Top 10 boat ramps in Florida with easy access and ample parking

Florida is a boater’s paradise, boasting thousands of miles of coastline, rivers, lakes, and channels. But when it comes to launching your boat with ease and convenience, not all ramps are created equal. Whether you’re planning a fishing trip, a family day on the water, or a weekend adventure, choosing a boat ramp with ample parking and smooth access can make all the difference.

In this guide, we’ve rounded up 10 of the best boat ramps in Florida that offer easy navigation, generous parking facilities, and access to some of the state’s most desirable waterways.

Rank	Boat Ramp	Location	Parking
1	Phil Foster Park Boat Ramp	Riviera Beach, FL	333
2	Fort De Soto Park Boat Ramp	Tierra Verde, FL	300
3	Crandon Park Marina Boat Ramp	Key Biscayne, FL	~200+
4	Belleair Causeway Boat Ramp	Belleair Bluffs, FL	206
5	Homestead Bayfront Park & Marina Ramp	Homestead, FL	165
6	Matheson Hammock Park & Marina Boat Ramp	Coral Gables, FL	120+ trailer
7	Anclote River Park Boat Ramp	Holiday, FL	120+ trailer
8	Bay Pines Boat Ramp	St. Petersburg, FL	112
9	Gandy Boat Ramp	Tampa, FL	100+
10	Haulover Park Boat Ramp	Ft. Lauderdale, FL	100+

1. Phil Foster Park Boat Ramp – Riviera Beach, FL

📍 Address: 900 Blue Heron Blvd, Riviera Beach, FL 33404, View on Google Maps
🛶 Access: Intracoastal Waterway, Lake Worth Lagoon, Atlantic Ocean
🅿️ Parking: Over 100 trailer spaces, large paved lot

Phil Foster Park’s boat ramp is one of the busiest and best-equipped in Palm Beach County. With multiple launch lanes, floating docks, and a huge parking lot, it’s ideal for both weekend warriors and serious anglers. The ramp provides direct access to the Intracoastal Waterway and is minutes from the Lake Worth Inlet for ocean access.

Amenities include restrooms, picnic areas, a fishing pier, and a popular snorkeling trail under the Blue Heron Bridge. The park is well-lit and patrolled, making it a safe choice for early morning or evening launches.

Bonus: The underwater snorkeling trail is famous for tropical fish, rays, and even the occasional manatee—perfect for families who want to combine boating with a little underwater adventure.

2. Fort De Soto Park Boat Ramp – Tierra Verde, FL

📍 Address: 3500 Pinellas Bayway South, Tierra Verde, FL 33715, View on Google Maps
🛶 Access: Tampa Bay → Gulf of Mexico
🅿️ Parking: Over 100 trailer spaces (standard capacity)

Fort De Soto remains a top‑tier launch site in Pinellas County, complete with four ramps, floating docks, restrooms, rinse stations, and expansive trailer parking designed to hold over 100 rigs. However, due to hurricane damage, floating‑dock availability is currently limited to only one dock. The main ramps are still operational, but amenities and dock capacity are reduced for safety. Repair efforts are already underway, with new floating docks expected by late 2025.

Current Conditions (mid‑2025):
Although the boat ramps are open, boaters should proceed with caution—especially since much of the floating dock infrastructure is offline. As of now, the primary ramp access is functional, but docking space is tight until reconstruction is complete :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.

Pro Tip:
Call ahead to confirm dock status before making the trip. Once all facilities are restored, Fort De Soto will return to offering full-service, high-capacity launching with scenic Gulf access.

3. Crandon Park Marina Boat Ramp – Key Biscayne, FL

📍 Address: 4000 Crandon Boulevard, Key Biscayne, FL 33149, View on Google Maps
🛶 Access: Biscayne Bay → Atlantic Ocean via yacht channel
🅿️ Parking: Approximately 200 trailer parking spaces + ample vehicle spots

Located within Crandon Park Marina, this top-tier launch site offers 14 launching lanes, multiple courtesy docks, and a large, dedicated trailer parking area of roughly 200 spaces, alongside regular vehicle parking and handicap-accessible spots. The facility includes restrooms, picnic areas, bait & tackle shop, and full-service marina amenities like fuel, pump-out, and wet slips.

Why it stands out:
This ramp consistently ranks as one of the busiest and best-equipped in South Florida. The massive parking capacity, multiple lanes, and marina services make it ideal for heavy weekend traffic and charter operations.

Bonus:
Crandon Park as a whole offers over 3,000 general parking spaces across the site, so overflow is seldom an issue even during peak seasons.

