Lake Lillinonah is the second-largest lake in Connecticut, a long, winding lake of about 1,550 acres on the Housatonic River.
We rent MasterCraft wakesurf boats, Sea-Doo jet skis and water toys on Lake Lillinonah, and everything is ready for you at the lake. Add a captained charter with lessons for every level.
It formed in 1955 when the Shepaug Dam flooded the Housatonic and Shepaug river valleys, and it's bordered by Brookfield, Bridgewater, Newtown, New Milford, Roxbury and Southbury, with wooded hills along almost all of its shoreline.
Boat, jet ski and water toy rentals at Lake Lillinonah
Just show up and ride — your boat, jet skis and gear are ready at Lake Lillinonah with 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 Lake Lillinonah.
- Sea-Doo jet ski rentals – rent one or a pair, including 3-seat models that can tow a tube or skier.
- Private boat tours & lessons – a driver-instructor runs the boat and coaches first-timers and experienced riders alike.
- 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.
Lake Lillinonah at a glance
| Location | Newtown to New Milford |
|---|---|
| Size | About 1,550 acres |
| Length | About 12 miles |
| Formed | 1955, Shepaug Dam |
| Speed limit | 45 mph by day, 25 at night |
| Region | Western Connecticut |
Best things to do on Lake Lillinonah
- 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.
- Cruising – long, narrow reaches between wooded hills.
Where to launch at Lake Lillinonah
- Public launches – state ramps at Pond Brook in Newtown and on Route 133 in Bridgewater.
Stay 300 feet above the Shepaug Dam, and expect the water level to move a bit since the dam makes hydropower. Your rental from us is ready at the lake.
Tips for a great day on Lake Lillinonah
- 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 Lillinonah
Lake Lillinonah rental & boating FAQ
What can I rent at Lake Lillinonah?
Wakesurf boats, Sea-Doo jet skis, water toys, and private charters with a driver-instructor — everything for a full day on the water.
Do I have to tow the boat to Lake Lillinonah myself?
No. Your rental is ready for you at Lake Lillinonah, so you don't need a truck or trailer.
Where is Lake Lillinonah?
On the Housatonic River in western Connecticut, between Southbury and New Milford.
Can you jet ski on Lake Lillinonah?
Yes. Jet skiing, waterskiing, wakeboarding and wakesurfing are all popular on Lake Lillinonah.
How big is Lake Lillinonah?
About 1,550 acres and about 12 miles long, the second-largest lake in the state.
Are there areas to avoid on Lake Lillinonah?
Yes. Boats must stay 300 feet above and 1,500 feet below the Shepaug Dam.