City: Port Barrington, IL
County: Lake County
Type: Boat Ramp
Location: 42.23890200, -88.18644000
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 (27.7 mi to put-in)
C) Batavia Dam (PnP)
0.2 mi
I-II
Downstream from here (44.7 mi to put-in)
D) Yorkville: Marge Cline Whitewater Course (PnP)
0.2 mi
10 ft/mi
II
Downstream from here (44.8 mi to put-in)
Jaycee Pond Park (PnP)
0.3 mi
I(II)
Upstream from here (34.4 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
53 mi away
A) Downtown Waukesha: Barstow St. to Wisconsin Ave. (0.5 mile)
0.4 mi
10 ft/mi
II
136 mi away
A) N Wave (Neenah)
0.1 mi
II-IV+
140 mi away
B) Appleton Dam (PnP) *Access Issues*
0.1 mi
II-III(IV)
141 mi away
C) Kaukauna/1000 Islands: Hwy.55/Main Ave. to CTH.ZZ (1.5 miles)
2.5 mi
27 ft/mi
II
153 mi away
D) De Pere Dam (PnP) *Access Issues*
0.7 mi
Whitewater data from
American Whitewater
About This Access Site
Port Barrington Forest Preserve offers a well-maintained boat ramp on the Fox River, a large navigable waterway (Stream Order 7) with moderate current averaging 3.63 feet per second. The facility features six launch pads, ample parking for trailers, and a full-service marina with storage options. This is an easy, accessible launch point suitable for kayakers, canoeists, and motorboats alike. The preserve also includes picnic areas, trails, and youth camping facilities, making it a good base for day trips or extended paddling adventures on the Fox River.
**Practical Details:** Launch fees apply ($5 for non-trailered boats like kayaks and canoes; higher fees for trailered boats). Payment is handled via smartphone app—no cash services available. The ramp operates daily from 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Slip holders enjoy 24-hour access during the May–October season. The preserve's central location and well-maintained facilities make this a popular weekend destination, so expect crowded conditions during peak times.
The Fox River at this location is a substantial river system with a 2,500-square-mile drainage area and moderate gradient (2.4 ft/mile average). Paddlers should be prepared for consistent current and plan accordingly for their skill level and trip distance.
**Practical Details:** Launch fees apply ($5 for non-trailered boats like kayaks and canoes; higher fees for trailered boats). Payment is handled via smartphone app—no cash services available. The ramp operates daily from 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Slip holders enjoy 24-hour access during the May–October season. The preserve's central location and well-maintained facilities make this a popular weekend destination, so expect crowded conditions during peak times.
The Fox River at this location is a substantial river system with a 2,500-square-mile drainage area and moderate gradient (2.4 ft/mile average). Paddlers should be prepared for consistent current and plan accordingly for their skill level and trip distance.