Black Hill Boat Rentals

Experience Little Seneca Lake by boat! Rent a kayak, canoe, paddle board, pedal boat or rowboat at the Boathouse.  Enjoy the beautiful 505-acre lake as well as the wildlife that make the lake their home.

Private boats may access the lake with valid permits. Fishing is allowed on Little Seneca Lake. See “Fishing” below for all the details. During the summer season, bottled water is available for sale at the Boathouse.

Boat Rentals

*The 5 pm closing times listed above refer to the latest time you may begin your rental of a kayak, canoe, or rowboat at the Boathouse ticket window.  However, you don’t have to return your rented boat to the Boathouse until 6pm. Boathouse staff try to remind boaters who are still on the lake at 5:30pm to head for shore before 6pm. Rental boats returned after 6pm will incur a late fee of $10 per boat. 

What boat should I get?

Black Hill rents rowboats, canoes, pedal boat, paddle boards, and kayaks.  A driver’s license or photo ID is required for each boat rented. Life Jackets must be worn at all times. Rentals are available as weather permits.  Boat Rental Rules and Regulations apply to use of rental boats. For more information, please call 301-528-3466. Cash and all major credit cards are accepted for boat rental payments.  Fee Reduction Coupons may be used toward boat rentals.

Rowboats are great for individuals and families who want to spend time on the water, but have limited boating experience.  Rowboats can accommodate up to five people (four adults). The rental fee includes a pair of oars, one PFD (personal floatation device) for each person, and a seat cushion device.  Some boats can accommodate electric trolling motors, provided by the renter. Anyone born after July 1, 1972 must possess a certificate of boating safety education in order to operate a trolling motor on a Parks rowboat. Anchors are available upon request.

Canoes can accommodate up to three adults. A paddle and a PFD (personal floatation device) are provided for each person, and a flotation seat cushion is available. People using canoes may also follow the Black Hill Water Trail.

Kayaks provide an individual, solitary experience on the lake, and almost anyone can learn to use a one in a short period of time.  Both one-person and tandem two-person kayaks are available.  People using kayaks may also follow the Black Hill Water Trail. The rental fee includes a kayak paddle and PFD (personal floatation device).

Pedal Boats are great for people of all ages with little or no boating experience. Pedal boats are stable and easy to maneuver, and very popular for families with young children. Each rental includes life jackets for each person, and a seat flotation device.  Passenger capacity: 4 person maximum

Private Pontoon Boat Group Tours

Enjoy Little Seneca Lake from the “Kingfisher” pontoon boat (max. cap. 20 persons). A 50 minute pontoon boat tour is a great way for families and small groups to experience the beautiful, 505-acre lake. Children under 6 must wear a PFD (Personal Flotation Device) that is provided at all times. The ADA-accessible Kingfisher can accommodate up to 5 people using wheelchairs.

At the present time availability is very limited. If you would like to request a tour, call our  Park Naturalist Office at 301-528-3489 or blackhillnature@montgomeryparks.org  All private pontoon boat tours require reservations made at least two weeks in advance. We can accommodate 20 people on a 50 minute ride.

Private tour fees:  $150.00

Private Boats at Little Seneca Lake

• Private boats are permitted on the lake March 1– December 15, sunrise to sunset. The lake is closed to boating from December 16 through February. All boats must have a Daily or Seasonal Pass and adhere to Regulations for Private Boats.
• Seasonal Permits may be purchased online with a fee of $75.00, decals will be mailed to the address on your ActiveMONTGOMERY account for your convenience. Beginning August 1, Seasonal Permits will be 50% off.
• Mooring Sites
  *At this time, all Mooring Sites have been assigned. If you would like to be added to the waitlist, please reach out to the boathouse manager at michael.davis@montgomeryparks.org.*Mooring sites for private boats may be purchased online beginning February 15, for a fee of $85 per site and $75 for the required permit. Decals will be mailed to the address on your ActiveMONTGOMERY account for your convenience. Boats are moored at the boat ramp mooring sites. All boats must be removed by December 15, annually.
• Daily Permits cost $5 per boat. Must be purchased online on THE DAY OF your trip. An electronic or print copy of your receipt will serve as your permit. Permits may also be purchased at the boathouse during normal operating hours. Trailered and non-trailered boats may be launched at the boat ramp and mooring area, and non-trailered boats can also be launched at the MD Route 121 Bridge pull-off area.  Boats may only be moored at the Boat Ramp and Mooring Area during the boating season with the purchase of a mooring stake.

For more information, contact the boathouse manager: michael.davis@montgomeryparks.org.

Fishing

Largemouth bass, catfish, bluegill, crappie, and tiger muskie are the most common fish species found in Little Seneca Lake. Trophy Bass Fishing Regulations are in effect.  All Maryland State Fishing Regulations for inland waters apply, and people ages 16 and older must have a Maryland Fishing License.  Fishing is permitted from the rental boats during the operational season at Little Seneca Lake, and from private boats during the private boat permit season. Year-round fishing is permitted from the shoreline. Please view the Regulations for Private Boats for complete information.

Live bait is available at the rental as well as bamboo cane poles, fishing line, floats, sinkers and hooks.

For information about fishing licenses, please contact the Maryland Department of Natural Resources at 1-855-855-3906 (7 days a week, 7am – 7pm), or visit www.dnr.maryland.gov and use their new “COMPASS” Online Licensing and Registration System.

Night Fishing

Little Seneca Lake is open to night fishing on five dates during the summer months. Private boats are permitted on the lake until midnight and must have all required navigation lights.
May 18, June 15, July 13, August 10, September 7, and October 5 2022

For more information please call: 301-765-8623

Black Hill Water Trail

Take a tour of Little Seneca Lake in a canoe or kayak, and learn more about the ecology, plant, and wildlife (fish, birds, insects, etc.) on the lake.  Following the water trail markers takes approximately two hours.  Print out a copy of the Black Hill Water Trail Guide here.