Bantam Lake is the largest natural lake in Connecticut, covering 947 acres in Morris and Litchfield in the Litchfield Hills.
We rent MasterCraft wakesurf boats, Sea-Doo jet skis and water toys on Bantam Lake, and everything is ready for you at the lake. Add a captained charter with lessons for every level.
It's home to the Bantam Lake Ski Club, founded in 1958 and the oldest continuously operating water ski club in the country, and much of the north end is protected land.
Boat, jet ski and water toy rentals at Bantam Lake
Everything you rent is ready for you at Bantam Lake — no truck, no trailer and no towing required.
- Wakesurf and ski boat rentals – MasterCraft boats seating 12 to 18, set up for a full day of surfing, skiing and tubing on Bantam Lake.
- Sea-Doo jet ski rentals – quick, easy-to-ride watercraft for exploring every cove of Bantam Lake.
- Captained charters – sit back and enjoy Bantam Lake while our captain drives, or learn to wakesurf with one-on-one coaching.
- Water toys and towables – tubes, lily pads and paddle boards for kids and grown-ups alike.
Book Now or call or text 1-888-594-6610 – we answer 7 a.m.–10 p.m. every day.
Bantam Lake at a glance
| Location | Morris and Litchfield |
|---|---|
| Size | 947 acres |
| Max depth | About 25 feet |
| Island | Deer Island |
| Known for | Water skiing since 1958 |
| Region | Litchfield Hills |
Best things to do on Bantam Lake
- Water skiing and tubing – open water on the main lake.
- Wakesurfing – calm water out in the middle of the lake.
- Jet skiing – open water more than 200 feet from shore.
- Sailing – steady breezes across the open middle of the lake.
Where to launch at Bantam Lake
- Public launch – the state ramp at 16 Palmer Road in Morris, off Route 209.
Ski boats stay 150 feet from shore except when picking up or dropping a skier, Nick's Cove is 6 mph, and motors are off from 11pm to 5am. Your rental from us is ready at the lake.
Tips for a great day on Bantam Lake
- Mornings are calmest for surfing.
- Connecticut requires an observer besides the driver whenever you tow a skier, wakeboarder or tuber.
- Kids under 13 must wear a life jacket on any boat that's underway in Connecticut.
Connecticut boating rules to know
- Every boat needs a wearable life jacket for each person on board. Kids under 13 must wear one whenever the boat is underway, and everyone on a jet ski or being towed must wear one.
- Anyone towing a skier, wakeboarder or tuber needs an observer on board besides the driver, and there's no towing from a half hour after sunset until sunrise.
- Jet skis can't run between sunset and sunrise in Connecticut, and they keep to slow-no-wake within 200 feet of the shore, docks and moored boats.
- Boats keep to slow-no-wake within 100 feet of the shore, docks and moored boats, except when picking up or dropping off a skier.
Map of Bantam Lake
Bantam Lake rental & boating FAQ
What can I rent at Bantam Lake?
MasterCraft wakesurf and wakeboard boats, Sea-Doo jet skis, water toys like tubes and lily pads, and private boat tours with lessons.
Do I have to tow the boat to Bantam Lake myself?
No. Your rental is ready for you at Bantam Lake, so you don't need a truck or trailer.
Where is Bantam Lake?
In Morris and Litchfield in the Litchfield Hills of northwestern Connecticut.
Can you jet ski on Bantam Lake?
Yes. Jet skiing, waterskiing, wakeboarding and wakesurfing are all popular on Bantam Lake.
How big is Bantam Lake?
947 acres, the largest natural lake in the state.
Is Bantam Lake good for water skiing?
Yes. It's home to the oldest continuously operating water ski club in the U.S.