Ken Thompson Park boat launch
Ken Thompson Park
The boat ramp is a concrete single-lane ramp that is approximately 27 feet wide, making it easy for boats of all sizes to launch and retrieve. Additionally, there are two docks available for loading and unloading passengers and equipment.
The boat ramp provides access to Sarasota Bay, which is a large body of water that is suitable for a variety of water activities, including fishing, water skiing, wakeboarding, and cruising. The bay is home to a diverse range of marine life, including dolphins, manatees, and sea turtles.
All types of watercraft are permitted on Sarasota Bay, including powerboats, sailboats, kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards. However, it is important to note that there are certain restrictions on the use of personal watercraft, such as jet skis, in certain areas of the bay.
Overall, Ken Thompson Park boat ramp is a great place for boaters to launch and enjoy the beautiful waters of Sarasota Bay.
Plan your launch down to the hour
Same weather feed Snoflo's iOS app uses -- updated continuously from NOAA / yr.no.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Area streamflow levels
USGS streamgauges around Ken Thompson Park -- the same readings that determine whether your launch is safe and your boat is the right craft.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Walker Creek Near Sarasota Fl | 0 cfs | → |
| Braden Riv At Lakewood Ranch Nr Lorraine Fl | 1 cfs | → |
| Howard Creek Near Sarasota Fl | 0 cfs | → |
| Myakka River At Control Near Laurel Fl | 25 cfs | → |
| Myakka River Near Sarasota Fl | 23 cfs | → |
| Frog Creek At Buffalo Road Near Rubonia Fl | 4 cfs | → |
Plan a longer trip
The closest paddle runs, fishing spots, and other boat launches so you can extend a day on the water.
River runs
- The Southern Boundary Of The Myakka River State Park To Ends Approximately At River Mile 23 Where Riverfront Residential Development Begins
- Begins Downstream Of The State Road 72 Bridge To The Southern Boundary Of Myakka River State Park
- Approximately At River Mile 23 Where Riverfront Residential Development Begins To The Vicinity Of Snook Haven Fish Camp At Approximately River Mile 18
- County Road 780 Bridge To State Road 72 Bridge
- Approximately River Mile 18 To A Point Just Upriver Of The Us 41 Highway Crossing
- A Point Just Upriver Of The Us 41 Highway Crossing To The Sarasota/Charlotte County Line
Boating safety & etiquette
- Check the conditions before you launch
- Use the streamflow numbers, weather, and wind forecast on this page. High-cfs whitewater requires whitewater-specific craft and skill.
- Wear your life jacket
- Statistically the single biggest survival factor in a boating incident. State law often requires one per passenger.
- File a float plan
- Tell someone on shore your put-in, take-out, and expected return time. Especially for multi-day or remote trips.
- Yield at the ramp
- Prep gear in the parking lot, not on the ramp. Launch and clear quickly so others can use the lane.
- Clean, drain, dry
- Inspect, clean, drain and dry your boat between waters to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species.
Set push alerts in the Snoflo app
Save Ken Thompson Park as a favorite, set a discharge threshold or a wind/precipitation alert, and the iOS app will push the moment conditions cross.
About Ken Thompson Park
Can I launch a motorboat here?
Most Snoflo-tracked launches support motorboats; check the operator for any horsepower restrictions, paddle-only zones, or seasonal closures.
How fresh is the streamflow data?
USGS streamgauges report continuously (every 15 minutes); the table on this page pulls the latest reading at page load.
Is there a fee?
Many federal and state boat launches charge a day-use fee. Check the operator's site before driving out.
What boat is right for these conditions?
Use the nearby streamflow numbers and river-run panel on this page to gauge current conditions. Wider, slower water is friendly for casual paddling and powerboats; high-cfs whitewater requires whitewater-specific craft and skill.
Can I get alerts when conditions change?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this launch, set a threshold (discharge, wind), and you'll get a push the moment it crosses.
Other launches near here
Snoflo-tracked boat launches within driving distance of Ken Thompson Park.