China Lake sits in the towns of China and Vassalboro in Kennebec County, northeast of Augusta.
We rent MasterCraft wakesurf boats, Sea-Doo jet skis and water toys on China Lake, and everything is ready for you at the lake. Add a captained charter with lessons for every level.
It has two big basins joined by a narrow neck, with the long, cottage-lined east basin entirely in China and a deeper west basin reaching 85 feet.
Boat, jet ski and water toy rentals at China Lake
Just show up and ride — your boat, jet skis and gear are ready at China Lake with no towing required.
- MasterCraft boat rentals – roomy premium boats with surf boards, wakeboards and tubes, so the whole group can ride at China Lake.
- Sea-Doo rentals – rent a single jet ski or several for your group's day on China Lake.
- Captained charters – sit back and enjoy China Lake while our captain drives, or learn to wakesurf with one-on-one coaching.
- 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.
China Lake at a glance
| Location | China and Vassalboro |
|---|---|
| County | Kennebec County |
| Basins | Two, joined by a narrows |
| Max depth | About 85 feet |
| Nearby | Augusta, Waterville |
| Outlet | Outlet Stream |
Best things to do on China Lake
- Water skiing and tubing – open water well away from the shore.
- Jet skiing – open water between sunrise and sunset.
- Wakesurfing – water at least 15 feet deep and more than 300 feet from shore.
- Fishing – bass and white perch.
Where to launch at China Lake
- Public access – a public launch on the east basin.
Keep to headway speed within 200 feet of any shoreline, including islands. Your rental from us is ready at the lake.
Tips for a great day on China Lake
- Mornings are calmest for surfing.
- Maine requires an observer besides the driver whenever you tow a skier or wakeboarder.
- Kids 12 and under must wear a life jacket on boats in Maine.
Maine boating rules to know
- Every boat needs a wearable life jacket for each person on board. Kids 12 and under must wear one while underway, and everyone on a jet ski or being towed must wear one.
- Anyone towing a skier, wakeboarder or tuber needs an observer on board besides the driver, and towing isn't allowed from a half hour after sunset to a half hour before sunrise.
- Jet skis can only run between sunrise and sunset in Maine.
- Keep to headway speed within 200 feet of any shoreline, including islands, and wakesurf only in water at least 15 feet deep and more than 300 feet from shore.
Map of China Lake
China Lake rental & boating FAQ
What can I rent at China Lake?
Wakesurf boats, Sea-Doo jet skis, water toys, and private charters with a driver-instructor — everything for a full day on the water.
Will my boat be at China Lake when I arrive?
Yes. Your boat or jet skis are ready for you at China Lake, so there's nothing to tow.
Where is China Lake?
In China and Vassalboro, Kennebec County, northeast of Augusta.
Can you jet ski on China Lake?
Yes. Jet skiing, waterskiing, wakeboarding and wakesurfing are all popular on China Lake.
Why does China Lake have two basins?
A narrow neck splits it into a long, shallower east basin and a rounder, deeper west basin.
How deep is China Lake?
The west basin reaches about 85 feet, while the east basin averages less than 30 feet.