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Sandy Point

41° 33.166' N    71° 14.06' W   See this location in: Google Maps   Map Server   Acme Maps

Google Maps is the mapping system used on the new ExploreRI mapper and shows the access site located on a terrain view, a street map or an aerial photograph. Clicking on this link will take you to the full Google Maps website, which is not part of ExploreRI.
Map Server shows a topographic map of the area. The Map Server website is not part of ExploreRI.org.
Acme Maps shows the access site located on a topographic map. The Acme Maps website is not part of ExploreRI.org.

This is a site for launching hand-carried boats such as canoes or kayaks.

Description & Overview:

At last report people who are not residents of Portsmouth can park here but will have to pay to do so during the summer months. However, anyone planning to use this site as a boat launch should inquire about the latest parking and use regulations before counting on being able to use this site.

As the name would lead you to expect, there is a broad sandy beach at this site that provides access to the mile-wide Sakonnet River, which is really a broad salt-water inlet connected to Mount Hope Bay at the north end and opening onto Rhode Island Sound at the south end. From this put-in you can head north or south along the shoreline of Aquidneck Island (properly "Rhode Island"). This shoreline is relatively straight and offers little in the way of shelter.

On most days the southwest wind fills in strongly in this area in the morning and blows briskly throughout the afternoon, producing strong waves, so be prepared for this when planning your trip.

This site provides access to the following water bodies: Sakonnet River.

Location:

Town: Portsmouth

Nearest Town Center: Portsmouth

Driving Landmarks: From Route 138 (East Main Road) take Sandy Point Road east for 1.2 miles to where it ends at the shore.

Access & Waters:

Water 'Features' At Site: ocean/bay

Note: Because one boat launch can access, say, both a lake and a river or both the upstream and downstream portions of a river, not all paddling trips at a given site will necessarily encounter all of the features listed.

Type of Access: Boat launch for hand carried boats

ADA Accessible Boat Launch? no

Shoreline: sand

Float/Dock: no

Approximate Length of Carry between Car Access and Water: 300 feet

Parking:

Parking: yes: 100 spaces

ADA Accessible Parking Spaces? no

Nearby Amenities:

Public Restrooms: Yes, during summer months only

Sources for More Information:

Website: Mike Krabach's kayak access website

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Private feedback goes to the Blueways Alliance/RI Land Trust Council. We'll use your information to make this website better or pass it along to the people who can deal with physical issues at this site. Public comments are posted here (once they've been reviewed and approved) for all to see.

The data on this website come from many sources, including volunteers and organizations across the state of Rhode Island and nearby parts of Massachusetts. We have done our best to make sure the data are accurate and up to date, but any information critical to the success of your trip should be confirmed before you start. The maps and information on this website should not be substituted for nautical charts, topographic maps, or other more detailed maps and guides. We welcome corrections and additions. To send a correction or provide other feedback, please use our feedback form (see link above).

This site report was last updated on June 5, 2011

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