Kayak & Boat Rentals

You cannot bring your own kayak, canoe or boat to Green Lakes State Park. NYS Parks bans all outside watercraft "due to the sensitive nature of both Green and Round Lakes." You can rent one instead: in 2026 a single kayak cost $12 an hour, a double kayak $20 and a rowboat $15, first come, first served, from June 22 to September 7. Rentals launch from the north end of Green Lake near the beach.

2026 Rates

• Single (one-person) kayak: $12 per hour
• Double (two-person) kayak: $20 per hour
• Rowboat: $15 per hour

You prepay for a one-hour or two-hour rental and get a return time. Fees are collected before you head out.

2026 Dates and Hours

• June 22 to August 20: open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Rentals stop at 5 p.m., and every boat must be back at the dock and off the water by 6 p.m.
• August 21 to September 7: open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Rentals stop at 4 p.m.; boats back by 5 p.m.

Outside those dates the park page reads "closed for the season." NYS Parks sets new dates each year.

Why Private Boats Are Banned

Green Lake and Round Lake are meromictic: their deep water never mixes with the surface, and NYS Parks says such lakes have a high potential for evidence of ancient plant and animal life. NYS Parks keeps outside watercraft off both lakes to protect them. The park page also says plainly "no outside watercraft allowed," so leave inflatables and paddleboards at home too. See why the water is green.

Where You Can Paddle

Rentals are for Green Lake only. Round Lake, the National Natural Landmark, is closed to boats. Stay clear of the roped swimming area at the beach.

Fishing From a Rental

Fishing is allowed on Green Lake outside the swimming area, so you can fish from a rented rowboat or kayak. Anglers 16 and older need a New York fishing licence. See fishing.

Tips

• Go early. Rentals are first come, first served, and summer afternoons are busiest.
• Bring the vehicle fee. In summer the park charges $10 per vehicle from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. See hours and fees.
• Look down. Close to shore the water is clear over a pale bottom; farther out it drops off fast.

Want Your Own Boat?

If you need to launch your own kayak, the Old Erie Canal, just north of the park, is a state historic park where NYS Parks lists canoeing among the activities.