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Bowdish Reservoir

41° 55.394' N    71° 45.499' W   See this location in: Google Maps   Map Server   Acme Maps

Google Maps is the mapping system used on the new ExploreRI mapper and shows the access site located on a terrain view, a street map or an aerial photograph. Clicking on this link will take you to the full Google Maps website, which is not part of ExploreRI.
Map Server shows a topographic map of the area. The Map Server website is not part of ExploreRI.org.
Acme Maps shows the access site located on a topographic map. The Acme Maps website is not part of ExploreRI.org.

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:

Bowdish reservoir is a 226 acre reservoir partly encompassed by George Washington Management Area. The shoreline is often rocky and floating bog mats in the center of the pond make for an interesting ecosystem to explore from a small boat. Just do not try to walk on the floating bog mats because you will fall through. There is a concrete plank boat ramp and a gravel parking area at the campground off route 44, at the east of the reservoir. No motors in excess of 10 H.P. The fishing is reported to be good in the reservoir.

NOTE: Reportedly this boat ramp is now only available to people who are staying in the campground.

This site provides access to the following water bodies: Bowdish Reservoir.

Location:

Alternate Site Name: George Washington Management Area

Town: Glocester

Driving Landmarks: Coming from either direction on Route 44, look for the signs for George Washington Campground

Access & Waters:

Water 'Features' At Site: lake/reservior

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: There is a hard concrete plank boat ramp here and the adjacent shoreline is sand and gravel, and suitable for launching hand-carried boats.

Float/Dock: no

Fees: During the camping season there may be a fee

Parking:

Parking: yes: 6 spaces, overnight parking permitted

ADA Accessible Parking Spaces? no

Nearby Amenities:

Public Restrooms: There are restrooms and drinking water are both available at the campground

Accomodations: The campground here is small and quiet compared to many of the much busier campgrounds near the south county beaches.

Sources for More Information:

AMC Quiet Water Canoe Guide: 2nd Edition, page 184

Website: RI DEM web page for the management area and the campground

Ecological, Cultural & Recreational Attractions:

George Washington Management Area is a 4000 acre park with many hiking trails and various recreational opportunities.

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The data on this website come from many sources, including volunteers and organizations across the state of Rhode Island and nearby parts of Massachusetts. We have done our best to make sure the data are accurate and up to date, but any information critical to the success of your trip should be confirmed before you start. The maps and information on this website should not be substituted for nautical charts, topographic maps, or other more detailed maps and guides. We welcome corrections and additions. To send a correction or provide other feedback, please use our feedback form (see link above).

This site report was last updated on June 30, 2023

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