Scotts Flat Lake is an 850-acre Nevada Irrigation District reservoir on Deer Creek, at 3,100 feet in the Tahoe National Forest about 6.5 miles east of Nevada City.
We rent MasterCraft wakesurf boats and water toys on Scotts Flat, and everything is ready for you at the lake. Scotts Flat doesn't allow jet skis, so our Sea-Doos are ready for you at nearby Rollins Lake. Add a captained charter with lessons, or a side-by-side for the forest roads.
Its 7.5 miles of shoreline are lined with pines, with two launch ramps, a marina, sandy beaches and a campground.
Boat, jet ski and water toy rentals at Scotts Flat
No truck or trailer needed: your surf boat is ready and waiting at Scotts Flat, and jet skis are ready at nearby Rollins Lake.
- MasterCraft wakesurf & wakeboard boat rentals – premium surf boats seating 10 to 18, with surf boards, wakeboards, skis and tubes available.
- Jet ski rentals – Scotts Flat doesn't allow jet skis, so your Sea-Doos are ready at nearby Rollins Lake.
- Captained charters – sit back and enjoy Scotts Flat while our captain drives, or learn to wakesurf with one-on-one coaching.
- Water toy rentals – add tubes, floating lily pads, paddle boards or a water trampoline to your day.
- Side-by-side and ATV rentals – Can-Am UTVs for the trails and backroads near Scotts Flat.
Book Now or call or text 1-888-594-6610 – we answer 7 a.m.–10 p.m. every day.
Scotts Flat at a glance
| Location | Nevada County, California |
|---|---|
| Size | About 850 acres |
| Elevation | About 3,100 feet |
| Shoreline | About 7.5 miles |
| Dam built | 1948 |
| Nearby | Nevada City, Grass Valley |
Best things to do on Scotts Flat
- Water skiing – open main lake.
- Wakesurfing – calm mornings.
- Swimming – sandy beaches.
- Camping – pine-shaded campground.
Where to launch at Scotts Flat
- Launch ramps – two ramps, plus a marina, campground and beaches.
- Cascade Shores – a day-use area across the lake, reached from Nevada City.
Summer weekends are busy, so start early. Your rental from us is ready at the lake.
Tips for a great day on Scotts Flat
- Mornings are calmest for surfing.
- Pine-shaded beaches fill up on summer weekends.
- California requires a red or orange flag when a rider is down.
California boating rules to know
- Every boat needs a wearable life jacket for each person on board. Children under 13 must wear one whenever a boat 26 feet or shorter is under way, and everyone on a jet ski or being towed must wear one.
- Towing skiers, wakeboarders and tubers takes a driver plus an observer 12 or older, isn't allowed from sunset to sunrise, and a red or orange ski flag goes up whenever a rider is down in the water.
- Jet skis may not be ridden from sunset to sunrise, the engine cut-off lanyard must be attached to the driver, and every boat must slow to 5 mph within 100 feet of swimmers and within 200 feet of swim beaches, swim floats and docks in use.
- Scotts Flat Lake doesn't allow jet skis (personal watercraft). Water-skiing and other boating are allowed.
Map of Scotts Flat Lake
Scotts Flat rental & boating FAQ
What can I rent at Scotts Flat Lake?
MasterCraft surf boats, water toys and captained charters with lessons on Scotts Flat, plus Sea-Doo jet skis at nearby Rollins Lake and ATVs and side-by-sides for the trails.
Will my boat be at Scotts Flat when I arrive?
Yes. Your surf boat is ready for you at Scotts Flat, so there is nothing to tow, and jet skis are ready at Rollins Lake.
Where is Scotts Flat Lake?
In the Tahoe National Forest about 6.5 miles east of Nevada City, in Nevada County.
Can you jet ski on Scotts Flat Lake?
No. Jet skis aren't allowed on Scotts Flat, so we set up your Sea-Doos at nearby Rollins Lake. Our surf boats are ready on Scotts Flat.
Can you water-ski on Scotts Flat Lake?
Yes. Water-skiing is allowed and a longtime favorite on the lake.
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