• Due to high water levels, Orange County, Florida Government has issued a precautionary lake advisory. As of Wednesday, September 11, R.D. Keene and Lake Down (Butler Chain of Lakes) are CLOSED until water levels are reduced to 9 inches above the Normal High Water Elevation (NHWE). For more information, visit OrangeCountyParks.net or email parks@ocfl.net.

  Following Hurricane Ian in 2022, Orange County Parks and Recreation established procedures regarding the opening and closure of County Boat Ramps. According to such procedures:

  Boating is likely to be safe in terms of submerged structures; varies by waterbody (e.g., levels are below the NHWE or 9 inches above the NHWE on the Butler Chain of Lakes, have returned to pre-storm levels, or levels are less than the NHWE and trending downward on two consecutive readings with no significant additional storm anticipated in the near future, if levels are near the NHWE).

  On 10/2/24, Lake Butler was 1.04 feet (12.48 inches) above Normal High Water Levels. We continue to monitor each ramp and will open when levels lower below 99.23 feet (9 inches above NHWE of 98.48 feet). At this time, we do not have a projected opening date; please use one of the other seven open Orange County boat ramps.

  If you wish to see the latest water levels:

  • For the Butler Chain of Lakes, use the following website: https://orange.wateratlas.usf.edu/waterbodies/lakes/140116/.

Notice: There is no public parking at the Lake Down Boat Ramp.

Boat Ramp Information

• Public Boat Ramp Commercial Operations Guideline
• Public Boat Ramp Ordinance No. 2020-11