Crystal Lake Boater Info: Watercraft Lake Usage Decals, Boat Launch Key Car, Watercraft Dry Storage Available for Purchase Beginning April 1

Wed April 2, 2025

Beginning Apr 1, 2025, Watercraft Lake Usage Decals, Main & West Beach Boat Launch Key Fobs and Watercraft Dry Storage Stalls are available for purchase at the Crystal Lake Park District Admin. Office, 1 E. Crystal Lake Avenue, Crystal Lake. Proof of residency is required for all purchases. A copy of the registration card showing the watercraft is registered to the same owner/address must also be provided for decal and boat launch key fob purchases.

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

Watercraft Lake Usage Decal

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, 2025.

Please note: April 1 is when dry storage registration kicks off, and we’ll be busy with that most of the morning. If you're just planning for a key fob reactivation and lake usage decal, it's best to swing by in the afternoon or after April 1 to avoid the rush.

Tiered Fee Structure

Non-Motorized Watercraft

$20

Motorized Watercraft

>0-39 HP $50

40-99 HP $75

100-199 HP $125

200+ HP $200

Unspecified HP $200

Sailboat Owners: Illinois Department of Natural Resources (ILDNR) categorizes sailboats as powered watercraft, meaning they are required to be registered with the state. All sailboats will now need to purchase a motorized decal, which costs $50.

2025 Boat Launch Key Fob

Park District Residents Only (Apr 1, 2025-Mar 31, 2026)

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, 2025

Please note: April 1 is when dry storage registration kicks off, and we’ll be busy with that most of the morning. If you're just planning for a key fob reactivation and lake usage decal, it's best to swing by in the afternoon or after April 1 to avoid the rush.

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: 2024 gate key fob; registration form (see below); current boat registration and proof of residency.

Questions about your Illinois Watercraft registration? Please visit the Illinois Department of Natural Resources website

Keys Fobs are available for purchase in-person at the Crystal Lake Park District Administration Office, 1 E. Crystal Lake Avenue

2025 West beach Watercraft Dry Storage

Storage space is available: April 1, 2025-October 31, 2025

Park District Residents Only -Proof of residency required.

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.

One sailboat/rowboat: $165

One sailboat 16 feet or under that does not have a catamaran-style hull

Two kayaks/stand up paddleboards or one canoe: $90

Boat Launch Access Key (18-59 years): $90

Boat Launch Access Key (age 60+): $45

Replacement Fob: $15

Lake Usage Decal: $20

Required Documents: registration form (available at crystallakeparks.org or in person at the Crystal Lake Park District Admin. Office), IL Watercraft Registration Card (sailboats only) and proof of Park District residency.

Questions? Contact Anne Sandor, asandor@crystallakeparks.org

More info

https://www.crystallakeparks.org/boating