Susquehanna Canoe & Kayak Rentals Frances Slocum | Lake Tips

Frances Slocum lake rentals start at $18 for a 1-hour single kayak, with canoes, boards, rowboats, and pedal boats.

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At Frances Slocum State Park, travelers comparing Susquehanna Canoe & Kayak Rentals Frances Slocum usually need three answers: what boats cost, when rentals run, and whether the lake is good for beginners. The short version is yes: Frances Slocum Lake is a calm 165-acre state-park lake with hourly rentals, no-wake boating, and enough shoreline to make a 1- or 2-hour paddle feel worthwhile.

Susquehanna Kayak & Canoe Rentals operates the lake concession at the park in Wyoming, Pennsylvania. For 2026, the company lists Frances Slocum rentals from late April into early October, with wider daily hours from late May through Labor Day.

If you want to compare paid outdoor activities around Wyoming and Wilkes-Barre before picking your lake time, start here:

Frances Slocum Lake Rentals: Prices And Rules

Frances Slocum Lake rentals are priced by boat style and rental length, with the lowest listed rate at $18 for a 1-hour single kayak. Tandem kayaks and canoes cost more because they carry more people, while the electric-motor rowboat is the highest listed hourly option.

The lake is built for short, contained paddles rather than long river runs. A 1-hour rental works for a quick loop near the launch, 2 hours gives most visitors a more relaxed pace, and 4 hours suits anglers or groups who want a slower day on the water.

Price check: These are the posted 2026 Frances Slocum Lake rates from Susquehanna Kayak & Canoe Rentals. Call 570-687-0172 if weather, groups, or short-notice timing could affect availability.

How Much Do Rentals Cost At Frances Slocum?

Frances Slocum boat rentals cost about $18–$35 for the first hour, depending on the craft. For most couples or families, the price jump from 1 hour to 2 hours is the sweet spot because it gives you time to launch, settle in, and paddle without watching the clock.

A single kayak is the cheapest solo choice. A tandem kayak works well for two adults who want one boat, while a canoe gives families more room for a child or small cooler. Paddle boards are fun on calm mornings, but beginners may prefer a kayak when wind picks up across open water.

• Cheapest solo paddle: single kayak for 1 hour at $18.
• Better two-person value: tandem kayak or canoe for 2 hours at $45.
• Lowest-effort ride: rowboat with electric motor from $35 for 1 hour.
• Kid-friendly pick: pedal boat for short, close-to-shore time.

Rules To Know Before You Launch

Frances Slocum State Park allows boating on Frances Slocum Lake, but the lake is electric-motor only and slow, no-wake. The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources also notes that the park has two boat launches, two mooring areas, courtesy docks, and a concession renting rowboats, paddleboats, kayaks, and canoes on its Frances Slocum boating page.

Susquehanna Kayak & Canoe Rentals lists three rental requirements that matter before you show up: renters need to be 18 unless accompanied by an adult, a valid driver’s license is required, and rentals are weather permitting. Alcohol is prohibited for boat rentals.

Anglers should also plan ahead. Anyone age 16 or older needs a valid Pennsylvania fishing license to fish from the lake, even when using a rented boat.

Do You Need A Reservation?

Frances Slocum rental reservations are strongly recommended on weekends and required for weekday rentals with at least 24 hours’ notice. For the 2026 season, Susquehanna Kayak & Canoe Rentals lists daily Frances Slocum hours from May 22 through September 7, with 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM on weekdays and 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM on weekends and holidays.

Spring and fall hours are more limited. The company lists weekend-only Frances Slocum rentals from April 24 to May 15 and again from September 11 to October 10, generally 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM.

For short-notice plans, call instead of relying only on online booking. The rental company says bookings inside 12 hours should be handled by phone, and weather can change lake operations on the day of your visit.

Where To Paddle On Frances Slocum Lake

Frances Slocum Lake is better for relaxed lake paddling than speed, distance, or rough-water practice. The horseshoe shape gives paddlers a few natural turns and coves, so even a short rental can feel more varied than a straight out-and-back.

Beginners should stay close enough to the launch to return against light wind. Families with kids may prefer a pedal boat or canoe for a short loop near the main use area, while solo paddlers can cover more shoreline in a kayak.

Morning usually gives the calmest water and fewer rental delays. Afternoon can still be fine, but summer heat, wind, and thunderstorms make early time slots the safer bet for a smooth paddle.

Where To Stay Near Frances Slocum

Wyoming and Wilkes-Barre are the practical bases for Frances Slocum State Park. Wyoming keeps you closest to the lake, while Wilkes-Barre gives you more hotels, restaurants, and highway access for a Northeastern Pennsylvania weekend.

Staying nearby makes sense if you want a morning paddle, a pool visit, a campground night, or a second day at Lackawanna State Park or the Susquehanna River. Compare nearby stays before you lock in your rental time:

A Simple Half-Day Plan

A half-day paddle at Frances Slocum works well when you pair a 2-hour rental with a picnic, short walk, or pool time in summer. Arrive before your slot, finish the waiver, use the restroom, and give your group a few minutes to get life jackets fitted.

1. Book a morning or late-afternoon rental to avoid the hottest part of the day.
2. Choose a single kayak for solo control, a canoe for space, or a pedal boat for younger kids.
3. Bring water, sunscreen, a hat, and shoes that can get wet.
4. Keep valuables in the car or in a small dry bag.
5. After paddling, use the day-use area for lunch or add an easy trail walk.

Swimming is not in the lake. Frances Slocum State Park has a seasonal pool that usually operates from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, with a separate fee for pool use.

The Right Rental For Your Visit

Susquehanna Kayak & Canoe Rentals at Frances Slocum works well for travelers who want a low-stress paddle without bringing their own boat. The rental counter covers the gear, the lake keeps motor traffic slow, and the hourly format lets you choose a short outing instead of committing to a full-day river trip.

Pick a single kayak if you want the lowest-cost solo ride. Pick a tandem kayak if two adults want to move efficiently in one boat. Pick a canoe if you want more room for a family setup. Pick a rowboat with electric motor if paddling is not the point and fishing or slow cruising is the plan.

For most first-time visitors, a 2-hour canoe, tandem kayak, or single kayak is the cleanest choice. It costs less than a half-day rental, gives enough time to see the lake, and leaves room in the day for hiking, lunch, or a second stop in the Wilkes-Barre area.