Where to find public access points?
 

Greetings. New to boating and this forum. I just recently moved to NH and bought a small cheapo inflatable. Is there a website or some other place where I can find where the public access points are to the different ponds and lakes in NH? I know the fish and game has their list of boat ramps. But I'm looking more for where I can carry my inflatable into ponds without going through someone's backyard.

For example, Little Island Pond in Pelham. I picked that pond since it is close to where I live and I know there is boating there.

I found this...
http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Fish...and_pelham.pdf

...which says "Town Cartop Access". What does that mean and where could I park and gain access to this pond without entering someone's yard?

The only list I know of is this one. It lists all known *Public* boat access in NH.

http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Outd...ites_table.htm

Ken

Also, aren't they noted on the charts?

Lakes Newfound, Winnisquam and Squam all have no-fee, State of NH boat ramps, w/ double launch ramps and docks and parking for tow vehicle & trailer, plus rest rooms. Newfound has the clearest water plus Whittemore Point State Park close to the launch ramp.

FLL I don't think he/she wants access to Winnie or a BIG lake with a cheapo inflatable.

AStack - There is a map of all public access points but I can't find it right now. If nobody else comes up with it I'll post it in a day or so when i find it.

Car-topping to the Lakes
 

I'd call the Sevylor-brand boat a "cheapo inflatable", but my B-I-L packs his inflatable Sevylor kayak into his RV and putters around Lake Winnipesaukee in it every summer. (Having driven from California!)

It's definitely not for me, but I occasionally see other inflatables—mostly outboards—on Lake Winnipesaukee. :look:

My take would be there's no room for trailer storage there, and that you'd have "cartopped" your boat to the site. :cool:

BTW: I think it was Penn-Yan who once made a 14-foot "Cartopper-Flyer" model. So light, it could have been made from cardboard!

http://woodencanoeshop.wcha.org/3dingy.jpg

It would have been a perfect boat for launching into several different NH lakes in one day, so I wasn't shocked to see one at a boat auction marked with NH Fish & Game logos; however, I was shocked at how light it was!

(A one-man cartopper). :coolsm:

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Cartop Access
 

Cartop access means that a boat launch is not available at that location. It may or may not have parking at the location of the access, but chances are it does. It will state if parking is off site. These will usally be at locations where larger boats are not allowed or simply a small strip of public access. Good luck as there are more of these locations than what are listed, some of your best resources for this information would be a paddle store located in the area that you would like to visit. Most of the really good launch spots are not public knowledge or posted to the public, but if you ask questions to locals of a like mind you may get some good info. Good luck.

Bizer has detailed information about Winni access here. I know that doesn't help with the smaller lakes.

Map vs Chart
 

FYI,
maps are for land - charts are used on water bodies.