Boat Launches

Floating Docks

A concerted effort is made annually by the Department of Energy & Environmental Protection to get docks* installed at sites no later than April 15 and removed no earlier than November 15. Schedules are tentative; however, and can change based on water levels, weather and ice conditions. Most sites are open for public use even if the dock is not installed. It is anticipated that the docks will be delayed at Haddam Meadows & Salmon River due to the significant rain this spring season.

As of April 10, 2024, courtesy docks have been installed at the following locations:
Barn Island State Boat Launch, Stonington, CT
Bayberry Lane State Boat Launch, Groton, CT
Branford River State Boat Launch, Branford, CT
Coventry Lake State Boat Launch, Coventry, CT
Housatonic River State Boat Launch, Milford, CT
Lake Housatonic (Indian Well), Shelton, CT
Lake Lillinonah State Boat Launch, Bridgewater, CT
Lake Zoar State Boat Launch, Southbury, CT
Niantic River State Boat Launch, Waterford, CT
Thames River State Boat Launch, New London, CT


*The following boat launches have floating docks that remain in year-round:
Baldwin Bridge (Old Saybrook)
Niantic River Boat Launch (Waterford) 

The Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection (DEEP) owns and/or operates 117 boat launches statewide on ponds, lakes, rivers and Long Island Sound. Unless noted otherwise in the Connecticut Boater's Guide  or in these web pages, all launches are open* to the general public 24 hours a day, 7 days a week unless otherwise noted.

Locate a State Boat Launch (car top or trailered)

*When a State boat launch parking lot is full, the launch is closed and the additional launching/retrieval of vessels may not be allowed.

Read the signboard at each launch for important local rules and regulations. Alcohol consumption is prohibited. Many popular sites offer seasonal toilet facilities, however, no trash receptacles are provided and we request that patrons "carry out what they carry in". Your cooperation is greatly appreciated.

Please help us keep these launches safe, clean and enjoyable by reporting acts of vandalism, littering or dumping, and other illegal activities to our Environmental Conservation Police at 860-424-3333 or complete and submit a "Report a Boat Launch Maintenance Issue, Concern or Suggestion".  Together we can preserve these recreational sites for all to enjoy. We appreciate your help.

Visitors to fresh water swimming areas and boat launches should be aware that some water bodies may be prone to blue-green algal blooms.  Blue-green algae may produce and release toxins that – at high enough concentrations -  are potentially harmful to swimmers, dogs and people involved in activities that puts them in contact with the water.  More information

Other Water Access Resources:

Connecticut Coastal Access Guide

Information on boat launches located along Connecticut's coast, including areas with car top/carry-in access.

If you have any questions, please contact the Boating Division at 860-434-8638 or deep.boating@ct.gov.

Funding for the maintenance of state boat launches and these web pages is provided through state boating funds and the Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration, Motorboat Access Program.