DC Kayak Launch?

[Ben Shaver]

Is there anywhere in DC or NoVA where you can still launch a kayak? My boat is pretty light, so I wouldn't mind carrying it a bit, but I can't find anywhere where I can park near the water or wouldn't have to jump down a seawall. 

[Kevin KB]

Mason Neck State Park is open.  I also talked to the folks at the kayak rental place in Old 

Town Occoquan and they will let you launch while they are open at no fee while the park is closed.  

On Fri, May 15, 2020, 2:53 PM Ben Shaver <benjami...@gmail.com> wrote:

Is there anywhere in DC or NoVA where you can still launch a kayak? My boat is pretty light, so I wouldn't mind carrying it a bit, but I can't find anywhere where I can park near the water or wouldn't have to jump down a seawall. 

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[Gregg Rockett]

Kevin KB hit the nail on the head.  I was able to launch on Occoquan last week using a makeshift ramp in Old Town.  I plan on visiting Mason Neck next week and will report back.

[Jeff Cook]

I don’t have details at hand, but I can tell you 5 places very close-in on the Potomac to launch a kayak.

1. Washington Sailing Marina, just south of the airport. There’s a ramp that can pay a launch fee for. 

2. Also Washington Sailing Marina, there’s a free ramp to the left of the entrance that enters behind the docked sailboats. It’s theoretically maintained by the Park Service, but it’s pretty grungy at the best of times. 

3. Roaches Run, or the “duck pond”, just north of the airport on the west side, where all the limos park waiting for passengers to call. You can park there free, and there’s a small launch point right over the curb.

4. Belle Haven Marina, a mile or two south of Wilson Bridge in Alexandria off GW Parkway. You can pay to launch from their ramp ($6 for trailer-less launch last time I looked). Probably the most interesting place to kayak, with the marsh.

5. Also Belle Haven Marina, but free, and questionable. Staff told me a couple years ago (new management now), that I could just carry/drag my boat over to the rocks to the north of the bathrooms and drop in there. It’s a public park.

I’ve only tried #4. The rest is an adventure waiting to happen. Good luck!

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[Jeff Cook]

6. Oh of course, there’s Gravelly Point on the north side of the airport, where people watch the planes land. Multiple launch points for large-is boats and you can drop in for free right there. You can turn left for the Potomac, or turn right for Roaches Run/duck pond.

7. Columbia Marina for power boats, across from the Pentagon. There’s a nice ramp there for trailer or hand launch, and I’m sure there’s a fee.

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[Brian Cohen]

It's not an official spot, but the Georgetown waterfront park at the bottom of Wisconsin Avenue and K St. has steps down into the water.  You could easily drag a kayak down there and step right into it off of those steps.   Also, Thompson's boathouse is officially closed, but you can access the docks there.

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[Adam Harris]

Looks like Gravelly Point is not an option according to the NPS website.  It's unclear if Jones Point kayak launch is accessible from their website, but sounds like it might not be accessible.  If I can find time between Zoom meetings today (yes, even on Saturday), I may try to drive down there and check.  Hope all are well and safe!

https://www.nps.gov/gwmp/planyourvisit/conditions.htm

"Belle Haven Marina is open to slip-holders and for kayak rentals. Parking is for marina-users only. Visitors who are not using the marina should do so by walking or riding a bike. Washington Sailing Marina and Columbia Island Marina are open to slip-holders. The boats ramps at Belle Haven Marina, Columbia Island and Washington Sailing Marina are open to the public. The boat ramp at Gravelly Point is not accessible because the parking lot is closed. All public restroom facilities are closed. Clara Barton NHS is also temporarily closed.

There is not sufficient parking outside of locked gates along local roads for visitors to arrive by car and park outside the park. If an area is too crowded for you to keep at least 6 feet away from others, please plan to visit at another time. Parking in the roadway or impeding traffic may result in a citation or vehicle being towed. Parking and public transportation options are extremely limited, so we encourage visitors to walk or bike to their neighborhood park. Get outside and discover open spaces and parks close to home."

On Friday, May 15, 2020 at 2:53:31 PM UTC-4, Ben Shaver wrote: