Access Site
IL
Fox River Forest Preserve
City: Port Barrington, IL
County: Lake County
Type: Boat Ramp
Location: 42.23671100, -88.18165600
Air Temp: --
Location
Interactive access map
Loads when you reach this section.
Live Webcam
Nearby Gauge Conditions
Real-time data from USGS Water Services
Whitewater Runs on Fox River
9 runs (4 nearby)Difficulty Classes
I Easy
II Novice
III Intermediate
IV Advanced
V Expert/Extreme
VI Unrunnable
Position relative to this access site:
Put-in at this location
This location is on the run
Take-out at this location
Downstream from here Upstream from here
Downstream from here Upstream from here
I-II(IV)
Downstream from here (27.7 mi to put-in)
C) Batavia Dam (PnP)
0.2 mi
I-II
Downstream from here (44.7 mi to put-in)
D) Yorkville: Marge Cline Whitewater Course (PnP)
0.2 mi
10 ft/mi
II
Downstream from here (44.8 mi to put-in)
Jaycee Pond Park (PnP)
0.3 mi
I(II)
Upstream from here (34.6 mi from take-out)
B) Waterford/Rochester/Burlington (PnP)
0.5 mi
These whitewater runs are on the same river but located more than 50 miles from this access site.
I
54 mi away
A) Downtown Waukesha: Barstow St. to Wisconsin Ave. (0.5 mile)
0.4 mi
10 ft/mi
II
136 mi away
A) N Wave (Neenah)
0.1 mi
II-IV+
140 mi away
B) Appleton Dam (PnP) *Access Issues*
0.1 mi
II-III(IV)
141 mi away
C) Kaukauna/1000 Islands: Hwy.55/Main Ave. to CTH.ZZ (1.5 miles)
2.5 mi
27 ft/mi
II
153 mi away
D) De Pere Dam (PnP) *Access Issues*
0.7 mi
Whitewater data from
American Whitewater
About This Access Site
**Access & Amenities**
Located in Port Barrington, this Lake County Forest Preserve offers a well-maintained boat ramp with multiple launch pads and ample parking for trailers. A seasonal permit is required to use the ramp (April through October): $20 for residents, $40 for non-residents, and $5 for seniors. Permits can be purchased online. The preserve also features picnic shelters, trails for hiking, and a marina facility with storage options.
**Water Conditions**
The Fox River at this location is a large, steady waterway (Stream Order 7) with an average flow of approximately 2,347 cubic feet per second and moderate current of about 3.6 feet per second. The river's gentle average gradient (2.4 ft/mile) makes it suitable for paddling, though paddlers should be prepared for the natural current. This access point provides entry to a 202-mile river system, offering opportunities for day trips and longer paddling adventures. Dogs are welcome on the water.
Located in Port Barrington, this Lake County Forest Preserve offers a well-maintained boat ramp with multiple launch pads and ample parking for trailers. A seasonal permit is required to use the ramp (April through October): $20 for residents, $40 for non-residents, and $5 for seniors. Permits can be purchased online. The preserve also features picnic shelters, trails for hiking, and a marina facility with storage options.
**Water Conditions**
The Fox River at this location is a large, steady waterway (Stream Order 7) with an average flow of approximately 2,347 cubic feet per second and moderate current of about 3.6 feet per second. The river's gentle average gradient (2.4 ft/mile) makes it suitable for paddling, though paddlers should be prepared for the natural current. This access point provides entry to a 202-mile river system, offering opportunities for day trips and longer paddling adventures. Dogs are welcome on the water.