Canoe and Kayak Rentals

The Patuxent River offers excellent opportunities for canoeing and kayaking. The river is accessible from just below Route 50 in Bowie to the mouth at Drum Point. The Patuxent Water Trail offers paddlers access to the river, to camp along its banks, and visit its numerous parks, historic sites, sanctuaries and wildlife areas. Detailed information is available through the website at www.patuxentwatertrail.org

The Jug Bay Natural Area with its tidal freshwater wetlands, offer outstanding opportunities for paddlers. Two launch sites, Jackson's Landing and Selby's Landing, provide access to Jug Bay. The park rents canoes and kayaks daily from April through October. Daily rentals require reservations and they are available starting at 8:30 am and must be returned by 3:30 pm. The cost is $16 per day for residents and $20 per day for non-residents. Overnight rentals are also available at $20 for residents and $24 for non-residents.

The park also offers downriver rentals from points north of Jug Bay. The cost is $20 for residents and $24 for non-residents and special arrangements apply. On weekends and holidays, canoes and kayaks can be rented by the hour if available at the cost of $7 per hour for residents and $8 per hour for non-residents. Lastly, guided canoe and kayak trips are offered for groups led by a certified American Canoe Association instructor. Details are available by calling the park.