See the Boat Ramps web page for an interactive location map.
The Johnson Beach Boat Ramp at Gulf Islands National Seashore in Florida is suitable for launching canoes, kayaks, and other hand-paddled watercraft directly into Big Lagoon. The ramp is located at the end of a side road that begins across from the Johnson Beach facilities. You can always launch your hand-paddled watercraft from any of the beach access ramps along the main park road, but you’d have to carry your equipment from the roadside parking area all the way across the dunes and the beach to reach the water.
While the ramp can also be used for launching very small fishing boats, there is not enough parking for vehicles and boat trailers. If your boat can fit in the back of a pick-up truck, that might work, but I get the feeling this ramp is meant for canoes and kayaks. Per the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s website:
THIS LAUNCH SITE IS BEST SUITED FOR VERY SMALL BOATS OR CANOES AND KAYAKS. PAVEMENT ENDS BEFORE WATER BUT SAND IS HARD PACKED. WATER DEPTHS ARE QUITE SHALLOW AND DURING LOW TIDES IT CAN BE IMPOSSIBLE TO LAUNCH OR RETRIEVE A TRAILER BOAT AT THIS LOCATION. PARKING SPOTS ARE NOT DESIGNATED FOR TRAILERS, BUT VERY SHORT TRAILERS CAN FIT INTO SPACES WITHOUT BLOCKING TRAFFIC.
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Last updated on April 27, 2022