A Complete Overview of Public and Private Boat Launches Across the Charleston Area
Boating is one of the most enjoyable ways to experience life on the water in Charleston. From winding tidal creeks and scenic rivers to open harbor waters and barrier islands, the Lowcountry offers endless opportunities for recreation, fishing, and exploring by boat.
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Whether you are new to boating in the area or a seasoned local looking for a more convenient launch point, knowing where to launch can make all the difference. Not all boat ramps are created equal. Some offer quick access to major waterways, while others provide quieter launches with less traffic. Additionally, factors such as parking availability, ramp condition, water depth, and tidal influence can all impact your experience.
This ultimate guide to the best boat ramps in Charleston is designed to help you navigate those choices with confidence. You will find helpful insights on popular launch locations, what to expect at each ramp, and how to choose the best option based on your boating plans. With the right starting point, your time on the water can begin smoothly and stress-free.
Edisto Island
Dawhoo Boat Ramp
Dawhoo Boat Ramp is teeming with aquatic life that makes it suitable for crabbing, and fishing. Also, the beautiful green grass here is great for family picnics. Additionally, be sure to also check out the close-up views of the pelicans and boats in the area!
*This boat ramp provide accessible paved parking and accessible routes to ramp/launch areas and to most amenities.
Steamboat Landing
Steamboat landing is a great way to access Steamboat Creek and explore the channels of Edisto Island. This is also a popular boat ramp and one of the favorites of the boaters to do fishing, crabbing, and even dolphin sightings!
Folly Beach
Folly Beach Boat Landing
This spot is a great place to launch your boat and have the unique personal and up-close experience of exploring and seeing the coastline, tidal creeks, marshes, and wildlife.
*This boat ramp provide accessible paved parking and accessible routes to ramp/launch areas and to most amenities.
James Island
Battery Island (Sol Legare) Boat Ramp
Battery Island boat ramp gives a fantastic view of the Stono River. When you visit the place and do boating, be sure to also enjoy crabbing, and fishing, and try visiting historic Sol Legare Island!
*This boat ramp provide accessible paved parking and accessible routes to ramp/launch areas and to most amenities.
Riverland Terrace (Plymouth) Boat Ramp
Riverland Terrace, also known as “Plymouth Park”, has great boat ramp so you can enjoy boating and fishing. Additionally, there are picnic tables, and playground amenities here.
Johns Island/Wadmalaw Island
Cherry Point Boat Ramp
Cherry Point boat ramp is a great place to bring your loved ones to enjoy fishing and seeing the ocean. Also, dolphins and pelicans can be seen here. Parking is also plenty for you to be able to manipulate your trailer.
*This boat ramp provide accessible paved parking and accessible routes to ramp/launch areas and to most amenities.
John P. Limehouse Boat Ramp
John P. Limehouse boat ramp is a great location to launch your boat and enjoy the sunset while boating. Additionally, this place has a beautiful view of the Stono River!
Mount Pleasant
Gadsdenville Boat Landing
Gadsdenville is a fantastic little landing, that is great for canoes and kayaks. Also, this is a great area to fish with many fantastic views and creeks to explore!
Note: The location is more appropriate to launch small watercraft like kayaks and canoes. Standard size watercraft are not recommended here.
Paradise Island Boat Landing
Paradise boat landing is a beautiful location to enjoy fishing or see the sunset on the Wando River. The site is also geared more towards small boats or kayaks, especially during low tides.
Remley’s Point Boat Ramp
Remley’s Point boat ramp is a great place to catch a sunset over the river. You can also enjoy the gorgeous view of Ravenel Bridge, Charleston Rainbow Row, the forts, downtown Charleston, and so much more! Moreover, sure to check out those dolphins too!
*This boat ramp provide accessible paved parking and accessible routes to ramp/launch areas and to most amenities.
Shem Creek Boat Landing
Shem Creek Boat landing is one of the most popular places in Charleston to launch kayaks, paddleboards, and other small watercraft. Also, the parking fills up rather quickly on weekends, but once you experience boating here, you will be wanting to be back.
