a small boat sitting on top of a body of water
Photo by Wes Hicks on Unsplash

Activity

KayakingCanoeingBeginner

Conditions

RiverMild Current

Amenities

Boat RampParking

Best Time to Visit

Jack's Island @ Lawson Creek Park

New Bern, NC · Boat Ramp · Public

Jack's Island @ Lawson Creek Park is a public boat ramp on Trent River near New Bern, North Carolina. This beginner-level spot offers kayaking, canoeing. Amenities include boat ramp, parking. Best visited in spring and summer and fall.

At a Glance

Water Body

River

Launch Type

Boat Ramp

Difficulty

Beginner

Activities

Kayaking, Canoeing

Parking

Parking lot available at boat ramp facility

Cell Service

Good

Gentle moving water with mild current. Suitable for beginners who are comfortable with basic paddle strokes and steering.

About This Location

River access at Jack's Island @ Lawson Creek Park near New Bern, North Carolina. Good for kayaking and canoeing.

Jack's Island @ Lawson Creek Park offers access to Trent River in North Carolina. This stretch of river draws paddlers looking for mild current conditions.

Kayaking is the most popular activity here, with the water conditions supporting a range of skill levels. Canoeists can enjoy the calmer sections for a relaxed paddle. The Southeast's warm climate and diverse waterways support paddling across most of the year.

Expect mild current conditions on the water. The best time to visit is March through November. Facilities include boat ramp and parking.

Jack's Island @ Lawson Creek Park sits about 5 min from New Bern, making it a convenient option for local and visiting paddlers.

Paddling Tips

  • Always face upstream when entering or exiting your boat at the ramp.
  • River levels change with rainfall — check the USGS gauge before you go.
  • Dress for the water temperature, not the air temperature.
  • Know where your take-out is and how long the run takes before launching.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I access Jack's Island @ Lawson Creek Park?
Jack's Island @ Lawson Creek Park is a public boat ramp in North Carolina. There is no entrance fee.
What activities are available at Jack's Island @ Lawson Creek Park?
Jack's Island @ Lawson Creek Park supports kayaking, canoeing. The difficulty level is rated beginner, making it great for all skill levels.
What amenities are at Jack's Island @ Lawson Creek Park?
On-site amenities include boat ramp, parking. Parking: Parking lot available at boat ramp facility.
When is the best time to visit Jack's Island @ Lawson Creek Park?
The best time to paddle at Jack's Island @ Lawson Creek Park is during spring and summer and fall. March through November
What are the water conditions at Jack's Island @ Lawson Creek Park?
Water conditions at Jack's Island @ Lawson Creek Park include mild current.
Is Jack's Island @ Lawson Creek Park good for beginners?
Yes, Jack's Island @ Lawson Creek Park is rated beginner difficulty, making it an excellent choice for first-time paddlers and families. Gentle moving water with mild current. Suitable for beginners who are comfortable with basic paddle strokes and steering.

Location data: USGS ScienceBase · Water conditions: USGS NWIS · Weather: National Weather Service · Coordinates: 35.0990, -77.0486

Quick Facts

Region
Southeast
Getting There
~5 min from New Bern
Get Directions

35.0990, -77.0486

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