Riverbend Park

CONTACT INFORMATION: Visitor Center Hours: Open 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
703-759-9018 TTY 711
8700 Potomac Hills Street
Great Falls, Virginia
Andrew Wilk
Manager

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Riverbend Park Boating

Boat Ramp Status

Notice:

We're currently experiencing higher-than-usual attendance. Parking may be limited or temporarily closed due to capacity this weekend. Please plan ahead and expect delays. We appreciate your patience.

View Operational Hours   View Holiday Hours

Swimming is prohibited in the river.


Marina Open

 Riverbend Marina is open Fridays through Sundays and Holidays (Memorial Day, Independence Day, Juneteenth and Labor Day).

  • Boating rentals begin on May 23 and end on September 1.
  • Kayaks, tandem kayaks and canoes are available for rent.
  • Boat rentals may be canceled in the event of unsafe river levels or inclement weather.
  • Boating rental times:
    • 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
    • 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
    • 1-3:30 p.m.
    • 2-4:30 p.m.
Buy Tickets

Important Forms and Documents

  • Boat rentals are subject to river conditions. There are no rentals during hazardous river conditions.
  • Call Riverbend at 703-759-9018 for boat rental, ramp openings and current river information.
  • Pets are NOT allowed on boats.
  • Boaters are advised to go upriver from the boat launch area to avoid the Aqueduct Dam one mile downriver.
  • No boating is allowed past the buoys downriver.

 

Boat Ramp Information

  • Boat Ramp Fee:  $5/boat
  • The ramp is open year-round as weather and river conditions permit.
  • Please call Riverbend Park at 703-759-9018 for current river conditions.

Water skiing, jet skis, big boats and tubes are NOT permitted. The river section near the park is shallow and rocky. There is no whitewater in this section of the river.

Life Jackets Are Required. All Boating is at Your Own Risk.

 

BE AWARE! There is a dangerous dam one mile downriver from the Riverbend boat ramp. A line of white buoys marks the danger area above the dam. Boaters may not pass the buoys.

KNOW THE RIVER: Current River Stages Map: Potomac River Basin
For researching river levels on the link above, Little Falls is the closest recorded river level to Riverbend Park. When Little Falls reaches a level of 4.6, Riverbend Park's boat ramp is closed. The ramp is closed at approximately 3.0 feet on the gauge at Riverbend.

River gauge with warnings for certain water levels

Boat Ramp Closed: When the river level is within the DANGEROUS (RED) level at  the Riverbend boat ramp. The river is unsafe for boating.

Boat Ramp Open–Experienced Boaters Only: When the river level is within the CAUTION (YELLOW) level, the Riverbend boat ramp is open but at a higher than normal boating level. Use caution.

Boat Ramp Open-All Levels: When the river is below the CAUTION (YELLOW) level, the river is at or below the normal boating level.

Programs / Activities

Birdwatching
Birthday Parties
Campfires
Classes and Camps
Events in the Park
Field Trips/Outreach
Fishing
Plants and Wildlife
Riverbend On Your Own
Scouts
Wagon Rides
Astronomy

Facilities / Rentals

Riverbend Park HOME
Boating
Inaccessible
Hours and Fees
Location
Picnics
Trails
Visitor Center

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Friends of Riverbend
Internships
Potomac River Information
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