Boating in Rock Creek Park

Stacks of kayaks at Thompson Boat Center

NPS Photo/ K. Cain

Rock Creek is a shallow body of water that flows through the city of Washington and is a tributary of the Potomac River.

Rock Creek Park partners with Boating in DC to provide recreationists with options at two boat houses along the Potomac River.

Details

Activity

Boating

Pets Allowed

No

Activity Fee

Yes

Information is available at the following external websites:

Thompson Boat Center

Key Bridge Boathouse

Reservations

Yes

Information on making reservations is available at the following external websites:

Thompson Boat Center

Key Bridge Boathouse

Season

Additional information is available at the following external websites:

Thompson Boat Center

Key Bridge Boathouse

Time of Day

Day

Accessibility Information

Information on accessibility is available at the following external websites:

Thompson Boat Center

Key Bridge Boathouse


 

Canoeing and Kayaking is limited in Rock Creek

Canoeing and Kayaking in Rock Creek is only allowed between the Joyce Road bridge and the Peirce Mill Dam and only when water in the creek is running two feet deep--a rare occurrence. It is extremely technical and only recommended for advanced or skilled boaters. Boats are not allowed to go over Peirce Mill Dam. 

For more information on rules regarding boating in Rock Creek visit the Rock Creek Park Rules and Regulations page.

Boats docked at Thompson Boat Center

NPS Photo/K Cain

Thompson Boat Center

Thompson Boat Center is located at 2900 Virginia Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20037 near the Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway. There is a metered parking lot a short walk from the boat center. This parking lot has a 3-hour limit for spaces.

Thompson Boat Center provides boat rentals, private boat storage, and boating instruction. It also has rental equipment for rowing and hosts regattas.

Key Bridge Boathouse is located at 3500 Water St. NW, Washington, DC 20007 in the Georgetown Neighborhood of Washington, DC. Parking is limited and consists of a few gravel lots and street parking along Water Street.

Key Bridge Boathouse offers boat rentals, private boat storage, and boating instruction in addition to stand up paddle boarding, fitness classes and twilight tours.

For more info about either location:

Phone: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]