4. Belleair Causeway Boat Ramp – Belleair Bluffs, FL

📍 Address: 3900 W Bay Dr, Belleair Bluffs, FL 34640, View on Google Maps
🛶 Access: Clearwater Harbor → Intracoastal Waterway → Gulf of Mexico via Clearwater Pass
🅿️ Parking: 108 trailer spaces + 98 vehicle spots

Located just off West Bay Drive under the Belleair Causeway bridge, this public ramp is a popular all-hour launching point for motorboats, kayaks, and anglers exploring Tampa Bay and the Gulf. With 10 launching lanes and five courtesy docks, it handles high traffic smoothly and efficiently.

Amenities & Fees:
The ramp offers portable restrooms, multiple courtesy docks, and a large gravel parking lot with good lighting. There is a nearby bait and tackle shop (Belleair Bait & Tackle) open daily. Parking fees are $6 per day for vehicles with trailers and $2 for single vehicles without trailers. Annual passes are available for $110, with discounts for seniors and free access for veterans. These fees help maintain the facilities, which are open 24 hours a day.

Bonus:
The Belleair Causeway ramp allows overnight trailer parking for those with a valid daily or annual pass. Its central location makes it a gateway to nearby spoil islands, wildlife sanctuaries, and shallow fishing flats teeming with trout, snook, and redfish. It’s also one of the best spots in the area to catch a sunset after a full day on the water.

5. Homestead Bayfront Park & Marina Boat Ramp – Homestead, FL

📍 Address: 9698 SW 328th St, Homestead, FL 33033, View on Google Maps
🛶 Access: Biscayne Bay → Atlantic Ocean via Caesar Creek or Angelfish Creek
🅿️ Parking: 165 total spaces (trailers + vehicles)

Located within Homestead Bayfront Park, this ramp is one of South Florida’s most substantial public launch sites. With 165 confirmed parking spaces, including dedicated trailer and vehicle spots, it ranks among the top boat ramps statewide in terms of capacity. The single wide paved ramp is paired with a floating dock, making for a smooth launch even for larger vessels.

The marina area includes restrooms, a bait and tackle shop, rinse-down stations, and ample space for maneuvering. It’s an ideal starting point for boaters heading to Elliott Key, Boca Chita Key, or exploring the shallows of Biscayne National Park.

Why it stands out:
The park setting offers more than just a boat launch—families can enjoy the atoll pool, picnic pavilions, and scenic views, making it a favorite for both day cruisers and overnight anglers.

Pro Tip:
Due to its proximity to protected waters and coral zones, it’s popular with divers and snorkelers. Arrive early on weekends to beat the crowd and secure a trailer spot.

6. Matheson Hammock Park & Marina Boat Ramp – Coral Gables, FL

📍 Address: 9610 Old Cutler Road, Coral Gables, FL 33156, View on Google Maps
🛶 Access: Biscayne Bay → Atlantic Ocean
🅿️ Parking: 120 trailer spaces (+ ample vehicle/handicap parking)

Situated within the scenic 630-acre Matheson Hammock Park, this launch has 11 lanes (5 double lanes + 1 single) and a dedicated parking lot with 120 trailer spots, making it one of the largest trailer-capacity ramps in Miami-Dade County :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}. It’s paired with floating docks and ample vehicle/handicap parking to support high-volume boating traffic.

Park amenities include restrooms, full-service marina with wet slips, fuel dock, rinse-down station, and a bait/tackle shop. The adjacent atoll pool, coral-rock snack bar, and walking trails make it a standout launch spot for both anglers and families :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.

Why it ranks:
With 120 confirmed trailer spots plus additional vehicle spaces, this ramp is Florida’s 8th-largest confirmed launch, solidly landing just behind Homestead Bayfront (165 spaces).

Pro Tip:
Parking fees vary by season—trailer vehicles are $17–$24 depending on day, and vehicle entry is $7–$10. Arrive early on weekends to grab prime parking and boat launch access.

7. Anclote River Park Boat Ramp – Holiday, FL

📍 Address: 1119 Baillies Bluff Rd, Holiday, FL 34691, View on Google Maps
🛶 Access: Anclote River → Gulf of Mexico → Anclote Key Preserve State Park
🅿️ Parking: 120 trailer spaces + additional vehicle and handicap spots

Anclote River Park is Pasco County’s premier Gulf access point and a top-tier public boat launch for those heading to Anclote Key Preserve, just three miles offshore. The facility includes a six-lane concrete launch ramp, floating docks, and a large paved lot with 120 confirmed trailer parking spaces.

The park itself is open daily from sunrise to sunset and features clean restrooms, a rinse-down station, picnic shelters, a beach area, and kayak/canoe access. It’s also one of the few ramps in the area that remains consistently well-maintained and fully accessible, even during peak seasons.

This ramp offers one of the smoothest routes to Anclote Key, and its high parking capacity makes it a reliable choice even on busy weekends. Whether you’re fishing, island-hopping, or just exploring the flats, it’s one of the best launch points along the Nature Coast.

