Harris Lake, also called Shearon Harris Reservoir, is a 4,100-acre Duke Energy lake in New Hill, about 20 miles southwest of Raleigh and close to Apex, Holly Springs and Cary.
We rent MasterCraft wakesurf boats, Sea-Doo jet skis and water toys on Harris Lake, and everything is ready for you at the lake. Add a captained charter with lessons for every level.
It spreads across southwest Wake County and southeast Chatham County, runs to about 50 feet deep, and Harris Lake County Park covers a wooded peninsula on the northeast side.
Boat, jet ski and water toy rentals at Harris Lake
Just show up and ride — your boat, jet skis and gear are ready at Harris Lake with no towing required.
- MasterCraft surf boat rentals – big, clean wakes for surfing and wakeboarding at Harris Lake, with boards, skis and tubes on board.
- Jet ski rentals – late-model Sea-Doos for one to three riders, great for cruising Harris Lake or pulling a tube.
- Private boat tours & lessons – a driver-instructor runs the boat and coaches first-timers and experienced riders alike.
- 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.
Harris Lake at a glance
| Location | New Hill |
|---|---|
| Size | About 4,100 acres |
| Max depth | About 50 feet |
| Counties | Wake and Chatham |
| Owner | Duke Energy |
| From Raleigh | About 20 miles |
Best things to do on Harris Lake
- Water skiing and tubing – open water on the main lake.
- Wakesurfing – calm water on still mornings.
- Jet skiing – open water and quiet coves.
- Pine-lined coves – quiet water along the longleaf pine shoreline.
Where to launch at Harris Lake
- Holleman's Crossing – the Wildlife Commission ramp off New Hill-Holleman Road.
- Cross Point – the Wildlife Commission ramp near the dam at the south end.
Weekday mornings are the quietest time on the water. Your rental from us is ready at the lake.
Tips for a great day on Harris 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 Harris Lake
Harris Lake rental & boating FAQ
What can I rent at Harris 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 Harris Lake myself?
No. Your rental is ready for you at Harris Lake, so you don't need a truck or trailer.
Where is Harris Lake?
In New Hill, about 20 miles southwest of Raleigh, spanning southwest Wake County and southeast Chatham County.
Can you jet ski on Harris Lake?
Yes. Jet skiing, waterskiing, wakeboarding and wakesurfing are all popular on Harris Lake.
How big is Harris Lake?
About 4,100 acres, with depths to about 50 feet.
Is Harris Lake the same as Shearon Harris Reservoir?
Yes. Harris Lake and Shearon Harris Reservoir are two names for the same lake.