Lake Sonoma Public Boat launch

This is a boat launch and not a beach or a park. Just a boat launch. Launched here for a boat-in kayak camping trip. Currently (June 2023) it is free to park for multiple days.

You will need to stop at the Lake Sonoma Recreation Area before the bridge for the free mussel inspection and get a pass before putting in and parking. Your pass will be checked at the entrance to the launch. We had inflatable kayaks and still got checked, they use a “mussel dog” to sniff for mussels, we just opened the car back hatch and let them sniff all our gear, good to go.

The ramp will get busy on nice days and holiday weekends, and the line to put in and take out can get fairly long so be prepared to wait or get there early.

For parking if you have no boat trailer there is the top lot near the entrance.

There are portajohns at the launch and in the launch parking lot, as well as a dumpster for trash.

There is a primary boat ramp, as well as a small floating dock and a side launch which we used to put our kayaks in the water.

Couple things about the dock if you intend to use it for any kind of kayaks. On busy and or windy days, the chop can rock the dock and make tying up to the dock (the left side, as the right side is where all the boats are putting in and is not suitable for kayak use) precarious. Just bring your up the small ramp and get out of the way. Second, the dock is not terribly high off the water, but it’s a little higher than some may like for stepping into a kayak so you may just want to get your feet wet rather than rely on using the dock.

Overall it was a breeze of an experience, for kayaking.

Lake Sonoma Public Boat launch was the perfect entry for a beautiful weekend on the lake. We will be back very soon.
It is a very long walk down once you drop off your gear and take your vehicle to the parking lot. The lake is very low. May 2021

Caught my largest Bass there. Pics taken in September. 2021

Close and big enough to have fun

Here a tip about this boat launch.. park your trailer closes to the top of the long long ramp

Lake Sonoma is a must see location when visiting Sonoma County. The lookout point, scenic drive and lake make it worth the trip... go to Yorty Creek if you want a real beach and swimming area though.

It's free which is a big perk, it's also quite a walk back down the ramp. Be sure to have your boat inspected for quaga mussels at the dam before launching.

Managed by the Army Corps of Engineers, so parking & launch is free with the Interagency Annual Pass. Otherwise $5, cash/check only.

Very long boat launch. The area around it is nice and clean. It's a long walk up this launch for Ironman Santa Rosa

Great even in low water condition.

Lake water level very low marina is closed , cross bridge is the only access to put boat on water!

Nice ramp. Four lanes at least. Private marina only has one that place gets backed up a bit.

I love this boat ramp. Weekends are a little hectic but people are great at taking turns and being quick

It’s a boat ramp, not much more to say about it. Can be as wide as 5 cars or as narrow as 3 cars. Open 24/7/365

It's great love the water level!!! ❤💯💧

The lake really low but still able to launch.

One at a time, everyone is awesome when loading up or launching. Patience

Every one took turns it wasn't too busy any the water is beautiful

Nobody here during the week

Elite