Boating & Paddling
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New York State has more than 7,500 lakes, ponds and reservoirs and over 70,000 miles of rivers and streams. Boating on these waterbodies can take the form of canoes, kayaks, personal watercraft, sailboats and motorboats.
Places to Launch Your Boat
- View a list of boat ramps or access sites by County for both motorized and non-motorized boats.
- Use the DECinfo Locator - an interactive map to find trailer launches, hand launches, fishing spots, parking areas, and more to help you enjoy the state's lakes and waterways. To view these locations on the map, be sure to select "Water-related activities" under the "Outdoor Activity" tab.
- Download the New York State Boat Launching Sites (PDF) publication to find a listing of boating access and launching areas available to the public. To receive a hard copy, email DEC Fisheries with your name and mailing address.
- Download the HuntFishNY Mobile App and use the Tacklebox feature to locate boat launches and parking areas near you.
Boating Requirements
Be sure to adhere to all boating regulations and requirements prior to launching, including properly cleaning your boat, getting your boat registered, and obtaining boater safety certification. Details on each of these requirements are provided below.
Boat Cleaning and Disinfecting
Boats, trailers, waders and other fishing equipment can spread harmful aquatic invasive species from waterbody to waterbody unless properly cleaned after use. DEC regulations prohibit boats from launching or leaving sites without first draining the boat and cleaning the boat, trailer and equipment. Furthermore, many New York counties, towns, and villages also have laws in place that prohibit the transport of aquatic invasive species on boats, trailers and equipment.
To avoid spreading invasive species, follow the 'Clean.Drain.Dry.' method for properly disinfecting your boat and equipment before launching. If you need help, many public boat launches have boat stewards on-site to inspect your watercraft and gear.
Use our interactive map feature to locate a boat inspection station and boat steward near you.
Certificate Requirements for Boating in the Adirondack Park: As of June 2022, all boaters operating any kind of motorized watercraft in the Adirondack Park and within ten miles of the Blue Line are required by law to possess certification that their vessel has undergone the proper cleaning measures to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species. Boaters can get their certification from a boat steward at a DEC designated inspection station or by completing a self-issued certificate (PDF) prior to launch. Have questions about this new regulation? See our Frequently Asked Questions (PDF)
Register Your Boat at the DMV
If you use a motor (electric or fuel-driven), no matter how small the craft or the motor, you must register your boat with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
You can either register your boat online (leaves DEC website) or call the DMV at (518) 486-9786. (Note: In New York, watercraft without a motor do not need to be registered.)
Boating Safety Courses and Certification
For information about boating certificate requirements and boating safety courses, call the OPRHP at (518) 474-0456 or visit the OPRHP boating education page. (leaves DEC website)
More about Boating & Paddling:
- Accessing & Navigating Waterways - Public rights of accessing and navigating waterways based on the Environmental Conservation Law is dependent primarily on tidal versus freshwater waterways.
- Boat Launch Sites - A list of New York State Boat Launching Sites by county.
- Aquatic Invasive Species Regulations at DEC Boat Launching and Fishing Sites - Information on the regulations for launching or retrieving a watercraft at DEC controled access sites.
- Paddling - General information on paddling in New York State includes recommended places for whitewater, flat water, and extended trips with links to rules & regulations.
- Diving Guidelines for New York's Shipwreck Preserves - Guidelines and safety guides for diving the Submerged Heritage Preserves on Lake George and Lake Champlain.
