I never had a problem anchoring just to the west of the mooring field. It shoals there pretty quickly but there is room for at least a few boats with moderate draft.

As for the dinghy dock, you do NOT need a permit IF you are anchoring. If you pick up a mooring and use it, they could ticket you.

One time they put a sticker on my dinghy (!) and I was NOT happy. I sought them out and they (the harbormasters' disigneees: assistant harbormasters) were pretty obnoxious. When I eventually got them to understand that I had anchored, they said "oh, that's all right then". But, they should have found out what the situation was before putting a sticker on someone else's property.

There are also lots of beaches which say they are boat launching spots. You can haul dinghies up there. Depending on where your boat is located, it might be much more convenient.

Jerry