Are boat ramps in North Dakota free?

Many boat ramps in North Dakota are free, especially those managed by state parks or the Army Corps of Engineers. Some may charge a launch fee.

How do I find boat ramps near me in North Dakota?

Use RampSeeker to browse all 302 boat ramps in North Dakota by city. Each listing includes a map and directions.

Many public boat ramps are free, especially those run by state parks, Army Corps of Engineers, or county agencies. Some charge $5-15 per launch or require an annual pass.

Do you need a permit to use a boat ramp?

Most public boat ramps do not require a special permit. You need a valid boat registration and in some states a launch pass. Check local regulations before launching.

What time do boat ramps open?

Most public boat ramps are open 24 hours. Some state park ramps follow park hours, typically dawn to dusk. Pay ramps may have limited hours for fee collection.

Can you launch a kayak at a boat ramp?

Yes, most boat ramps accommodate kayaks and canoes. Some ramps have dedicated kayak launch areas. Smaller paddlecraft can also use informal put-ins and shoreline access points.

North Dakota Boat Ramp Directory

Every Boat Ramp in North Dakota

Q: How many boat ramps are in North Dakota?

There are 302 boat ramps in North Dakota. RampSeeker has mapped every public boat launch across the state.

302+ boat ramps across 6 lakes and waterways. Lake Sakakawea, Devils Lake walleye, Missouri River fishing.

North Dakota offers 302+ public boat ramps across its waterways. From Lake Sakakawea, Devils Lake, and the Missouri River, the state provides excellent access for boaters, anglers, and kayakers. Popular catches include walleye, pike, and perch. Learn how to launch safely.

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Featured: Lake Oahe (North Dakota)

4 named ramps

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North Low Water Boat Ramp

Emmons County

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SE Beaver Creek Boat Ramp

Emmons County

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Main Boat Ramp

Emmons County

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Beaver Creek Low Water Boat Ramp

Emmons County

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North Dakota Lakes

Missouri River

Bismarck, Mandan, Washburn

60 ft deep

Lake Sakakawea

Garrison, New Town, Pick City

307,000 acres180 ft deep

Lake Oahe (North Dakota)

Linton, Fort Yates

370,000 acres205 ft deep

Devils Lake

Devils Lake, Fort Totten

160,000 acres60 ft deep

Lake Darling

Kenmare

9,700 acres12 ft deep

Lake Ashtabula

Valley City

5,200 acres25 ft deep

Browse by City

McLean County

33 ramps

Rolette County

18 ramps

Mercer County

13 ramps

Williams County

13 ramps

Morton County

12 ramps

Emmons County

11 ramps

Burleigh County

9 ramps

Bottineau County

8 ramps

Stutsman County

8 ramps

Eddy County

8 ramps

Sargent County

7 ramps

Ward County

7 ramps

Kidder County

6 ramps

LaMoure County

6 ramps

Nelson County

6 ramps

McHenry County

6 ramps

All 302 North Dakota Boat Ramps

Beaver Creek Low Water Boat Ramp

Emmons County

Black Tiger Bay Campground North Ramp

Saint Michael District

Black Tiger Bay South Boat Ramp

Saint Michael District

Cattail Bay Boat Ramp

Emmons County

East Side Estates Canoe Launch

Ward County

Fort Rice Boat Ramp

Morton County

Fox Island Boat Ramp

Burleigh County

Hazelton Boat Ramp

Emmons County

Kimball Bottoms Boat Ramp

Burleigh County

Kraft Lake Boating Access

Sargent County

Little Heart Boat Ramp

Morton County

Main Boat Ramp

Emmons County

Missouri River - Tailrace Landing Boating Access

Mercer County

North Low Water Boat Ramp

Emmons County

SE Beaver Creek Boat Ramp

Emmons County

Talbott Court Canoe Launch

Ward County

Additional Launch Sites

Tips for Boating in North Dakota

✓ North Dakota requires all motorized boats to be registered before launching at any public ramp.
✓ A fishing license is required for anyone 16+ fishing from a boat in North Dakota.
✓ Life jackets are required for all children under 13 on any watercraft in North Dakota.
✓ Most public ramps are first-come, first-served — arrive early on weekends and holidays.
✓ Practice good ramp etiquette: prep in the parking area, not on the ramp.

Essential Boat Launch Gear

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Universal Boat Drain Plug

The one piece of gear everyone forgets. Keep a spare in the truck.

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Wheel Bearing Grease

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North Dakota Boating FAQ

How many boat ramps are in North Dakota?

RampSeeker lists 302+ boat ramps across North Dakota.

Is RampSeeker free?

Yes, completely free. No login, no account, no fees.

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