Local Hero: The 5 Best FREE Boat Ramps Near Ocean City, MD
If you’re launching a boat or a jet ski in the Ocean City area, you don't need to pay a premium to get on the water. Some of the best access points in Worcester County are completely free to the public. Your day starts and ends at the ramp. A bad ramp experience—tight parking, massive lines, or "surprise" low tides—can ruin a perfect Maryland Saturday before you even get the hull wet.
At Odyssea Jet and Prop Shop, we want to make sure your day starts with ease. Here is our mechanic-approved guide to the top 5 free ramps in the area, including addresses you can tap for instant directions.
1. Gum Point Road Boat Ramp (Ocean Pines)
This is our "Home Ramp." Located right here in Ocean Pines, it’s the most convenient spot for residents and our customers. This is the smallest ramp out of the 5.
Best For: Residents and those looking for a quieter start. Provides access to Isle of Wight Bay via Turville Creek.
Pro-Tip: There is NOT a “no wake zone”, once you launch and get away from the ramp, you are good to full throttle! This is a smaller
Single-lane ramp with not much room to maneuver your tow vehicle.
Check the tides. If you have a larger boat, I would recommend one of the other ramps listed.
Parking: Not many spots; it fills up fast on holidays and weekends. Plan to get here early!
2. White Horse Park (Ocean Pines)
A lot of parking, launches you into the back bays of Ocean Pines, MD area
Best For: Boat and PWC owners located in the Ocean Pines Area looking for a ramp with lots of parking and easy access to the St Martin Neck River area.
Pro-Tip: This is a no-wake zone going out the channel until you get to the open bay.
Parking: There is a decent amount of parking, but it does fill up on weekends and holidays.
3. West Ocean City Public Boat Ramp (Commercial Fishing Harbor)
This is the "Big Dog" of local ramps. It’s a massive, multi-lane facility located near the commercial harbor.
Best For: Larger boats and those who want easy access to the Inlet or Assateague Island.
Pro-Tip: This is the busiest ramp in the county. Be "Ramp Ready" (plugs in, gear loaded) before you get in line to avoid the "Ramp Rage" from the pros.
Parking: Massive lot, but still fills up during the White Marlin Open or big holiday weekends.
4. 65th Street Ocean City Boat Ramp
Located right in the heart of mid-town Ocean City, this ramp gives you immediate access to the bay and the popular 64th Street sandbar.
Best For: Jet skis and mid-sized boats wanting to be close to the action. You will be launching just North of the Route 90 Bridge.
Pro-Tip: Parking is again limited, arrive early to secure a spot for your trailer!
5. Ocean Pines Yacht Club
This ramp launches right by the gas dock at the Ocean Pines Yacht Club, andprovides easy access to the open bay
Best For: Anyone looking to get into the open bay of Ocean City, MD
Pro-Tip: Only 2 boats wide, can be tight to back up, and gets very busy
Parking: Very limited and not much room to maneuver. Great ramp if you are meeting up with your service shop.
Justin’s "Ramp-Ready" Checklist
Before you dunk your trailer into the salt, remember the Odyssea Golden Rules:
Be Prepared: Upon arrival, do NOT get in the ramp area until you are ready to launch! Do you pre-ride check away from the ramp to allow other boaters to launch if they are ready to launch before you. This way, the ramp is not blocked while you get your boat or PWC ready.
The Plug: It sounds like a joke until you're the guy sinking at the dock. Check it twice.
The Flush: After using any of these ramps, come by the shop or hit the hose at home. Saltwater left in the engine is the #1 killer of PWCs in our area. (Check our Winter Battery Care guide for more off-season tips.)
Did the Ramp Reveal a Problem?
If you dunked the boat and realized the battery is dead, the trailer lights are flickering, or your Sea-Doo is cavitating in the channel, don't let it end your week.
We are located at 11206 Five L Drive, just minutes from the Ocean Pines ramps.
