Enjoy Needles Boat Launching Facilities!
Needles offers convenient access to the Colorado River with several boat launching options for residents and visitors alike. Whether you’re planning a day of fishing, water sports, or just cruising the river, the area features multiple launch facilities—each with its own amenities, hours, and fee structures. From the centrally located Jack Smith Launching Facility to the nearby Needles Marina and Pirates Cove, boaters can find the right spot to start their river adventure.
If you’re looking for a place to launch your vessel, Jack Smith Launching Facility is your place. Newly redesigned Jack Smith Park was renovated in 2009 with a Grant from the California Department of Boating and Waterways.
During that project, we dredged the inlet, built a 4-lane launch ramp, and expanded the parking lot. Added two restroom facilities and a Kiosk building.
Beginning in March and in October, we charge to launch weekends only 9am – 4pm. The remainder of the season, April – September, we charge to launch, Mon – Thurs 9am – 4pm and Fri – Sun, 7am –6pm. Reminder that if you enter our facility prior to the business hours, you will be required to come purchase a launch pass to remain in the facility to avoid a citation (City Ordinance). All of parks are closed per City Ordinance, 10pm – 5am.
The City is required to maintain the facility for 20 years, so this fee is collected to provide this maintenance year after year to keep a nice facility for the residents & visitors of this community.
Annual and Daily Use passes are available.
(760) 326-2814
Daily $20.00 per day*
Annual $180.00 per season*
Also available is Needles Marina, which is a neighbor to the River’s Edge Golf Course.
About 4 miles South of Needles is Pirates Cove, also known as Park Moabi.
