How do I access Barham Dam?

Barham Dam is a public boat ramp in Louisiana. There is no entrance fee.

What activities are available at Barham Dam?

Barham Dam supports kayaking, stand up paddleboarding, sea kayaking. The difficulty level is rated beginner, making it great for all skill levels.

What amenities are at Barham Dam?

On-site amenities include boat ramp, parking. Parking: Parking lot available at boat ramp facility.

When is the best time to visit Barham Dam?

The best time to paddle at Barham Dam is during spring and summer and fall and winter. Year-round

What are the water conditions at Barham Dam?

Water conditions at Barham Dam include sheltered, tidal.

Is Barham Dam good for beginners?

Yes, Barham Dam is rated beginner difficulty, making it an excellent choice for first-time paddlers and families. Calm, sheltered water suitable for first-time paddlers. No significant current or wave hazards expected.

Kayakers paddling through a wide open marsh waterway

Activity

KayakingSUPSea KayakingBeginner

Conditions

BayShelteredTidal

Amenities

Boat RampParking

Best Time to Visit

Spring Summer Fall Winter

Barham Dam

Oak Ridge, LA · Boat Ramp · Public

Barham Dam is a public boat ramp on Bayou Bonee Idee near Oak Ridge, Louisiana. This beginner-level spot offers kayaking, paddleboarding, sea kayaking. Amenities include boat ramp, parking. Best visited in spring and summer and fall and winter.

At a Glance

Water Body

Bay

Launch Type

Boat Ramp

Difficulty

Beginner

Activities

Kayaking, SUP, Sea Kayaking

Parking

Parking lot available at boat ramp facility

Cell Service

Good

Calm, sheltered water suitable for first-time paddlers. No significant current or wave hazards expected.

About This Location

Boat Ramp accessing Bayou Bonee Idee near Oak Ridge, Louisiana. sheltered and tidal conditions.

Bay paddlers in Louisiana use Barham Dam to access Bayou Bonee Idee, where calmer waters and wildlife viewing combine.

Kayakers will find the waters here well-suited to touring and exploration. Stand-up paddleboarding is popular here when winds are light, especially in the morning hours.

Water conditions are generally sheltered and tidal. Year-round is the recommended window for paddling here. Facilities include boat ramp and parking.

Getting here from Oak Ridge takes about 5 min, putting Barham Dam within easy reach for a day trip or afternoon paddle.

New to paddling? This is a great beginner spot.

Calm bay waters make Barham Dam ideal for first-timers. Make sure you have the right gear:

Kayaks →Life Jackets →Paddles →

Paddling Tips

•Time your paddle around slack tide for the easiest conditions.
•Watch for boat traffic, especially in narrow channels and near marinas.
•Explore the shoreline for hidden coves and calm side channels.
•Bring binoculars — bays are excellent for bird and marine wildlife viewing.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I access Barham Dam?: Barham Dam is a public boat ramp in Louisiana. There is no entrance fee.
What activities are available at Barham Dam?: Barham Dam supports kayaking, stand up paddleboarding, sea kayaking. The difficulty level is rated beginner, making it great for all skill levels.
What amenities are at Barham Dam?: On-site amenities include boat ramp, parking. Parking: Parking lot available at boat ramp facility.
When is the best time to visit Barham Dam?: The best time to paddle at Barham Dam is during spring and summer and fall and winter. Year-round
What are the water conditions at Barham Dam?: Water conditions at Barham Dam include sheltered, tidal.
Is Barham Dam good for beginners?: Yes, Barham Dam is rated beginner difficulty, making it an excellent choice for first-time paddlers and families. Calm, sheltered water suitable for first-time paddlers. No significant current or wave hazards expected.

Location data: USGS ScienceBase · Water conditions: USGS NWIS · Weather: National Weather Service · Coordinates: 32.6618, -91.7155