Water Recreation and Sports
Whether its fishing on the James River, sailing on the Chesapeake Bay or sunbathing at the Atlantic ocean beaches, you don't have to travel very far to enjoy the water in Newport News.
Various parks throughout the City offer fresh and salt water fishing opportunities. This includes fishing on the Lee Hall Reservoir (boat rentals are available) or from the James River, Hilton, Anderson Park and King-Lincoln Park fishing piers.
Charter fishing vessels leave regularly from the City's Seafood Industrial Park for the thrill of ocean fishing. The shallows around one of the three bridge tunnels crossing Hampton Roads or around the "ghost fleet" harbored near Fort Eustis are favorite fishing grounds for the amateur fisher.
There are plenty of opportunities for sailing and motor boating in Newport News. Besides several marinas in and around Newport News, there are three boat launch ramps in Newport News—along the Warwick River, James River and Hampton Roads Harbor. Rowboats, canoes and paddleboats can be rented at Newport News Park for an excursion on the Lee Hall Reservoir. Boats and canoes can also be rented at Lake Maury at the Mariners Museum Park.
Local beaches include those at Huntington Park (along the James River) and Anderson Park (along Hampton Roads Harbor) or at Buckroe Beach (on the Chesapeake Bay) and Yorktown Beach (along the York River). Ocean View and Chic's Beach are on the other side of Hampton Roads. For more surf, the Atlantic Ocean beaches of Virginia Beach are less than an hour away. Nags Head and the Outer Banks—where locals go for those extended beach vacations—are about two hours away.
If you don't have a swimming pool in your back yard, chances are you can join a neighborhood association and swim in an outdoor pool all summer long. Most neighborhood associations participate in summer swim leagues. Year-round swim leagues operate from the Fort Eustis and Coast Guard aquatic centers (membership in these leagues is open to non-military families). Two outdoor swimming pools are also operated by the Newport News Parks and Recreation Department in the Southeast Community. Indoor swimming pools are located at two Boys and Girls Club locations, at the YMCA and the Riverside Wellness Center, at the Mid-City Community Center and at various private health spas |
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BOATING
Leeward Marina
7499 River Rd.
(757) 247-2359, (757) 247-2376
www.leewardmarina.com
Located on the James River by the James River Bridge, this 200-slip marina offers easy access to the Hampton Roads Harbor and the Chesapeake Bay.
Features: slips available on annual, monthly, or overnight basis- $4.50 per foot for annual lease and $5.50 per foot for monthly lease; full-service fuel dock with diesel and unleaded gas, 24-hour security, water and electrical hookup, sewage pump-out facility, and complete restrooms with showers.
Hours: March 1 - September 30, 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.; For more information contact the Dockmaster at 247-2359 or 247-2376
Public Boat Ramps (no fee) 
Denbigh Park open 5:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. (access to Warwick River)
Anderson Park(Peterson's Yacht Basin) open 24 hours (access to Hampton Roads Harbor)
Huntington Park open 24 hours
(access to James River)
Newport News Park Reservoirs
(boat rentals & private launch)
Boat rentals available at the Newport News Park Campsite Office year-round
7:00 a.m. - sunset, and at the Lee Hall Fishing Area and the Harwood's Mill Fishing Area on weekends and holidays May - October
Jon boat (3 or 4 person) or canoe (3 person) $4.00 + tax per hour; paddleboat (2 or 4 person) $5.00 + tax per hour. Oars, paddles, and personal flotation devices provided;
You must be at least 16 years of age to rent watercraft.
Launch of private boats
(gasoline engines prohibited)
$4.00 day permit, $40.00 annual permit (annual permit valid for 12 months from date of purchase), senior rates available. Permits available at: Newport News Park Campsite Office and the City Hall Office.
FISHING
Saltwater Fishing
A valid Virginia Saltwater Fishing License is required for tho se age 16 and older. Saltwater fishing piers are located at:Hilton School, King-Lincoln Park, Denbigh Park, and Anderson Park
Freshwater Fishing at
Newport News Park Reservoirs
The Lee Hall and Harwood's Mill Reservoirs offer over 650 acres of freshwater stocked with largemouth bass, chain pickerel, northern pike, bluegill, perch, and crappie.
Pier and Shoreline
Pier and shoreline fishing May - October (in designated area) at Lee Hall Fishing Area daily, and at Harwood's Mill on weekends;
permit: $1.50 per day, per licensed fisherman
(permits available at Campsite Office).
A valid Virginia Freshwater Fishing License is required for those over age 16.
Jon Boat Fishing Rental
$4.00 + tax ($3.00 + tax after 5:00 p.m.)
per each licensed fisherman in rental boat per day.
Private Boat Fishing
No additional charge above daily or annual launch permit.
(year round)
Children's Fishing Piers
Children (age 15 & under) fish free at all City Parks. Freshwater Children's Piers at:Huntington Park and Newport News Park |
