Important Notices
| Numerous DWR Facilities Closed Due to Storm DamageDue to recent flood events, water levels and flow rates are extremely high in rivers throughout Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) Regions 2, 3, & 4. DWR boating access sites in those regions may not be accessible at this time. Staff is currently working to evaluate sites and restore access as conditions allow. Concerns include slippery ramp and dock surfaces; significantly higher than normal water levels; and trees, trash and other debris that could be floating on the surface or just below the waterline. Please see this page for a full list of affected properties and status updates » |
Find a Boating Access Site
Printable List of All Access Sites| County/City | Waterbody | Access Area | Barrier Free | Type | Ramps | Coordinates | Map |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rockingham | S. Fork Shenandoah River | Elkton | No | Boat Slide | 0 | 38.4094, -78.6350 | Map |
| Directions: From Elkton, North on Rt 33 Business (.2) | |||||||
| Rockingham | South River | Grottos Landing | No | Boat Slide | 0 | 38.2846, -78.8340 | Map |
| Directions: From Town of Grottoes, N on Rt825, W on 20th st, follow to Park entrance, road to river | |||||||
| Rockingham | S. Fork Shenandoah River | Island Ford | No | Shoreline Access | 0 | 38.3548, -78.6956 | Map |
| Directions: From Island Ford Rt. 340, W. Rt 649, Left Rt. 642, ramp on right | |||||||
| Rockingham | Lake Shenandoah | Lake Shenandoah | Yes | Concrete Ramp | 1 | 38.3816, -78.8392 | Map |
| Notice: | Background: A flood occurred at Lake Shenandoah. During this event the emergency spillway (north side of dam) was damaged, requiring extensive repair. The Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) engineering staff inspected the damage and, due to the severity, were required by the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) Dam Safety Division to lower the lake approximately 5 feet from full pool to reduce the threat of the dam failing during a high water event. In addition, DCR Dam Safety recently updated hazard assessment criteria for all dams in Virginia. In order to bring the Lake Shenandoah Dam into compliance with dam safety requirements, it was determined that the dam would need to be completely reconstructed. Present Work: The DWR engineering staff have finalized plans to reconstruct the dam and emergency spillway at Lake Shenandoah. On October 10, 2024, the DWR held a community meeting to share information about the construction project. The presentation may be found here. A graphic showing the changes in the lake level may be found here. The new location of the dam (relative to the current location) may be found here. Answers to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) may be found here. An anticipated start for construction is Summer of 2025, with an expected completion in December 2026. For question related to this project, please contact John Kirk, Capital Programs Manager, at john.kirk@dwr.virginia.gov. | ||||||
| Directions: From Harrisonburg, Southwest on Rt 659 (1.9); L on Rt 689 (.7); R on Rt 687 (.6) | |||||||
| Rockingham | S. Fork Shenandoah River | Port Republic | No | Shoreline Access | 0 | 38.2958, -78.8080 | Map |
| Directions: From Grottoes, Rt. 340 N.; W. Rt. 659, R. bef. river, Ramp on left. | |||||||
No Trespassing Except to Fish or Launch Boats
Camping, swimming, or public display of alcoholic beverages is prohibited. Violators subject to arrest. Learn more »