Billy Goat Hole Boat Ramp Temporarily Closes for Additional Upgrades

February 12, 2025 - The Marine Resources Division (MRD) of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) will temporarily close the Billy Goat Hole Boat Ramp on Dauphin Island for additional renovations beginning at 6 p.m. on Sunday, February 23, 2025.

During the closure, the current boat ramps and docks will be removed and replacements will be installed approximately 30 feet further from Bienville Boulevard. The additional distance from the roadway will allow more room for vehicles to maneuver safely and efficiently, reducing impacts to local traffic. The new docks will feature composite decking material and be Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant. Additional updates to the facility include the addition of an ADA compliant lift and a new wheelchair ramp that will improve access to the restrooms and concession area.

This new round of improvements is a continuation of upgrades that began at the facility with a parking area renovation in 2023. The construction should be completed in approximately four months. A reopening date will be announced when available.

"The Town of Dauphin Island is pleased to partner with the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and its Marine Resources Division to bring these much-needed improvements to the broader Billy Goat Hole complex," said Dauphin Island Mayor Jeff Collier. "This facility provides convenient access to the Gulf, Mobile Bay and Mississippi Sound. We are excited for these much-needed renovations."

The Billy Goat Hole Boat Ramp renovation is a joint project between MRD and the Town of Dauphin Island. Funding for this project was provided by Alabama Governor Kay Ivey through the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act (GOMESA).

"This facility is an important asset to local boaters and anglers on Dauphin Island and to those who come here to enjoy Alabama's coastal waters," said Chris Blankenship, ADCNR Commissioner. "This is the most used boat ramp in Coastal Alabama. The improvements at Billy Goat Hole will benefit the boating and fishing community on the island for decades to come. We appreciate Mayor Collier and the Town of Dauphin Island for their partnership on this project and the support of Governor Ivey for approving the use of GOMESA funds."

For more information about Billy Goat Hole or additional public boating access along Alabama's Gulf Coast, visit http://www.outdooralabama.com/boating/coastal-alabama-boating-access or call the MRD Dauphin Island office at (251) 861-2882.

ADCNR promotes wise stewardship, management and enjoyment of Alabama's natural resources through four divisions: Marine Resources, State Parks, State Lands, and Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. Learn more at http://www.outdooralabama.com.