Crystal Coast Public Boat Ramps | Emerald Isle, Atlantic Beach, Beaufort, Morehead City & More

Planning to launch your boat on North Carolina’s Crystal Coast? See public boat ramps by town, including Emerald Isle, Atlantic Beach, Beaufort, Morehead City, Cedar Point, Harkers Island, Swansboro and Newport, plus parking tips.

Boating is part of daily life on North Carolina’s Crystal Coast. From Bogue Sound to the Core Sound and the Intracoastal Waterway, there are multiple free Wildlife Resources Commission sites and a handful of town-managed launches. Use this local guide to find public boat ramps by town, with quick notes on access and parking.

Emerald Isle

NC Wildlife Resources Commission Boating Access (6800 Emerald Dr.)
Four concrete lanes, large trailer lot and easy access to Bogue Sound and the ICW. Free to launch and typically open day and night.

Good to know: Peak summer weekends fill early. Arrive before 9 a.m. if possible.

Atlantic Beach

The town lists a couple of small public ramps with very limited trailer parking. If you need more space, consider the larger regional sites in Emerald Isle or Radio Island.

Good to know: Town ramps are best for small craft and off-peak times.

Morehead City (Radio Island)

Newport River Boat Ramps & Pier (Radio Island)
High-capacity public launch with multiple lanes, restrooms and a fishing pier. Quick run to Beaufort Inlet, Shackleford Banks and offshore grounds on good weather days.

Good to know: This is one of the busiest ramps on tournament and fair-weather weekends.

Beaufort

Curtis A. Perry Park / Taylor’s Creek Ramp (east end of Front St.)
Multiple lanes into Taylor’s Creek near downtown. Great for inshore trips and access to Shackleford Banks.

Good to know: Parking is limited near the historic district. Plan for early arrivals.

Cedar Point

Cedar Point Wildlife Ramp (off NC-24)
Two launch lanes with dedicated trailer parking and direct access to the ICW. Convenient to Swansboro and Cape Carteret.

Cedar Point Recreation Area (White Oak River)
Small-craft launch and fishing pier. Best for shallow-draft boats, jon boats and paddlers.

Harkers Island

Harkers Island Public Ramp
Multiple concrete lanes with direct access to Back Sound and short runs to Cape Lookout Lighthouse on cooperative weather and tides.

Good to know: Wind and tide can stack water here. Check conditions before you go.

Swansboro

Hammocks Beach State Park Mainland Ramp
Public launch on the mainland area of the park with daytime facilities. Excellent staging for the lower White Oak River and ICW.

Town docks
Short-stay slips downtown for visiting shops and restaurants. Not a trailer ramp.

Newport (Mainland Carteret)

Newport River Ramp (E. Chatham St.)
Public ramp with trailer parking for upriver fishing and quiet blackwater stretches inland. A good alternative when coastal sites are crowded.

Towns without a high-capacity public trailer ramp

Pine Knoll Shores and Indian Beach/Salter Path
Primarily residential with beach and sound access points, but no larger free public trailer ramps. Use nearby Emerald Isle, Radio Island or Cedar Point.

Cape Carteret
The Manatee Street ramp uses a pass system with limited annual permits and priority for residents, so it is not an open, free public launch.

Map it before you tow

Ramp status, amenities and closures can change due to construction or storms. Check the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission boating access map and your town’s website for current details before you head out.

Launching on the Crystal Coast: FAQs

Are NC Wildlife ramps free?
Yes. Wildlife Resources Commission boating access areas are free to use unless posted otherwise.

Where should I launch for Cape Lookout?
Most boaters use Radio Island (Morehead City), Taylor’s Creek (Beaufort) or Harkers Island for the quickest routes, weather permitting.

What about trailer parking near Atlantic Beach?
Parking is limited at the town’s smaller ramps. If you have a larger rig, try Emerald Isle, Radio Island or Cedar Point.

Do any neighborhoods include private ramps?
Yes. Several Crystal Coast communities offer neighborhood ramps or boat slips. Ask for listings with deeded water access or community marinas.

Make your home match your boating lifestyle

If time on the water is a priority, consider homes with private docks, community ramps, deep-water access or space to store a trailer. Tell us your wish list and favorite waters, and we’ll send a custom set of listings matched to your boating plans across Emerald Isle, Atlantic Beach, Beaufort, Morehead City, Cedar Point, Harkers Island, Swansboro and Newport.