Boat Ramps Nearby
Illustration Life jackets
The life jacket rule for every paddler
What the Coast Guard requires on kayaks and canoes, and kids' vests with head support.
Life jacket rulesBoat ramps in Vermont
112 launches in 40 cities.
The cities with the most launches are Newport (17), Hardwick (12) and Lyndonville (8). See them on the map
Boating in Vermont: who to ask
- Public access sites: Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department (access areas); Vermont State Police Marine Unit (boating rules)
- Boater education: Motorboat operators aged 12 or older who were born after Jan 1, 1974 must complete a boating safety course. Source
Source: the state agencies linked above, October 2026. Rules change, so confirm before you go. More: boating license by state.
Lakes and rivers in Vermont
Vermont boat access in numbers
| Boat ramps | 86 |
|---|---|
| Kayak and canoe launches | 10 |
| Fishing piers and access | 24 |
| Marked free | 76 |
The launches in Vermont sit on Otter Creek, Echo Lake, Waterbury Reservoir, Missisquoi River, Batten Kill, Lake Hortonia, Burr Pond, Connecticut River.
See every ramp on Missisquoi River, Waterbury Reservoir.
Vermont rules to know
- Motorboat operators aged 12 or older who were born after Jan 1, 1974 must complete a boating safety course.
State agency for public boat access: Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department (access areas); Vermont State Police Marine Unit (boating rules).
Heading out in Vermont? launching a boat, ramp etiquette and launch fees.
Illustration 
Illustration Ramp etiquette
12 rules regulars expect you to know
Staging, courtesy docks and the Clean, Drain, Dry laws that can bring a fine.
Ramp etiquetteBoat ramps by city
- Newport17
- Hardwick12
- Lyndonville8
- Brandon6
- Burlington6
- Swanton5
- Mount Holly4
- Milton3
- Montpelier3
- Randolph3
- Saint Johnsbury3
- Arlington2
- Brattleboro2
- Bristol2
- Charlotte2
- Chittenden2
- Enosburg Falls2
- Ferrisburgh2
- Lunenburg2
- Manchester Center2
- Morrisville2
- Saint Albans2
- Starksboro2
- Waterbury2
- Bridport1
- Castleton1
- Colchester1
- Fair Haven1
- Hinesburg1
- Jamaica1
- Mendon1
- Moretown1
- North Bennington1
- Rutland1
- Salisbury1
- Stowe1
- Vergennes1
- West Brattleboro1
- White River Junction1
- Wilder1
Boat ramps in Vermont: questions and answers
How many public boat ramps and launches are in Vermont?
We list 112 launches in 40 cities across Vermont.
Which lakes and rivers in Vermont have the most boat ramps?
On our map: Otter Creek (3), Echo Lake (3), Waterbury Reservoir (3), Missisquoi River (3), Batten Kill (2) and Lake Hortonia (2). The rest are spread over many small lakes and rivers across Vermont.
Are boat ramps in Vermont free?
76 of the 112 launches in Vermont are marked free in the map data. Most others in Vermont have no fee information, and state parks and Corps of Engineers lakes usually charge a day-use fee.
Where can you launch a kayak in Vermont?
We list 10 kayak and canoe launches in Vermont, for example Old Ferry Road Boat Launch in Brattleboro, West River Park Kayak Lauch in Brattleboro, Colchester Point Boat Ramp in Burlington and Shelburne Bay Boat Ramp in Burlington.
Where are the fishing piers in Vermont?
24 fishing piers and fishing access sites, including Wagon Wheel Access Area in Arlington, Burr Pond Access Area in Brandon, Bristol Pond Access Area in Bristol and Burlington Fishing Pier in Burlington.
Do you need a boating license in Vermont?
Motorboat operators aged 12 or older who were born after Jan 1, 1974 must complete a boating safety course. Most boater education cards never expire.
Who manages public boat ramps in Vermont?
Many ramps belong to cities, counties and parks, while the state's network of public access sites is run by Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department (access areas); Vermont State Police Marine Unit (boating rules). Check there for closures and current rules.