Lake Monroe is the largest lake entirely in Indiana, covering 10,750 acres in Monroe and Brown counties about 10 miles southeast of Bloomington.
We rent MasterCraft wakesurf boats, Sea-Doo jet skis and water toys on Lake Monroe, and everything is ready for you at the lake. Add a captained charter with lessons for every level.
Forest surrounds much of the shoreline, including the Charles C. Deam Wilderness, and the Fairfax, Paynetown and Hardin Ridge recreation areas sit along the water.
Boat, jet ski and water toy rentals at Lake Monroe
Your rentals are waiting for you at Lake Monroe, so there's no truck, no trailer and no towing to worry about.
- MasterCraft boat rentals – roomy premium boats with surf boards, wakeboards and tubes, so the whole group can ride at Lake Monroe.
- Sea-Doo jet ski rentals – rent one or a pair, including 3-seat models that can tow a tube or skier.
- Boat tours with a driver – great for celebrations, families and anyone who wants surf or ski lessons on Lake Monroe.
- 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 Monroe at a glance
| Location | Southeast of Bloomington |
|---|---|
| Size | About 10,750 acres |
| Rank | Largest lake in Indiana |
| Counties | Monroe and Brown |
| Recreation areas | Fairfax, Paynetown, Hardin Ridge |
| Nearby | Charles C. Deam Wilderness |
Best things to do on Lake Monroe
- Water skiing and tubing – open water away from shore.
- Wakesurfing – calm water on still mornings.
- Jet skiing – open water on the main lake.
- Beach stops – Fairfax and Paynetown beaches.
Where to launch at Lake Monroe
- Paynetown – ramps on the north shore off SR 446.
- Fairfax – ramps on the west side near Bloomington.
Summer weekends are busy, so start early. Your rental from us is ready at the lake.
Tips for a great day on Lake Monroe
- Mornings are calmest for surfing.
- Indiana requires an observer besides the driver when towing.
- Stay at idle speed within 200 feet of shore on Indiana lakes.
Indiana boating rules to know
- Every boat needs a wearable life jacket for each person on board, and everyone on a jet ski or being towed must wear one.
- Towing a skier, wakeboarder or tuber requires an observer besides the driver, and the person being towed must wear a life jacket. Towing is only allowed from sunrise to sunset.
- Jet skis can only run from sunrise to sunset, must stay at idle speed within 200 feet of shore, and the engine cut-off lanyard must be attached to the driver.
- Stay at idle speed within 200 feet of the shoreline on most lakes, and keep to 10 mph or less anywhere between sunset and sunrise.
Map of Lake Monroe
Lake Monroe rental & boating FAQ
What can I rent at Lake Monroe?
MasterCraft wakesurf and wakeboard boats, Sea-Doo jet skis, water toys like tubes and lily pads, and private boat tours with lessons.
Will my boat be at Lake Monroe when I arrive?
Yes. Your boat or jet skis are ready for you at Lake Monroe, so there's nothing to tow.
Where is Lake Monroe?
About 10 miles southeast of Bloomington in Monroe and Brown counties.
Can you jet ski on Lake Monroe?
Yes. Jet skiing, waterskiing, wakeboarding and wakesurfing are all popular on Lake Monroe.
How big is Lake Monroe?
About 10,750 acres, the largest lake entirely in Indiana.
Is Lake Monroe busy?
Summer weekends are busy, especially near Paynetown and Fairfax. Weekday mornings are calmer.