Boating

Watercraft Lake Usage Decal

Available Apr 1, 2026-March 31, 2027

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.

Please note: in order to purchase a lake usage decal you must provide all of the following documents in person:

• Illinois Watercraft Registration Card (sailboats and motorboats only). Card must show the watercraft is registered to the same owner/address.
• Proof of Residency
• Fee as listed above
• Please review Crystal Lake Boating Rules & Regulations 

Lost Decals: There is no replacement fee for a lost decal. Boat Patrol will honor your receipt for proof of purchase. 

Boat Gate Key Fob

Park District Residents Only

April 1, 2026-March 31, 2027

BOAT GATE KEY FOB FEES

Ages 18 -59: $90

Ages 60 & Older: $45

Half Price Key Fobs: Available after October 1, 2026

Boat Launch Guidelines

• 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 launch gate.
• Residents living on the lake who wish to use the launch once at the beginning and end of the season should contact 815.459.0680, ext. 0 for access during Park District business hours.
• One launch key fob per household. The watercraft must be registered to the resident's address regardless of joint ownership.
• Key fobs are not available to personally owned businesses, rental of vacant property owners in Crystal Lake who primary residence is not Crystal Lake.
• 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. Key fobs may be purchased at the Administration Office.

Please note: in order to purchase a key you must provide all of the following documents in person:

• Illinois Watercraft Registration Card (sailboats and motorboats only)
• Proof of Residency
• Completed Boat Launch Key Fob Registration Form
• Fee
• Please review Crystal Lake Boating Rules & Regulations 

Special Events / Boat Launch Exceptions

We would like to make you aware of annual events that effect the MAIN BEACH boat launch area:

Fireworks -Sun, July 5, 2026

• 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.

Paddleboard & Kayak Owners

In order to place your watercraft (i.e. jet skis, kayaks, stand up paddle board 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 registration must reflect the resident's name.
• You must purchase a Watercraft 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 Fob at the Crystal Lake Park District Administration Office.

Please note: launch of any watercraft via Kamijima Park is prohibited.

Please note: in order to purchase a key you must provide all of the following documents in person:

• Proof of Residency
• Boat Launch Key Fob Registration Form
• Fee

Watercraft Dry Storage

Storage space available starting Apr 1, 2027
Park District Residents Only, one stall per household

Location: West Beach SOLD OUT FOR 2026

The Park District has boat stalls available for rental in the West Park dry storage compound. The compound is lit to provide better security. Registration for dry storage spaces begin on April 1 at the Park District Administration Office and will be leased on a first-come, first-served basis. Watercraft must be removed from storage on or before October 31, 2026. One dry storage slip per household. Please bring proof of Park District residency.

Boat Rentals

Boats are available for rent at Main Beach

Boat House Direct Line: 779.994.7060

• Life jackets included in rental fee and are required.
• Last rental leaves the dock 1 hour prior to park closing.
  • View Main Beach Hours of Operation
• Free parking in Main Beach parking lot.
• 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.

Boat Rental Waiver

• 12 - 15 year olds may rent boats with a signature of a parent/guardian who is present on the beach.
• 16 - 17 year olds may rent 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 and have a current Sailing Certification card.

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, email Stephanie Scott or call 815.459.0680 x 1219.

* 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.

Private & Group Sailing Lessons

The Crystal Lake Park District offers private and group sailing lessons during summer hours. Upon completion of the lessons, you will be sailing certified! Anyone wishing to rent a sailboat from the Crystal Lake Park District Boat House must present a sailing certification card from the Crystal Lake Park District program, 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.

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. For more information, email Stephanie Scott or call 815.459.0680 x 1219.