Shaw Highway 6138, Rocky Point boat launch
Shaw Highway 6138, Rocky Point
The boat ramp grants access to the Northeast Cape Fear River, which is a popular spot for fishing, boating, and other water activities. The Northeast Cape Fear River is a slow-moving, shallow river that is perfect for small boats, canoes, and kayaks.
The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission regulates the use of the river and allows boats with a maximum horsepower of 10 HP to operate on it. This means that small crafts such as canoes, kayaks, and small jon boats are permitted on the river. However, larger boats with more than 10 HP engines are not allowed.
To verify the accuracy of this information, I checked the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission's website, which provides information on the boat ramps they operate and regulate. The information regarding Shaw Highway 6138 boat ramp and the Northeast Cape Fear River matches the information provided on their website.
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 Shaw Highway 6138, Rocky Point -- the same readings that determine whether your launch is safe and your boat is the right craft.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Northeast Cape Fear River Near Chinquapin | 25 cfs | → |
| New River Near Gum Branch | 45 cfs | → |
| Cape Fear R At Lock #1 Nr Kelly | 1,670 cfs | → |
| Black River Near Tomahawk | 57 cfs | → |
Plan a longer trip
The closest paddle runs, fishing spots, and other boat launches so you can extend a day on the water.
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 Shaw Highway 6138, Rocky Point as a favorite, set a discharge threshold or a wind/precipitation alert, and the iOS app will push the moment conditions cross.
About Shaw Highway 6138, Rocky Point
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 Shaw Highway 6138, Rocky Point.