Paw Paw Lake is an 857-acre lake between Coloma and Watervliet in Berrien County, about five miles inland from Lake Michigan.
We rent MasterCraft wakesurf boats, Sea-Doo jet skis and water toys on Paw Paw Lake, and everything is ready for you at the lake. Add a captained charter with lessons for every level.
It has nearly 11 miles of shoreline, depths reaching about 90 feet, and a long history as a summer resort lake for families from Chicago.
Boat, jet ski and water toy rentals at Paw Paw Lake
Everything you rent is ready for you at Paw Paw 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 Paw Paw Lake.
- Jet ski rentals – late-model Sea-Doos for one to three riders, great for cruising Paw Paw Lake or pulling a tube.
- Boat tours with a driver – great for celebrations, families and anyone who wants surf or ski lessons on Paw Paw Lake.
- Tubes, paddle boards and floats – extras that turn a boat day at Paw Paw 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.
Paw Paw Lake at a glance
| Location | Coloma and Watervliet |
|---|---|
| Size | About 857 acres |
| Max depth | About 90 feet |
| Shoreline | About 11 miles |
| County | Berrien |
| Lake Michigan | About 5 miles west |
Best things to do on Paw Paw Lake
- Wakesurfing – calm water out in the middle of the lake.
- Water skiing and tubing – open water on the main lake.
- Jet skiing – open water more than 100 feet from shore, docks and swimmers.
- Beach time – Forest Beach Park's sandy shore.
Where to launch at Paw Paw Lake
- East ramp – the state launch on the Watervliet side.
- West ramp – the state launch on the Coloma side.
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 Paw Paw 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 Paw Paw Lake
Paw Paw Lake rental & boating FAQ
What can I rent at Paw Paw 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 need a truck to tow the boat?
No. Your boat or jet skis are ready for you at Paw Paw Lake, so there's no towing.
Where is Paw Paw Lake?
Between Coloma and Watervliet in Berrien County, southwest Michigan, about two hours from Chicago.
Can you jet ski on Paw Paw Lake?
Yes. Jet skiing, waterskiing, wakeboarding and wakesurfing are all popular on Paw Paw Lake.
How big is Paw Paw Lake?
About 857 acres, with nearly 11 miles of shoreline.
Is Paw Paw Lake busy?
Yes. Summer weekends bring lots of boating, skiing and tubing, so weekday mornings are calmest.