*This boat ramp provide accessible paved parking and accessible routes to ramp/launch areas and to most amenities.
Meggett/Adams Run/Willtown/Parkers Ferry
Martins Boat Ramp
Martins boat ramp is your access to boating in the wonderful nature in Charleston! This place is quiet and beautiful especially when the experience is shared with your loved ones.
Penny Creek
Penny Creek is a small boat landing. It also offers great access to Penny Creek and can be enjoyed and is more suited to using kayaks and canoes.
Note: The location is more appropriate to launch small watercraft like kayaks and canoes. Standard size watercraft are not recommended here.
Toogoodoo Boat Ramp
Toogoodoo boat ramp offers you the experience of boating with the wonders of nature. Also, this boating spot is quiet and peaceful and filled with wildlife wonders.
Willtown Bluff Boat Landing
Willtown Bluff boat landing is great access to the Edisto River. Additionally, the beautiful sceneries are enjoyed using kayaks or canoes as these are more suited to be used here.
Note: The location is more appropriate to launch small watercraft like kayaks and canoes. Standard size watercraft are not recommended here.
North Charleston
W.O. Thomas, Jr. Boat Landing
W.O. Thomas Jr. boat landing is one of the most spacious ramps you will find in Charleston. Moreover, the location is also known to be one of the best spots to do sightseeing. It also has a nice picnic area!
*This boat ramp provide accessible paved parking and accessible routes to ramp/launch areas and to most amenities.
West Ashley
Bulow Boat Landing
Bulow boat landing is a great spot to launch your kayaks and canoes. Like other boat ramps in Charleston, this location is great to do fishing and crabbing.
Pierpoint Boat Ramp
Pierpoint boat ramp provides great access to the creeks of Ashley River and Church Creek. But this location is more suitable for small watercraft, so you can enjoy it by using kayaks and paddle boards.
Note: The location is more appropriate to launch small watercraft like kayaks and canoes. Standard size watercraft are not recommended here.
Wappoo Cut Boat Ramp
Wappoo Cut Boat Ramp is 24 hours open and it provides great access to the Ashley River. Like some other boat ramps in Charleston, this area may have strong currents so be cautious when you enjoy your boating here.
*This boat ramp provide accessible paved parking and accessible routes to ramp/launch areas and to most amenities.
For boat landings alert info, please check: Boat Landings Alert Updates
Frequently Asked Questions About Boat Ramps in Charleston
Yes. Many local ramps are tidal, so water levels can vary throughout the day. In some locations the tide swings can be larger and the current faster than others. Planning your launch around the tide can make launching and loading easier.
Most public ramps are free to use, but some locations may require parking permits or have time restrictions. Checking local guidelines before launching is recommended.
Yes. Several ramps in the Charleston area accommodate larger boats, but ramp slope, water depth, and parking space should always be considered.
Some ramps provide direct access to the harbor, while others connect through rivers and creeks. Choosing the right ramp depends on how quickly you want to reach open water. It is advised to check out the location on a map before you make any assumptions.
Most public ramps offer parking, but availability can vary during peak boating seasons and weekends.
We hope you enjoyed our blog post on the best boat ramps in Charleston. Boating in any location can be a delightful activity when enjoyed with the company of your loved ones and friends. So make sure to check out the different locations that are most convenient for you.
As always, we are happy to hear from you if there is anything we can do to help!
Authors
Bill Byrd and Waverly Byrd bring deep real estate expertise to clients throughout the Charleston area, drawing on years of hands-on experience with residential sales, investment property, relocation, and local market strategy. Their guidance is grounded in market knowledge, careful analysis, and a commitment to helping clients make well-informed real estate decisions.
As a father-and-daughter team, they work collaboratively on every transaction, combining experience, perspective, and consistent communication. Clients benefit from a coordinated approach that emphasizes preparation, clarity, and thoughtful execution at each stage of the buying or selling process across the Lowcountry.