Compass Rose Beach

41° 35.174' N    71° 24.919' W   See this location in: Google Maps   Map Server   Acme Maps

This is a site for launching hand-carried boats such as canoes or kayaks.

Description & Overview:

This is the old sea plane beach at Quonset Point. It is a popular place to launch small craft such as Hobie Cats and similar craft. The beach is exposed to the south so some surf is common, and once on the water there is no shelter so be prepared for wind and waves. Heading west takes you towards Wickford Harbor, which is 1.5 miles away, beyond a long breakwater. Heading east takes you into the port area of Quonset where large vessels may be encountered and the shoreline is often a tall bulkhead.

On most days the southwest wind fills in strongly in this area in the morning and blows briskly throughout the afternoon, producing strong waves, so be prepared for this when planning your trip.

This site provides access to the following water bodies: West Passage.

Location:

Alternate Site Name: Quonset Point

Town: North Kingstown

Driving Landmarks: From Route 4 take exit 7 to Route 402/403 (to Quonset Point) and continue on Route 403. After going over the new railroad overpass, stay on the expressway, (do not exit at West Davisville Road.) Follow the signs to Quonset Point which will put you on Roger Williams Way, which parallels the railroad tracks. About 2 miles after the exit for West Davisville Road, take a right on a dirt road to the submarine assembly area. The launch site is 150 yards south on this road.

Access & Waters:

Water 'Features' At Site: estuary

Note: Because one boat launch can access, say, both a lake and a river or both the upstream and downstream portions of a river, not all paddling trips at a given site will necessarily encounter all of the features listed.

Type of Access: Boat launch for hand carried boats

ADA Accessible Boat Launch? no

Shoreline: The shoreline is a broad, sandy beach.

Float/Dock: no

Approximate Length of Carry between Car Access and Water: 100 feet

Parking:

Parking: yes: 100 spaces

ADA Accessible Parking Spaces? no

Nearby Amenities:

Public Restrooms: Restrooms may be available at the nearby high speed ferry terminal.

Other Amenities: Compass Rose Beach has a reputation as being "dog-friendly" but we have not been able to find an official policy. If you do bring your dog, please respect other users of the beach. Keep your dog under control and be especially careful to clean up after him.

Sources for More Information:

Other Guidebooks: Site 20 in Ed Mullen's book "Kayaking Narragansett Bay"

Website: Information about this access site on the "Sea Kayak Access Sites for Coastal Rhode Island" website

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