Lake Housatonic is a long, narrow lake of about 330 acres on the Housatonic River between Shelton, Derby, Seymour and Oxford.
We rent MasterCraft wakesurf boats, Sea-Doo jet skis and water toys on Lake Housatonic, and everything is ready for you at the lake. Add a captained charter with lessons for every level.
It sits behind a hydroelectric dam between Shelton and Derby, with Indian Well State Park on the west shore and Osbornedale State Park to the east.
Boat, jet ski and water toy rentals at Lake Housatonic
No truck or trailer needed: everything you rent is ready and waiting at Lake Housatonic.
- Wakesurf and ski boat rentals – MasterCraft boats seating 12 to 18, set up for a full day of surfing, skiing and tubing on Lake Housatonic.
- Sea-Doo rentals – rent a single jet ski or several for your group's day on Lake Housatonic.
- Private boat tours & lessons – a driver-instructor runs the boat and coaches first-timers and experienced riders alike.
- Water toy rentals – add tubes, floating lily pads, paddle boards or a water trampoline to your day.
Book Now or call or text 1-888-594-6610 – we answer 7 a.m.–10 p.m. every day.
Lake Housatonic at a glance
| Location | Shelton, Derby, Seymour, Oxford |
|---|---|
| Size | About 330 acres |
| Shape | Long and narrow |
| Park | Indian Well State Park |
| Speed limit | 45 mph by day, 25 at night |
| Region | Lower Naugatuck Valley |
Best things to do on Lake Housatonic
- 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.
- Rowing – regattas run out of Indian Well State Park.
Where to launch at Lake Housatonic
- Public launch – the state ramp at Indian Well State Park in Shelton.
Keep to the right of midstream, slow way down within 25 feet of docks and the shore, and stay clear of the dam. Your rental from us is ready at the lake.
Tips for a great day on Lake Housatonic
- 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 Lake Housatonic
Lake Housatonic rental & boating FAQ
What can I rent at Lake Housatonic?
Premium MasterCraft surf and ski boats, Sea-Doo jet skis, tubes, lily pads and paddle boards, and captained boat tours with lessons.
Will my boat be at Lake Housatonic when I arrive?
Yes. Your boat or jet skis are ready for you at Lake Housatonic, so there's nothing to tow.
Where is Lake Housatonic?
On the Housatonic River between Shelton and Derby, reaching up toward Seymour and Oxford.
Can you jet ski on Lake Housatonic?
Yes. Jet skiing, waterskiing, wakeboarding and wakesurfing are all popular on Lake Housatonic.
How big is Lake Housatonic?
About 330 acres, long and narrow like a wide river.
Where do you launch on Lake Housatonic?
At the state ramp in Indian Well State Park in Shelton.