Lake Needwood Boats
Rock Creek Regional Park
Lake Needwood Boat Shop
15700 Needwood Lake Circle
Rockville, MD 20855
Boat Shop 301-762-9500
Group Tours and Seasonal Permits: 301-948-0501
Visitors to Rock Creek Regional Park may enjoy excursions on the beautiful 75 acres of Lake Needwood by renting rowboats, canoes or pedal boats or through group tours on the Needwood Queen during the summer season. Private boats can also be launched with permits. Fishing is permitted on Lake Needwood and the park’s nearby Lake Frank. Boating and fishing operations are handled at the Boat Shop, where fishing rods and bait can be purchased. A snack bar is also operated at the site.
Special Announcements
Information on lake conditions and other news.
Boat Shop Hours of Operation
Boat Rental Information
Pontoon Tours
Private Boats and Mooring Area
Fishing
Directions
Boat Shop Hours of Operation
Rent canoes, pedal boats and rowboats at our boat shop, buy a fishing pole and bait, and check out the treats at our snack bar (ice cream, hot dogs, soda, and a new selection of healthy snacks). Boat rentals are available as weather permits, and all boats must be returned by 5:00 PM on weekdays, 6:30 p.m. on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. Each boat rental requires a Picture ID as a security deposit. At least one person on board each boat must be 16 years of age or older. Boat Rental Rules and Regulations apply to use of rental boats.
May and September: Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, 6:30 AM – 7:00 PM
Regular Season (Memorial Day through Labor Day):
Wednesday through Friday,
Noon – 5:30 PM
Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, 6:30 AM - 7:00 PM
Closed Mondays and Tuesdays
Closed October through April
Cash, Visa and Mastercard are accepted at the Boat Shop. Fee Reduction Coupons may be used toward boat rentals.
Snack Bar open weekends and holidays (not open on weekdays), 11:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. (hours may vary).
Boat Rental Information
Types of Boats
Rowboat
Great for individuals and families who want to spend time on the water but are not experienced with boating. Rowboats may also be used for fishing. Each rented rowboat includes a pair of oars, a life jacket for each person, and a seat flotation device. Some boats can accommodate an electric trolling motor, which must be provided by the renter. Anchors are available upon request.
Passenger capacity: 5 person/800 pound maximum; 5th passenger must be 44” or shorter
Cost: $7+tax (one hour) and
$24+tax (full day)
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.
Passenger capacity:3 person maximum; 3rd passenger must be 44” or shorter
Cost:$7+tax (one hour) and $24+tax (full day)
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
Cost: $6 + tax for one half-hour
Pontoon Tours
Tour the lake on the Needwood Queen, a pontoon boat operating on weekends and holidays between Memorial Day and Labor Day. The 20-30 minute boat tours allow you to see turtles, birds and other wildlife on the lake. The Needwood Queen is accessible for people using wheelchairs.
Passenger capacity: 15 people per trip
Tour departures: Noon, 1 PM, 2 PM, 3 PM, 4 PM
Cost: $2 per person (purchase tickets at the Boat Shop)
Group Tours: Groups of 10-15 people may reserve the Needwood Queen for tours during weekdays; group tours can be arranged by calling the Park Manager at 301-948-0501.
Private Boats & Mooring Area
Private boats that can be hand launched are permitted on Lake Needwood 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 Little Seneca Lake at Black Hill Regional Park.
Schedule and Hours:
- From March 1- October 31: 6AM to Official Sunset
- From November 1- December 15: 7AM - to Official Sunset.
PLEASE NOTE: The lake is closed to all boating from December 16 through February.
Daily Permits: During the summer, daily permits can be purchased at the Boat Shop. Otherwise, payment for daily permits should be left in the drop box by the Boat Shop. Daily launch fees are $5.
Seasonal Permits: To purchase seasonal permits and mooring privileges, contact the Park Manager at 301-948-0501. Seasonal permits cost $65, and mooring sites are $50.
Fishing
Largemouth bass, catfish, bluegill, crappie, and trout are only a few of the fish species found in Lake Needwood and Lake Frank. Trout are stocked each spring, and a trout stamp is required to fish. Trout are limited to 5 per day. 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 Lake Needwood, and from private boats during the private boat permit season. Year-round fishing is permitted from the shoreline of both lakes. Please view the Regulations for Private Boats for complete fishing information.
Directions
From I-495 take Exit 31for Georgia Ave./MD Route 97 North. Follow Georgia Ave. for almost 7 miles and turn left onto Norbeck Road/MD Route 28. Turn right onto Muncaster Mill Road/MD Route 115. Turn left onto Avery Road, and right onto Needwood Lake Circle to enter Rock Creek Park. Follow the signs to the Boat Shop.
