Park Authority

CONTACT INFORMATION: Open during regular business hours 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday - Friday
703-324-8700 TTY 711
12055 Government Center Pkwy.
Fairfax, Virginia 22035
Jai Cole
Executive Director

Department Resources

Related Resources

Burke Lake: Big Water, Big Fish, Close to Home

Discover the largest lake in Fairfax County and one of Virginia’s top freshwater fishing spots. Burke Lake Park’s centerpiece is a beautiful 218-acre lake with:

  • 5.25 miles of fishing shoreline
  • Four fishing bulkheads at the state game area
  • A new fishing pier
  • A boat launch dock

The fishing bulkheads and the fishing pier are accessible to people with disabilities. A 4.68-mile trail wraps around the lake, starting at the marina parking lot, offering great views for walkers, runners and bikers.

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Great Fishing Right Here in Fairfax County

“Phenomenal.” That’s how the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources describes the largemouth bass population at Burke Lake. The lake ranks among the best small impoundments in Virginia for big bass at least 15 inches long.
Anglers can also fish for:

  • Walleye
  • Muskie
  • Catfish
  • Black crappie
  • Yellow perch
  • White perch
  • Sunfish
  • Bluegill

Virginia residents age 16 and older need a valid Virginia fishing license to fish at Burke Lake.


Important Boating Information

  • Privately owned boats with electric motors are permitted on the lake.
  • No gasoline powered water-craft are permitted.
  • Inflated boats may be used on the lake, provided they have a minimum of three separate air chambers.
  • A Personal Flotation Device (PFD) is required for each person on the water.
  • To be eligible to rent a boat, an individual must be 18 years or older and possess a photo ID. Once rented someone aged 16 or older must be aboard the rental boat at all times.
  • Three persons maximum on all boats.
  • Pets are not permitted on rental or tour boats
  • No remote controlled or sail boats are permitted.
  • Swimming and windsurfing are prohibited.

Visit The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources for more information on Lake Burke.

Bait available: Night Crawlers, Chicken Livers, Clam Snouts, Shrimp, and Squid. Call to be sure requested bait is available.

Fishing tackle also available: Hooks, Bobbers, and Sinkers.

Important Forms and Documents


Boating Rentals and Lauch Fees

Boat Launch Fees
Single Launch¹$8*
Annual Boat Launch Pass$60
  • Launching: All boats launched will pay a $8 launch fee.
  • Inflated boats may be used on the lake, provided they have a minimum of three separate air chambers.
  • Kayaks, unless used for fishing, are prohibited in Burke Lake from either access.
  • To rent a boat, you must be at least 18 years old and have a photo ID. After the boat is rented, someone age 16 or older must be on board at all times.

Rowboat Rentals³ (includes life preservers and oars)WeekdaysWeekends/Holidays
Half-day Rental¹$15²*$16*
Full Day Rental¹$20²*$21*
Life Preserver, each (required)
Sizes: XL, L, M, S, Infant
$1*
Rowboat + Motor & BatteryWeekdaysWeekends/Holidays
Half-day Rental¹$32*$35*
Full Day Rental¹$45*$49*
Electric Motor & Battery¹WeekdaysWeekends/Holidays
Half-day Rental¹$21*$22*
Full Day Rental¹$29*$30*
Electric Motor Only¹WeekdaysWeekends/Holidays
Half-day Rental¹$13*$14*
Full Day Rental¹$18*$19*
Battery Only¹WeekdaysWeekends/Holidays
Half-day Rental¹$11*$12*
Full Day Rental¹$13.50*$14*

Each half-day rowboat rental includes:

  • One rowboat  
  • Oars  
  • Personal flotation devices (PFDs) for up to three passengers  

Eligibility and age requirements

  • Rentals can only be made by individuals 18 years or older.  
  • Each rowboat may carry up to three passengers.  
  • At least one passenger on the boat must be 16 years or older.  
  • Life jackets are mandatory for all passengers and must be worn at all times.  

Waivers/Assumption of Risk forms

  • An Assumption of Risk form must be filled out for everyone who will be on the boat.  

Download Universal Assumption of Risk Form

Online Rowboat Reservations

Pickup time and schedule

  • Your pickup window is between 3 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.  
  • You cannot pick up your boat before the half-day rental period begins at 3 p.m.
  • Reserved boats will be held for up to one hour after 3 p.m. (until 4 p.m.). After that, reservations may be released.

Refund policy

  • Tickets are sold per rowboat, not per person.  
  • Refunds are only offered if requested before 3 p.m. on the day of your reservation.

Buy Your Tickets Today


¹Full day rentals are available at opening and are offered through the day until end of the day boat return times.
Half-day rentals begin at 3pm and are offered until end of the day boat return times.

²Seniors ( age 65 or older) receive 35% discount Monday - Friday, excluding Holidays for Rowboat portion of fee only.

³Up to three personal flotation devices are included in rental fee.

*Item fee includes tax.

Canoe Rentals (includes life preservers and paddles)WeekdaysWeekends/Holidays
Half-day Rental¹$20²*$25*
Full Day Rental¹$40²* $45*

Each half-day canoe rental includes:

  • One canoe
  • Paddles
  • Personal flotation devices (PFDs) for up to three passengers 

Eligibility and age requirements

  • Rentals can only be made by individuals 18 years or older.
  • Each canoe may carry up to three passengers.
  • At least one passenger on the boat must be 16 years or older.
  • Life jackets are mandatory for all passengers and must be worn at all times. 

Waivers/Assumption of Risk forms

  • An Assumption of Risk form must be completed for everyone who will be on the boat. 

Download Universal Assumption of Risk Form

Online Canoe Reservations

Pickup time and schedule

  • Your pickup window is between 3 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.
  • You cannot pick up your boat before the half-day rental period begins at 3 p.m.
  • Reserved boats will be held for up to one hour after 3 p.m. (until 4 p.m.). After that, reservations may be released.

Refund policy

  • Tickets are sold per canoe, not per person.
  • Refunds are only offered if requested before 3 p.m. on the day of your reservation.

Buy Your Tickets Today


¹Full day rentals are available at opening and are offered through the day until end of the day boat return times.
Half-day rentals begin at 3pm and are offered until end of the day boat return times.

²Seniors ( age 65 or older) receive 35% discount Monday - Friday, excluding Holidays for Rowboat portion of fee only.

³Up to three personal flotation devices are included in rental fee.

*Item fee includes tax.

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