Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection

Emergency Burn Ban In Effect 10/26/24 - An emergency burn ban is now in effect for all Connecticut State Parks, Forests, and Wildlife Management areas, prohibiting the use of all outdoor grills, firepits, and campfires, and the kindling and use of flame outdoors. DEEP and local agencies are working to contain several active fires across the state. Please avoid all affected State Parks and Forests, as well as the blue-blazed Mattabesett Trail. The Enduro Trail in Voluntown and portions of North Stonington within the Pachaug State Forest are closed at this time. Please note that today's forest fire danger report remains at an 'extreme' level. More information about the current fire danger, burn ban and recommended safety measures can be found here

Thames River Boat Launch

New London  

CONNECTICUT – NEW LONDON HARBOR. Bridge Repairs – From April 1, 2022 to June 25, 2025, between 7 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., the Connecticut Department of Transportation will conduct repairs on the Gold Star I-95 Northbound Bridge over the Thames River, mile 3.1.  Work will be performed from hanging platforms on the bridge structure.  The platforms will extend over the river approximately 420 feet from the shoreline on the New London side and 290 feet from the shoreline on the Groton side and will not be over federal channel. The reduction in vertical clearance caused by the platforms will not exceed 3 feet below the current bridge vertical clearances of 135 feet (MHW).  A safety boat will be in the water and will monitor VHF Channel 16 when work is performed over the water.  Questions may be addressed to Scott Thompson, Project Manager Aetna Bridge Company, at 401-663-6052 or Keith Schoppe, CT DOT, at 860-213-2360. Chart 13213, New London Harbor, LNM 47/20 (CGD1)

A view from the Thames River boat launch.

Site Sketch of the Thames River Boat Launch  

Type: Trailered
Season: Year-round
Address: 1 State Pier Road, New London
Directions: I-95 North, Exit 83, left at end onto Williams Street. Turn east onto State Pier Road. Launch is at end under I-95 bridge. I-95 South, Exit 84E, bear right at end onto Williams Street. Follow as above.
Regulations: On the Thames River, 6 MPH limit within 200 feet of any dock, pier or wharf. Use of a vessel under power prohibited within 200 feet of a bathing beach or area or bathing raft or float in New London. Dead slow speed permitted through entrance to Alewife Cove and to moorings in New London. No boats within 350 feet of bathing beach.
Fishing Regulations: Saltwater Fishing Guide (ct.gov) / Freshwater Fishing Guide (ct.gov)
Docks: Floating Wood (Seasonal)
Toilets: Chemical (Seasonal)
Parking Spaces: 50
Parking Surface: Paved
Access Road Surface: Paved
Ramp Surface: Concete Slab

ADA Accessible:

Yes
Additional Info: Schedule of Marine Events and Fishing Tournaments (ct.gov), (Note: tournaments are not open to the general public)

Select an image for larger view

The entrance to the Thames River boat launch.
Entrance

The access road to the Thames River boat launch.
Access Road

The turning area of the Thames River boat launch.
Turning Area

The ramp of the Thames River boat launch.
Ramp

The parking area for the Thames River boat launch.
Parking

Boat Launches in Connecticut

Content Last Updated on May 28, 2024