Jamestown Shores Beach

41° 32.305' N    71° 23.151' 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:

WARNING: When you launch a boat here you are heading out onto the wide-open waters of the West Passage of Narragansett Bay. The Jamestown shoreline is straight and provides no shelter. Tidal currents, strong wind, large waves, and large vessels should be expected. For most paddlers there are more sheltered and more interesting places to paddle.

This put-in is simply a sand and gravel beach just north of the Shores Beach swimming area. With a suitable vehicle it may be possible to launch a small trailered boat here. It's certainly possible to launch hand-carried boats. There's a small breakwater just south of the put-in that provides some protection from waves in the usual summer southerly wind but no protection if the wind is from the west, northwest, or north. In addition, if a strong onshore (west, northwest, or north) wind comes up while you are paddling, landing safely may also become difficult or impossible.

NOTE: Parking here may be limited to permit holders between May 15 and October 15. Permits can be purchased at the Jamestown Recreation Department but cost more for non-Jamestown residents.

This site provides access to the following water bodies: Narragansett Bay.

Location:

Alternate Site Name: Head's Beach

Town: Jamestown

Driving Landmarks: From the west: take the Jamestown Bridge to Conanicut Island (Jamestown) and take the first, for Helm Street. Take the first right onto Helm Street and then take another right, almost immediately, onto Hull Street. Go two blocks and turn right onto Seaside Drive. Follow Seaside Drive for 0.9 miles and turn into a dirt road just after the parking area for Shores Beach.

From the east: take the Newport Bridge to Conanicut Island (Jamestown). Continue on Route 138 most of the way across Conanicut Island and take the exit for Beacon Avenue. Continue on Beacon Avenue for 0.7 miles until you come to a T-junction with Frigate Street. Turn left onto Frigate and continue for about ¼ mile to the T-junction with Seaside Drive. Turn right onto Seaside Drive and go a few hundred feet. Look for a dirt road leading to the shore, just after the parking for Shores Beach.

NOTE: Parking here may be limited to permit holders between May 15 and October 15. Permits can be purchased at the Jamestown Recreation Department but cost more for non-Jamestown residents. If permit rules are in effect and if you don't have a permit it should be OK to unload your boats and gear and then park on a nearby street. Please respect local residents when parking.

Access & Waters:

Water 'Features' At Site: ocean/bay

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: Sand and gravel beach

Float/Dock: no

Approximate Length of Carry between Car Access and Water: 50 feet

Parking:

Parking: yes: 8 spaces

Nearby Amenities:

Public Restrooms: There may be a porta-potty here in the summer.

Sources for More Information:

Website: Town web page about Shores Beach parking permits

Ecological, Cultural & Recreational Attractions:

Shores Beach is just south of the put-in. It's a small swimming beach (no life guard) between two short breakwaters, with a grassy area between the beach and the road. Please do not use the swimming beach to launch or land boats.

Do you have comments, corrections or additions to the information about this site?

Help us work together to make this website better by sharing your knowledge!

Private feedback goes to the Blueways Alliance/RI Land Trust Council. We'll use your information to make this website better or pass it along to the people who can deal with physical issues at this site. Public comments are posted here (once they've been reviewed and approved) for all to see.