City: Crystal Lake, IL
County: McHenry County
Type: Boat Ramp
Location: 42.27880000, -88.22741100
Air Temp: --
Location
Live Webcam
Nearby Gauge Conditions
Real-time data from USGS Water Services
Whitewater Runs on Fox River
9 runs (4 nearby)Difficulty Classes
I Easy
II Novice
III Intermediate
IV Advanced
V Expert/Extreme
VI Unrunnable
Position relative to this access site:
Put-in at this location
This location is on the run
Take-out at this location
Downstream from here Upstream from here
Downstream from here Upstream from here
I-II(IV)
Downstream from here (29.7 mi to put-in)
C) Batavia Dam (PnP)
0.2 mi
I-II
Downstream from here (46.3 mi to put-in)
D) Yorkville: Marge Cline Whitewater Course (PnP)
0.2 mi
10 ft/mi
II
Downstream from here (46.3 mi to put-in)
Jaycee Pond Park (PnP)
0.3 mi
I(II)
Upstream from here (31.5 mi from take-out)
B) Waterford/Rochester/Burlington (PnP)
0.5 mi
These whitewater runs are on the same river but located more than 50 miles from this access site.
I
50 mi away
A) Downtown Waukesha: Barstow St. to Wisconsin Ave. (0.5 mile)
0.4 mi
10 ft/mi
II
133 mi away
A) N Wave (Neenah)
0.1 mi
II-IV+
137 mi away
B) Appleton Dam (PnP) *Access Issues*
0.1 mi
II-III(IV)
138 mi away
C) Kaukauna/1000 Islands: Hwy.55/Main Ave. to CTH.ZZ (1.5 miles)
2.5 mi
27 ft/mi
II
150 mi away
D) De Pere Dam (PnP) *Access Issues*
0.7 mi
Whitewater data from
American Whitewater
About This Access Site
Located in Crystal Lake, McHenry County, the Nish Road boat ramp provides convenient access to the upper Fox River near the preserve area. This access point is part of a well-developed section of the Fox River known for its multiple put-in and take-out options, making it ideal for planning multi-segment paddling trips.
The Fox River at this location is a large, meandering waterway with typical flows of 2,000+ cubic feet per second and current speeds between 2-6 MPH depending on conditions and proximity to upstream dams. With a modest average gradient of 2.4 feet per mile, this northern section tends to flow more slowly than reaches further south, making it suitable for kayakers and canoeists of various skill levels. The area features picnic facilities and marina amenities, offering good infrastructure for launching and recovering boats.
Before heading out, check current water conditions and flow rates, as the river's speed varies seasonally. With numerous access points throughout the Fox River system, paddlers can easily plan shorter or longer day trips using Nish Road in combination with other nearby launch sites.
The Fox River at this location is a large, meandering waterway with typical flows of 2,000+ cubic feet per second and current speeds between 2-6 MPH depending on conditions and proximity to upstream dams. With a modest average gradient of 2.4 feet per mile, this northern section tends to flow more slowly than reaches further south, making it suitable for kayakers and canoeists of various skill levels. The area features picnic facilities and marina amenities, offering good infrastructure for launching and recovering boats.
Before heading out, check current water conditions and flow rates, as the river's speed varies seasonally. With numerous access points throughout the Fox River system, paddlers can easily plan shorter or longer day trips using Nish Road in combination with other nearby launch sites.