Black Hill Boats

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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

We offer a variety of boat rentals, including rowboats, canoes, pedal boats, paddleboards, and kayaks, perfect for both beginners and experienced boaters. Rowboats accommodate up to five people and are ideal for families, while canoes are perfect for up to three adults and can be used on the Black Hill Water Trail. Kayaks, available in one-person and tandem options, also provide access to the water trail.

*Last rentals begin at 4:30pm and must be returned to the Boathouse at 6:00 pm. Boathouse staff try to remind boaters who are still on the lake at 5:30pm to head for shore before 6:00pm. Rental boats returned after 6:00pm will incur a late fee of $10 per boat.

Weekend and Holiday Rental 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)

Weekday Rental Fees

• $14.00/hour for Kayaks, Canoes, and Rowboats
• $14.00/hour for Stand-Up Paddleboards (SUPs)
• $12.00/half-hour for Pedal Boats
• $45.00 /daily rental for any boat (except Pedal Boats & SUPs)

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 (accessible pdf form) may be used toward boat rentals.

Rowboats

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 floatation seat cushion.  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.

Passenger capacity: 5 person/800 pound maximum; 5^th passenger must be 44” or shorter

Canoes

A good choice for people with some boating experience. Canoes move faster, but they are less stable than rowboats and require some skill to maneuver. Canoe rental includes a paddle, a life jacket for each person and a seat flotation device. The new accessible/ADA compliant dock and launch system makes it easier for people with limited mobility to launch both canoes and kayaks. People using canoes may also follow the Black Hill Water

Passenger capacity:3 person maximum; 3^rd passenger must be 44” or shorter

Kayaks

Kayaking is a very different and wonderful boating experience! Because the boats sit so low in the water, kayakers feel very connected to the lake and the life in and around it. Most everyone can learn to paddle a kayak in a short period of time.  Both one-person and tandem (two-person) kayaks are available. Kayak rentals include a kayak paddle and life jacket. For the safety of all, do not place children on your lap–they must be seated in their own seat in the kayak. The new accessible/ADA compliant dock and launch system makes it easier for people with limited mobility to launch both canoes and kayaks.

Passenger capacity:1 person for single kayaks, 2 people for tandem kayaks

Pedal Boats

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

Dogs are welcome onboard but must remain on a leash in the park.

Private Pontoon Boat Group Tours

Black Hill Discovery Center offers private programs at Little Seneca Lake on their Pontoon Boat from April through November. If you would like to learn more information or make a booking, call our Park Naturalist Office at 301-528-3489 or Email Black Hill Discovery Center

Private Boats & Mooring Area at Little Seneca Lake

Private boats that can be hand launched are permitted on Little Seneca Lake from March 1– December 15 with the purchase of a daily or seasonal permit. Boaters must adhere to Regulations for Private Boats. Seasonal permits also provide access to Lake Needwood within Rock Creek Regional Park.

Schedule and Hours:

• From March 1 – December 15: 6:00 am to Official Sunset

Daily Permits: 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.

Seasonal Permits: Seasonal permits can be purchased for $75.00. The permit is good from March 1 to December 15 at both Lake Needwood and Little Seneca Lake. Permits can be purchased at the Boathouse. Also available at Active MONTGOMERY.com. Beginning August 1 Seasonal Boat Permits are prorated to $37.50.

Mooring Sites
Mooring sites for private boats may be purchased online beginning February 15 at 6:30am, for a fee of $85 per site and $75 for the required permit. Decals will be mailed to the address on your Active MONTGOMERY account for your convenience. Boats are moored at the boat ramp mooring sites. All boats must be removed by December 15, annually.

Fishing in Montgomery Parks

For full details, visit Fishing in Montgomery Parks

Largemouth bass, catfish, bluegill, crappie, and tiger muskie are the most common fish species found in Little Seneca Lake.  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. 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.   For more information on night fishing please call: 301-765-8624.

Fishing Under the Stars

Attention all Night Anglers! If you’re planning to fish at Lake Seneca, here are some important details to keep in mind:

Park Police will strictly enforce the following:

• All anglers must be off the boat and out of the Park by Midnight.
• In the event of inclement weather, night fishing may be canceled.
• All boats must have operating navigational lights.
• All Maryland State Fishing Regulations and M-NCPPC Rules & Regulations will be strictly enforced.

For any further questions, please don’t hesitate to call Black Hill Regional Park 301-528-3462. Our team is here to provide support and ensure that your night fishing experience at Lake Seneca is safe and enjoyable.

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.