Kerr Lake, officially John H. Kerr Reservoir and called Buggs Island Lake in Virginia, is a 50,000-acre lake on the Roanoke River along the North Carolina–Virginia line near Henderson.
We rent MasterCraft wakesurf boats, Sea-Doo jet skis and water toys on Kerr Lake, and everything is ready for you at the lake. Add a captained charter with lessons for every level.
With 850 miles of shoreline and Kerr Lake State Recreation Area's parks on the North Carolina side, it's one of the biggest boating lakes in the Southeast.
Boat, jet ski and water toy rentals at Kerr Lake
Your rentals are waiting for you at Kerr 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 Kerr Lake.
- Sea-Doo rentals – rent a single jet ski or several for your group's day on Kerr Lake.
- Boat tours & private charters – relax while an experienced driver-instructor handles the boat, with wakesurf, wakeboard and ski lessons for every level.
- 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.
Kerr Lake at a glance
| Location | Henderson, NC |
|---|---|
| Size | About 50,000 acres |
| Shoreline | About 850 miles |
| River | Roanoke River |
| Dam | John H. Kerr Dam, 1952 |
| Also in | Virginia |
Best things to do on Kerr Lake
- Water skiing and tubing – huge open water.
- Wakesurfing – sheltered coves on calm mornings.
- Jet skiing – endless coves and creeks.
- Fishing – striped bass, crappie and largemouth.
Where to launch at Kerr Lake
- Kerr Lake State Recreation Area – several parks with ramps near Henderson.
Big-lake wind builds in the afternoon, so mornings are best. Your rental from us is ready at the lake.
Tips for a great day on Kerr 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.
- Most of Kerr Lake is in Virginia, so Virginia boating rules apply across the state line.
Map of Kerr Lake
Kerr Lake rental & boating FAQ
What can I rent at Kerr 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 Kerr Lake, so there's no towing.
Where is Kerr Lake?
On the North Carolina–Virginia line near Henderson, North Carolina.
Can you jet ski on Kerr Lake?
Yes. Jet skiing, waterskiing, wakeboarding and wakesurfing are all popular on Kerr Lake.
Is Kerr Lake the same as Buggs Island Lake?
Yes. North Carolina calls it Kerr Lake, and Virginia calls it Buggs Island Lake. We also have rentals ready on the Virginia side, and it has its own page.
How big is Kerr Lake?
About 50,000 acres, with roughly 850 miles of shoreline.