Houghton Lake is Michigan's largest inland lake, covering about 20,000 acres in Roscommon County, roughly 10 miles long and 5.5 miles wide.
We rent MasterCraft wakesurf boats, Sea-Doo jet skis and water toys on Houghton Lake, and everything is ready for you at the lake. Add a captained charter with lessons for every level.
Prudenville sits at the southeast end, Houghton Lake and Houghton Lake Heights line the west shore, and the town is famous for its Tip-Up-Town winter festival out on the ice.
Boat, jet ski and water toy rentals at Houghton Lake
Everything you rent is ready for you at Houghton Lake — no truck, no trailer and no towing required.
- Wakesurf and ski boat rentals – MasterCraft boats seating 12 to 18, set up for a full day of surfing, skiing and tubing on Houghton Lake.
- Sea-Doo jet ski rentals – quick, easy-to-ride watercraft for exploring every cove of Houghton Lake.
- 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.
Houghton Lake at a glance
| Location | Roscommon County |
|---|---|
| Size | About 20,044 acres |
| Shoreline | About 30 miles |
| Length | About 10 miles |
| Towns | Prudenville, Houghton Lake |
| Known for | Largest inland lake in Michigan |
Best things to do on Houghton Lake
- Water skiing and tubing – long stretches of open water.
- Jet skiing – long runs across the lake.
- Wakesurfing – calm mornings near shore.
- Fishing – walleye, pike and bass.
Where to launch at Houghton Lake
- Public access sites – DNR and township ramps around the lake.
The shallow water gets choppy in the wind, so mornings are smoothest. Your rental from us is ready at the lake.
Tips for a great day on Houghton 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 Houghton Lake
Houghton Lake rental & boating FAQ
What can I rent at Houghton Lake?
Premium MasterCraft surf and ski boats, Sea-Doo jet skis, tubes, lily pads and paddle boards, and captained boat tours with lessons.
Will my boat be at Houghton Lake when I arrive?
Yes. Your boat or jet skis are ready for you at Houghton Lake, so there's nothing to tow.
Where is Houghton Lake?
In Roscommon County in northern Lower Michigan, near Prudenville and Houghton Lake Heights.
Can you jet ski on Houghton Lake?
Yes. Jet skiing, waterskiing, wakeboarding and wakesurfing are all popular on Houghton Lake.
How big is Houghton Lake?
About 20,000 acres, the largest inland lake in Michigan.
Is Houghton Lake deep?
No. It's big but fairly shallow, so it warms up quickly in summer.