Fontana Lake is a deep TVA lake on the Little Tennessee River near Bryson City, forming the southern border of Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
We rent MasterCraft wakesurf boats, Sea-Doo jet skis and water toys on Fontana Lake, and everything is ready for you at the lake. Add a captained charter with lessons for every level.
Up to 440 feet deep, it's the deepest lake in North Carolina, with islands that were once mountaintops and almost no development along its shores.
Boat, jet ski and water toy rentals at Fontana Lake
Your rentals are waiting for you at Fontana Lake, so there's no truck, no trailer and no towing to worry about.
- MasterCraft boat rentals – roomy premium boats with surf boards, wakeboards and tubes, so the whole group can ride at Fontana Lake.
- Jet ski rentals – late-model Sea-Doos for one to three riders, great for cruising Fontana Lake or pulling a tube.
- Boat tours with a driver – great for celebrations, families and anyone who wants surf or ski lessons on Fontana Lake.
- 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.
Fontana Lake at a glance
| Location | Bryson City and Fontana Village |
|---|---|
| Size | About 10,000 acres |
| Depth | Up to 440 feet |
| River | Little Tennessee River |
| Dam | Fontana Dam |
| Borders | Great Smoky Mountains NP |
Best things to do on Fontana Lake
- Cruising – Smokies views and wooded islands.
- Wakesurfing – deep, glassy coves.
- Jet skiing – coves and inlets.
- Swimming – cool, clear mountain water.
Where to launch at Fontana Lake
- Fontana Village – marina at the west end.
- Bryson City area – launches at the east end.
Mountain water stays cool, so bring a wetsuit early in the season. Your rental from us is ready at the lake.
Tips for a great day on Fontana Lake
- Mornings are calmest for surfing.
- North Carolina requires an observer besides the driver when towing.
- Jet skis can't run between sunset and sunrise in North Carolina.
North Carolina boating rules to know
- Every boat needs a wearable life jacket for each person on board. Children under 13 must wear one whenever the boat is underway, unless they're below deck or in an enclosed cabin, 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 sunrise, and the engine cut-off lanyard must be attached to the driver.
- Keep to no-wake speed in posted no-wake zones, marinas and near docks and swimmers.
Map of Fontana Lake
Fontana Lake rental & boating FAQ
What can I rent at Fontana 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 Fontana Lake when I arrive?
Yes. Your boat or jet skis are ready for you at Fontana Lake, so there's nothing to tow.
Where is Fontana Lake?
Near Bryson City in western North Carolina, along the southern edge of the Great Smoky Mountains.
Can you jet ski on Fontana Lake?
Yes. Jet skiing, waterskiing, wakeboarding and wakesurfing are all popular on Fontana Lake.
How deep is Fontana Lake?
Up to 440 feet, the deepest lake in North Carolina.
Is Fontana Lake developed?
Barely. Most of its shoreline is national park or national forest.