others. Entrance fees have been waived. The New State parks, trails and grounds of historic sites are open for open air outdoor recreation, however visitors are encouraged to recreate locally, practice social distancing, and use common sense to protect themselves and others. Entrance fees have been waived. Boating access sites are open. The state has issued request for caution by all visitors.
Contact: David Dickerson ([email protected])
North Carolina
Access Impacts: Several North Carolina state parks have been closed. Parks that adhere to social distancing guidelines may remain open. All Park offices, visitor centers, restrooms, bathhouses, campgrounds, and cabins are closed statewide. For a full list of Park closures, read more here
For a list of boating access area closings, click here.
Contact: Lee Gatts ([email protected])
North Dakota
Access Impacts: North Dakota outdoor recreational facilities, including boat ramps that are accessible to the Missouri River and wildlife management areas remain open. Game and Fish offices are closed until April 6. State operated marinas may be closed.
Contact: Libby Yranski ([email protected])
Ohio
Access Impacts: Ohio state parks, wildlife areas (with exception of Magee Marsh Wildlife Area) forests and nature preserves remain open – including trails, dog parks, and non-marina docks. Other facilities, including lodges, campgrounds, cabins, golf courses, restrooms, shower houses, playgrounds, APV areas, horse camps and state park marina buildings are closed.
Clarification on fishing: Non-resident fishing license sales have temporarily been suspended. Individuals who currently possess a non-resident fishing license may fish in Ohio if they abide by ODH guidance to self-quarantine for 14 days before they do so.
Contact: Jill Sims ([email protected])
Oklahoma
Access Impacts: Oklahoma state parks remain open and encourages effective social distancing.
Contact: Libby Yranski ([email protected])
Oregon
Access Impacts: All Oregon State Parks are closed. Many county and city parks with fishing locations are closed. Beach access is closed in many areas. National forests have closed most established recreation sites including campgrounds, trailheads and restrooms. Campgrounds, day-use sites and restrooms are also closed on BLM lands. Wildlife areas remain open for wildlife viewing, fishing and hunting but are closed from 10 pm – 4am. The salmon and steelhead fisheries are closed on the Columbia River. Boaters still required to stop at aquatic invasive species inspection stations.
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.
Contact: Libby Yranski ([email protected])
Pennsylvania
Access Impacts: Pennsylvania boating facilities, trails, lakes, roads and parking are open but state park and forest facilities are closed. Boating is a currently acceptable forms of outdoor activities per the stay-at-home guidelines from the Governor and PA Department of Health when social distancing is practiced.
Contact: David Dickerson ([email protected])
Rhode Island
Access Impacts: Rhode Island state parks and beaches are closed as of April 3 until further notice.
Contact: Libby Yranski ([email protected])
South Carolina
Access Impacts: All state parks in South Carolina will be closed through Thursday, April 30, to support the state’s response to COVID-19. This includes the State House Tour Service and gift shop.
All public boat ramps and beaches are closed. The closure is designed to keep visitors and employees as safe as possible by mitigating the spread of the Coronavirus. For more information click here.
Contact: Lee Gatts ([email protected])
South Dakota
Access Impacts: South Dakota state park offices are closed or have limited staff, but the parks themselves are open. Public boat launches remain open to the public. Depending on ice, water levels and other weather conditions, it may take additional time to place more docks in the water as additional open water opportunities become available. For more information click here.
Contact: Libby Yranski ([email protected])
Tennessee
Access Impacts: All 56 state parks and natural areas are closed indefinitely to the public in response to the coronavirus pandemic. Click here for more information.
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])
Texas
Access Impacts: Texas state parks were closed April 7 by Governor Abbot. However, some boat ramps remain open. For additional information, click here.
Contact: David Dickerson ([email protected])
Utah
Access Impacts: Utah state parks remain open, but some state park visitor centers are closed. It is important to note, state parks remain open only to visitors residing in the same county where the state park is located.
Contact: David Dickerson ([email protected])
Vermont
Access Impacts: Vermont state parks and boating facilities are free and open, however outdoor activities should take place within 10 miles of home to minimize travel and potential risk of exposure to COVID-19.
Contact: David Dickerson ([email protected])
Virginia
Access Impacts: Virginia Wildlife Management Areas and Dept. Of Game and Inland Fisheries lakes and rivers are still open. Boating is still allowed. However, please check with your local county and city for any additional closures of parks, lakes or piers. Burke Lake Park parking area and boat launch are closed. Please find additional statewide guidance here.
Contact: Libby Yranski ([email protected])
Washington
Access Impacts: Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission (Parks) and the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) announced the temporary closure of all state-managed parks and lands, boat launches, day-use recreation areas, wildlife areas, water access areas, fisheries and shellfisheries until May 4th. AIS check stations are still active, and WDFW staff are inspecting watercraft for invasive species. Read more here.
Contact: Libby Yranski ([email protected])
West Virginia
Access Impacts: Park lodges, cabins and campgrounds are closed. New camping reservations have been suspended through April 30. To modify an existing reservation, call 1-833-WVPARKS. Restrooms are closed. Lodge services have been suspended. Park restaurants have been closed and curbside and carryout services are not available. Spa services at Berkeley Springs State Park have been suspended. Nature centers and museums are closed. The walkway to the falls at Blackwater Falls State Park and the overlook at Coopers Rock State Forest have been temporarily closed. Special events have been cancelled through April 30 or postponed to a later date. View our event calendar for more information. Day-use areas, including hiking and biking trails and fishing lakes, remain open for public use. 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])
Wisconsin
Access Impacts: Effective April 10, Governor Tony Evers has closed 40 state parks due to high volumes of visitors. Some Wisconsin state parks and trails remain open, including boat launches. Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has waived entrance fees. Read more here.
Contact: Jill Sims ([email protected])
Wyoming
Access Impacts: Wyoming state parks remain open, but visitor centers are closed. The Wyoming Game and Fish Department is encouraging social distancing and to avoid congregating with others in parking lots, public access areas and trailheads. Do not meet up with friends for hunting, fishing or boating; go out with people in your household only.
Contact: Libby Yranski ([email protected])
