Gaspee Point Drive

41° 44.887' N    71° 22.972' 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:

WARNING: There’s a report (as of April 2015) that the skid plat at end of the boat ramp is broken off and very sharp!

This boat ramp and beach at the end of Gaspee Point Dr. provides access to the lower Providence River and Narragansett Bay. A concrete slab boat ramp with parking for around 10 vehicles offers a great launch site for a day on the bay. As long as you pay attention to the sometimes strong tidal currents in the area, this is a good place for beginners or for anyone who wants a relaxing paddle. Passeonkquis Cove, a long tidal creek to the west of the site, is best explored at high tide. Going north takes you amongst some rocky islands that have many names and dates carved in them, some from as far back as 1870. Outside the seawall and north will take you into the mouth of the Pawtuxet River. East across the Providence River (experienced paddlers only) takes you to Sabin Point and if you then go north you can get to the spectacular Ponham Rock. (Parts of this description were adapted from Ed Mullen's Book "Kayaking Narragansett Bay.")

This site provides access to the following water bodies: Providence River.

Location:

Alternate Site Name: General Hawkins Boat Launch

Town: Warwick

Driving Landmarks: From Route 117/Warwick Ave. take Narragansett Parkway east. In 1.3 miles turn right onto Country Club Drive at the sign for Gaspee Point. Go one block and turn right at the T-junction. Go 600 feet to the end of the road where there is a dirt parking lot next to the boat ramp.

Access & Waters:

Water 'Features' At Site: estuary, 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 ramp

ADA Accessible Boat Launch? no

Shoreline: At high tide the shoreline adjacent to the boat ramp is a nice sandy beach. At low tide it is more muddy. The boat ramp ends above the low tide line and beyond the ramp the bottom is a mix of sand and mud, so caution is advised if launching from a trailer at lower tide levels.

Float/Dock: no

Approximate Length of Carry between Car Access and Water: 30 feet

Hours of Operation: Open 6am to 9pm

Parking:

Parking: yes: 10 spaces

ADA Accessible Parking Spaces? no

Sources for More Information:

Other Guidebooks: Site 7 in Ed Mullen's book "Kayaking Narragansett Bay"

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