Self-serve kayak rentals at Virginia State Parks

Virginia State Parks is expanding access to outdoor recreation with the launch of new self‑serve kayak rental kiosks at 10 parks across the Commonwealth. Through a partnership with Whenever Watersports, visitors can now enjoy quick, convenient on‑the‑water adventures without needing ranger assistance.

Kiosks are now available at Bear Creek Lake, Belle Isle, Claytor Lake, Douthat, Fairy Stone, First Landing, Hungry Mother, Leesylvania, Pocahontas and Smith Mountain Lake state parks.

Rental options vary by park, but kiosks may provide single kayaks, tandem kayaks or stand-up paddle boards. Watercraft paddles and personal floatation devices are reserved through a simple scan‑and‑go system during regular park hours. This pilot program allows parks to offer kayak rentals earlier in the spring and later into the fall, giving visitors more flexibility to explore Virginia’s waterways throughout the year.

How it works

Download the Whenever Watersports app from the Apple Store or Google Play before you get to the park.
Find the rental kiosk located near the designated launch area.
Complete the rental process on your phone.
Enjoy your paddle and return all equipment when finished.

To watch the rental process, please go to https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=l_4oTIBFaK0

Have fun, stay safe and let us know how your experience was. Your feedback will help determine whether the program expands to additional parks.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Whenever Watersports work?

It's a self-serve kayak and paddleboard rental service. Download the free app, head to a kiosk and you're ready to start your adventure on the water.

Which parks have self-serve rentals?

Kiosks are available at Bear Creek Lake, Belle Isle, Claytor Lake, Douthat, Fairy Stone, First Landing, Hungry Mother, Leesylvania, Pocahontas and Smith Mountain Lake state parks.

What types of watercraft are available each each of the parks?

Bear Creek Lake State Park: Single and tandem kayaks
Belle Isle State Park: Single and tandem kayaks
Claytor Lake State Park: Single and tandem kayaks and SUPs
Douthat State Park: Single and tandem kayaks and SUPs
Fairy Stone State Park: Single and tandem kayaks
First Landing State Park: Single and tandem kayaks
Hungry Mother State Park: Single and tandem kayaks and SUPs
Lake Anna State Park: Single and tandem kayaks
Pocahontas State Park: Single and tandem kayaks
Smith Mountain Lake State Park: Single and tandem kayaks and SUPs

What equipment is included with the rental?

Each rental includes the watercraft of your choice, paddle and a PFD with a built-in whistle. Both adult and children’s PFDs are available at no extra cost.

How do I rent a kayak or SUP?

Download the free Whenever Watersports app, select your equipment in the app, complete the rental process and scan the QR code on the lock to unlock it.

How do I unlock my kayak or SUP or the paddle and PFD box?

In the app, go to the menu, then explore, scan QR Code and point the app's camera at the QR code on the lock.

What forms of payment are accepted?

Rentals are completed in the Whenever Watersports app. Credit, debit and Apple Pay are accepted.

Do I need to download an app?

Yes, you will need to download the Whenever Watersports app and create an account.

As part of the process of creating an account, you will be asked to watch a safety video and sign off that you have read the Whenever Watersports LLC Rental Equipment Agreement, Waiver and Release Form. You can find a copy of that document here.

When are the kayaks and SUPs available?

Kayaks and SUPs can be rented during regular park hours, giving visitors more flexibility to get on the water at their own convenience.

Is this available year‑round?

Rentals will not be available year-round. However, the partnership with Whenever Watersports allows for an extended paddling season compared to traditional rental operations.

What if I keep a vessel out longer than I rented it?

Additional time is billed at $14.99 per hour for single kayaks and SUPs $29.99 per hour for tandem kayaks, by the minute, so you only pay for what you use.

How do I properly end my rental?

In the app, go to Open Rental, End Rental and follow the prompts (photo confirmation of the locked equipment). This step is required even if you've already locked everything back up, the ride isn't over until it's ended in the app.

I forgot to end my rental/my phone died. Will I be charged?

No, send Whenever Watersports a text, and they'll end the rental on their end with no additional charge.

How much does it cost to rent the equipment?

Single kayaks and SUPsrun $19.99 for 1 hour, $29.99 for 2 hours or $49.99 for a full day, while tandem kayaks are $39.99, $59.99 and $79.99 for the same time frames.

Is there a rental deposit?

Yes, a refundable $50 security deposit is held per rental and released automatically once you end the ride in the app.

What is the extra $50 charge on my card?

That's a temporary security deposit, not an additional fee. It's released automatically once your ride ends, usually the same day, though it can take a few business days to reflect depending on your bank.

What about safety?

All visitors must wear a provided life jacket while on the water. Please review posted safety guidelines before launching. Weather and water conditions can change quickly, so paddle responsibly.

Who do I contact if I have trouble with the kiosk?

The kiosks are equipped with a remote operating system that allows Whenever Watersports to manage them off-site. If an issue ever occurs that requires intervention, such as a lock not opening, the Whenever Watersports team can take control of the kiosk remotely to resolve the issue.

Park rangers can assist with general questions, but technical issues should be directed to Whenever Watersports. Please call 860-837-0334. The team is available 8 a.m. to 11 p.m., seven days a week. Outside those hours you'll get an automated reply and a response the next morning.

How can I share feedback?

You will be asked to share your experience during the vessel return process.