Lake Zoar is a lake of about 900 acres on the Housatonic River, bordered by Southbury, Newtown, Oxford and Monroe.
We rent MasterCraft wakesurf boats, Sea-Doo jet skis and water toys on Lake Zoar, and everything is ready for you at the lake. Add a captained charter with lessons for every level.
It formed in 1919 behind the Stevenson Dam, runs about 10 miles long and up to 72 feet deep, and Kettletown State Park sits on its eastern shore.
Boat, jet ski and water toy rentals at Lake Zoar
No truck or trailer needed: everything you rent is ready and waiting at Lake Zoar.
- MasterCraft boat rentals – roomy premium boats with surf boards, wakeboards and tubes, so the whole group can ride at Lake Zoar.
- Sea-Doo jet ski rentals – quick, easy-to-ride watercraft for exploring every cove of Lake Zoar.
- Private boat tours & lessons – a driver-instructor runs the boat and coaches first-timers and experienced riders alike.
- Tubes, paddle boards and floats – extras that turn a boat day at Lake Zoar into a full beach party.
Book Now or call or text 1-888-594-6610 – we answer 7 a.m.–10 p.m. every day.
Lake Zoar at a glance
| Location | Southbury, Newtown, Oxford, Monroe |
|---|---|
| Size | About 900 acres |
| Length | About 10 miles |
| Max depth | About 72 feet |
| Formed | 1919, Stevenson Dam |
| Speed limit | 45 mph by day, 25 at night |
Best things to do on Lake Zoar
- 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.
- Fishing – bass, crappie and perch.
Where to launch at Lake Zoar
- Public launch – the state ramp at the end of Scout Road in Southbury, plus town ramps in Monroe, Newtown and Oxford.
Stay 300 feet above the Stevenson Dam, and watch for the water level to change a little with the dam's power releases. Your rental from us is ready at the lake.
Tips for a great day on Lake Zoar
- 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 Zoar
Lake Zoar rental & boating FAQ
What can I rent at Lake Zoar?
MasterCraft wakesurf and wakeboard boats, Sea-Doo jet skis, water toys like tubes and lily pads, and private boat tours with lessons.
Do I need a truck to tow the boat?
No. Your boat or jet skis are ready for you at Lake Zoar, so there's no towing.
Where is Lake Zoar?
On the Housatonic River in western Connecticut, between Southbury, Newtown, Oxford and Monroe.
Can you jet ski on Lake Zoar?
Yes. Jet skiing, waterskiing, wakeboarding and wakesurfing are all popular on Lake Zoar.
How big is Lake Zoar?
About 900 acres and about 10 miles long.
What's near Lake Zoar?
Kettletown State Park on the east shore, with a beach and hiking trails.