Experience Little Seneca Lake by boat! Rent a kayak, canoe, paddle board, or rowboat at the Boathouse, or get on board the “Kingfisher” pontoon boat for a tour of the lake. 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.
Weekend and Holiday Rental Fees |
Weekday Fees |
$15.00/hour for Kayaks, Canoes, and Rowboats $15.00/hour for Stand Up Paddleboards (SUPs) $12.00/half-hour for Pedal Boats $55.00 for a full day’s rental for any boat (except Pedal Boats & SUPs) |
$14.00/hour for Kayaks, Canoes, and Rowboats $14.00/hour for Stand Up Paddleboards (SUPs) $12.00/half-hour for Pedal Boats $50.00 /daily rental for any boat (except Pedal Boats & SUPs) |
*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.
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.
Enjoy Little Seneca Lake from the “Kingfisher” pontoon boat (max. cap. 20 persons). A 50 minute pontoon boat tour is a great way for individuals, 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
For more information, contact the boathouse manager: michael.davis@montgomeryparks.org.
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.
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
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.
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