
Elk City Lake is a 4,500-acre Corps of Engineers lake on the Elk River in Montgomery County, between Elk City and Independence in southeast Kansas.
We rent MasterCraft wakesurf boats, Sea-Doo jet skis and water toys on Elk City Lake, and everything is ready for you at the lake. Add a captained charter with lessons for every level.
It has more than 50 miles of shoreline, Elk City State Park, and the 15-mile Elk River Hiking Trail, a National Recreation Trail heading west from the dam.
Boat, jet ski and water toy rentals at Elk City Lake
Everything you rent is ready for you at Elk City Lake — no truck, no trailer and no towing required.
- Wakesurf and ski boat rentals – MasterCraft boats seating 10 to 18, set up for a full day of surfing, skiing and tubing on Elk City Lake.
- Sea-Doo jet ski rentals – quick, easy-to-ride watercraft for exploring every cove of Elk City Lake.
- 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.
Elk City Lake at a glance
| Location | Montgomery County, Kansas |
|---|---|
| Size | About 4,500 acres |
| Shoreline | 50+ miles |
| River | Elk River |
| State park | Elk City State Park |
| Nearby | Independence, Elk City |
Best things to do on Elk City Lake
- Wakesurfing – sheltered coves on calm mornings.
- Jet skiing – 50+ miles of shoreline.
- Hiking – the 15-mile Elk River Hiking Trail.
- Table Mound Trail – views from the overlook at the dam.
Where to launch at Elk City Lake
- Elk City State Park – state park ramps.
- Corps parks – ramps around the lake.
Summer weekends are busy, so start early. Your rental from us is ready at the lake.
Tips for a great day on Elk City Lake
- Mornings are calmest for surfing.
- Raise a red or orange flag whenever a rider is in the water.
- South winds often pick up on Kansas lakes in the afternoon.
Kansas boating rules to know
- Every boat needs a wearable life jacket for each person on board. Children 12 and under must wear one at all times on board, even at anchor, and everyone on a jet ski or being towed must wear one.
- No towing skiers, wakeboarders or tubers from a half hour after sunset to a half hour before sunrise, and a red or orange flag goes up whenever a rider is in the water.
- Jet skis may not be ridden between sunset and sunrise, must stay at no-wake speed (5 mph or less) within 200 feet of docks, ramps, swimmers, bridges and anchored boats, and the engine cut-off lanyard must be attached to the driver.
Map of Elk City Lake
Elk City Lake rental & boating FAQ
What can I rent at Elk City Lake?
Premium MasterCraft surf and ski boats, Sea-Doo jet skis, tubes, lily pads and paddle boards, and captained boat tours with lessons.
Do I need a truck to tow the boat?
No. Your boat or jet skis are ready for you at Elk City Lake, so there's no towing.
Where is Elk City Lake?
In Montgomery County, Kansas, northwest of Independence.
Can you jet ski on Elk City Lake?
Yes. Jet skiing, waterskiing, wakeboarding and wakesurfing are all popular on Elk City Lake.
How big is Elk City Lake?
About 4,500 acres, with more than 50 miles of shoreline.



