How do I access Wheeling Island Park?

Wheeling Island Park is a public boat ramp in West Virginia. There is no entrance fee.

What activities are available at Wheeling Island Park?

Wheeling Island Park supports kayaking, canoeing. The difficulty level is rated beginner, making it great for all skill levels.

What amenities are at Wheeling Island Park?

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

When is the best time to visit Wheeling Island Park?

The best time to paddle at Wheeling Island Park is during spring and summer and fall. March through November

What are the water conditions at Wheeling Island Park?

Water conditions at Wheeling Island Park include mild current.

Is Wheeling Island Park good for beginners?

Yes, Wheeling Island 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.

A bridge over a body of water with trees in the background

Photo by Jackson Atwood on Unsplash

Activity

KayakingCanoeingBeginner

Conditions

RiverMild Current

Amenities

Boat RampParkingDockRestrooms

Best Time to Visit

Spring Summer Fall

Wheeling Island Park

Martins Ferry, WV · Boat Ramp · Public

Wheeling Island Park is a public boat ramp on Ohio River near Martins Ferry, West Virginia. This beginner-level spot offers kayaking, canoeing. Amenities include boat ramp, parking, dock. 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

Public launch on Ohio River in West Virginia. Beginner-friendly river paddling near Martins Ferry.

Situated along Ohio River in West Virginia, Wheeling Island Park provides convenient river access for kayakers, canoeists, and other paddlers.

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.

Water conditions are generally mild current. March through November is the recommended window for paddling here. Facilities include boat ramp and parking and dock and restrooms.

Getting here from Martins Ferry takes about 5 min, putting Wheeling Island Park within easy reach for a day trip or afternoon paddle.

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 Wheeling Island Park?: Wheeling Island Park is a public boat ramp in West Virginia. There is no entrance fee.
What activities are available at Wheeling Island Park?: Wheeling Island Park supports kayaking, canoeing. The difficulty level is rated beginner, making it great for all skill levels.
What amenities are at Wheeling Island Park?: On-site amenities include boat ramp, parking, dock, restrooms. Parking: Parking lot available at boat ramp facility.
When is the best time to visit Wheeling Island Park?: The best time to paddle at Wheeling Island Park is during spring and summer and fall. March through November
What are the water conditions at Wheeling Island Park?: Water conditions at Wheeling Island Park include mild current.
Is Wheeling Island Park good for beginners?: Yes, Wheeling Island 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: 40.0788, -80.7363