False River is an oxbow lake in Pointe Coupee Parish that was once the main channel of the Mississippi River.
We rent MasterCraft wakesurf boats, Sea-Doo jet skis and water toys on False River, and everything is ready for you at the lake. Add a captained charter with lessons for every level.
The river cut a new path to the east around 1722, leaving this long, curving lake, and the town of New Roads sits on its shore.
Boat, jet ski and water toy rentals at False River
Your rentals are waiting for you at False River, so there's no truck, no trailer and no towing to worry about.
- MasterCraft wakesurf & wakeboard boat rentals – premium surf boats seating 12 to 18, with surf boards, wakeboards, skis and tubes available.
- Jet ski rentals – late-model Sea-Doos for one to three riders, great for cruising False River or pulling a tube.
- 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.
False River at a glance
| Location | New Roads |
|---|---|
| Type | Oxbow lake |
| Formed | About 1722 |
| Former channel of | Mississippi River |
| Parish | Pointe Coupee Parish |
| Region | South Louisiana |
Best things to do on False River
- Water skiing and tubing – open water on the main lake.
- Wakesurfing – calm water on still mornings.
- Jet skiing – open water and quiet coves.
- Lakefront cruising – homes and camps along the curve.
Where to launch at False River
- Public launches – ramps around New Roads.
Summer weekends are busy, so start early. Your rental from us is ready at the lake.
Tips for a great day on False River
- 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 False River
False River rental & boating FAQ
What can I rent at False River?
MasterCraft wakesurf and wakeboard boats, Sea-Doo jet skis, water toys like tubes and lily pads, and private boat tours with lessons.
Do I have to tow the boat to False River myself?
No. Your rental is ready for you at False River, so you don't need a truck or trailer.
Where is False River?
In Pointe Coupee Parish at New Roads, northwest of Baton Rouge.
Can you jet ski on False River?
Yes. Jet skiing, waterskiing, wakeboarding and wakesurfing are all popular on False River.
Why is it called False River?
It was once the Mississippi River's main channel until the river cut a new path around 1722.
Is False River a lake?
Yes. It's an oxbow lake, now separate from the Mississippi.