Hiwassee Lake is a TVA lake of about 6,000 acres on the Hiwassee River, winding 22 miles up to Murphy in Cherokee County, North Carolina.
We rent MasterCraft wakesurf boats, Sea-Doo jet skis and water toys on Hiwassee Lake, and everything is ready for you at the lake. Add a captained charter with lessons for every level.
Its 180 miles of shoreline are mostly national forest, with steep wooded ridges and deep water all the way to the dam.
Boat, jet ski and water toy rentals at Hiwassee Lake
Just show up and ride — your boat, jet skis and gear are ready at Hiwassee Lake with no towing required.
- MasterCraft boat rentals – roomy premium boats with surf boards, wakeboards and tubes, so the whole group can ride at Hiwassee Lake.
- Sea-Doo rentals – rent a single jet ski or several for your group's day on Hiwassee Lake.
- Private boat tours & lessons – a driver-instructor runs the boat and coaches first-timers and experienced riders alike.
- Water toy rentals – add tubes, floating lily pads, paddle boards or a water trampoline to your day.
Book Now or call or text 1-888-594-6610 – we answer 7 a.m.–10 p.m. every day.
Hiwassee Lake at a glance
| Location | Near Murphy |
|---|---|
| Size | About 6,000 acres |
| Length | About 22 miles |
| Shoreline | About 180 miles |
| River | Hiwassee River |
| Dam | Hiwassee Dam, 1940 |
Best things to do on Hiwassee Lake
- Wakesurfing – deep, calm coves.
- Water skiing and tubing – long open reaches.
- Jet skiing – winding mountain coves.
- Fishing – bass, walleye and crappie.
Where to launch at Hiwassee Lake
- Forest Service ramps – launches along the national forest shore.
- Marinas – marinas near Murphy.
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 Hiwassee 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 Hiwassee Lake
Hiwassee Lake rental & boating FAQ
What can I rent at Hiwassee 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 Hiwassee Lake when I arrive?
Yes. Your boat or jet skis are ready for you at Hiwassee Lake, so there's nothing to tow.
Where is Hiwassee Lake?
Near Murphy in Cherokee County, far western North Carolina.
Can you jet ski on Hiwassee Lake?
Yes. Jet skiing, waterskiing, wakeboarding and wakesurfing are all popular on Hiwassee Lake.
How big is Hiwassee Lake?
About 6,000 acres, stretching about 22 miles.
Is Hiwassee Lake deep?
Yes. It's a deep mountain reservoir with steep, wooded shores.