Most Pocono lakes allow paddling or electric motors only, so they're calm water for kayaks and canoes. Every home here either has lake access or lakefront in a lake community, or its host lists kayaks, a canoe or paddleboards. We list 20 homes like that right now. Nightly prices start at $121.
Each community sets its own boat rules: some rent kayaks and canoes at the beach, some let renters bring their own boat with a sticker, and some don't allow outside boats at all. The rules are below, and your host can tell you what comes with the home.
Kayak and canoe rules by community
- Emerald Lakes (Long Pond): six lakes, electric trolling motors only (a gas engine can be mounted but not run). Every boat must be registered at the ELA office and carry a sticker ($10 on the 2026 renter sheet; $50 fine without one), renters need amenity badges, and everyone aboard needs a life vest. Launches at Main Beach and Pine Tree Island.
- Arrowhead Lakes (Pocono Lake): Arrowhead Lake and North Arrowhead Lake, electric trolling motors only at no-wake speed; no jet skis or e-foils. Renters use the lakes with their ALCA ID.
- Lake Harmony: a private lake owned by the Lake Harmony Group. Every motorboat needs an LHG permit, and so does any canoe, kayak or paddleboard used by a non-resident. Renters can bring their own boat with the owner's approval and proof of ownership (motorboats also need $1 million insurance); no jet skis for renters. Non-motorized boats launch from the Wood Street lot.
- Lake Naomi (Pocono Pines): five lakes, sail and paddle only. Renters need a Temporary Membership (a week or longer), and your own boat needs a club sticker.
- Penn Estates: oars, sails, paddles or electric trolling motors only, no-wake on every lake, and every boat needs an annual sticker. Renters use the lakes on seasonal passes the owner buys.
- Towamensing Trails (Albrightsville): no gas motors or jet skis, and guests can't bring their own boats or rafts. Life jackets and a whistle aboard; kids 12 and under must wear one.
- Indian Mountain Lake (Albrightsville): oars, paddles or sails only, no motors at all; every boat needs an IMLCA sticker, there's no boating from sundown to sunup, and boats come off by November 1.
- Locust Lake Village (Pocono Lake): non-motorized boats or electric motors; renters can't bring their own boats.
- Brier Crest Woods (Blakeslee): Lake Shangri-la allows unpowered boats or electric motors up to 3 hp, no inflatables; every boat needs a sticker, and kids 16 and under must wear a life jacket.
- Rules change: check your community's current renter rules, and ask your host about badges, stickers and whether the home has kayaks you can use.
No boat? Where to rent nearby
- Several of our lake communities rent kayaks and canoes at their beaches in summer, and the state parks (Tobyhanna, Gouldsboro, Beltzville, Promised Land) rent boats too. Our kayaking guide lists them with hours and contacts.
- Ask your host first: many lake homes keep kayaks or a canoe for guests.
Booking steps
- Pick dates on a home and send a free booking request. Nothing is charged.
- The host replies to you directly, confirms the price and sends their rental agreement and payment details.
- You pay the host. We never take a booking fee from guests.
