Billington Cove

41° 25.354' N    71° 30.185' W   See this location in: Google Maps   Map Server   Acme Maps

This is a site for launching boats from trailers. Boat ramps can normally be used to launch canoes and kayaks but please do your best to keep the boat ramp clear for boat trailers.

Description & Overview:

This town boat ramp, at the end of Pond Street, provides access to Point Judith Pond south of the busy "upper pond" area. However, since the only parking at the site is the paid parking at the marina, this boat ramp is of limited utility to the public.

Once on the water it is a short paddle from here to numerous rock islands, "the Hummocks," and "Whaley's Pots." Throughout Point Judith Pond there are many coves to poke into in a kayak or other small boat. The boat traffic in the pond can be busy in the summer, especially along the channel, in the mooring area at the north end of the pond, and most especially at the south end of the pond where the Block Island Ferry and other commercial traffic keeps things busy on the water year round.

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

This site provides access to the following water bodies in the Coastal Watersheds (West Bay) watershed: Point Judith Pond.

Location:

Alternate Site Name: Pond Street

Town: South Kingstown

Nearest Town Center: Wakefield

Driving Landmarks: Take the Pond Street exit off Route 1 in Wakefield. Head south on Pond Street (that means making a left turn at the end of the exit ramp if you were on Route 1 south and a right turn if you were on Route 1 north). Go about 1/2 mile and look for the ramp on your right next to the Billington Cove Marina. The only available parking is paid parking at the Marina.

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 ramp

ADA Accessible Boat Launch? no

Shoreline: Hard surface boat ramp

Float/Dock: low float or dock

Hours of Operation: 24 hours/day, 7 days/week

Parking:

Parking: no

Sources for More Information:

Other Guidebooks: Salt Ponds Coalition Kayaker's Guide

Website: Salt Ponds Coalition Kayaker's Guide to the Coastal Salt Ponds of South County, RI

Website: Mike Krabach's kayak access website

Photographs:

Billington Cove Boat Ramp

Photography by: Art Ganz and Bambi Poppick

Date of Photograph: August 17, 2006

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