Van Patten Woods Forest Preserve offers a boat ramp and sand launch area on Sterling Lake for cartop boats, canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards (electric trolling motors allowed), plus a separate canoe launch on Russell Road providing access to the Des Plaines River with shoreline fishing opportunities.

The preserve features five miles of multi-use trails, a wheelchair-accessible floating dock and two fishing piers on Sterling Lake, and free launching at your own risk with required approved flotation gear.