Melvern Lake is a 6,900-acre U.S. Army Corps of Engineers lake on the Marais des Cygnes River in Osage County, about 30 miles northeast of Emporia and 35 miles south of Topeka.
We rent MasterCraft wakesurf boats, Sea-Doo jet skis and water toys on Melvern Lake, and everything is ready for you at the lake. Add a captained charter with lessons for every level.
Eisenhower State Park sits on the north shore and five Corps parks ring the rest of the lake, so there's room to spread out for surfing, skiing and tubing.
Boat, jet ski and water toy rentals at Melvern Lake
Just show up and ride — your boat, jet skis and gear are ready at Melvern Lake with no towing required.
- MasterCraft wakesurf & wakeboard boat rentals – premium surf boats seating 10 to 18, with surf boards, wakeboards, skis and tubes available.
- Sea-Doo rentals – rent a single jet ski or several for your group's day on Melvern Lake.
- Boat tours & private charters – relax while an experienced driver-instructor handles the boat, with wakesurf, wakeboard and ski lessons for every level.
- Water toys – tubes, lily pads, water trampolines, paddle boards and more to keep the whole group busy.
Book Now or call or text 1-888-594-6610 – we answer 7 a.m.–10 p.m. every day.
Melvern Lake at a glance
| Location | Osage County, Kansas |
|---|---|
| Size | About 6,900 acres |
| River | Marais des Cygnes River |
| Dam completed | 1970 |
| State park | Eisenhower State Park |
| Nearby | Emporia, Topeka |
Best things to do on Melvern Lake
- Wakesurfing – long open reaches on calm mornings.
- Jet skiing – coves around the Corps parks.
- Camping – Eisenhower State Park and five Corps parks.
- Fishing – walleye, crappie and white bass.
Where to launch at Melvern Lake
- Corps parks – ramps at the Corps parks around the lake.
- Eisenhower State Park – ramps on the north shore.
Summer weekends are busy, so start early. Your rental from us is ready at the lake.
Tips for a great day on Melvern 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 Melvern Lake
Melvern Lake rental & boating FAQ
What can I rent at Melvern Lake?
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 Melvern Lake when I arrive?
Yes. Your boat or jet skis are ready for you at Melvern Lake, so there's nothing to tow.
Where is Melvern Lake?
In Osage County, Kansas, about 30 miles northeast of Emporia and 35 miles south of Topeka.
Can you jet ski on Melvern Lake?
Yes. Jet skiing, waterskiing, wakeboarding and wakesurfing are all popular on Melvern Lake.
How big is Melvern Lake?
About 6,900 acres.
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