Cane River Lake is a 35-mile oxbow lake formed from an old channel of the Red River in Natchitoches Parish.
We rent MasterCraft wakesurf boats, Sea-Doo jet skis and water toys on Cane River Lake, and everything is ready for you at the lake. Add a captained charter with lessons for every level.
It runs right through the Natchitoches historic district and past the plantations along its banks, including Melrose.
Boat, jet ski and water toy rentals at Cane River Lake
Just show up and ride — your boat, jet skis and gear are ready at Cane River Lake with no towing required.
- MasterCraft boat rentals – roomy premium boats with surf boards, wakeboards and tubes, so the whole group can ride at Cane River Lake.
- Sea-Doo jet ski rentals – quick, easy-to-ride watercraft for exploring every cove of Cane River Lake.
- Captained charters – sit back and enjoy Cane River Lake while our captain drives, or learn to wakesurf with one-on-one coaching.
- 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.
Cane River Lake at a glance
| Location | Natchitoches |
|---|---|
| Length | About 35 miles |
| Type | Oxbow lake |
| Formed from | Red River |
| Landmark | Natchitoches historic district |
| Parish | Natchitoches Parish |
Best things to do on Cane River Lake
- Historic cruising – downtown Natchitoches from the water.
- Water skiing and tubing – open water on the main lake.
- Jet skiing – open water and quiet coves.
- Plantation views – old homes along the banks.
Where to launch at Cane River Lake
- Public launches – ramps along the lake.
Slow down through downtown Natchitoches and near docks along the banks. Your rental from us is ready at the lake.
Tips for a great day on Cane River Lake
- Mornings are calmest for surfing.
- Louisiana requires an observer besides the driver when towing, unless the boat has a wide-angle mirror.
- Kids 16 and under must wear a life jacket on boats under 26 feet in Louisiana.
Louisiana boating rules to know
- Every boat needs a wearable life jacket for each person on board. Anyone 16 or younger must wear one while underway on a boat under 26 feet, and everyone on a jet ski must wear one.
- Towing a skier, wakeboarder or tuber requires two competent people on board, the driver and an observer, unless the driver is 16 or older and the boat has a wide-angle rearview mirror. Towing isn't allowed from one hour after sunset to one hour before sunrise.
- Jet skis can't run between sunset and sunrise unless they carry Coast Guard-approved navigation lights, so plan jet ski time for daylight.
- Keep to idle speed in posted no-wake zones and near docks, marinas and boat ramps, and watch for stumps outside marked boat lanes.
Map of Cane River Lake
Cane River Lake rental & boating FAQ
What can I rent at Cane River 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 Cane River Lake when I arrive?
Yes. Your boat or jet skis are ready for you at Cane River Lake, so there's nothing to tow.
Where is Cane River Lake?
In Natchitoches Parish, running right through historic downtown Natchitoches.
Can you jet ski on Cane River Lake?
Yes. Jet skiing, waterskiing, wakeboarding and wakesurfing are all popular on Cane River Lake.
How long is Cane River Lake?
About 35 miles.
Is it a river or a lake?
It's an oxbow lake, an old channel of the Red River that was cut off.