R.D. Keene Boat Ramp and Lake Down Boat Ramp (Butler Chain of Lakes) are CLOSED Due to High Water Levels

• 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/.

R.D. Keene Park has two soccer fields available for a rental fee of $35/hour, a large covered playground and picnic areas. To make a reservation, please call the park directly at 407-254-1940; leave a detailed message if you reach voicemail. Please note that Orange County Parks and Recreation requires 30 days or more to schedule and complete payment and paperwork for all rentals.

We ask that all who visit the Butler Chain of Lakes observe common safe boating practices:

• Mind your Wake! Use caution and reduced speed to minimize wake near shorelines and structures.
• Obey all Uniform Waterway Regulatory Markers.
• Be courteous to others and slow down!
  Help us keep the ramp and lakes safe for you and future generations!

Boat Ramp Information

• Located on beautiful Lake Isleworth, R.D. Keene Park's boat ramp offers public access to the Butler Chain of Lakes. The boat ramp has parking for up to 49 vehicles and trailers. When the boat ramp reaches parking capacity, the entry gate will CLOSE and re-open after 2 p.m. No waiting or “drop and go” will be allowed.
• User fees are as follows: vehicles with trailers and motorized watercraft, $5 per day (pay with exact change or check at the ramp); vehicles only, free; vehicles with non-motorized watercraft, free; and boat ramp annual pass, $150 (see below).
• The annual recreation or business pass must be purchased at Tibet-Butler Preserve's office. Office hours are 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m.-12 p.m. on Saturdays; office is closed on Sundays.
• ALL FISHING TOURNAMENTS AND GROUPS/CLUBS: please contact the Tibet-Butler Preserve office (407-254-1940) to schedule and register your event. Event fee and liability insurance is required.
• Public Boat Ramp Commercial Operations Guideline
• Public Boat Ramp Ordinance No. 2020-11