Outer Banks Public Boat Ramps
Vacationers are welcome to bring their boats along on vacation, and on a busy summer weekend, it’s not unusual to see plenty of trailers towing boats on the bypass, the beach road, or NC Highway 12. Though generally not an issue, vacationers who are bringing a boat down to the Outer Banks should double check with their hotel or vacation rental company to ensure there is parking available for their boat and trailer. The reward for towing your boat along on your trip is an abundance of public boat ramps all along the Outer Banks for easy launching into the inlet, sound, or ocean.
Currituck Beaches and Currituck Mainland Public Boat Ramps
Corolla: A public boat ramp is located at the historic Whalehead Club at the end of the parking lot. Plan to spend a little time exploring the expansive and lovely Whalehead Club grounds before launching.
Poplar Branch (Mainland Currituck County): On US 158, turn on NC 3 and travel to the end of the road, approximately 1.1 miles. This ramp is maintained by the NC Wildlife Resources Commission.
Coinjock (Mainland Currituck County): While in Coinjock, turn on SR1405 or SR1405, and travel about .5 miles to SR1142. Then, travel 1 mile to the public boat ramp, situated in between the road and the Intracoastal Waterway Canal. This ramp is also maintained by the NC Wildlife Resources Commission.
Harbinger (mainland Currituck County): There are two public boat launches in Harbinger at Sound Park, located directly off US Highway 158. Perfect for family fun on and off the water, the park also includes community grills, 2 pavilions, restrooms, gazebos, a wildlife overlook to the sound, playgrounds, a paved walking trail, baseball fields, and volleyball courts.[divider]
Dare County Public Boat Ramps
Kitty Hawk Bay: A boat ramp is located on the soundside of Kitty Hawk off of Avalon Drive, in between Dock St. and Bay Drive. A small launch, this boat ramp is best for shallow draft vessels.
Kitty Hawk: From Kitty Hawk Road, turn left onto Bob Perry Road and look for the Dare County Public Boat Ramp sign. At this public launch, there is parking available for up to 30 vehicles, as well as a picnic area and canal that leads out to open sound waters.
Kill Devil Hills: A public boat ramp is located in Kill Devil Hills off of Bay Drive and Dock Street. This ramp is maintained by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission and features multiple docks and paved parking for up to 12 vehicles.
Oregon Inlet: The Oregon Inlet Fishing Center, located adjacent to the Bonner Bridge on the Northern side, is located directly off of NC Highway 12 and has parking available for up to 45 vehicles with trailers. There is gas, snacks, and tackle available on the Marina premises.
Manteo: Across from Pirate’s Cove Marina, on the western side of the Washington Baum Bridge, a NC Wildlife Resources Commission boat ramp is available to the public. Parking is available for up to 50 vehicles, and there are several pedestrian walkways for easy, boat-free fishing.
Manteo: Another public NC Wildlife Resources Commission boat ramp is located in the town of Manteo off of Bowerstown Road, (next to CVS Pharmacy). Take a left on California Road, and you’ll find the relatively private boat ramp with parking for up to 30 vehicles.
Manteo: A public boat ramp maintained by the Town of Manteo is located in the heart of downtown. Turn on Budleigh Street, (at the stoplight in the center of town), and follow it to the end before turning left. The boat ramp is next to the public bridge leading to the Elizabeth II. Because of its central location, parking may be limited.
Wanchese: A public boat ramp is located by Fisherman’s Wharf Restaurant and Moon Tillett’s Fish Company just past the center of town. Access can be limited due to commercial vessels and parking.
Manns Harbor: Manns Harbor is located in mainland Dare County, just over the bridges from Manteo. This small town has a public boat ramp on Old Ferry Dock Road with limited parking and access, but an easy run to the Croatan Sound.
Manns Harbor: Another recently updated public boat ramp is located off of Mashoes Road (Approximately a mile down, near the Fish and Wildlife sign.) This double boat ramp offers a large parking lot for vehicles.[divider]
Hatteras & Ocracoke Islands
Avon: A public boat ramp is located on Bonito Road, behind the Froggy Dog Restaurant and adjacent to the Pamlico Point Condos. Parking is limited for condo guests only.
Avon: The Avon Harbor in Avon Village also has a public boat launch, adjacent to the red harbor house and across from the Avon Worship Center. Parking is available at the harbor for approximately 20 vehicles.
Frisco: There are public boat ramps at Scott’s Boatyard and Scotch Bonnet Marina. Parking is limited, but can accommodate approximately 10 vehicles.
Hatteras: Hatteras Village has a number of boat ramps located at various small marinas throughout the town. See Marinas for more information.
Ocracoke Village: A public boat ramp is located in the heart of Ocracoke Village, next to the Cedar Island and Swan Quarter Ferry Docks at the very end of NC Highway 12. The launch area also has visitor information and public restrooms.
