Boating on Hemlock Farms lakes and ponds is limited to sail boats, row boats, canoes, paddle boats, pontoon boats, kayaks and Coast Guard-approved inflatables. Gas powered motors are not permitted and boats utilizing electric motors must be registered with the State that the boat is primarily used in.

Boat Registration

All boats used on Hemlock Farms lakes and ponds, even those on private docks, must be registered with the Association. HFCA boat registration applications are available at the Association Office. Annual registration fees are $7.00.

Dated identification stickers are issued for new boat registrations and yearly stickers are issued for renewals. Stickers should be affixed to the boat immediately to avoid misplacing them. Lost stickers will only be replaced if the owner produces proof of registration (i.e. office receipt) and the cost for replacement is $2.00 for yearly stickers and $3.00 for dated identification stickers.

Boat Docks, Racks and Hitching Posts

Dock facilities and boat racks are maintained by the HFCA at Basswood Cove Hemlock Hills Beach, Laurel Ridge Beach, Black Birch Beach, Little Camp Beach and Lower Hemlock Lake and Elm Lake (racks only). Docks are rented seasonally for $95.00, racks and hitching posts are rented annually for $35.00.

Hitching posts are located on Basswood Cove, Black Birch Beach and Little Camp Beach. Rental applications are available at the HFCA Office. Open registration for docks, racks & hitching posts is usually the first Saturday in April.

BOAT DOCK RENTERS: PLEASE BE AWARE THAT DOCKS WILL BE INSTALLED BY APRIL 15TH OR WHEN WEATHER PERMITS. BOATS MUST BE REMOVED FROM DOCKS NO LATER THAN OCTOBER 13TH. BOATS NOT REMOVED ARE SUBJECT TO A BOAT REMOVAL FEE OF $100.

WARNING: The PA Fish & Boat Commission actively enforces all of the Fish & Boat Code, Act 1980-175 PA, C.S., and the regulations promulgated by the PA Fish & Boat Commission as authorized by that law, on all Hemlock Farms water bodies. For example, as of May 1, 1995 a wearable PFD (life jacket) is required for each person on board all boats. A throwable flotation device (Type IV - seat cushion or ring buoy) can be no longer used as a substitute for a wearable device. Boats 16 feet in length or longer are required, in addition, to have one throwable device on board.

Canoes and kayaks, regardless of length, are not required to carry a throwable flotation device. Also, all boats under 40' must have some means of making an efficient sound signal. (A referee whistle or air horn is acceptable.) The Commission will actively issue citations to anyone in violation of the Code. A copy of the Boating Handbook may be obtained by calling the Fish Commission NE Regional Office at 570/477-5717. Other PA Fishing and Boating rules exist. Visit website for details.