Cave Run Lake is an 8,270-acre lake on the Licking River just south of Morehead, in the northern part of the Daniel Boone National Forest.
We rent MasterCraft wakesurf boats, Sea-Doo jet skis and water toys on Cave Run Lake, and everything is ready for you at the lake. Add a captained charter with lessons for every level.
Forested ridges surround the whole lake, and it's known nationally as the muskie capital of the South.
Boat, jet ski and water toy rentals at Cave Run Lake
No truck or trailer needed: everything you rent is ready and waiting at Cave Run Lake.
- MasterCraft boat rentals – roomy premium boats with surf boards, wakeboards and tubes, so the whole group can ride at Cave Run Lake.
- Jet ski rentals – late-model Sea-Doos for one to three riders, great for cruising Cave Run Lake or pulling a tube.
- Captained charters – sit back and enjoy Cave Run Lake while our captain drives, or learn to wakesurf with one-on-one coaching.
- 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.
Cave Run Lake at a glance
| Location | South of Morehead |
|---|---|
| Size | About 8,270 acres |
| River | Licking River |
| Dam | Cave Run Dam, 1973 |
| Forest | Daniel Boone National Forest |
| Known for | Muskie fishing |
Best things to do on Cave Run Lake
- Water skiing and tubing – open water on the main lake.
- Wakesurfing – calm coves on early mornings.
- Jet skiing – forested coves to explore.
- Fishing – muskie, bass and crappie.
Where to launch at Cave Run Lake
- Scott Creek – marina and ramp on the lake.
- Forest Service ramps – launches around the national forest shore.
Summer weekends are busy, so start early. Your rental from us is ready at the lake.
Tips for a great day on Cave Run Lake
- Mornings are calmest for surfing.
- Kentucky requires an observer 12 or older or a wide-angle mirror when towing, and towing is only allowed from sunrise to sunset.
- Jet skis can't run between sunset and sunrise in Kentucky.
Kentucky boating rules to know
- Every boat needs a wearable life jacket for each person on board. Children under 12 must wear one whenever they're on the open deck of a moving boat, and everyone on a jet ski must wear one.
- Towing a skier, wakeboarder or tuber requires an observer 12 or older besides the driver or a wide-angle rear-view mirror, and the person being towed must wear a life jacket. Towing is only allowed from sunrise to sunset, and not within 100 feet of a dock, harbor or swimming area or within 2,000 feet of a dam or lock.
- Jet skis can't be operated between sunset and sunrise, and the engine cut-off lanyard must be attached to the driver.
- Keep to no-wake speed in posted no-wake zones, marinas and near docks and swimmers.
Map of Cave Run Lake
Cave Run Lake rental & boating FAQ
What can I rent at Cave Run Lake?
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 need a truck to tow the boat?
No. Your boat or jet skis are ready for you at Cave Run Lake, so there's no towing.
Where is Cave Run Lake?
Just south of Morehead in northeastern Kentucky, in the Daniel Boone National Forest.
Can you jet ski on Cave Run Lake?
Yes. Jet skiing, waterskiing, wakeboarding and wakesurfing are all popular on Cave Run Lake.
How big is Cave Run Lake?
About 8,270 acres.
What is Cave Run Lake known for?
Muskie fishing. It's often called the muskie capital of the South.