Hamlin Lake is a roughly 5,000-acre lake just north of Ludington, about 12 miles long and 2 miles wide, held back by the Hamlin Lake Dam on the Big Sable River.
We rent MasterCraft wakesurf boats, Sea-Doo jet skis and water toys on Hamlin Lake, and everything is ready for you at the lake. Add a captained charter with lessons for every level.
Ludington State Park lines its entire western shore with dunes between the lake and Lake Michigan, and the lake splits into an upper and lower section at the narrows.
Boat, jet ski and water toy rentals at Hamlin Lake
Everything you rent is ready for you at Hamlin Lake — no truck, no trailer and no towing required.
- MasterCraft boat rentals – roomy premium boats with surf boards, wakeboards and tubes, so the whole group can ride at Hamlin Lake.
- Jet ski rentals – late-model Sea-Doos for one to three riders, great for cruising Hamlin Lake or pulling a tube.
- Captained charters – sit back and enjoy Hamlin Lake while our captain drives, or learn to wakesurf with one-on-one coaching.
- Tubes, paddle boards and floats – extras that turn a boat day at Hamlin Lake into a full beach party.
Book Now or call or text 1-888-594-6610 – we answer 7 a.m.–10 p.m. every day.
Hamlin Lake at a glance
| Location | North of Ludington |
|---|---|
| Size | About 5,000 acres |
| Length | About 12 miles |
| River | Big Sable River |
| Sections | Upper and lower lake |
| Park | Ludington State Park |
Best things to do on Hamlin Lake
- Wakesurfing – calm coves on still mornings.
- Water skiing and tubing – long stretches of open water.
- Jet skiing – open water and quiet bays.
- Dune views – the wooded dunes of Ludington State Park.
Where to launch at Hamlin Lake
- Ludington State Park – a ramp on the lower lake.
- Public access sites – ramps on the upper lake.
Summer weekends are busy, so start early. Your rental from us is ready at the lake.
Tips for a great day on Hamlin Lake
- Mornings are calmest for surfing.
- Michigan requires an observer besides the driver when towing.
- Jet skis can't run between sunset and 8 a.m. in Michigan.
Michigan boating rules to know
- Every boat needs a wearable life jacket for each person on board. Children under 6 must wear one on the open deck whenever the boat is underway, and everyone on a jet ski or being towed must wear one.
- Towing a skier, wakeboarder or tuber requires an observer besides the driver, and the person being towed must wear a life jacket. Towing isn't allowed from one hour after sunset to one hour before sunrise.
- Jet skis can't be operated between sunset and 8 a.m., must stay at slow-no-wake speed within 200 feet of a Great Lakes shoreline, and the engine cut-off lanyard must be attached to the driver.
- Stay at slow-no-wake speed within 100 feet of docks, rafts, swimming areas, moored boats and people in the water, and in shallow water near shore. Many inland lakes also have local slow-no-wake hours, so follow the posted rules at the launch.
Map of Hamlin Lake
Hamlin Lake rental & boating FAQ
What can I rent at Hamlin Lake?
Premium MasterCraft surf and ski boats, Sea-Doo jet skis, tubes, lily pads and paddle boards, and captained boat tours with lessons.
Do I have to tow the boat to Hamlin Lake myself?
No. Your rental is ready for you at Hamlin Lake, so you don't need a truck or trailer.
Where is Hamlin Lake?
Just north of Ludington in Mason County, between Ludington State Park and the Manistee National Forest.
Can you jet ski on Hamlin Lake?
Yes. Jet skiing, waterskiing, wakeboarding and wakesurfing are all popular on Hamlin Lake.
How big is Hamlin Lake?
About 5,000 acres and 12 miles long.
Is Hamlin Lake next to Lake Michigan?
Yes. Only the dunes of Ludington State Park separate it from Lake Michigan.