Bringing your boat to Lake Ray Hubbard should feel easy and fun, not like a logistics puzzle. If you know where to launch, what rules apply, and which hazards to avoid, you can spend more time cruising and less time circling for parking. This quick guide gives you the must-know ramps, laws, and local tips to make your day on the water smooth. Let’s dive in.
Lake Ray Hubbard at a glance
Lake Ray Hubbard is a large City of Dallas reservoir with more than 22,700 acres and a maximum depth of about 40 feet. It serves both recreation and the region’s water supply, which explains why some shoreline is managed differently than other lakes. The fishery includes largemouth and hybrid striped bass, white bass, crappie, and catfish, and vegetation like hydrilla can create structure and prop hazards. For a concise overview, see the Texas Parks and Wildlife reservoir profile of Ray Hubbard’s size, depth, and habitat.
Best places to launch
Public boat ramps
Use the TPWD access map for a current list of ramps, fees, and operator info. Ramp status and water levels can change, so confirm before you tow by checking the TPWD Ray Hubbard access page.
- Robertson Park (Dalrock and I-30): Multiple ramps and large parking. This is often the busiest central access and a good all-around starting point.
- State Highway 66 ramp (Rockwall): Public, no fee, and limited parking. Handy for east-side access.
- Terry Park (Heath): Two-lane concrete ramp with courtesy docks and no fee.
- Paul Jones Park (Garland): Four concrete lanes with about 50 vehicle and trailer spaces, no fee.
City notices sometimes announce temporary closures during low water. For example, Rowlett has posted closures in the past, so it pays to verify. Check city alerts such as Rowlett ramp notices before you head out.
Paddling access
If you are bringing a canoe, kayak, or SUP, Paddle Point Park in Rowlett is a dedicated non-motorized launch and put-in for the 6.4-mile paddling trail. Rentals and classes operate seasonally. See the Paddle Point Park details for current offerings.
Private marinas and fees
Harbor Bay, Captain’s Cove, Chandler’s Landing, Sapphire Bay, and other private marinas provide multi-lane ramps, courtesy docks, fuel, and slips. Most charge a launch fee or require membership for some services. During low water, private marinas often remain the safest option for launching. Call ahead for current fees and guest-dock rules, and use the TPWD access page to find operator contacts.
Rules you must follow
Life jackets and boater education
You must have a U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket for each person on board. Children under 13 must wear a PFD while underway on vessels under 26 feet, with limited exceptions for enclosed cabins. Boats 16 feet and longer must also carry a Type IV throwable device. People born on or after Sept. 1, 1993 must complete a TPWD approved boater education course to operate most motorboats. Review the TPWD guidance on PFDs and boater education.
Registration and trailer paperwork
Make sure your boat registration and title are current per Texas requirements. Motorized boats are registered and titled through TPWD, and trailers are registered through county motor-vehicle offices. If you are visiting from out of state, verify any temporary allowances before launching. Find offices and details on TPWD registration and titling.
Engine cutoff switch law
If your motorboat is under 26 feet and equipped with an engine cutoff switch, Texas law requires you to use it while underway. This rule is often called “Kali’s Law” and has been in effect since 2019. Personal watercraft already require tethered kill switches. Learn more from this news summary of the engine cutoff switch requirement.
Night gear and equipment
Carry required safety gear for your boat size, including navigation lights, a sound-producing device, and a fire extinguisher where applicable. Requirements vary by vessel, so check the general Texas boating rules on lights and safety equipment.
Local hazards and etiquette
Vegetation and shallow areas
Submerged vegetation, including hydrilla in some coves, can foul props and snag lines. Avoid running fast through shallow, weedy areas, and carry a boat hook or tool for disentangling vegetation.
Invasive species prevention
Texas enforces Clean, Drain, Dry to stop the spread of zebra and quagga mussels and invasive plants like giant salvinia. It is illegal to transport water or plant fragments that can spread these species. Drain your bilge and livewells, remove vegetation, and let gear dry fully. Read why Clean, Drain, Dry matters in this statewide invasive species update.
Crowds, wake, and shared use
Warm weekends bring heavy boat traffic, personal watercraft, and anchored social areas. Arrive early, obey posted wake and no-wake zones, and give extra space to anglers and paddlers. Be patient at courtesy docks and keep the ramp lanes clear.
Swimming and lifeguards
Many parks do not provide lifeguards, and some areas prohibit swimming. As one example, Windsurf Bay Park does not allow swimming. Always follow posted signs and consider PFDs for kids and non-swimmers. See the park rules noted on Windsurf Bay Park.
Trip planning checklist
- Confirm your launch: check lake level, ramp status, and parking capacity. Use the TPWD access page and call a backup marina in case your first choice is full.
- Paperwork ready: boat registration and title, plus trailer registration documents if requested.
- Safety gear: properly sized PFDs for everyone, Type IV throwable on boats 16 feet and longer, required lights, sound device, and fire extinguisher.
- Operator readiness: boater education card if required and an engine cutoff switch lanyard or wireless device that you will use while underway.
- Clean, Drain, Dry: clear all vegetation, drain bilge and livewells, and dry gear before and after your trip.
- Parking plan: arrive early on warm weekends and avoid blocking ramp lanes. Be ready with a Plan B at a private marina if the lot is full.
Quick launch tips
- Rig and prep in the staging area so you can launch quickly when your turn comes.
- Use courtesy docks only for loading and retrieval, then move your boat away to free space for others.
- Watch for shallow, weedy coves and avoid fast approaches to shorelines.
- Mind wind, bridge areas, and traffic pinch points during busy hours.
- Keep a small tool for cutting vegetation from your prop, and a trash bag to pack out what you pack in.
Ready to live the lake life?
If lake days are your thing, living near East Dallas or the Lake Ray Hubbard corridor can make weekend boating much easier. From neighborhood guidance to trusted contractor referrals, you deserve a local advisor who knows the water and the market. When you are ready to plan a move, reach out to Jenny Capritta for neighborhood-first advice and full-service support.
FAQs
Are there free public boat ramps at Lake Ray Hubbard?
- Yes. Examples include the State Highway 66 ramp in Rockwall, Terry Park in Heath, and Paul Jones Park in Garland. Always confirm current status and parking limits on the TPWD access page or with the operating city.
Where can I launch a kayak or SUP on Lake Ray Hubbard?
- Paddle Point Park in Rowlett is the go-to non-motorized launch and the put-in for the 6.4-mile paddling trail. Local operators offer rentals and classes seasonally.
What life jacket rules apply to kids in Texas?
- You must have a wearable PFD for each person on board. Children under 13 must wear a life jacket while underway on vessels under 26 feet, with limited exceptions for enclosed cabins.
What is Texas’ engine cutoff switch law for boats?
- If your boat is under 26 feet and equipped with an engine cutoff switch, the operator must use the lanyard or wireless device when underway. Personal watercraft already require this.
Can you swim at Lake Ray Hubbard parks?
- Some parks prohibit swimming and lifeguards are generally not provided. Follow posted signs. For example, Windsurf Bay Park does not allow swimming.
How do I prevent spreading invasive species between lakes?
- Clean, Drain, Dry. Remove all plants, drain bilges and livewells, and let gear dry fully before visiting another water body. Transporting invasive species is illegal in Texas.
