Lake Hickory is a lake of about 4,200 acres on the Catawba River at Hickory, in Catawba and Alexander counties of the North Carolina foothills.
We rent MasterCraft wakesurf boats, Sea-Doo jet skis and water toys on Lake Hickory, and everything is ready for you at the lake. Add a captained charter with lessons for every level.
It's long and winding, with about 105 miles of shoreline, and it's the hometown lake for skiing and surfing in the Hickory area.
Boat, jet ski and water toy rentals at Lake Hickory
No truck or trailer needed: everything you rent is ready and waiting at Lake Hickory.
- MasterCraft wakesurf & wakeboard boat rentals – premium surf boats seating 12 to 18, with surf boards, wakeboards, skis and tubes available.
- Sea-Doo jet ski rentals – rent one or a pair, including 3-seat models that can tow a tube or skier.
- 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.
Lake Hickory at a glance
| Location | Hickory |
|---|---|
| Size | About 4,200 acres |
| Shoreline | About 105 miles |
| River | Catawba River |
| Dam | Oxford Dam, 1927 |
| Setting | Foothills |
Best things to do on Lake Hickory
- Wakesurfing – calm coves on early mornings.
- Water skiing and tubing – long open reaches.
- Jet skiing – winding coves.
- Fishing – bass and crappie.
Where to launch at Lake Hickory
- Public access areas – Duke Energy and city ramps around Hickory.
Weekday mornings are the quietest time on the water. Your rental from us is ready at the lake.
Tips for a great day on Lake Hickory
- 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 Lake Hickory
Lake Hickory rental & boating FAQ
What can I rent at Lake Hickory?
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 Lake Hickory when I arrive?
Yes. Your boat or jet skis are ready for you at Lake Hickory, so there's nothing to tow.
Where is Lake Hickory?
At Hickory in the North Carolina foothills, in Catawba and Alexander counties.
Can you jet ski on Lake Hickory?
Yes. Jet skiing, waterskiing, wakeboarding and wakesurfing are all popular on Lake Hickory.
How big is Lake Hickory?
About 4,200 acres, with roughly 105 miles of shoreline.
Is Lake Hickory good for skiing?
Yes. It's long and winding, with plenty of room to ski and surf.