Pro Tip: The lot fills up fast on weekends especially in spring and summer. Plan to arrive before 8 a.m. to secure a trailer spot and avoid launch delays.

8. Bay Pines Boat Ramp – Bay Pines, FL

📍 Address: 9600 Bay Pines Blvd, St. Petersburg, FL 33708, View on Google Maps
🛶 Access: Boca Ciega Bay → John’s Pass → Gulf of Mexico
🅿️ Parking: 108 trailer spaces, plus room for about 4‑5 extra vehicles (112 total)

Bay Pines is one of the largest and most accessible ramps in Pinellas County, offering six launch lanes, floating docks, and a wide, well-marked channel. Located just off Bay Pines Blvd, the ramp provides excellent access to Boca Ciega Bay and the Gulf through nearby John’s Pass.

The facility includes restrooms, rinse-down areas, shaded picnic spots, and ample space for maneuvering large rigs. It’s especially popular with anglers heading offshore or families looking for a full day on the water. According to the Florida FWC Tampa Bay boating guide, there are 112 parking spaces total at the ramp.

Bonus:
The proximity to shops, bait stores, and waterfront restaurants makes this ramp a convenient hub for both locals and visitors.

9. Gandy Boat Ramp – Tampa, FL

📍 Address: 5108 W Gandy Blvd, Tampa, FL 33611, View on Google Maps
🛶 Access: Central Tampa Bay
🅿️ Parking: Over 100 spots

Hillsborough County’s Gandy Boat Ramp is one of the largest and busiest public ramps in the Tampa Bay area. With six wide launch lanes and over 100 parking spots, it’s designed to handle high traffic—especially being centrally located on Tampa Bay.

As of July 2025, renovations are underway on the floating docks and gangways. Two of the three ramps will remain accessible during the upgrade, which is expected to finish by August 11, 2025.

This ramp is a favorite for access to Tampa Bay’s central waters, with free parking and public restrooms. Its six-lane setup ensures even peak-day crowds move quickly.

Pro Tip: Despite ongoing dock construction, at least four ramp lanes stay open. Just be mindful of potential delays and plan accordingly.

10. Haulover Park Boat Ramp – Miami Beach, FL

📍 Address: 15000 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33154, View on Google Maps
🛶 Access: Intracoastal Waterway → Atlantic Ocean
🅿️ Parking: Typically offers over 100 trailer spaces, but currently limited due to construction

Located within the bustling Haulover Park, this is one of South Florida’s most popular and well-known boat ramps, and for good reason. The six-lane ramp provides direct access to the Intracoastal Waterway and is just minutes from the Atlantic via Haulover Inlet.

Under normal conditions, the site offers ample trailer parking, restrooms, fish cleaning stations, and close proximity to bait shops and full-service marinas. However, as of mid-2025, Miami-Dade County has noted that parking is currently limited due to ongoing ramp and marina improvements. Boaters should plan accordingly and check ahead for updates miamidade.gov.

Pro Tip: Arrive early, especially on weekends or during peak fishing seasons like tarpon and snook, as the reduced parking fills up quickly.

From the vibrant waters of Miami to the serene backwaters of the Everglades, Florida offers an incredible variety of boat ramps that cater to every type of boater. Whether you’re looking for ocean access, freshwater serenity, or family-friendly features, these ten ramps are the best in the Sunshine State for their convenience, parking, and accessibility.

Use this list to plan your next launch, save time, and avoid frustration—so you can focus on what really matters: enjoying the water.

Here’s a short list to help make your launch process stress-free:

✅ Boat registration and fishing license
✅ Safety gear: Life jackets, flares, fire extinguisher
✅ Boat keys, fuel, battery charged
✅ Ropes, bumpers, anchor
✅ Food, drinks, ice, and cooler
✅ Sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses
✅ Launch fee cash or park pass
✅ Trash bags and dry storage containers
✅ Navigation app or GPS device
✅ Check tide, weather, and local regulations

FAQs

1. What time should I arrive at a popular Florida boat ramp?
Arrive early—ideally before 8 AM on weekends and holidays—to avoid parking issues and long waits at the ramp.

2. Do I need a permit to use public boat ramps in Florida?
Many ramps are free, but some county or state-managed ramps charge a fee or require a day-use pass. Always check local regulations.

3. Can I launch a kayak or paddleboard at these ramps?
Yes! Most of the ramps listed are paddle-friendly and include adjacent areas for non-motorized watercraft launches.

4. Are there any restrictions on the types of boats allowed?
While most public ramps allow a wide range of vessels, very large boats or jet skis may be restricted in some areas. Check signage or city websites before launching.

5. Is overnight parking allowed at Florida boat ramps?
It varies by location. Some ramps near campgrounds or marinas allow overnight trailer parking, while others strictly prohibit it. Look for posted signs or contact the local park office.