Information for Crystal Lake Park District Residents Who Own Boats
Residents of the City of Crystal Lake, the Village of Lakewood and the Crystal Park District are eligible to purchase a lake usage decal for launching both non-motorized and motorized watercraft on Crystal Lake.
Requirements for Boat Access on Crystal Lake (Crystal Lake Park District and Lakewood Residents Only):
- Review Rules & Regulations
- Purchase an Annual Lake Usage Decal from the Crystal Lake Park District
- Purchase a Boat Launch Key Fob from the Crystal Lake Park District
- Proof of Residency: Current Driver's License of State ID
- Current Illinois Watercraft Registration Card(s) OR
- Current IDNR Application Renewal Receipt(s)
- A photo of the Illinois Watercraft Sticker will not be accepted.
- Information on documents must match.
- Proof of Horsepower is required. If the horsepower is not listed on the registration card or on the original bill of sale, the decal fee will be $200.
- Both boat launch key fobs and lake usage decals are sold at the Administration Office. Boat Launch Key fobs will not be sold without the purchase of the Lake Usage Decal.
- Boat Launch Fobs and Lake Usage Decals will only be sold to the Park District Resident listed on the Watercraft Registration card.
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Lake Usage Decal
Residents of the City of Crystal Lake, the Village of Lakewood and the Crystal Lake Park District are eligible to purchase a lake usage decal for launching both non-motorized and motorized watercraft on Crystal Lake. These decals are required for any watercraft on Crystal Lake. Revenues from the decals will support lake ecology work. Available at the Crystal Lake Park District Administrative Office, 1 E. Crystal Lake Avenue, Crystal Lake, beginning April 1, 2024.
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2024 Boat Launch Key Fob
Park District Residents Only (Apr 1, 2024-Mar 31, 2025)
Park District resident boat owners must purchase a new key fob each year to use the Main or West Park launch ramps. All watercraft must enter through boat gate. Daily admission fees apply to the permit holder and all guests wanting to use the beach and/or swimming areas at Main or West Beach.
Current Boat Launch Key Fob Holders: Renewals begin April 1, 2024
IMPORTANT:
- One (1) launch key fob per household. The boat must be registered to the resident's address regardless of dual ownership.
- Key fobs are not available to personally owned businesses, rental or vacant property owners in Crystal Lake whose primary residence is not Crystal Lake.
- Daily admission fees apply to the permit holder and all guests wanting to use the beach and swimming areas at Main or West Beach.
- Both boat launch key fobs and lake usage decals are sold at the Administration Office. Boat Launch Key fobs will not be sold without the purchase of the Lake Usage Decal.
- Boat Launch Fobs and Lake Usage Decals will only be sold to the Park District Resident listed on the Watercraft Registration card.
Fee: $90 (Ages 18-59 ); $45 (Ages 60 +)
Replacement Key: $15
Accepted Payment: Check, Cash or Credit Card
Required Documents: 2023 gate key fob; registration form (see below); current boat registration and proof of residency.
Keys Fobs are available for purchase at the Crystal Lake Park District Administration Office, 1 E. Crystal Lake Avenue
Lobby Hours of Operation
M-F, 8:30 am-5 pm
SA, 9:30 am-12 pm (April-July)
Drive Thru Hours of Operation
M-F 8:30 am-12 pm
Boat Launch Access and Watercraft Lake Usage Registration Form 2024
Boat Launch Information Flyer 2024
Crystal Lake Boating Safety Regulations 2024
SPECIAL EVENTS / BOAT LAUNCH EXCEPTIONS
We would like to make you aware of annual events that effect the MAIN BEACH boat launch area:
Crystal Lake Cardboard Regatta-Sat, July 20, 2024
- Park south of pavilion closed TBD
- Boat launch closed TBD, West launch open
- Shoreline boat parking prohibited
Fireworks -Sun, July 7, 2024
- Front gates will open at 9 am.
- No one is allowed to reserve tables until after 9 am. Items on tables before 9 am will be removed.
- For everyone's safety, picnic tables are not to be moved to another location of the park.
- Regular Resident and Non-Resident admission applies until 2:30 pm. Starting at 2:30 pm, admission is $5/person.
Flannel Fest-Sat, Sep 21, 2024
- Park south of pavilion closed TBD
- Boat launch closed TBD, West launch open
- Shoreline boat parking prohibited
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Info for Paddleboard & Kayak Owners
In order to place your watercraft (i.e. jet skis, kayaks, stand up paddleboard inflatables, etc.) on Crystal Lake, from either a public or private launch site, the following criteria must be met:
- You must be a resident of the City of Crystal Lake, the Village of Lakewood or reside in the Crystal Lake Park District's boundaries.
- The watercraft's registration must reflect the resident's name.
- You must purchase an Annual Lake Usage Decal (non-motorized watercraft $20) at the Crystal Lake Park District Administrative Office
In order to launch onto Crystal Lake via the Main or West Beach boat launches, please purchase a Boat Launch Key Card at the Crystal Lake Park District Admin Office
Please note: launch of any watercraft via Kamijima Park is prohibited.
In order to purchase a boat launch key, you must provide all the following documents in person at the Crystal Lake Park District Administrative Office:
-Current Illinois Driver's License
-Application Fee: $90 (Ages 18-59 ); $45 (Ages 60 +) Replacement Key: $15
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Dry Storage Info
* SOLD OUT FOR 2024 SEASON *
2024 West beach Watercraft Dry Storage
Storage space is available: April 1, 2024-October 31, 2024
Park District Residents Only
The Park District has boat stalls available for rental in the West Park dry storage compound. Registration for dry storage spaces begins April 1 at the Park District Administration Office. Stalls will be leased on a first-come, first-served basis. One stall per household.
