Lake St. Helen is a 2,400-acre all-sports lake beside the community of St. Helen in Roscommon County, northern Michigan.
We rent MasterCraft wakesurf boats, Sea-Doo jet skis and water toys on Lake St. Helen, and everything is ready for you at the lake. Add a captained charter with lessons for every level.
It's the headwaters of the South Branch of the Au Sable River and home to the long-running St. Helen Bluegill Festival every summer.
Boat, jet ski and water toy rentals at Lake St. Helen
Your rentals are waiting for you at Lake St. Helen, 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.
- Sea-Doo jet ski rentals – rent one or a pair, including 3-seat models that can tow a tube or skier.
- Boat tours & private charters – relax while an experienced driver-instructor handles the boat, with wakesurf, wakeboard and ski lessons for every level.
- 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.
Lake St. Helen at a glance
| Location | St. Helen, Roscommon County |
|---|---|
| Size | About 2,400 acres |
| River | South Branch Au Sable headwaters |
| Known for | Bluegill Festival |
| Nearby | Houghton Lake |
| Region | Northern Michigan |
Best things to do on Lake St. Helen
- Water skiing and tubing – open water on the main lake.
- Wakesurfing – calm water out in the middle of the lake.
- Jet skiing – open water more than 100 feet from shore, docks and swimmers.
- Fishing – bluegill, bass and pike.
Where to launch at Lake St. Helen
- Public launch – the state launch off West Airport Road.
Keep to slow, no-wake speed within 100 feet of shore, docks, rafts and swimmers, and watch for posted local no-wake hours. Your rental from us is ready at the lake.
Tips for a great day on Lake St. Helen
- 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 Lake St. Helen
Lake St. Helen rental & boating FAQ
What can I rent at Lake St. Helen?
Wakesurf boats, Sea-Doo jet skis, water toys, and private charters with a driver-instructor — everything for a full day on the water.
Do I need a truck to tow the boat?
No. Your boat or jet skis are ready for you at Lake St. Helen, so there's no towing.
Where is Lake St. Helen?
In the community of St. Helen in Roscommon County, northern Michigan, east of Houghton Lake.
Can you jet ski on Lake St. Helen?
Yes. Jet skiing, waterskiing, wakeboarding and wakesurfing are all popular on Lake St. Helen.
How big is Lake St. Helen?
About 2,400 acres.
Is Lake St. Helen an all-sports lake?
Yes. Skiing, tubing, wakesurfing and jet skiing are all allowed.