Boating in Carvins Cove Reservoir
Boating on the Cove from both personal and rented boats is permitted under certain conditions described below. Boating rules and fees help provide recreational opportunities for visitors while still maintaining the safest, highest quality drinking water possible. It is very important for boaters to understand all the responsibilities involved with boating before arriving at the Cove.
- Boaters must be age 16 or older to rent or launch boat.
- Rentals may be restricted at the discretion of the Western Virginia Water Authority in the event of low or high water, high winds, or other problems. Hours of operation are subject to change at the sole discretion of the Western Virginia Water Authority.
- Boats on trailers must be launched from a designated boat launching ramp.
- Kayaks and canoes may be launched from the shore or from the 10-foot by 60-foot low-profile dock that enables easier entry into or onto kayaks, canoes, stand up paddleboards, and rowing shells.
- Inflatable boats must have NMMA certification for Carvins Cove. Pool rafts and inner tubes are not permitted.
Boat Launching Fees: (includes land use activities)
- Non-Trailered Daily: $7.00 per vehicle per day (includes personal kayaks, SUP, non-motorized or non-trailered boats)
- Non-Trailered Yearly: $50.00 per vehicle (includes personal kayaks, SUP, non-motorized or non-trailered boats)
- Personal boat with Trailer: $12 per day/ $100 yearly
- Limit two cars per household per yearly pass
- All boating passes must be purchased in-person so that boats can be inspected for invasive aquatic species.
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Rent a Boat
Please note, rental payments are cash or check only and must be made in-person at the time of rental. Sorry, we cannot accept credit or debit cards. Fees are not refundable; however, the Authority does have a raincheck policy for some fees.
Rental Fees: (includes paddles and required PFD)
- Single Kayak: One hour: $10; Two hours: $15; Four Hours: $25
- Double Kayak: One hour: $15; Two hours: $20; Four Hours: $30
- Row Boats and Jon Boats: $5 per hour or $25 per day
Rental Information:
- Approved Personal Flotation Devices (PFD) are required and included in the rental fee.
- Pets are not allowed on rented boats. Dogs are not allowed in the water.
- Visitors must be at least 16 years old to rent a boat at Carvins Cove. Please present a valid government ID.
- Guests under age 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
- All boats are rented weather permitting and on a first-come/first-served basis.
- Swimming is not permitted.
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Bring Your Own Boat
- While on the reservoir, boaters can only use motors rated at 10 HP or less. If your boat also has a larger motor, you must remove your propeller while boating on the reservoir.
- All personal boats and standup paddleboards (SUP) launched at Carvins Cove have to be out of other waters for at least the previous three weeks to minimize the chance of spreading invasive species.
- Approved Personal Flotation Devices (PFD) are required for all boaters.
- Boats and motors subject to inspection.
