Patuxent River Park offers weekend (Saturday-Sunday) and holiday (Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, and Labor Day) canoe and kayak daily rentals April through October at Jug Bay Natural Area. Rentals begin at 9:00 am and all boats must be returned by 3:00 pm. Most kayaks are sit-on-top kayaks. Renters should wear clothes and shoes that can get wet. Online reservations cannot be made within 24 hours of the rental date. Walk-up rentals are available if boats are available. Renters must check in at the Visitors Center upon arrival.
Rental Requirements & Details
You must be at least 18 years of age to reserve a canoe or kayak
Persons 17 and under must have an adult (18 or older) on the water with them at all times
Kayakers must be 12 or older
A Personal Flotation Device (life jacket) is provided to all boaters and must be worn at all times while on the water
Renters are encouraged to create a float plan (PDF) and share with an emergency contact who is not a part of the trip.
Additional fees will apply to the following: late returns, lost and/or damaged equipment, or rental agreement violations
Canoe & Kayak Rentals
Rental Options
Resident
Non-Resident
Jug Bay, Kayak
$25/ Boat
$33/ Boat
Jug Bay, Canoe/ Tandem
$30/ Boat
$39/ Boat
Overnight, Kayak (currently unavailable)
$30/ Boat
$39/ Boat
Overnight, Canoe/ Tandem (currently unavailable)
$35/ Boat
$46/ Boat
Guided River Trip, Kayak
$30/ Boat
$39/ Boat
Guided River Trip, Canoe/ Tandem
$35/ Boat
$46/ Boat
The Patuxent Water Trail offers paddlers access to much of the river to camp along its banks and visit its numerous parks, historic sites, sanctuaries, and wildlife areas. Upriver paddle access begins at Governor Bridge Natural Area (#58). For more detailed information, please visit the website.