With a peninsula about 70 miles long, with the Chesapeake Bay on one side and the Atlantic Ocean on the other, Virginia’s Eastern Shore offers countless opportunities for boating, fishing, and waterfront exploration. Whether you’re planning a fishing trip, a sunset cruise, or an island adventure, this guide to public boat ramps on the Eastern Shore makes it easy to find your launch point.
Below, you’ll find a list of public ramps from the southern tip near Cape Charles to the northern reaches of the peninsula. We’ve organized the list by seaside and bayside locations and included links to full ramp directories from both Accomack and Northampton counties.
The Cape Charles Boat Ramp
The public boat ramp in Cape Charles is at Cape Charles Harbor, 11 Marina Road, run by the Town of Cape Charles. It launches you right onto the Chesapeake Bay, with ample parking and everything you need before and after a day on the water:
- Fuel dock with diesel, regular, and ethanol-free gas
- Pump-out station
- Restrooms with showers
- A restaurant on site, with Bailey’s Bait & Tackle nearby
- A short walk to Cape Charles Beach, the fishing pier, and downtown
Harbor office: 757-900-DOCK (3625), VHF 16/68. Call ahead for current launch fees and hours.
Also close by: Kiptopeke State Park, a few miles south of town, has its own bayside ramp (launch fees apply).
Seaside Public Boat Ramps (South to North)
The seaside region faces the Atlantic Ocean and offers access to Virginia’s pristine chain of 14 barrier islands. These waters are dynamic, with shifting sandbars and changing channels—ideal for experienced boaters seeking remote adventures.
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Wise Point Boat Ramp
Location: Ramp Rd, Cape Charles, VA (Eastern Shore NWR) More Information
Launching fees apply -
Oyster Boat Ramp
Location: Crumb Hill Rd, Cape Charles, VA More Information
Oyster, VA Public Boat Ramp -
Willis Wharf Boat Ramp
Location: Willis Wharf Rd, Willis Wharf, VA More Information
WillisWharf, VA Public Boat Ramp -
Red Bank Boat Ramp
Location: County Rd 715, Marionville, VA More Information -
Folly Creek Boat Ramp
Location: Folly Creek Rd, Accomac, VA More Information -
Queens Sound Boat Ramp
Location: VA-175, Horntown, VA More Information
Bayside Public Boat Ramps (South to North)
Facing the Chesapeake Bay, these ramps provide calmer waters perfect for family outings, sunset cruises, and casual fishing trips.
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Kiptopeke State Park Boat Ramp
Location: 3540 Kiptopeke Drive, Cape Charles, VA More Information
Launching fees apply -
Morley’s Boat Ramp
Location: 2197 Morley’s Wharf Road, Exmore, VA More Information -
Harborton Boat Ramp
Location: Shore Drive, Harborton, VA More Information -
Hammock Boat Ramp
Location: Hammock Road, Saxis, VA More Information -
Pitts Landing Boat Ramp
Location: Bell Rd, New Church, VA More Information
Explore More Boating Resources
For even more information about public boat ramps in the area, check out the full listings from each county:
Want a slip of your own? See what waterfront buyers should know about the harbor and boat slips, or browse waterfront homes for sale.
Where is the boat ramp in Cape Charles?
At Cape Charles Harbor, 11 Marina Road, run by the Town of Cape Charles.
Is there fuel at Cape Charles Harbor?
Yes. The harbor’s fuel dock sells diesel, regular, and ethanol-free gas.
Is there parking at the Cape Charles boat ramp?
Yes, the harbor has ample parking. Call the harbor office at 757-900-DOCK for current launch fees.
Are there other boat ramps near Cape Charles?
Yes. Kiptopeke State Park has a bayside ramp just south of town, and seaside ramps at Wise Point and Oyster give access to the Atlantic side and the barrier islands.
