Pohick Bay Regional Park
Our boat launch facility is one of only 3 public access points to the Potomac River in northern Virginia and the closest to Washington DC and its famous waterfront. Pohick Bay offers canoes, kayaks, paddle boats and jon boats for rent on the weekends.
In addition to water activities the park also offers family and group camping, hiking, picnic areas and a large play area for children. For those of you interested in swimming, we offer one of the largest, outdoor freeform pools on the east coast! Please contact the park about swim lessons for your family.
Pohick Bay Regional Park, located on Mason Neck Pennisula is an ecologically fragile land that shelters an abundance of wildlife, including the bald eagle. Nature lovers can expect to see blue birds, osprey, heron, deer, beavers and rare sightings of river otters.
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Related Trip Ideas
- Paddleboarding through Nature Around Washington, D.C.
- A Refuge for Eagles and Home to Migrating and Wintering Waterfowl
- Birds, Marshes, and the Butterfly Effect: Paddling at Pohick Bay Regional Park
Nearby Places
At the Site
Activities to do
Facilities/Amenities available
Hours
Gate House: March 15 through October 13, open weekends and holidays, 8 hours per day
Boat Rental Hours: March 15 through October 13, open weekends & holidays, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Last pedal boat rental is 5:30 PM All other boat rentals is 5:00 PM Boats must be returned no later than 6:00 PM. Hours of operation are subject to change based on weather and staff availability.
(Note: Many places fill to capacity on busy, nice weather days, especially holiday weekends. Please call ahead or visit the official website to get the most up-to-date information before visiting.)
Fees
- Per Vehicle, Per Day $7.00
- Per Vehicle, Per Week $14.00
- Per Vehicle, Per Day, Shelter Discount $4.00
- Per Vehicle, Per Day, 10 or More Passengers $11.00
- Annual Pass $30.00
Activities
Guided Canoe & Kayak Tours
Imagine skimming along the smooth waters of an uncommonly beautiful wetland. A kingfisher chatters as it whizzes by you, a Bald Eagle turns a broad circle overhead and a deer gazes at you from the shore. A breeze covers the water with silky ripples. Where are you? On a guided canoe trip on the marshes of Pohick Bay Regional Park, just 20 miles south of Washington, D.C.
The naturalist-led “Canoe the Marsh” outing at Pohick Bay Regional Park, a 35 year tradition in Northern Virginia, is back! Participants will receive the expert guidance of naturalists from the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority while they enjoy the beauty and biodiversity of the marshes of Pohick Bay.
Individuals must be 8 years of age or older to participate. Participants between the ages of 8 – 15 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. You can choose to paddle a two-person Mad River canoe or select a single or double recreational kayak by Perception. Paddles and lifejackets will be provided.
Please bring a hat, sunscreen, drinking water, lunch or snack and clothing that can get wet. Don’t bring any item you don’t want to get wet. For instance: cell phones, cameras and watches. Please arrive for the tour 20 minutes prior to the start time to be fitted for equipment and to fill out paperwork.
Camping
A network of trails leads walkers to the waterfront, mini golf and outdoor pool. A one-mile trail connects the family campground to Gunston Hall Plantation, home of George Mason. The camp store has limited groceries and camping supplies including ice, charcoal, lighter fluid and firewood. Comfort stations have hot showers, sinks, toilets and laundry.
Limited Wi-Fi Hotspot now available for registered campers.
Weather
