Customer Experience

Pocahontas State Park launches self-service kayak rental kiosks

Image: Adobe stock

September 9, 2026

Summarize with

Pocahontas State Park in Chesterfield, Virginia, has introduced self-service kayak rental kiosks that allow visitors to rent equipment without making a reservation or completing a transaction with a park employee, according to a WTVR News report. The installation is part of a Virginia State Parks pilot program involving 10 parks and rental provider Whenever Watersports.

Visitors use the Whenever Watersports mobile app to create an account, watch a safety video, sign a waiver and pay for a rental. At the kiosk, customers scan a QR code to unlock the selected equipment. The Pocahontas State Park location offers eight single kayaks and four tandem kayaks, with paddles, personal flotation devices and whistles included.

Single-kayak rentals cost $19.99 for one hour, $29.99 for two hours and $49.99 for a full day. Tandem rentals cost $39.99 for one hour, $59.99 for two hours and $79.99 for a full day. The equipment is available from 6 a.m. until sunset, and rentals may be suspended due to unsafe weather or water conditions. The automated system is intended to expand access to park waterways while reducing the staffing required for conventional rentals.