Mile 889.0 - RBD New Madrid Boat Ramp

John Ruskey

20 Apr 2026 � 1 min read

889 RBD New Madrid Boat Ramp

New Madrid Boat Ramp is the best boat ramp in the region, boasting a double wide concrete ramp with concrete steps built in on one side to facilitate climbing up and down in muddy conditions. This would be the best place in New Madrid to start or end your expedition. Otherwise you can pull over anywhere along the Riverfront. Stop somewhere near the observation deck for closest access to Main Street and New Madrid’s offerings. Any paddlers stopping here should pull their vessel all of the way out of the water and secure it tightly. Remove all valuables. Take your vessel with you if leaving for any extended period of time (such as an overnight in a hotel). Unfortunately in these modern times, people are not as respectful of private property along the river as they used to be. Several years ago (Nov, 2012) a man paddling the river had his canoe stolen from this location, after leaving it for several days to return to St. Louis to resupply. He had chained and locked the canoe to a handrail. A young couple became stranded in New Madrid after experiencing a similar situation. We have heard stories of vessels being stolen from Davenport, St. Louis, Caruthersville, Vicksburg and Memphis. Best practice: carry your vessel with you! If you need to overnight near New Madrid, consider camping on the river away from town. Your best camping would be found paddling back upstream one mile to the base of the Morrison Towhead (beautiful low or medium water campsite). Or cross over to the Kentucky Point Bar where miles and open beaches await you. It's almost a mile crossing in high water, so paddle upstream a ways and then and make a strong ferry crossing. You could also stay on the New Madrid Bar. Not as aesthetically pleasing as the other choices, but better than a boring motel room!

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