Boat ramp guide
Doran Regional Park Boat Launch
Bodega Bay, Sonoma County, CA
Overview
Doran Regional Park is a Sonoma County park at 201 Doran Beach Road in Bodega Bay. It covers the sandy spit between Bodega Harbor and the open bay. Its small boat launch on Bodega Harbor serves boats up to 20 feet, and it has a wheelchair-accessible kayak launch. The park is open from 7am to sunset.
The launch
The ramp was rebuilt in a state-funded project finished in 2020. That project added a new V-grooved single-lane ramp, a pile-guided boarding float, a fish cleaning station, an accessible path, and parking that grew from 24 to 36 spaces. A modest launch fee applies to trailered boats, and County Parks members launch free. For bigger boats, Westside Regional Park across the harbor has a three-lane launch.
The park
Doran has a 2-mile, south-facing beach on Bodega Bay with calmer waves than the outer coast, plus a fishing jetty and an accessible boardwalk. More than 120 campsites in five areas (Shell, Gull, Cove, Jetty and Miwok) can be reserved year-round. Dogs are welcome on leash.
What's different about boating here
From the harbor you pass out through the jetty-lined entrance into Bodega Bay and the Pacific, where swell, wind and fog can change quickly. On busy summer weekends and holidays, the park entrance closes when parking fills, so arrive early.
Getting there & access
By road
The park is at 201 Doran Beach Road in Bodega Bay. The launch and trailer parking are inside the park; the County publishes a boat launch and trailer parking map.
Launching
The single-lane ramp takes boats up to 20 feet. There's a pile-guided boarding float and a separate wheelchair-accessible kayak launch. Larger trailer boats should use the three-lane Westside Regional Park launch across the harbor.
Busy days
The park entrance closes when parking fills on busy holidays and summer weekends. Arrive early if you plan to launch.
Heading out
Leaving the harbor through the entrance channel puts you in Bodega Bay and the open Pacific. Check swell, wind and fog forecasts before leaving the harbor.
Amenities
- Boat ramp — Single lane, boats up to 20 ft, rebuilt 2020
- Kayak launch — Wheelchair-accessible
- Fish cleaning station — Accessible station at the launch
- Campground — 120+ reservable sites in five areas; no hookups
- Showers and restrooms — Coin showers, flush and pit toilets
- Fishing jetty — Jetty and accessible boardwalk
- Dump station — RV dump station ($10)
- Beach wheelchairs — Freedom Trax and all-terrain wheelchair rentals
Rules & official resources
- Park hours are 7am to sunset
- Launch fee applies to trailered boats; free for members
- Doran's launch accommodates boats up to 20 feet
- Dogs must be on leash
- Generator hours in the campground are 8am to 8pm
- California Boater Card required for all operators of motorized vessels, regardless of age, since January 1, 2025
- Children under 13 must wear a life jacket on a moving vessel under California law
Common boat service needs here
Freshwater flush and outboard service
Small trailer boats running into the Pacific need regular outboard service and freshwater flushing to fight salt corrosion.
Find Marine Mechanics & Engine Service providers →Trailer and boat transport
Most boats here are trailered in from inland Sonoma and beyond, so trailer bearings, lights and transport are frequent needs.
Find Boat Transport, Towing & Delivery providers →Electronics
Fog and open-ocean runs make working GPS, radar and VHF essential; electronics installs and checks are common for boats fishing outside the harbor.
Find Marine Electrical & Electronics providers →Guides & FAQs
Nearby providers
No providers listed near this location yet — check back soon.
Sources
- parks.sonomacounty.ca.gov
- parks.sonomacounty.ca.gov
- demo2.parks.ca.gov
- dbw.parks.ca.gov
- howsyourriver.com
Last verified October 6, 2026