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2024 Boat Rental Reservations
BOAT RENTAL AT MAIN BEACH
Boat House Direct Line: 779.994.7060
- Life jackets included in rental fee and are required.
- Last rental goes out 1 hour prior to park closing. View Main Beach Hours of Operation
- Free parking in the Main Beach parking lot.
- Boating on beautiful Crystal Lake is fun and affordable through the Park District boat rental operation at the Main Beach Boat House. Fees are on a per boat basis.
- Present your reservation receipt at the gate for admission. Swim area access not included.
Please note:
All renters must sign a Boat Rental Waiver which is available at Boathouse or print in advance.
- 12 - 15 year olds may use boats with a signature of a parent/guardian who is present on the beach.
- 16 - 17 year olds may use boats with a signature of a parent/guardian.
- For sailboat rental, participants under age 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian in the sailboat.
RESERVATIONS
Online reservations are recommended to ensure your choice of boat type and time slot. Walk-up reservations are available at the boat house.
Use the "Search" tab and select "Boat Search" under the Boat Rentals heading (button above takes you directly to this option)
In the Rental Search Criteria box, enter the date you wish to reserve your rental and enter the type of boat you wish to rent. Select "Search" and a list of boats and the availability in one hour time slots will appear.
You will be asked to pick the family member that will be renting the boat, put a check mark in the box and "Continue". Select one family member for the reservation. Complete the waiver form agreement and proceed to checkout and finalize your purchase.
If you have a credit on your account, the system will automatically apply the credit towards the purchase price. You will view this information during the check-out process.
Helpful Hints:
- Prior to making your first reservation, you will be prompted to set up a household profile in the online registration/reservation system.
- Please double check your reservation date prior to completing the online transaction.
- If you need to reserve multiple boats at the same time or a rowboat for 4 hours or more, contact Stephanie at sscott@crystallakeparks.org.
Type of Boat
R/NR Fees
Paddle boat
Capacity: 4 people or 564 lbs
$10/$13
Canoe
Capacity: 4 people or 705 lbs
$10/$13
Sailboat*
$12/$16
Rowboat**
3 people or 400 lbs
$10/$13
Single Kayak: 1 person, 300 lbs
Double Kayak: 2 people or 500 lbs
Triple Kayak: 3 people or 500 lbs
$10/$13
Stand Up Paddle Board
Capacity: 1 person, 300 lbs
$12/$16
Dragon/Duck Paddle Boat
Capacity: 5 people or 1400 lbs
$12/$16
* To rent a sailboat, you must present a Park District sailing card, which can be obtained by taking our sailing program, or one from another reliable organization. Sailboat participants under age 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian in the sailboat.
** Half price, per hour, if rented for a minimum of 4 hours.
RULES AND REGULATIONS
Renters must follow wake/no-wake hours, speed limits etc.
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2024 Sailing Lessons & Camp Opportunities
Lake Leisure Camp-NEW FOR 2024!
Ages 11-14
Explore your nautical side this summer with our Lake Leisure Camp. Campers will explore the lake using a variety of watercraft including kayaks, canoes and stand up paddleboards. This camp will foster your sense of exploration while learning the importance of lake safety. Additionally, campers will get to enjoy the beach to cool off and unwind. Please wear a swimsuit and bring a snack, water bottle, and towel to camp each day.
Mon-Fri, Jun 24-Jun 28, 9-11:30 am
$175 res/$228 non res
Sailing Camp-NEW FOR 2024!
Ages 11-14
Set sail with a week of adventure on Crystal Lake. In this one-week camp, young sailors will explore the lake while learning to sail. We provide boats, lifejackets, sailing partner if needed, and expert instruction. Upon completion of this class, students will demonstrate the basic skills and knowledge of sailing
Mon-Fri, Jul 29-Aug 2, 9-11:30 am
$175 res/$228 non res
2024 Sailing Lessons
During the summer season, the Crystal Lake Park District offers Private Sailing Lessons and Group Sailing Lessons.
Anyone wishing to rent sail boat from the Crystal Lake Park District Boat House must present a sailing card from a Crystal Lake Park District course, or another reputable organization. Sailors may also present ownership papers of a sailboat to rent a boat on Crystal Lake. Passengers do NOT need to present card, only person sailing.
Group Sailing Lessons
Enjoy the carefree life of a sailor! We provide the boats, life jackets, sailing partner if needed, and expert instruction. Upon completion of this class, students must demonstrate the basic skills and knowledge of sailing to receive a Park District Sailing Card, which is required for renting sail boats on Crystal Lake. Water shoes and beach attire are required.
Fee: $170 res/$221 non-res
choice of:
Mon-Th, 6/3-6/6, 1-4 pm, register for 340211-01
M,W, 6/10-6/19, 5-8 pm, register for 340211-02
Mon-Th, 7/22-7/25, 1-4 pm, register for 340211-03
Questions? Email Stephanie at sscott@crystallakeparks.org
Private/Semi-Private sailing lessons
Ages 13 & Up
Beginner (4 hours total)
Resident Fee: $160 Individual / $260 Couple
Non-Resident Fee: $208 Individual / $338 Couple
Experienced (2 hours total)
Resident Program Fee: $80 Individual / $130 Couple
Non-Resident Fee: $104 Individual / $169 Couple
To schedule lessons, first complete the Private Lesson Request Form and submit at least one week in advance of your preferred start date. For additional information, contact Stephanie at sscott@crystallakeparks.org