Ocean House Marina

41° 22.851' N    71° 38.654' 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 boat ramp is at a private marina but can be used by the public for a fee of $20/day. This site provides access to the Kenyon Cove and Fort Neck sections of Ninigret Pond, which feature stunning landscapes and abundant coves for paddle craft to explore. Ninigret Pond is Rhode Island's largest coastal salt pond and offers excellent wildlife viewing possibilities. The area near the Charlestown Breachway (the outlet to the ocean) is dangerous for paddle craft and should be avoided because of both strong currents and heavy boat traffic. There can also be heavy boat traffic near the marinas. Otherwise, the pond is usually a calm and easy place to paddle. 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.

Before planning to launch from this boat ramp it would be a good idea to call the marina (401-364-6040) and confirm the price and parking arrangements.

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

Location:

Town: Charlestown

Nearest Town Center: Charlestown

Driving Landmarks: From Route 1 north take the Cross Mills exit. At the stop sign go straight ahead onto Town Dock Road. The Marina and boat ramp are less than a quarter mile ahead on the left, at the end of the road. If you are coming on Route 1 south, use the turnaround just after South County Trail (Route 2) to get onto Route 1 north and then follow the directions for Route 1 north.

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

Shoreline: Hard surface boat ramp

Float/Dock: high dock (over 1' above water)

Hours of Operation: Sunrise to sunset

Fees: $20/day

Parking:

Parking: yes: 50 spaces

Nearby Amenities:

Public Restrooms: Yes, at marina

Accomodations: The General Staton Inn is a little over a mile away at 4115 Old Post Rd., Charlestown.

Sources for More Information:

AMC Quiet Water Canoe Guide: 2nd Edition, page 208

Other Guidebooks: Salt Ponds Coalition Kayaker’s Guide

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

Ecological, Cultural & Recreational Attractions:

The site of Historic Fort Ninigret is 2/10's of a mile west of the boat ramp, on the north shore of the pond. This fort was supposedly built by Dutch traders in the early 1600's and was reputedly part of the Underground Railroad. There is no access to the shore at the fort. The park is now maintained as a memorial to the Narragansett and Niantic tribes.

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