How much does it cost to launch at Westside Park in Bodega Bay?

$4 for trailered boats, plus $8 for parking. Sonoma County Regional Parks members launch and park free.

What time does the Westside Park boat launch open?

The park is open from 5:30 a.m. to sunset.

How many lanes does the Westside launch have?

Three, with two boarding floats. In 2017 the County reset the ramp panels and extended the ramp 4 feet to improve low-tide access.

Can I camp at Westside Regional Park?

Yes. There are 46 tent and RV sites on Bodega Harbor, by reservation up to 6 months in advance. Generators are allowed 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Westside Regional Park Boat Launch, Bodega Bay: Fees & Hours

Overview

Westside Regional Park, at 2400 Westshore Road on Bodega Harbor, has the Sonoma coast's main public trailer-boat launch. Sonoma County Regional Parks runs the three-lane ramp, and it's the go-to launch for anglers after salmon, rockfish and Dungeness crab.

Fees and hours

The park is open 5:30 a.m. to sunset. Launching costs $4 for trailered boats and parking is $8, both free for Regional Parks members. A token boat wash costs $2 for two tokens (5 minutes), and there's a wheelchair-accessible kayak launch.

The ramp

In fall 2017 the County reset the concrete ramp panels for a tighter fit and extended the ramp 4 feet to improve low-tide launching. The state boating directory lists two boarding floats, 50 car-and-trailer spaces, a fish cleaning station, a pump-out, restrooms and showers.

Camping

The park's 46 tent and RV sites sit right on the harbor. Reservations are required, up to 6 months ahead, and generators are allowed 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Heading out

From the ramp you run down Bodega Harbor and out the federal channel. The County has reported shoaling and groundings in the channel, so watch the tide.

Getting there & access

Getting there

From Highway 1 in Bodega Bay, take Eastshore Road to Bay Flat Road and follow it around the harbor onto Westshore Road. The park is at 2400 Westshore Road, past Spud Point Marina.

Launching

Pay the $4 trailered-boat fee and $8 parking (both free for Regional Parks members). The ramp has three lanes and two boarding floats. The 2017 extension improved low-tide launching, but plan around the tide in this shallow harbor.

Leaving the harbor

Follow the marked channel down Bodega Harbor and out between the jetties. The Army Corps maintains the channel to 12 feet at mean lower low water, but it shoals between dredgings, and the County has reported groundings, especially among boats unfamiliar with the harbor.

Alternative launch

Doran Regional Park, 201 Doran Beach Rd, also has a county launch with the same $4 fee. It's open 7 a.m. to sunset.

Amenities

Launch ramp — Three lanes with two boarding floats
Boat wash — Token-operated: $2 for 2 tokens, 5 minutes
Kayak launch — Wheelchair-accessible
Fish cleaning station — At the launch
Pump-out — Sewage pump-out listed at the facility
Camping — 46 tent/RV sites on the harbor, by reservation
Restrooms & showers — On site
Fuel nearby — Spud Point Marina, 1818 Westshore Rd: gas and diesel

Rules & official resources

Common boat service needs here

Engine flush and service

Every launch is into salt water, and most trips head into open ocean. Flushing outboards after each trip and keeping up with annual service prevents offshore breakdowns.

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