Black Hill Boats
Black Hill Regional Park
20920 Lake Ridge Drive
Boyds, MD 20841
Boathouse: 301-972-6157 (May - September, Wednesday - Sunday)
Visitor Center: 301-972-9396 (April - September, Monday - Sunday)
Whether you're in the park for a party or family get-together, or just dropping by for a day outdoors, you can experience Little Seneca Lake by boat and enjoy the wildlife that make the lake their home.
Rent a kayak, canoe or rowboat at the Boathouse, or jump on board our pontoon boat for a Naturalist-led tour of the lake.
Private boats may access the lake with valid permits. Fishing is allowed on Little Seneca Lake, and fishing licenses (required for people age 16 and up) can be purchased at Black Hill Visitor Center. Purchase snacks at our concession stand during the summer season.
Special Announcements
Black Hill Boat Rentals
Pontoon Tours
Private Boats at Little Seneca Lake
Fishing
Black Hill Water Trail
Directions
Special Announcements
Night Fishing at Little Seneca Lake (pdf 122KB) -
Black Hill Boat Rental
Hours of Operation
May and September
- Saturdays and Sundays: 6:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Memorial Day through Labor Day
NEW! Operating hours for 2010 have been expanded!
- Tuesday - Friday: 10a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Now open Tuesdays, and opening at 10 a.m. each day instead of Noon - Saturdays, Sundays & Holidays: 6:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
- Closed Mondays (except for Monday holidays; open 6:30a.m.-6:00p.m.)
Boat Rentals
Black Hill rents rowboats, canoes and kayaks. Each rental requires a picture ID as a security deposit. All boats must be returned by 7PM and must have someone at least 16 years old on board (a driver's license or photo ID is required for each boat rented). Rentals are available as weather permits. Boat Rental Rules and Regulations apply to use of rental boats.
Cash, Visa or Mastercard payments are accepted for boat rentals. 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 are not experienced with boating. Rowboats can accommodate up to five people, four of who may be adults. The rental includes a pair of oars, one life jacket for each person, and a seat cushion device. Some boats can accommodate electric trolling motors, provided by the renter. Anchors are also available upon request.
Canoes can accommodate up to 3 adults. A paddle and a life jacket 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. Kayak rentals include a kayak paddle, life jacket and seat cushion flotation device. Kayakers must be at least 16 years of age.
Boat Rental Fees
Boat (per hour): $8.00 (includes tax)
Boat (for the full day):
$27.50 (includes tax)
Closing Time(s)
The 6:00p.m. 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 do not have to return your rented boat to the Boathouse until 7:00p.m.. All boat rentals must be back on shore by 7:00p.m.. Boathouse staff try to remind boaters who are still on the lake at 6:30pm. to head for shore before 7:00p.m. Rental boats returned after 7:00p.m. will incur an addtional full-day rental charge of $27.50 per boat.
back to topPontoon Boat Tours
Join us for naturalist-led group and/or public nature programs on the Kingfisher pontoon boat (max. cap. 30 persons). The ADA-accessible Kingfisher can accommodate up to 8 people using wheelchairs. A 60-75 minute tour on the Kingfisher is a great way for individuals, families and small groups to experience the beautiful, 505-acre Little Seneca Lake. Pontoon boat tours are available on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays beginning Saturday, May 1 through Labor Day weekend. Tours leave promptly at 12:30pm, 2:00pm and 3:30pm from the Boat Rental location. Tickets are sold on a walk-up, first-come/first-served basis each day for trips that same day. Children under 5 must wear a Personal Flotation Device. Groups interested in touring the lake should contact the park naturalist for reservation and fee information. Please call 301-916-0220 for information and reservations.
Pontoon Boat Tour Cost
All tickets are $4.00 per person.
Pontoon Boat Group Tours
Groups of up to 30 people may also make reservations for private pontoon tours by advance reservation. Private tour cost: $5 per person. Contact 301-972-5990 to arrange private group tours.
back to topPrivate Boats at Little Seneca Lake
- Private boats are permitted on the lake March 1 – December 15. Times for boating are sunrise to sunset March 1- December 15. 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 Passes are purchased from the Black Hill Visitor Center and cost $70.00.
- Mooring stakes can be purchased for an additional $80.00. Boats are moored at the Boat Ramp and Mooring site.
- Daily Permits cost $5 per boat, and are purchased at the Boat Ramp and Mooring Area or at the Pull-off Area at the MD Route 121 bridge (just North of the Route 117 intersection). Visitors should deposit their payment in the lock boxes at these locations.
- 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 301-972-3476.
back to topFishing
Largemouth bass, catfish, bluegill, crappie, and Tiger Musky 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 aged 16 and older are required to 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. Fishing Licenses can be purchased at the Black Hill Visitor Center. Fishing maps are also available for sale.
Night Fishing (pdf, 122KB) - Little Seneca Lake
back to topBlack 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.
back to topDirections
From 1-270 take Exit 15A for Germantown Road/MD 118 North. Turn left onto Frederick Road/MD 355 North. Make another left onto West Old Baltimore Road. At Lake Ridge Drive, turn into the park and follow the signs to the Visitor Center and Boat Rental.
back to top
Montgomery County Department of Parks